Coming in Jan. 2025: Important Update to NOVA’s Password Policy

Beginning January 2025, the password policy for NOVA (Faculty & Staff LAN (local area network) and Email) accounts will align with current VCCS security standards. The required minimum password length will increase from 8 to 14 characters.

Going forward, follow these rules when your NOVA password expires, or when you need to reset it before the expiration date:

Your password MUST be:

• 14-100 characters long

Your password MUST meet 3 of the following criteria:

• Minimum 1 lowercase letter (a, b, c, … z)
• Minimum 1 uppercase letter (A, B, C, … Z)
• Minimum 1 number (0-9)
• Minimum 1 special character (! @ # $ % & * ?)

Do NOT use your:

• NVCC username
• Last name
• First name

Make sure you create a strong password, without any personal information or common words. Never share your password, store it in a file or write it down in an easily accessible location. Also, do not reuse old passwords.

Note: NOVA passwords are valid for 180 days. You can change or reset your password at Microsoft’s Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR).

If you encounter any issues with changing or resetting your password, please call the IT Help Desk at 703-426-4141.

Submitted by:
Cina Ketabchi, Assoc. Director of Customer Engagement, CKetabchi@nvcc.edu