Lesson 1: Passwords Made Simple
Lesson 1 of 6
Passwords help protect your personal information and online accounts. Learning a few simple rules can make a big difference.
What Is a Password?
A password is a secret word or phrase you use to sign in to websites, email, or apps.
What Makes a Strong Password?
- At least 12 characters long
- Includes letters and numbers
- Not easy to guess
- Different for each account
Quick Check: Which password is strongest?
Good vs Bad Examples
Avoid: your name
Better: MyDogEatsApples7
Helpful Tip
You do not need to remember every password. Writing them down and keeping them in a safe place at home is okay.
Quick Check: Is it okay to write passwords down and keep them at home?
What Is a Password Manager?
A password manager is a tool that safely stores all your passwords in one secure place. You only need to remember one main password.
- Creates strong passwords for you
- Remembers passwords so you don't have to
- Fills in passwords automatically on trusted websites
- Keeps your passwords locked and encrypted
Is It Safe to Use One?
Yes. Reputable password managers are safer than reusing passwords or writing them on paper that could be lost.
Many phones and computers already include one built in.