Login information

Why Login?

Much of the PAS web site is open to public view. Some, however, is restricted to indivuals, typically PAS members, either because of the sensitivity of the information or the pages allow folks to do things to the web site. "Login" proves to the web site who you are and what authorities you have been delegated.

So, what does "logging in" get me?

Depending upon the authorities delegated to you, you might be able to

By default, each new account can contribute to the Scrapbook. Several are likely to need to create, review, or edit various documents or manage access to those documents.

What is an "account?"

An account is the web site's version of "you." It has permanent identity, but various aspects change over time. Names should reflect one's legal name. The "username" (AKA "Account ID") and the password are yours to set (with some limits) and are intended to be kept private. You can also change your email address to match your current email usage preferences.

How does it work?

First, a PAS officer has identified you to the web site based on your name and your email address (either smart phone email to text message interface or a conventional email address.) The web site issues a temporary Account ID and a temporary password and sends you an email telling you what they are. The temporary password will expire, preventing login, if you don't login and change it to a private password within the time limit.

Once logged in with the temporary password and account, look in the Member portion of the "menu" and click "Edit My Account" to open the change Account ID, Password, and/or email address function. Note, as you pass through the menu, that some new items may have been added, reflecting your various authorities.

But what if I forget my password? Or the temporary password expires? Or even forget both my password and Account ID?

Never fear! There's a solution for that right on the Login web page" See the check boxes labeled "I forgot...". Click one or both, provide the identifying information, and new temporary credentials will be sent to your email mailbox.

There is also a "I am not a robot" box to check. Make sure you check that box, too, before clicking the "Login" button. This applies whether you are supplying your credentials or asking for new temporary credentials.

What do I need to tell the web site if I click one of the "forgot" boxes?

The "I forgot my password" response is to ask for your email address. Typically the first 10 characters are sufficient to elicit the email with a temporary password.

Could some obnoxious person who knows the email address that you use and knows your Account ID interfere with you? Yes, temporarily, because you get the email with the new credentials, not him, so the interference is temporary. Such interference should be temporary, since such actions are logged and preventative measures follow.

The "I forgot my Username" box sends an email containing your Account ID and a new temporary password. Otherwise, the result is similar to forgetting your password.

If I forget my password, why don't you just tell me what it was?

The web site can't tell you what it was because it doesn't know what it was. It only knows what it "hashes" to, and computing the original from the hashed version is a nearly impossible computational job. This is better because if someone manages to "see" the web site's record about you, they won't see your password."