Password Security
Why is “qwerty” or “123456” one of the worst passwords?
It’s one of the most common, hackers guess it instantly.
Why is it risky to make your account “public” instead of “private”?
Anyone can see or steal your posts/pictures/info.
Why shouldn’t you accept a friend request from someone you don’t know?
They could be lying about who they are.
Why are pop-ups that say “You won a free iPhone!” usually fake?
Real prizes don’t appear randomly; it’s a scam.
Which is safer: free airport Wi-Fi or your home Wi-Fi? Why?
Home Wi-Fi - public Wi-Fi can be monitored by anyone.
Why is it dangerous to reuse the same password across multiple accounts?
If one account gets hacked, they can access all your others.
What is your “digital footprint” and why does it matter?
The permanent trail of info you leave online; it affects your future.
Why is it unsafe to meet an online “friend” in real life without an adult?
They might be dangerous, not who they claim to be.
What’s “phishing”?
Fake messages tricking you into giving private info.
What does the “s” in “https” mean?
Secure - this means the data is encrypted.
List 3 reasons why the password "C@rrotCake2024!" is safer than "carrotcake".
It has symbols, numbers, capitalization, and length.
Why could posting your birthday (month/day/year) online be dangerous?
Hackers use birthdays to guess passwords or steal identity.
If someone you don’t know keeps asking personal questions in DMs, what’s the safest move?
Block/report and tell an adult.
List two signs of a scam email or text.
Typos, urgent threats, weird links, asking for info, unknown sender.
Why should you install software updates quickly?
They patch security holes hackers could use.
What’s the difference between a password and a passphrase, and which is safer?
Passphrases are longer, harder to guess, but easier to remember.
A friend dares you to post your phone number in a TikTok comment. What risks could that cause? Name at least two.
Spam, strangers contacting you, scams, identity theft.
Why is sending private photos risky, even to someone you trust?
They could share them or you could lose control of them.
If you click a phishing link by mistake, what should you do immediately?
Don’t enter info, close the site, change passwords, tell adult/IT.
Why do companies use firewalls or antivirus software?
To block unauthorized access and protect from malware.
Imagine you’re in charge of your school’s computer system. What steps would you take to protect accounts beyond just using passwords?
Require 2 Factor Authentication, set password rules, monitor logins, use password managers, etc.
Colleges and jobs often look at applicants’ social media. What could they find that might hurt someone’s future opportunities?
Inappropriate posts, bullying, oversharing, illegal behavior, etc.
Why do you think online predators pretend to be people your age?
To gain trust, manipulate, and get personal info or meet-ups.
Why are scams often written with bad spelling or grammar?
Scammers want to filter for people who are easier to trick.
In the future, cyberattacks could target hospitals, banks, or power grids. Why might protecting computers be as important as protecting buildings?
Because cyberattacks can shut down vital systems, cost money, and even risk lives.