6.1 Creating A Secure Password
Aim:
Students will understand the importance of creating secure passwords and learn how to construct strong passwords to protect their online accounts.
Be Inspired:
What might happen if someone guesses your password? Have you ever heard of someone’s account being hacked? What was the impact?
Check It Out:
Password Monster shows how passwords are rated as weak, medium, or strong based on different criteria. Explore the ratings for common passwords such as: 12345 or password.
Experiment with modifications to see if you can increase the strength of a password to very strong.
Discuss how easy or difficult it might be for a hacker to guess these passwords and why the stronger one is more secure.
What are your thoughts on using this web page?
Do It:
Can you create your own secure password? Use the guidelines below to help you:
1. Create a password that:
- Is at least 12 characters long.
- Includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Does not use easily guessable information (e.g., your name, "12345", "password").
2. Test the password using a password strength checker tool online (you can recommend a specific tool or website).
3. Write down the password securely or memorize it.
Extension (for GDS)
Research and write a short report (1-2 paragraphs) on how multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security beyond just having a strong password. Students can explore what MFA is, how it works, and why it’s recommended.
Finally:
Create a quick quiz where students have to identify strong and weak passwords from a list and explain why they made their choice.
Revisit the initial discussion questions, asking students to reflect on what they’ve learned about password security. Have their opinions changed? What will they do differently moving forward?
End the session by reminding students that a strong password is their first line of defense online and encourage them to update weak passwords on any of their existing accounts at home or school.
