Why do you need to set up a passphrase?

By using a passphrase as well as your username and password to login, we can make sure your online details are protected.

A passphrase is a word that you choose and is used as a second layer of protection to help make sure you're the only one who can access your account details.

Every time you login you will be asked to enter characters from your passphrase, just like you do with a security token or a smart card. 

Having a system that uses a passphrase means we can provide you with secure access to manage your own details like declaring your income, changing your bank account number, changing your living cost payments and applying for course-related costs. 

You need to choose a passphrase that you can remember and that is unique to you. If you set up your challenge questions and answers you will be able to reset your passphrase yourself if you forget it in the future.

Setting up your passphrase

When setting up your passphrase remember, it:

• must be between 8 and 25 characters long, using only letters and numbers - no special characters or spaces
• is not case sensitive
• can't have more than two repeating characters in a row (so the word "book" is OK, but "boook" is not)
• cannot contain your username.