Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a password?
What is a password?
A password is a string of symbols that is used to limit access to a computer or system to only those who know it.
Passwords can be made up of only letters.
Passwords can be made up of only letters.
False
What is the purpose of a password?
What is the purpose of a password?
It is safe to use common passwords.
It is safe to use common passwords.
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Match the following password rules with their descriptions:
Match the following password rules with their descriptions:
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The "8 4 Rule" is the most up to date rule for password security.
The "8 4 Rule" is the most up to date rule for password security.
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What is a password manager?
What is a password manager?
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It is a good practice to use the same password for multiple accounts.
It is a good practice to use the same password for multiple accounts.
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It is safe to leave your password written down next to your computer.
It is safe to leave your password written down next to your computer.
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What are some examples of weak passwords?
What are some examples of weak passwords?
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How frequently should you change your passwords?
How frequently should you change your passwords?
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It is okay to type your password on a shared computer.
It is okay to type your password on a shared computer.
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If you are asked to change your password through an email or text message, it is always safe to do so.
If you are asked to change your password through an email or text message, it is always safe to do so.
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What is a good alternative to typing your password on a computer that you don't trust?
What is a good alternative to typing your password on a computer that you don't trust?
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It is appropriate to share your passwords with friends and family.
It is appropriate to share your passwords with friends and family.
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It is acceptable to use the same password on different sites, especially if your credit card is tied to your account.
It is acceptable to use the same password on different sites, especially if your credit card is tied to your account.
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Is it a good practice to use common passwords?
Is it a good practice to use common passwords?
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What are two essential rules for creating strong passwords?
What are two essential rules for creating strong passwords?
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What is the recommended minimum length for a strong password?
What is the recommended minimum length for a strong password?
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What are the four symbol groups used in making strong passwords?
What are the four symbol groups used in making strong passwords?
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The 8 4 Rule is still a good practice for creating strong passwords.
The 8 4 Rule is still a good practice for creating strong passwords.
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Strong passwords can be very difficult to remember.
Strong passwords can be very difficult to remember.
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What is a common example of a phrase used for a passphrase?
What is a common example of a phrase used for a passphrase?
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Which of these is an example of a weak password?
Which of these is an example of a weak password?
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It is safe to use the same password for all of your online accounts.
It is safe to use the same password for all of your online accounts.
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It is safe to write down your password and keep it next to your computer.
It is safe to write down your password and keep it next to your computer.
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It is safe to share your password with a trusted friend or significant other.
It is safe to share your password with a trusted friend or significant other.
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It is safe to use your birthday as a password.
It is safe to use your birthday as a password.
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It is safe to use a password that is very easy to remember.
It is safe to use a password that is very easy to remember.
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It is safe to leave your password field blank.
It is safe to leave your password field blank.
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How often should you change your passwords?
How often should you change your passwords?
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It is safe to type your password on a public computer.
It is safe to type your password on a public computer.
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Which of these are considered weak passwords (Select all that apply)?
Which of these are considered weak passwords (Select all that apply)?
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A passphrase is a phrase that should be easy to remember and difficult to guess.
A passphrase is a phrase that should be easy to remember and difficult to guess.
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What is a symbol in relation to a password?
What is a symbol in relation to a password?
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List a few examples of good password manager software.
List a few examples of good password manager software.
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The 8-4 rule is a good guideline for creating strong passwords.
The 8-4 rule is a good guideline for creating strong passwords.
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It is best to use the same password across all your online accounts.
It is best to use the same password across all your online accounts.
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What are some best practices for passwords?
What are some best practices for passwords?
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Study Notes
Passwords Overview
- A password is a string of symbols.
- A symbol can be any key on the keyboard (letter, digit, or punctuation).
- The purpose of passwords is to limit computer/system access to only authorized users knowing the sequence of symbols.
- Knowledge of the sequence limits access to a few people, and is used for user authentication.
Top 10 Most Common Passwords
- Avoid these common passwords: 123456, 123456789, qwerty, password, 12345, qwerty123, 1q2w3e, 12345678, 111111, 1234567890.
Rules for Creating Strong Passwords
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Rule 1: Password Length
- Use passwords with at least 15 symbols. Longer is better; ideally, 60 or more symbols.
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Rule 2: Password Complexity
- Include symbols from lower-case, upper-case alphabets, numbers, and punctuation.
Strong Password 8 4 Rule (Outdated)
- An outdated rule suggesting 8 characters minimum, with 1 each of: lower-case, upper-case, number and special character.
Problems with Strong Passwords
- Strong passwords are frequently difficult to remember.
- Password managers (e.g., LastPass, Password Dragon, Dashlane Pro) can help store and manage them.
What is a Passphrase?
- An alternative to a password manager: Use a phrase familiar to you.
- Examples include: "I love to play badminton" or "ILuv2PlyB@d<tin". Ideally, use longer, more descriptive phrases.
Good Passphrase Example
- Better passphrase examples consist of 4-5 common words to improve memorability. An example is "7 Pies voting 2 see Eagles concert!".
Guidelines for Avoiding Weak Passwords
- Avoid using username parts, pet/family names, personal information (e.g., phone numbers, dates of birth), or common sequences (e.g., 123456)
- Refrain using dictionary words/sequences
- Don't substitute letters for numbers (e.g., password).
- Don't leave password fields blank.
Best Practices for Passwords
- Change passwords every 3-6 months.
- Never write passwords down where they can be seen.
- Never share passwords with anyone.
- Don't use the same password for multiple sites, particularly those linked to credit cards.
- Don't type a password when someone else is watching.
- Immediately change any compromised password.
- Don't use password-remembering features on unknown computers.
- Verify the authenticity of any password requests (e-mail, text messages). A legitimate request will never ask for a full password in one piece.
- When given a choice to send part of the password, do so, but do not reveal all parts in one piece through only one channel (Voice/phone or text or e-mail).
Helpful Password Web Links
- Self-Service Password Reset (Algonquin College ITS link)
- How Secure is My Password? (Security.org link)
- Have I Been Pwned? (haveibeenpwned.com).
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of password security, including the definition, common weak passwords, and guidelines for creating strong passwords. Learn about the importance of password length and complexity to enhance user authentication and system security.
