Set up your password
When you start at Murdoch you need to set up your password. To ensure your new password meets the requirements and is secure, refer to create a strong password.
Students
You will be prompted to set up your Murdoch password when accepting your offer to study at Murdoch. Details of this process are included in your offer letter.
You can set up your password later by logging into the Online Response System. If you forget your password or do not have access to the Online Response System, please refer to the details for resetting your password below.
Staff
If you are a Murdoch staff member or contingent work (contractor, etc.) you can create your Murdoch password using the password reset. This process will send a code to your mobile and/or personal email address (that you have registered with HR) that you can then use to change your password. If you need to update your mobile and/or personal email address please do these via myWorkday or contact People & Culture via Murdoch Support.
Change or reset your password
Changing your password regularly helps keep your account and personal details secure. To ensure your new password meets the requirements and is secure, refer to create a strong password.
Change your password
If you know your current password, you can change it at any time.
Reset your password
Requires your personal verification details. If you require additional help please contact IT Service Desk on +61 8 9360 2000 (Monday–Friday 8am–5pm).
Creating a strong password
Passwords help protect you against identity theft. It is important that passwords are complex enough that they cannot be easily guessed, and that they are changed frequently.
Your password must be between 8 and 30 characters and include:
- at least one upper case alphabetic character (A-Z)
- at least one lower case alphabetic character (a-z)
- at least one numeral (0–9) or special character (*|+#) but not an ampersand (&) or double quotes (").
Your password must not:
- match any previous passwords
- include any characters occurring more than four times
- include alphabetic or numeric sequences of three or more characters (e.g. abc, 123)
- include keyboard sequences of three or more alphabetic characters (e.g. qwerty)
- include six or more sequential characters from your Murdoch username
- include three or more sequential characters from any part of your name
- include your date of birth.
Create a passphrase
Use symbols and numbers to replace some of the letters, to make a passphrase that is both strong and easy to remember. For example, "gibsonplayauthentic" can be rewritten as "gibs0nplay@uthentic".
Don’t use any of the following, spelled either forwards or backwards:
- names of anybody or anything associated with you (e.g. family, friends, pets)
- numbers associated with you (e.g. birth date or year, phone number, license plate number)
- words found in an English or foreign language dictionary
- place names
- proper nouns
or any of the above followed or preceded by a single numeric character and a single special character.
Don’t share your password or write it down
Your password should remain private. Do not share it with anyone, write it down or store it in an email or text file.
Use a password manager
Install a free, open-source password management tool like KeePass or Bitwarden to help generate, manage and store your passwords securely.
Don’t use 'Remember Password' option
Passwords saved to your computer or browser are a security risk, as they may be accessed by others from your computer or through attacks on outdated browsers.
Change your password frequently
It is recommended that you change your password for critical systems and accounts, including your Murdoch account, every 90 days.
Don't reuse passwords
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
At Murdoch University, we are committed to strengthening our digital security, ensuring that our systems, data and your personal information are protected. Your security is our priority.
New to Murdoch?
When you start at Murdoch, MFA will be automatically enabled on your account. To access your MU account and systems that you need to conduct your studies or work, you must complete MFA setup by following the guides listed below.
MFA Setup Guides
- MFA Setup Instructions – Our complete guide to setting up your MFA.
- App Setup Instructions – Still using SMS to authenticate? Set up the Authenticator App for better security and convenience.
- Verify your identity using the App Guide – Learn how to authenticate with and without mobile reception using the Authenticator app.
- Updating MFA Setup Guide – Got a new mobile number and/or new mobile device? You need to update your MFA setup.
MFA is a widely used and effective cyber security measure that protects IT systems and data from unauthorised access.
As cyber threats grow more advanced and prevalent, relying on passwords alone is not enough. MFA enhances security by introducing an additional verification step so that only you can access your account. This verification uses a one-time, time-sensitive code sent to your mobile device by SMS text message or authentication app. For greater security and convenience, we recommend that you use the Microsoft Authenticator App for MFA.
Cyber criminals can obtain passwords through techniques such as brute force attack and phishing, but it is difficult for them to gain physical possession of your mobile device. With MFA requiring authentication via your mobile device, it becomes more difficult for hackers to access your MU account, systems and data.
MFA will be automatically enabled on your MU account. In order to access your MU account and any MU system that you need for your studies or work, you must set up MFA after setting your initial MU password. MFA Setup is simple and can be done at home or on-campus, please follow the MFA Setup Instructions.
If you obtain an Australian mobile number after arriving in Australia, you must update your MFA setup so that you can continue to access your MU online account and essential systems you need for your studies. Please follow the Updating MFA Setup Guide and reach out to our IT Service Desk if you need further assistance
From time to time, you will be prompted to verify your identity when you log in to an MU system. This verification process, known as authentication, is how MFA protects our digital environment from unauthorised access. Authentication requires number matching, where access is granted after you enter a verification code that is sent to your mobile device via the Microsoft Authenticator app or SMS text message.
MU strongly recommends that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app for its enhanced security features and works even without mobile reception, ensuring you can log in anytime, anywhere. Learn how to authenticate with and without mobile reception using the Verify your identity using the App Guide.
MU recommends that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app due to its enhanced security features, such as biometric verification, and convenience, as mobile or internet reception is not required for authentication.
You may be required to authenticate via MFA before the start of online exams. Our exam invigilators will guide you through this and any other preparations before your exam starts. More information can be found on the Online Exams page.
- Using the Microsoft Authenticator app - Authentication using the App does not require mobile reception or internet (Wi-Fi) connection. Please refer to the Verify your identity using the App Guide to learn how to authenticate with or without connectivity.
- Using SMS verification code – Unfortunately you cannot authenticate by SMS verification code without mobile reception, please contact the IT Service for assistance. When your connectivity is restored, we strongly encourage you to set up the App for MFA, by following the App Setup Instructions, so that you can authenticate even without mobile reception.
Need help?
Contact our experienced IT Service Desk team.
- Phone: +61 8 9360 2000 (Monday–Friday 8am–5pm)