Kingston University's new User Application
What is it? The User Application is part of our Identity Management system - it is accessible to staff and students via our http://www.kingston.ac.uk/support website or via the login screen on any KU computer.
What does this mean for me? Primarily, the User Application allows you to reset your own password should you ever forget it, by successfully answering two challenge questions. The password reset is instant and covers all centrally managed KU services.
What do I need to do? It is important that all staff and students take the time to log into the User Application and provide answers to the two challenge questions. If you do not provide this information you will not be able to use this service in future. The easiest way to do this is to visit our support site (see above) and click on the "Change Password" link - don't worry, you don't need to change your password at this point. Click on the User Application Link and log in. If you have not yet answered your security questions you will be prompted to do so now, otherwise please select "Password Challenge response" from the left hand menu.
You will be asked to enter a memorable word and a 4 digit number. The answers you chose should be memorable enough that, if prompted, you will be able to recall them in the future, but not so obvious that friends or colleagues could guess what they are.
Once these answers have been entered, simply click "Submit" to store your answers. That's all you need to do.
Can I change my Answers in future? Yes. Log in to the User Application exactly as described above. On the left hand menu select "Password Challenge response" and un-tick "Use Stored Response" to enter different answers.
How would I use this service to reset my forgotten password? Should you ever forget your KU password, simply go to www.kingston.ac.uk/support and click on the "Forgotten Password" link. Enter your answers correctly and a new password will be displayed.
Is this secure? Yes. All information entered via the link above is encrypted. The answers you give are stored in a secure and encrypted data location and are not available to KU support staff.
Changing your password. Periodically you will need to change your password (you will receive an email warning beforehand). Or you may simply wish to set your new password to something more memorable. To change your password, go to our support site and click on the Change Password link. Once you have logged in you can change your existing password to one of your own choosing. This service is available at any time. If you have not yet answered your security questions you will be prompted to do so before you can change your password. Your new password must be at least 6 characters long.
Please note that KU will never ask for your username and password via email. Neither should any legitimate organisation/service. Should you be suspicious of any email asking you to enter security information, or with a link to a website asking for such information then we strongly advise you to go to the website manually (as you normally would) rather than using any links embedded within the email.