Skip to a section: Before you begin | Steps | Password criteria
Available to
NEW users
Overview
NEW users activate their ECU user account in the Microsoft 365 Self Service Password Service (SSPR) through this process for access to email, Canvas and other ECU resources. Your user account includes an ECU-assigned username and a 15-digit password you create during setup.
Your username (sometimes called a PirateID) is the first part of your ECU email address - the part before the @. Employee example: doej25@ecu.edu | Student example: doej25@students.ecu.edu
Please make sure to read all instructions! To activate your new ECU user account, you must first set up an authentication method (we strongly recommend Microsoft Authenticator app), then set up a new password.
Before you begin
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Faculty, Staff, Unpaid Affiliates |
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Students receive their ECU email address through the mail. A temporary password is accessed through TargetX.
A mobile device is required to set up the MS Authenticator app.
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New employees receive both their ECU username and temporary password through the mail.
A mobile device is used to set up the MS Authenticator app.
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Don't have a mobile device? Call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866, visit your nearest Pirate Techs location or contact your department's IT tech for help with alternative methods.
Step 1
Open a browser and navigate to your Microsoft 365 account security info at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. A sign-in dialog box opens. Type in your full ECU email address and click Next.
Step 2
Enter your temporary password into the next dialog box. Employees are emailed their temp password in the mail; students can locate their temp password in TargetX. Click Sign in.
Step 3
You will now set up your account authentication method. Click Next on the More information required dialog box.
Note that we recommend all users set up more than one authentication method – a default method and a back up if the default is not available. After initial setup, you can return to https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info at any time to update or change your authentication methods or password.
Step 4
Make sure your mobile device is available. The Keep your account secure dialog box opens on your computer. Instructions say, "Start by getting the app. On your phone, install the Microsoft Authenticator app. After you install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, choose Next." Choose Next on your computer screen.
Step 5
Follow the on-screen instructions to install. The dialog box says, "Set up your account. If prompted, allow notifications. then add an account and select Work or school account."
If you already have the app on your mobile device, press the plus (+) sign in Authenticator, then choose Work or School account.
Step 6
The next dialog box on your computer shows a QR code. Scan the QR code using the Authenticator app to connect your account to the app. Click Next.
If you cannot scan the QR image, click the Can't scan image? link in the dialog box to add the account manually.
Step 7
If you have successfully added your ECU account to the MS Authenticator App, you should be able to approve the notification by entering the number that appears on your screen into the app. Click Next.
Step 8
If successful, you will see the Notification approved dialog box on your computer. Authentication is now set up for your account. Click Next.
Step 9
Now you will set up a password. In the Security info dialog box on your computer screen, choose Change beside the Password option.
Step 10
The Change your password dialog box opens. Since you don't yet have a current password (the temp password won't work), click Forgot your password? link in the dialog box.
Step 11
The Get back into your account dialog box opens. The dialog box states, "Who are you? To recover your account, begin by entering your full email or username and the characters in the picture or audio below."
Enter your full ECU email address and the captcha letters. Click Next.
Step 12
The Get back into your account dialog changes to "verification step 1 > choose a new password." Click the radio button beside the Email my alternate email option. This is the personal email address you entered in your application to ECU.
The text in the dialog box continues with, "You will receive an email containing a verification code at your alternate email address." Click Email.
Step 13
The Get back into your account dialog box states, "We've sent an email message containing a verification code to your inbox." Check your personal email address for the verification code and enter the numbers into the dialog box. Click Next.
Step 14
The Get back into your account dialog box now states, "verification step 1 > choose a new password." Enter a new password, then confirm the new password. Click Finish. You have successfully activated your new ECU user account!
Password criteria
An ECU password must contain 3-4 of the following categories and be at least 15 characters. You are required to change it every 365 days.
- Upper case letters
- Lower case letters
- Numbers
- Special characters (!, @, *)
Other password conditions include:
- A minimum of 15 characters
- No reuse of previous six passwords
- Cannot contain any part of your legal name (first, middle or last)
- Cannot contain your PirateID
- Should not start with a special character (some systems may not accept passwords that begin with a special character)