EPS%jpl-vax@sri-unix.UUCP (10/21/83)
From: Eric P. Scott <EPS@jpl-vax> Posted: Thu Oct 13, 1983 5:38 PM EDT Msg: DGID-1641-7417 From: CUST.SVC/NETWORKAPPL/TELENET To: Telemail CC: Cust.Svc Subj: Telemail Security Implementation GTE Telenet is committed to providing TELEMAIL customers with the highest quality of service possible and in that spirit urges you to read this IMPORTANT MESSAGE very carefully. Outlined below is information on new TELEMAIL software which we have implemented. Please be assured that we will help you in any way that we can to adjust to these changes. TELEMAIL Software Changes ------------------------- The format for all passwords has changed. The format requirements for Admins and Users differ. These requirements are as follows: 1. Admin - Must use exactly eight (8) characters. The first character must be an alphabetic. There must be at least one special character and one numeric present. (Special character examples are - %,#,$,&). We do not recommend using control characters. 2. User - Must use a minimum of six (6) characters of any type. We strongly recommend that every User follow the special/ numeric character rules of the Admins. Again, we do not recommend control characters in the password. The new password must be different from the old password. Implementation of this software, as many of you are already aware, has taken place. Any Admin or User whose password does not conform to the format requirements noted above, will be forced by the system to enter a new password. This will occur at initial logon. Normal TELEMAIL functions cannot be performed until the password change has been completed. When an Admin or User changes his password, the date and time of that change will be recorded. If passwords have not been changed after a specified number of days (30), the new software will force the Admin to enter a new password. We currently are not requiring Users to change their passwords every thirty (30) days, but we strongly recommend this procedure. We feel that these immediate changes are necessary and, as the need arises, our security measures will evolve and change. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. TELEMAIL Customer Support 800/368-3407 703/442-1900 (In Virginia) On Line Via 'Compose Hotline' ------