What is the best method to provide a new user with their initial password for email system access?

Providing a temporary password over the telephone that is set for immediate expiration is an effective method for delivering initial access credentials. This approach combines security with immediacy. Since the password is temporary and expires right away, it minimizes the risk of interception or misuse. Additionally, the direct communication over the telephone suggests a more personal and secure means of verification, ensuring that the person receiving the password is indeed the intended user.

This method fosters a higher degree of trust and control over the password distribution process, as it addresses concerns about sending sensitive information through potentially insecure channels like email or interoffice mail, which could be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Ensuring immediate expiration of the password further adds a layer of security, compelling the user to create their own secure password before any potential vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Other methods, such as sending a system-generated password through interoffice mail, might expose the user credential to potential interception along the delivery path. Allowing users to set a password without any initial password for 10 days introduces a significant security risk as it leaves the accounts open to unauthorized access during that time. Setting the initial password equal to the user ID also compromises security since this is easily guessed and does not meet the standard for complexity, providing an inadequate first line