Why Am I Being Asked to Change My Password?

Explains why DSU may require a password change due to suspicious activity or potential credential exposure, and provides steps to update your password and regain access to university services.

• Why am I being asked to change my password when signing in?

Dakota State University may require you to change your password when we detect signs that your account could be at risk.

This can happen when:

• Your account credentials may have been exposed in a known data breach.

• We detect suspicious sign-in attempts or unusual account activity.

• We identify other security concerns that warrant a password change.

When this happens, you may be required to change your password the next time you sign in to a DSU application or service.

If you are prompted to change your password, follow these steps:

1. Open a familiar DSU application or website, such as Outlook, D2L, or SharePoint.

2. Sign in using your current DSU username and password. Complete multifactor authentication (MFA) if prompted.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to change your password. Enter your current password, then create and confirm a new one.

4. Complete any additional MFA verification if prompted.

Once complete, use your new password when signing in to DSU applications and services. Some applications may ask you to sign in again.

Always sign in through a trusted DSU website or application. Avoid clicking sign-in links in unexpected emails or messages.