Lesson 1: Strong Password Usage and Management (M2-U1-L1)

Password Window to access restricted data

In our digital world, good passwords and managing them well are super important to keep our online stuff safe. Bad guys are always trying new tricks, so strong passwords are your first shield against them getting into your accounts. This part will talk about why making tough, different passwords matters and how to keep them secure. When you learn and use these simple rules, you can make your online life much safer and protect your private information. Simply put, being smart about your passwords is a must for staying safe online.

How to create strong passwords

Introduction

Aunt Ayşe Teyze knew she’d have a bit of a tough time at first when stepping into the digital world and creating and using a username and password for the very first time. This was quite different from her usual daily habits. Since she was used to taking written notes or memorising things, she expected she would have trouble remembering the complex strings of characters needed to protect her online identity.

Elderly woman working on a computer

In this section, we’ll try to explain how Aunt Ayşe and her peers can create strong passwords to feel more secure.

Small white 3D figure with a keyCreating a strong password is crucial for your online safety. Here’s how to make one that’s hard for others to guess: Make it long: Aim for at least 12-16 characters. The longer it is, the harder it is to crack. Think of it like a very long word! Mix it up: Do not just use letters. Include a combination of:

  • Uppercase letters (A, B, C)
  • Lowercase letters (a, b, c)
  • Numbers (1, 2, 3)
  • Symbols (!, @, #, $, %, ^, &)
Example of a very strong password: ZAQ!2wsx – notice that letters, numbers and symbols are all in lines on your keyboard

 

User inserting the password

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is vital because it adds a crucial second layer of security, protecting your accounts even if your password is stolen. This means that without both pieces of information, unauthorised individuals cannot access your digital life.

Symbol of security

M2-U1-L1-B EN by Hasan Y – Hasan Y

Terminology in Digital Security

 

The importance of password usage


Summary of the lesson

 We congratulate you on your participation and patience. In this lesson, you’ve learned why encryption is important and how to implement it. You’ll now have a safer internet environment and feel more secure.