What makes a password strong?

Length (12+ characters), randomness, and uniqueness — a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols that isn't a real word or personal information Using your name and birth year with a capital letter at the start Any password that has at least one capital letter and one number A word that only you know, like your pet's name or hometown

Why is reusing the same password on multiple websites dangerous?

If one website is breached and your password is exposed, attackers can use it to access all your other accounts that share that password (credential stuffing) It's not dangerous — if the password is strong enough, reusing it is fine It only matters if you reuse passwords on banking websites Reusing passwords makes it easier for hackers to remember which one to use

What is a password manager and why is it useful?

An app that securely stores and generates unique, strong passwords for every site — you remember one master password and it remembers all the others A notebook where you write down all your passwords and keep it next to your computer A government service that creates secure passwords and emails them to you A browser feature that prevents websites from requiring passwords

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Requiring two or more different types of proof to log in — typically something you know (password) plus something you have (phone) or something you are (fingerprint) Using two different passwords for the same account for extra protection A system where multiple employees must all approve before any login succeeds Requiring you to answer security questions in addition to your password

What is a 'data breach'?

An incident where sensitive data is accessed, stolen, or exposed without authorization — often from a company's database When your internet connection is slow and data doesn't transfer properly When you accidentally delete important files from your computer A situation where too many users access a website at once and it crashes

What are 'security questions' (like 'What was your first pet's name?') and why are they considered weak security?

Security questions are account recovery backup methods, but they're weak because the answers are often guessable, publicly available on social media, or shared among multiple sites Security questions are actually more secure than passwords because only you know personal facts Security questions are the most secure form of authentication available Security questions are strong as long as you choose unusual questions

What is 'phishing'?

A cyberattack where criminals send fake emails, texts, or websites that impersonate trusted sources to trick people into revealing passwords, clicking malware, or transferring money A method of testing your own network security by sending fake attack messages to employees Software that monitors internet traffic for suspicious activity A technique hackers use to slow down websites by sending them too many requests

What is 'identity theft'?

When criminals steal enough personal information to impersonate you — opening bank accounts, taking loans, filing taxes, or accessing services in your name When someone hacks into your gaming account and steals your virtual items When a company sells your personal data to advertisers without permission When someone uses your social media photos without credit

What does 'HTTPS' mean and why does it matter?

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure — it means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, protecting data from eavesdropping It means the website has been verified by the government as trustworthy and safe It's a faster version of HTTP that companies pay extra for It means the website stores your passwords in a highly secure vault

What is a 'firewall'?

A security system that monitors and controls network traffic based on rules — blocking unauthorized connections while allowing legitimate ones Software that prevents your computer from catching viruses from the internet A physical barrier that prevents unauthorized physical access to server rooms A backup system that saves your data in case your computer is attacked