Protecting your digital estate: How to create strong passwords?

Introduction

Passwords serve as a first line defense for your accounts against threats and attackers, but have you ever wondered what makes a weak or strong password? 

In this day of age where almost everyone has an online presence and is always connected, how do we make smart choices to protect our personal information, digital footprints and online assets through strong passwords?

In this web quest, you will wear a cybersecurity hat, protecting accounts and operations. Your mission is to master the anatomy of impenetrable passwords and create a strong digital defense system.

Task

Your task is to research the qualities that make a weak password and strong password. Also find out the common passwords to avoid and suggestions to create a strong and powerful password.

You are to create an infographic that has details for the following:

  1. List of common passwords
  2. Describe qualities of a weak password
  3. How to create a strong password
  4. Discipline about storing passwords

Process

Step1: Identify common and weak passwords

  • Research about common passwords and investigate reasons why using one password across different accounts is dangerous. 
  • Enumerate examples of:
    • Common passwords to avoid
    • Qualities of a weak password

 Step2: Identify the anatomy of an impenetrable password

  • Research what makes a password truly secure against modern hacking processes like brute force. Study the effectiveness of multi-word passphrases.
  • Enumerate examples of passphrase using your favorite quote or line in a movie with symbols and numbers, different cases and ensuring at least 12 characters minimum.

Step3: Identify the best way to store password

  • Research how password managers work and why storing passwords in a file, writing in a sheet of paper or memorizing them is not sufficient.
  • Enumerate examples of password managers based on encryption standards and mobile-device usability.

Step4: Create your infographic

  • Now that you have valuable information about creating passwords, list and organize what you have learned into an infographic. Describe steps and use graphic visuals. 

Evaluation

Your completed quest will be evaluated on the following criteria

Criteria

3 - Exceed expectation

2 - Met expectation

1 - Need improvement

Analytical depth

Strong evaluation of the research topic

Good evaluation of the research topic

Limited evaluation of the research topic

Strength of passphrase

Created a passphrase that is: long, complex and unguessable 

Created a passphrase that is: short, complex and unguessable

Created a passphrase that is: short and common 

Password manager evaluation

Strong justification for chosen password manager

Clear justification for chosen password password manager

Limited justification for chosen password manager

Infographic content and design

Clear and complete content with visually appealing design.

Clear and complete content with plain design.

Clear, but limited content with limited to no design.

Conclusion

After completing this web quest, you have transformed from a vulnerable target to a security-vigilant digital citizen. Strong password is the most vital line of defense in the digital environment. Take note what you have learned today and make sure to implement the strong passphrase in your current and future profiles. 

Credits