Passwords

Internet Safety for grades 9-12

Introduction to Passwords

Become part of our everyday life– Bank cards, email,

chat programs, on-line banking, filing taxes,applying for financial aid

Exists to protect you and prove your identity

Basic Functions of a Password

Authenticates you to the computer or network that you are attempting to connect to

Needed for a user to access an account Prevents others from accessing or

damaging your personal data

Password Safety next

Password Guessing– Using programs

• Hacking• Serious

vulnerability

– Making “educated” guesses

External Disclosure– Overhearing a

password– Finding a written

password– Scene 1

Password Security, Why? next

Private email may be read

Files may be viewed, changed or deleted

Computer may be used to inflict damage on other systems

Account may be used to send false information or threat emails, appearing as if you are the sender

Personal information or funds may be stolen

Scene 2

Solutions: Things to AvoidUse a portion or variation name

Base password on personal info

Use words found in any dictionary

Spell dictionary words or names backwards

Use words with vowels removed

Pair short words (dogcat)

Use syllables or words from any language

Use repeated character strings (ccaatt)

Select less than 7 characters

Include characters from literature or religion

Include obscene words

Never give it out!

Scene 3

Solutions: Password TipsUse passwords with at least 7 characters

Mix UPPER and lower case letters, numbers

Use the first sentence of an uncommon song, poem, etc

Use word fragments not in the dictionary

Use short words separated by characters (dog^cat)

Transliteration: This One – Th1$One

Abbreviation from childhood verse (3BMcHTR)

Phrases from movies

Interweave two words (Dhouseog)

Conclusion

Passwords help to protect and secure your personal information

Choosing a good password is as important as having a good lock on your door

Good hard to guess password need not be difficult to remember

Be creative and Keep it private

Questions?