Passwords Internet Safety for grades 9-12

Introduction to Passwords Become part of our everyday life –Bank cards, , 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 next Password Guessing –Using programs Hacking Serious vulnerability –Making “educated” guesses External Disclosure –Overhearing a password –Finding a written password –Scene 1Scene 1

Password Security, Why? next next Private 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 s, appearing as if you are the sender Personal information or funds may be stolen Scene 2

Solutions: Things to Avoid Use 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 Tips Use 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?