Topic: Passwords
When I am done this lesson, I will know:
• What a password is
• How to create a strong password
Pre and Post Self-Assessment
Pre Pre Post Post
Yes, I know this No, I want to Yes, I know this I still need more
learn this practice to learn this
I know what a
password is
I know how to
create a strong
password
New Words and Terms
password
Passwords
A password is a secret word or phrase that you need to
sign into an account online. You should never share your
passwords with ANYONE. You should also never click
“Remember Password” because if you do, someone else
might be able to log in into your account on that computer.
Passwords are like a combination lock to protect
information you put online.
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A strong or secure password is a password that is difficult for someone else to guess. They are usually
complicated and include a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Here is a list of the top 10 worst passwords in 2018:
Rank Password
1 123456
2 password
3 123456789
4 12345678
5 12345
6 111111
7 1234567
8 sunshine
9 qwerty
10 iloveyou
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_most_common_passwords (last accessed April 30,
2019)
Have you ever used any of these passwords? If you have, you should change them!
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Watch this to learn more about how to create a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
strong and secure password. =aEmF3Iylvr4
Source: Safety in Canada
TRY THIS/PRACTICE
The Password Game
Think of a password you have used in the past or are using right now. Don’t tell anyone what your
password is.
1. Answer the questions below. Be honest!
2. When you are done, add up the number of times you said “yes” in Part 1. Add up the number of
times you said “yes” in Part 2. Record your answers.
3. Subtract the total points in Part 2 from the total points in Part 1 to get your score.
4. The person with the most points wins!
PART 1
No one else knows this password. □ Yes
My password is at least 8 characters long. □ Yes
My password has letters, numbers and symbols. □ Yes
My computer isn’t saved on my computer. □ Yes
I always remember my password. □ Yes
My password doesn’t include any private information. □ Yes
Total Points in Part 1
PART 2
My spouse or partner (or another relative) knows this password. □ Yes
I have never changed this password. □ Yes
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I use a word from the dictionary in my password. □ Yes
My computer remembers my password for me. □ Yes
My password includes private information. □ Yes
I use one of my names in my password □ Yes
Total Points in Part 2
Total Points (Subtract total points in Part 2 from total Points
in Part 1)
Review the following tips to help you create stronger passwords.
Tips for Creating Stronger Passwords
1. Make passwords at least 8 characters long
• A character is a letter, number or symbol
• The longer the password, the harder it will be to figure out
2. DON’T use dictionary words
• There are programs that can be used to figure out your
password if it’s a dictionary word
3. DON’T use private or personal information in your passwords
• This makes it easy for people to guess your password
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4. Include different types of characters (letters, numbers &
symbols) in your passwords
5. Use both uppercase letters and lowercase letters
6. Change your password frequently
• At least every 6 months is recommended
7. Never share your password
• Not even with your family and friends
• Not in an email
• Not to anyone on the phone
8. Make sure it is a password YOU can remember!
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TRY THIS/PRACTICE
Create Your Own Secure Password
a) Fill in the boxes to create 3 different, possible passwords.
b) You can use them in different orders to create secure passwords that you will remember.
Favourite Favourite character Symbol(s) Favourite Other category:
Number name(s) snack(s)
What are your three passwords?
CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Describe three things that will make a password stronger.
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OPTIONAL: I WANT TO LEARN MORE
Explore the Strong Password Generator website: https://strongpasswordgenerator.com/
You can learn about creating strong passwords and even generate new ones.
Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework Connection
Competency Task Group(s)
Find and Use Information • Read Continuous Text (L2)
• Interpret Documents (L2)
• Extract Information from Films, Broadcasts and Presentations
(not levelled)
Communicate Ideas and • Complete and Create Documents (L2 – using tables, rows and
Information columns, adding and subtracting to obtain answers)
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