As specified by the NIH password policy, Helix passwords must be changed every 60 days. Beginning two weeks before the password is set to expire, you will be notified when you login. If you fail to change your password before the expiration date, you will be forced to select a new password before the next time you log into Helix.

All accounts with no active use during the past 6 months are "locked" from login access. To re-establish the ability to login, you will need to contact the NIH Help Desk (301-496-4357) and ask for your Helix account to be unlocked.

How to change your password

To change your password, type

[helix]$ passwd

at the Helix prompt. You will be prompted for your current password and then can enter your new password.

How to choose a good password

Passwords must be at least 8 characters in length and must contain three of the following four character types:

• Upper-case characters
• Lower-case characters
• Numeric characters
• Special characters ('%', '$', '#', etc.)

Your previous 24 passwords cannot be repeated. New passwords must differ from the previous 24 by at least three characters. For comparison purposes, an upper case letter and its corresponding lower case letter are equivalent.

The command 'genpass' on Helix will generate some randomly generated passwords that satisfy the NIH password requirements.

How to reset your Helix/Biowulf password

If your Helix password has expired, or you have forgotten it, you can have it reset via the web. Point your web browser to http://silk.nih.gov/passwordset. You will need your NIH Domain account ID and password (the ones you would use for ITAS or the NIH portal). Choose 'Reset password for Helix account', enter the required information, and click on 'Continue'. Your password reset request will go to the NIH Help Desk, who will contact you with your new password.

Alternatively, your account sponsor can request a password reset through WebSponsor (http://silk.nih.gov)

If you are unable to access the web page above, you can also call the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-4357 and request a password reset.

On the Bethesda campus, you can also walk over to Bldg 12B / Rm 2N207 (over the cafetaria) with your NIH ID, and ask any of the Helix staff to reset your Helix &/or Biowulf password for you.

For Biowulf password resets, please email staff@helix.nih.gov.