My IT department insists on me emailing them my password

Tell them you will happily come down and enter it while they are not looking.

DD

 

This is sadly quite common in the corporate world. They want your password so they can setup your user profile, because most people don't have the knowledge to do so themselves. I'd tell them to get your machine ready to go, and then you can log in yourself and complete the profile setup.

 

Your other option is to just set a temporary password like 'UGuyzRAmat3urs' and then change once they are done.

 

No need to be a jerk about it. Just email them back asking if there is any other way this can be done, due to privacy concerns. If they still insist, send your password and archive and save the email conversation for your records.

Or simply request a password reset once they have finished thier testing.

 

If you're really that vehemently against giving them your password, just tell them to reset it and provide it to you. You can then change it back to whatever the hell you like.

 

Fantastic time to visit that area of the country...



DD

 

I don't think Darkhorse's issue is with them wanting his password, it is the way they are going about it. Generally we are taught to never send password via email. Technically, if his company is heavy into security, this is a violation of their policy.

 

I ask for passwords from my users all the time. It's more convenient for me to have access to their systems. They are welcome to change it when I'm done.

No big deal.

 

Chippewa Falls?

 

Change your password to a dummy password and send them that and then change it back.

 

Shakes head....

As an IT admin shouldn't you have access to their systems without logging in as them?

 

No. Can't setup their e-mails, set up their printers or restore their data (which is housed) on their home directories without them logging in.

 

Cleverly disguised thread to find out how many cf.net'ers really do work the helpdesk.

 

Here is the alternative.
I change your password. I do my testing.
Meanwhile - you are locked out of your current computer.

It is a bit of a courtesy really. Somethings have to be tested under your account.
Testing it under and admin account would not render the desired result because
well . . .I would have more rights and privileges than you would so . . . .something will
work with my account that won't work with yours. Not to mention setting up your
personal settings etc etc etc.

Trust and believe. . they could simply reset it. Without telling you
then you are calling asking them what happened. . they go . .
"OH! We changed it to test the new machine . . . "
Then all of a sudden they are 'inconsiderate jerks"

As for security. The window of opportunity from someone
getting your password over the company secured email . . .then utilizing it
before testing is done. . . probably not high .

I'd suspect they will tell you . . you will have to reset your password anyway
when they give you the new one.

Rocket River
Just my .02$

 

Now plain txt is something I don't ask for. Always verbally.

 

Are you sure this email is from your IT department? You should call them first and confirm. this could be phishing.

 

It's a bad policy to ask for a password if your IT guy is dishonest, because dumb people use the same password at work as they do on everything else on the Internet where their vital stuff is stored. However, if your IT guy is honest, he might either be a bit amateur or he might just be tired of people complaining when he resets their password because they don't know how to change it back.

Ask for his phone number, call him up and explain to him your reservations. Don't be a jerk, this might not be his fault. If he's a jerk to you, then you can make a big deal out of this.

Honestly, treating an IT guy like a human being is the best way to get seriously good service. Most IT guys are walked all over their entire lives and react poorly to confrontation. But if you befriend them, they'll go the extra mile for you just because you're nice.