📚 Topic Summary
In this unplugged activity, we'll learn about how passwords work and how easy or difficult they can be to crack. Password cracking isn't about actually hacking into accounts! Instead, it's a way to understand how computers guess passwords, and why it’s important to create strong, unique passwords. By playing this game, you'll discover the importance of using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to keep your online information safe.
Imagine you're a super-smart detective trying to guess a secret code. You might try common words, names, or number combinations first. That's similar to what password-cracking programs do. This activity will show you how to make your “secret codes” (passwords) tough to guess!
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Password |
A. A sequence of characters used for access. |
| 2. Brute Force |
B. Trying every possible password combination. |
| 3. Complexity |
C. How difficult a password is to guess. |
| 4. Algorithm |
D. A set of rules to be followed when solving problems. |
| 5. Encryption |
E. Converting information into a secret code. |
Match the letters A-E to the numbers 1-5. Answers are scrambled above.
✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: secure, characters, guessing, strength, combination.
The _________ of a password depends on the _________ of different _________. A strong password prevents easy _________. Use a complex _________ of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols to make it _________.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Why is it important to use different passwords for different online accounts?