Password Requirements and Reset

Account Basics

Your Sinclair network account gives you access to tools like my.sinclair, Sinclair email, eLearn, Microsoft 365, and more.

• Students receive their account automatically when applying through Admissions.
• Employees are issued accounts upon their official start date.

Username format: firstname.lastname (e.g., john.reading). If a duplicate exists, a number may be added (e.g., john.reading2). Usernames are not case sensitive and are limited to 20 characters.

Login format: use your full Sinclair email address: username@sinclair.edu.

Initial Password Format

Your temporary password is: PassXXXX (where XXXX = last four digits of your Social Security Number).

• You will be prompted to change your password at first login.
• Passwords must be updated every 90 days. You will receive a reminder 1 week before the deadline.

Password Requirements

Your Sinclair password must:

• Be at least 8 characters long
• Not include spaces or apostrophes
• Not contain your first or last name
• Be different from your last 13 passwords
• Include three out of four of the following:
  • One lowercase letter (a–z)
  • One uppercase letter (A–Z)
  • One number (0–9)
  • One special character (e.g., ! @ # $ %)

Forgot Your Password?

Use the Password Reset Tool:

• Go to my.sinclair.edu
• Click on the “Forgot Password” link
• Verify your identity using the last four digits of your Social Security Number
• Ensure this info matches what you provided during registration or hiring

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

All students, faculty, and staff are required to set up MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for added security. MFA means you’ll log in using:

• Something you know: your password
• Something you have: your phone (via an app or code)

How to Set Up MFA

1. On a computer: Log in to the Sinclair portal with your password
2. Click Next when you see “More Information Required”
3. Select Start by getting the app
4. On your phone: Download the Microsoft Authenticator app
5. On your computer: Click Next until a QR code appears
6. On your phone: Open Authenticator → tap + → choose Work or School Account → Scan QR Code
7. After scanning, follow the prompts to complete setup.

Password Best Practices

• Change your initial password immediately.
• Avoid saving passwords in browsers: Browsers like Chrome or Edge can be convenient, but they may store passwords in ways that are vulnerable to malware or physical access. Instead, use a secure password manager.
• Use a password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass to generate and securely store complex passwords. These tools encrypt your data and offer browser extensions and mobile apps.
• Don’t reuse passwords across accounts: Every account—especially your Sinclair account—should have its own unique password. Reusing a password puts all your accounts at risk if one is breached.
• Change passwords immediately if you suspect a security incident has occurred. If you think your Sinclair or personal account has been compromised, change the password immediately and notify  the HelpDesk.
• Be wary of phishing: Never enter your Sinclair credentials on a site unless you are 100% sure it’s legitimate. Double-check the URL and don’t click login links in unexpected emails. See Cyber Security @ Sinclair for tips.
• Log out on shared devices: Always sign out of your Sinclair account (and browser sessions) when using public or shared computers, like in labs or libraries.
• Don’t share your password, even with a friend, coworker, or supervisor.