NetID and NetPassword Information

NetID and NetPassword

NetID

Your NetID identifies you on the MSU network, and it is used in conjunction with your NetPassword and, potentially, a second authentication factor to access a variety of MSU information technology resources and services. Your MSU ID card has your NetID printed on the front. Alternatively, you can look up your NetID on the NetPassword maintenance website.

Note: When entering your NetID on the NetPassword Maintenance website, be aware that the field is case-sensitive. The NetID should be entered as it appears on your ID card and as presented if you use the Look up your NetID function.

NetPassword

Your NetPassword is used in conjunction with your NetID when logging in to MSU systems. You can go to the NetPassword Maintenance page to:

• Set up your initial NetPassword
• NetPassword Change your NetPassword
• Recover from a forgotten NetPassword
• Change your security question
• Look up your NetID

NetPasswords follow a specific guideline: 8-15 characters long, start with a letter, are case sensitive, and contain at least two special characters, either numbers or some of the following: % - _ ! + .

The first time you set up a NetPassword, you will go to netpassword.msstate.edu and select “Set your initial NetPassword”. Please note that incoming students could have created their NetPassword as part of the application process.

If you're having trouble logging in with your NetPassword, see our What to do if you can't log in to an MSU site/system article for some common troubleshooting information. If you're unable to resolve the problem yourself, please submit a Request assistance with your NetPassword ticket or contact the ITS Service Desk for assistance.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security when logging in to MSU systems. The first factor required to log in is something you know, i.e. your NetID/NetPassword. The additional factor is something you have, typically your smartphone or tablet. Therefore, even if a hacker is able to get your NetID/NetPassword, they should not be able to log in to your account because they do not have your other factor.

Other Account Passwords

If you have forgotten one of the following passwords, use the links below to request assistance.

• Voicemail Passcode - If you've forgotten your voicemail passcode or need it reset, please submit a Request a reset/change to a voicemail passcode ticket.
• LDS Number - If you need to change your Long Distance Service (LDS) number you must submit an LDS termination request and then submit an LDS Application for new service - either Personal or Departmental.

Tips and Reminders

• You are responsible for your account. Even if someone gains access to your account without your knowledge and misuses it, you are responsible. The first and best step to securing your account is a good password.
   
• Use a unique password on every website/system you log in to, especially on websites containing financial data or personal/sensitive information. If you use the same password on multiple sites, if any of those websites experiences a data breach, or if your account becomes compromised, your exposed password could be used to compromise your other accounts as well.
   
• Do not use any form (as-is, reversed, capitalized, etc.) of your NetID, login ID, your real name, the names of family members or friends in your NetPassword.
   
• For secure passwords - pick a phrase and use the first letter of each word, inserting a special character or two. For example, "Are All Bachelors UnMarried?" could produce "aabum" as a password. Make up nonsense words which are pronounceable, such as "blimpbot" or "zamat". Combine two short words with a special character, like "truck+in" or "my3sons".
   
• Remember to always log out at the end of your session. If you do not log out of or restart a public computer, the next person who uses that computer could have access to your account and its files.