Password Security and Authentication

Manual: General · Subject: Cybersecurity

Understand passwords, multi-factor authentication, and safe account protection practices.

Protecting Access

Passwords are one of the most common ways to protect accounts. Weak passwords, reuse, and poor storage can lead to unauthorized access.

Strong security uses long unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. MFA adds a second check, such as a code or app prompt.

Authentication Terms

Password

A secret used to prove identity.

MFA

Multi-factor authentication; more than one proof factor.

Salt

Random data added before hashing passwords.

Hash

A one-way transformation of data.

Credential

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Best Practice

Use unique passwords for every account and enable MFA wherever possible.

What does MFA add?

A second proof of identity A faster keyboard A new router A hidden folder

Why is password reuse dangerous?

Which is a strong security habit?

Using one password everywhere Sharing passwords with friends Using unique passwords and MFA Writing passwords in public chat