1. Information You Need to Know
COMPUTER ACCESS
AND SECURITY
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

2. Computer Access
• Select a Personal Identifier (PID) and a secure
password
• The PID is often associated with your name
• It must begin with a letter, but can also contain numbers
• It must be between 3 and 8 characters in length
• Your password should be something you can
remember but difficult for someone to guess, and
should use a combination of letters, numbers, and
special characters
• If you have been a student at Virginia Tech or
previously employed, a PID probably already exists
• Visit the Accounts and Access site

3. VT PID and Password
• It is recommended you not use your VT PID/
password combination for non-VT services
• If you serve as a departmental representative
consider using an alias for departmental
university business
• An alias is another name tied to your PID that
you have chosen to receive email at
• No one at Virginia Tech should ask for the
password associated with your VT PID and
you should not share it

4. VT PID and Password
• The information contained on your
computer and sent through your email
is considered public information and
can be accessed, and is subject to
public disclosure
• Your @vt.edu account should not be
used in the same manner as a
personal email account.

5. Policy 7000: Acceptable Use
Acceptable Use Guidelines - Required
to check when issued PID
• States what you can and cannot do in
the technology arena at Virginia Tech
• You are responsible for anything that
originates from your computer
• AUP violations are taken as a serious
offense

6. Common Security Concerns
• Anything that originates from your VT PID or
machine is YOUR responsibility
• Do not share systems and/ or passwords
• If dealing with any confidential data ensure
you keep it secure
• Know who you are dealing with, web links in
an email can be a risk; if in doubt clarify with
the sender
• Additional security information can be found
at:
• http://security.vt.edu or http://computing.vt.edu

7. Contact
• For additional help with your PID and
Password please contact 4-HELP:
(540) 231- HELP (4357)
Help Request Form
• Some VT systems and services require
additional approval, please talk to your
supervisor about this