Mac: Keychain

The password management system on a Mac is called Keychain. Although you may find it convenient to have all your passwords stored in one location, it opens up your computer to various vulnerabilities, including identity theft. For example, various tools that extract keychain data have been developed and openly shared by hackers, poorly encrypted Keychain files are easily accessed by thieves who steal your laptop, etc.

Important: At DePauw we recommend you use caution when using Keychain to store your passwords.

Hold for Authentication error

The following Hold for Authentication error issue is displayed when you have an incorrect password in your Keychain.

  1. Click Refresh
    Image of Hold for Authentication
  2. Enter your DePauw Account (i.e., e-Services) username and password, check the box marked Remember this password in my keychain, click OK
    Image of username and password
  3. Identify and remove any old passwords by clicking the Apple in the top left of your window → Go → Utilities
    Image of Apple menu go utilities
  4. Double-click Keychain Access.app
    Image of Keychain Access
  5. At the top left of the screen, click the image of the lock to unlock the login keychain
    Image of Keychain Lock
  6. Enter the password you use to log in to your computer, and then click OK
    Image of computer password 
  7. In the Category section of the left column, select Passwords
    Image of Keychain passwords 
  8.  Right-click on the account that has a saved password, and then select the option to Delete…
    Image of Keychain delete password
  9. Click Delete
    Image of Keychain confirm delete 
  10. Repeat this process for each account in which you want to delete the password
  11. At the top left of the screen, click the image of the unlocked lock to lock the login keychain
  12. Quit Keychain Access

Updated: 3/4/2021