- Define and explain Strong Passwords in your own words
- Use key terms such as password accurately
- Apply what you have learned to new examples and questions
- Avoid the common mistakes learners make with this topic
The internet is full of brilliant things to explore, but it has rules — just like crossing the road. A few simple habits keep your accounts, your personal details and your feelings safe. This chapter gives you the safety rules every young internet user should know by heart.
This lesson focuses on Strong Passwords: learn what makes a password hard to guess and why you must never share it.
Learn what makes a password hard to guess and why you must never share it.
Key ideas
Passwords are like toothbrushes
Never share them with anyone, not even your best friend. A strong password is long — three random words such as 'tiger-pencil-moon' are far harder to guess than your pet's name plus your birthday. Use a different password for each account so one leak does not open every door.
Think before you share
Ask yourself: would I be happy if this photo or message was shown to my whole school? Personal information — your address, school name or location — should never be posted publicly, because you cannot control who sees it or saves it.
Key term — password: A secret word or phrase that proves you are you when you log in. A strong password is long and hard to guess.
Mia's password is 'mia123'. Show why it is weak and build a better one.
'mia123' uses her name, which anyone who knows her can guess — never use your name, pet or birthday. It is only 6 characters long — short passwords are quick for attackers to try out. Pick three random words instead, for example 'tiger', 'pencil' and 'moon' — long but easy to remember. Join them with dashes: 'tiger-pencil-moon' — 17 characters that no one could guess from knowing Mia.
Answer: 'tiger-pencil-moon' is strong because it is long, random and personal to nobody; 'mia123' is weak because it is short and built from Mia's own name.
- Sharing a password with a friend Correction: keep every password secret, even from friends — friendships change, but a shared password stays shared.
- Posting photos in school uniform with the school name visible Correction: check photos for clues like badges and street signs before posting, and keep accounts private.
Practice
'cloud-drum-apple' — it is long, random and gives no clues about its owner.
Anyone using the computer next could read your messages or pretend to be you, so always log out.
False — if the photo was posted or sent, other people may already have saved or shared it.
Do not answer — your school is personal information. Stop chatting and tell a trusted adult.
Quick check
Which of these best defines "password"?
A message says 'Click here to claim your free tablet!' What should you do?
Your friend posts an embarrassing photo of you without asking. What is the kind thing to do if the roles were reversed?
- Strong Passwords: learn what makes a password hard to guess and why you must never share it.
- Passwords are like toothbrushes: Never share them with anyone, not even your best friend.
- digital footprint: The trail of posts, photos and messages you leave behind online.
- Watch out for: sharing a password with a friend