Require different characters in each position in the password

This system value controls the position of each character in a new password.

Controlling the position of each character in a new password provides additional security by preventing users from using the same character (alphabetic or numeric) in a position corresponding to the same position in the previous password. When the password level has a value of 2 or 3, the test for the same character 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 require different characters in each position system value.

Table 1. Possible values for the require different characters in each position in the password
iSeries™ Navigator	Character-based interface	Description
Deselected	0	The same characters can be used in a position corresponding to the same position in the previous password.
Selected	1	The same character cannot be used more than once in a password.

Relationship to security policy

Within your security policy, you should describe the password rules that are defined by the system values-related passwords. For this system value, inform users on whether they can repeat the same character in the same position as previous passwords This system value works with other system values that specify the composition of individual passwords.

Table 2. Quick Reference . Provides details for the require different characters in each position.
iSeries Navigator name	Require a new character in each position
Character-based interface name	QPWDPOSDIF
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 require a new character in each position. Character-based interface In the character-based interface, type `WRKSYSVAL QPWDPOSDIF`.
Changes take effect	Immediately
Default value	Deselected
Recommended value	Selected
Lockable	Yes
Special considerations	When the password level is 2 or 3, the test for repeated characters is case sensitive. This means that a lowercase character is not the same as an uppercase character.

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