BPS Password Synchronization FAQ's

Why is BPS doing this? What’s the benefit of syncing passwords?

The Boston Public Schools is committed to providing an excellent computer user experience for all staff. Coming in February, together BPS and City Hall will launch a password synchronization process that will make it easier for you to manage and recall your password(s).

Benefits of Password Sync:

· You’ll only need to remember one password for access to many systems... No more forgetting passwords or writing them down!

· You get to choose your own password rather than conforming to one issued to you.

· You’re helping keep our data more secure as you will be required to choose a new password every 90 days.

What systems are involved in the Password Sync process?

Once your password is synced, you will use ONE password to access:

· The BPS network including Windows and Macintosh computers

· BPS Email (expost.mybps.org)

· The SIS/Aspen (sis.mybps.org)


· MyBPS.org

· LIZA (http://bpsintranet/liza)


· The BPS Data Warehouse (https://bpsdepot.mybps.org/dw/)


· Any BPS-issued phones

· The HUB (https://hub.cityofboston.gov)

Will my User ID (username) change, too?

No. Your User ID will remain the same.

I know I’m not supposed to, but I’ve shared my password with trusted colleagues so they can access relevant student data or systems vital to their job role. What’s the process for adjusting their accounts to get them the right access?

Thanks for your honesty. We have to tell you, however, that in accordance with the City of Boston’s User Password Policy, you should NOT share your password with anyone. All City employees are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all City of Boston passwords. Your password offers a level of security so that only YOU can access your account, which is critical when working with student data.

Access to school-based apps in MyBPS can be administered by your principal/headmaster via the School Admin tab. For all other systems, please contact the OIIT Service Desk at 5-9200.

When will Password Sync go into affect?

Starting Thursday, February 2, 2012 once any user who changes their password in the HUB it will be synchronized with BPS systems. Use this new password to access the systems listed above.

I heard that not only will you be syncing systems, but folks will also be required to choose a new password every so often? Is this accurate?

Yes – this is accurate. Another layer of security that we’re utilizing is periodic password expiration. Password expiration helps to prevent computer hackers from guessing your password by allowing less time for guessing. Your password will expire every 90 days from the last date it was changed and you will be required to choose a new password.

I’m getting a message that my password is about to expire. What’s that about?

Ten (10) days before your password expires, you will be prompted by an application or system in use when your password is about to expire and will be provided with a web link to choose a new password.

When your password has expired, you will be automatically redirected to the HUB to reset your password.

· Note: If you are outside the BPS network, please visit: https://hub.cityofboston.gov to choose a new password.

Are there any new guidelines for choosing a password?

Yes. When you choose a new password, you will be required to choose a password that is different from your last password. The HUB keeps a list of your previous five (5) passwords and requires a new password that is not in this history list. Also, remember that passwords are case sensitive.

Choose a “strong” password, i.e. one that is difficult to guess because of sufficient length and complexity. Your new password should contain:

· A minimum length of 8 characters

· At least one upper-case letter

· At least one lower-case letter

· At least one number

I’ve chosen a new password on the HUB, but now I can’t access my phone; it’s telling me I need a new password. How do I change my phone’s password?

If you have yet up your phone to receive BPS email, you’ll need to manually change your phone’s password.

Who can I contact if I need help?

If you don’t remember your password or have difficulties changing it, please call the OIIT Service Desk at 617-635-9200.

Back to the BPS password help page