Computing & Information Services
Kerberos Authentication at Reed
What is Kerberos?
Kerberos is a system that less you use one username and password to access many services. It was designed to provide both security and convenience. Using Kerberos means that you have to remember fewer passwords and type your password less frequently.
The following services at Reed use Kerberos usernames and passwords:
- Email (via Webmail, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail)
- IRIS - Integrated Reed Information System
- The Home Server, and other file services including the Courses Server, Academic Software, the Faculty Server, and the Griffin Exchange
- Shell access to login.reed.edu (home server and personal web space)
- Printing to billed printers
- Checking printing charges online at printing.reed.edu
- Adjusting personal email options at myinfo.reed.edu
Alumni:
- IRIS - Integrated Reed Information System
- IRC computer logons
Protecting your Kerberos password
Your Kerberos password is very powerful-- it can be used to access many services. For that reason, it is essential that you protect it carefully.
- Make it complex. The minimum length is eight characters; longer is better. Use a mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and punctuation.
- Don't share it! Don't ever give your Kerberos password to anyone. CIS will never ask you to reveal your password via e-mail or the phone.
- Don't use the same password anywhere else.
- Be sure to log out of public omputers when you are done (e.g. the IRCs, library, internet cafe computers, etc.). This removes your credentials.
Using Kerberos: FAQ
I forgot my password. What now?
Point your web browser to our handy online password reset tool (https://account-tools.reed.edu). You'll need to know your username and Reed ID in order to reset your password. You'll be guided through the security questions you previously set up, and then you'll be asked to set a new password. Fun!
If you haven't previously set up security questions using our online tool, you'll need to grab your photo ID and swing by the Computer User Services help desk in the ETC. Full time staff can help you reset your password during regular hours (M-F, 8:30-5).
I know my password, but I want to change it.
Open a web browser and go to our online password reset tool (https://account-tools.reed.edu). You'll be prompted for your username and RID first. If you haven't done so yet, you'll be asked to set up some security questions. These questions will let you automatically reset your password, in case you ever forget it in the future. Once you have security questions in place, follow the prompts to reset your password.
If you run into trouble along the way, contact the Help Desk at x7525 or at cus@reed.edu.
I'm a Reedie, but I don't know either my Kerberos username or my password.
If you have never used Reed email, accessed your home server, or printed to a billed printer, you may not be aware that you have a Kerberos account. If you need help getting started with using Kerberos, you can visit the Computer User Services help desk on the first floor of the ETC. Be sure to bring photo ID!
I'm an alum. Do I have a Kerberos username and password?
Yes! Beginning in May of 2008, you can sign up here to receive permanent Kerberos credentials, which you can use to access Reed's network, the computers in the IRCs and IRIS.
