Limit repeating characters in passwords

This system value limits the use of repeating characters in a password.

This value provides additional security by preventing users from specifying passwords that are easy to guess, such as the same character repeated several times. When the password level is 2 or 3, the test for repeated characters is case sensitive. This means that a lowercase ’a’ is not the same as an uppercase ’A’.

See Quick reference table for an overview of the Limit repeating characters in passwords system value.

Table 1. Possible values for the limit repeating characters in passwords system value
iSeries™ Navigator	Character-based interface	Description
Characters may be used more than once	0	The same characters can be used more than once in a password.
Characters may not be used more than once	1	The same character cannot be used more than once in a password.
Characters may not be used consecutively	2	The same character cannot be used consecutively in a password.

Relationship to security policy

Within your security policy you should describe all password rules that are defined by the system values related passwords. For this system value, inform users on whether or not password rules allow repeated characters. This value provides additional security by preventing users from specifying passwords that are easy to guess, such as the same character repeated several times. This system value works with other system values that specify the composition of individual passwords.

Table 2. Quick Reference . Provides details for the Limit repeating characters in passwords system value.
iSeries Navigator name	Restrict repeating characters
Character-based interface name	QPWDLMTREP
Authority	All object access (ALLOBJ) Security administrator (SECADM) Note: The Security Officer (QSECOFR) user profile is shipped with these authorities.
How to access	iSeries Navigator Expand Security > Policies. Right click Password Policy and select Properties. On the Validation page, you will find the option to restrict repeating characters. Character-based interface In the character-based interface, type `WRKSYSVAL QPWDLMTREP`.
Changes take effect	Immediately
Default value	Characters may be used more than once
Recommended value	Characters cannot be repeated consecutively
Lockable	Yes
Special considerations	When the password level system value has a value of 2 or 3, the test for repeated characters is case sensitive. This means that a lowercase ’a’ is not the same as an uppercase ’A’.

For more in-depth information about this security value, see Chapter 3, "Security System Values" in Security Reference.