====== Change or Recover Your Exchange Password ======

**Vastly more info here**:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/techftc/2016/03/time-rethink-mandatory-password-changes

https://sectigostore.com/blog/12-password-policy-best-practices-to-adopt-today/

**RECOMMENDED**: [[quick_guide:bitwarden_create_acct|Use Free Bitwarden Password Manager!]]

<note tip>**Never use trivial passwords for anything, ever!  Trivial passwords are, by far, the most common way accounts are compromised (hacked)!**</note>

<note warning>If your password has **expired** and you **do not have a Backup E-Mail** address configured, use [[quick_guide:exchange_password#outlook_web_app|OWA]] to reset your password.</note>

===== Minimum Password Complexity =====

Our estimation of 'minimum' changes over time, as **evildoers get more sophisticated**...

For the moment, this is our recommended **minumum**:

  * Use **at least eight characters**, preferably 12 or more as the basis of your passphrase
  * Single dictionary words are **far** too easy to crack
  * Include **upper-case letters**
    * They are best used in the middle of your password, not at the ends
  * Include **lower-case letters**
  * Include **numeric characters**
  * Include **symbol characters**
  * Do **not** include pet names, kids' names, birthdays or other easily acquired bits

===== Outlook Web App =====

**OWA Access**: https://exchange.virtualarchitects.com/owa

It's easy to change your Microsoft Exchange e-mail password using OWA:

  - **Log in** to OWA
    * Full e-mail address for username
  - Click **Settings -> Change Password**

{{ :quick_guide:owa_log_in.png?350 | Log into OWA}}

{{ :quick_guide:owa_settings.png?350 | Click Settings Icon}}

{{ :quick_guide:owa_settings_password.png?750 | Change Password}}

===== CloudPanel Exchange Control Panel =====

<note warning>If you have **forgotten** your Exchange password, or if it has **expired**, you can click the **Forgot Password** link on the login page.  However, you must already have entered your **Backup E-Mail** address for this to work!</note>

{{ :quick_guide:va_exchange_control_panel_login.png?250|VA CloudPanel Login}}

:!: This is the **most convenient and full-featured password changing and recovery method**.

https://exchange.virtualarchitects.com/CloudPanel/

  - Log in with your regular Exchange e-mail credentials
  - Click on the Password link
  - Set the Backup E-Mail address for future password recovery
  - Change your password if desired

{{ :quick_guide:va_exchange_control_panel_basic.png?600 |VA CloudPanel User Info}}

{{ :quick_guide:va_exchange_control_panel_password.png?600 |VA CloudPanel Password Options}}