PennKey passwords are like keys– they are used to gain or unlock access to areas that otherwise are protected from others.

When you are given your PennKey password and the access it provides to Penn’s information systems, it is in support of your work duties and/or educational pursuits. Your password is a symbol of the trust placed in you to act in a responsible manner when using Penn’s systems. As part of that responsibility, you are expected to follow Penn’s Acceptable Use Policy and—not share your password—with anyone. Password security of each individual account is an important line of defense against unauthorized users on the system. Keeping your account secure is necessary not only to protect your own files and resources, but to protect the entire system.

Sharing your PennKey password may also mean that you are sharing access to data that is protected as confidential under federal and local laws. You may be providing the “keys” to others who are not authorized to access that type of data thereby placing Penn as well as yourself at risk. In addition, your PennKey password is also a “key” to your personal information, and protecting it helps keep a “lock” on your privacy. Think of it like sharing your banking information. Would you give someone else your bank account or credit card number? Not a smart thing to do, and neither is sharing your password.

If you have shared your PennKey password with someone else, you should immediately change it. Information regarding how to change your password is available on the PennKey website.

Once reset, do not share your PennKey password with anyone.