Password Recovery provides a secure method for recovering access to your VT Username (PID) password. This service allows you to set options for self-service passphrase reset ahead of time, allowing you to recover access using one of those methods. Note that the words "password" and "passphrase" are used interchangeably throughout this article.

Contents

Introduction

Password Recovery Recommendations 

Recovery Methods

Instructions

Set up Password Recovery options

Reset VT Username (PID) Passphrase

Password Recovery Recommendations

• Use a password manager. Many operating systems and web browsers have password managers built in.
• Set up Recovery options as soon as possible.
• Use long passwords and do not reuse passwords for more than one service. 
• Use 2-factor authentication (2FA, e.g., Duo, Google Authenticator, etc.) when possible even on the accounts you use for Recovery.
• Set up your recovery options as soon as possible, and verify them at least once a year. 
• Never reply to any email that requests your password or other personal information; if you receive one, please follow the instructions at Self-Reporting Spam and Phishes

Recovery Methods

Recovery Methods can be used to reset your password so it is important that you secure your recovery methods as well. We recommend using an existing Gmail.com Google account with Google Account Authentication.  Using Google Account Authentication will allow you to verify your identity through your Google account.  For this reason it’s also best to have a strong second factor for your recovery accounts as well to ensure no unauthorized access to your accounts.

There are additional options for recovering your account if you do not have a Gmail.com Google account.  It’s important to remember to secure your recovery methods as much as possible.  By default all users have Call 4Help enabled for a recovery option. 

This is a human-assisted option. All human-assisted recovery options are vulnerable to social engineering attacks.  For this reason users with security concerns should consider disabling the Call 4Help option.  NOTE: If you choose to disable this option, please be aware that 4Help will not be able to assist with password recovery. You will need to use one of the other recovery options if you lose access to the account.  If you are not able to use one of the other options you may experience delays accessing your account and will need to speak with an Identity Specialist.  

1.  Recommended - Google Account

If you have an existing non-VT Google Account you can use it to recover your password. You will need to authenticate when adding the Google Account as a recovery method and you will authenticate again when needing to recover your VT account. For added security protect your Google Account with 2FA.

2.  Phone (Voice)

Your phone can be used to recover your password. You’ll receive a call to the number you provide with a code which can be used to access your password.

3.  Phone SMS

Your phone can also be used to receive a text message with a code which can be used to access your password. 

4.  Call 4Help

This option is enabled by default.  It allows you to contact a 4Help agent who will assist you with resetting your password.  When this option is disabled 4Help will not be able to assist you with a password reset.  

5.  External Email Address 

Use 2-factor authentication (2FA, e.g., Duo, Google Authenticator, etc.) when possible even on the accounts you use for Recovery to make this method more secure. 

Set up your Password Recovery options

1. Go to OneCampus.
2. If the page appears dark with text overlaid, click the page to dismiss the overlaid text.
3. If any OneCampus announcements pop-up, after reading the text, click the appropriate button to dismiss the pop-up.
4. Near the top-right corner of the page, click Sign In.
5. From the drop-down that appears, click Sign In.
6. Type your credentials.

1. • In the Username text box, type your VT Username (PID), which is the first part of your @vt.edu email address.
   • In the Password text box, type your VT Username (PID) passphrase.
   • Click Login.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete authentication with your second factor.

7. To the right of the OneCampus logo, in the What would you like to do? search box, type: account.
8. On the keyboard, press Enter or Return.
9. Click Manage Accounts.
10. Once the Manage Accounts page, in the left menu, click Recovery
11. Once on the Recovery page, find the recovery option you wish to use, click Enable.

12. Follow the on screen instructions for the recovery option you selected.

Reset VT Username (PID) Passphrase

1. Go to OneCampus.
2. Near the top-right corner of the page, click Sign In.
3. From the drop-down that appears, click Sign In.
4. You will see the Login screen prompting for username and password.
5. Under the Passphrase text box, in the sentence "I forgot my username or password." click I forgot.
6. Click I forgot my password.
7. In the Username: text box, type your VT Username (PID) which is the first part of your @vt.edu email address.
8. Click Reset Passphrase.
9. In the Virginia Tech ID text box, type your numeric, 9-digit ID number.
   (If you do not know your 9-digit ID number, type the last four digits of your Social Security Number.) 
10. Click Continue.
11. The recovery methods that you previously set up will appear.
12. To the right of the method you want to use (Voice, SMS, Google Account, etc.), click the button.
    
13. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your account.
14. When prompted, in the New passphrase text box, type a new passphrase.
    (For requirements and tips on creating a passphrase, see Password Requirements.)
15. In the New passphrase again text box, re-type the same passphrase.
16. Click Reset Passphrase.