Self Service Password Reset (SSPR)

Choosing a strong password

QMUL’s policy and process for choosing a secure password is:

• The password must be between 12 and 20 characters.
• The password must:
  • Contain UPPERCASE characters (A through Z).
• Contain lowercase characters (a through z).
• Numerals (0 through 9).
• The password must NOT
  • Contain special characters (%!&@ etc.)
• You will not be able to reuse a password you have used before

Remote access by ITS to your account

It is sometimes necessary for IT Services staff to remote into your machine to investigate a problem. During the remote session you will not be asked to share your password. If necessary you will enter your own password, the IT technician cannot see the characters entered. 

IT Services will never send you an email with a link to change your password or enter personal details. We will always direct you to a QMUL webpage e.g. "Go to the ITS Status page and follow the link to Passwords" 

Keeping your password secure

• Remember, your password is private, so keep it to yourself.
• Do not store passwords in your web browser
• Do not write your password down
• Never respond to email requests for your password, even if the email appears to come from Queen Mary. These are phishing attempts in order to steal your information.

Multi-factor Authentication

At Queen Mary, authentication requires a username and password. As a second factor, for some applications when outside the Queen Mary network, you will use an authenticator app on your mobile or tablet which will generate a one-time code. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), also referred to as two factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security when accessing some online services.

Help and advice can be found on the IT Services support pages

I forgot my password and I have not yet registered for SSPR

You will have to contact Service Desk to have your password reset.

If you have already registered for SSPR and would like to change your password

Follow the link below to the Microsoft SSPR Portal, where you will be able to reset your password or unlock your account, using the security email or phone which you registered.

Self Service Password Reset Portal: https://aka.ms/sspr

A few things to remember:

1. You will be taken to a Queen Mary branded webpage.
2. You need to use your login in the form: abc123@qmul.ac.uk for staff or ab12345@qmul.ac.uk for students
3. Choose a strong password. It needs to be between 12 to 20 characters long, contain UPPER and lower case characters and numbers. Microsoft will check it agains its database of known easily guessable passwords, and ask you to choose a stronger one if needed