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How to create safe and strong passwords

est. 45 mins

 💡 After this training: 

  • The learner knows how to protect devices and accounts with a strong password.

👀 How to coordinate this training:



1. Watch the video together

2. Write the answers to the questions in Word in groups, pairs or independently. Let's go through the answers together.

Questions:

  1. What do you need a password for?

  2. Why is it important to create a strong password?

  3. What is a weak password?

  4. What is a strong password like?

  5. Why is it not a good idea to use the same password for different online services?

3. Additional task and explanation

Search for a password tester to check the strength of the password. The tester estimates how long it takes for bad actors to crack your passwords. You can also introduce different tools listed below.



Materials needed:

Computer 💻


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✨ Digital skills training about passwords


 

video language 🇬🇧


Material in Finnish
Tips for facilitating discussions

1. What do you need a password for

Encourage participants to think about all the places they log in: email, social media, banking, online shopping, and work accounts. Highlight that passwords are like digital keys that protect their private spaces.


2. Why is it important to create a strong password

Explain that weak passwords make it easy for hackers to guess or steal accounts. Compare it to using a fragile lock on your front door—anyone could break in. Strong passwords act like stronger locks.


3. What is a weak password

Give examples like “123456,” “password,” or a birthdate. Point out that personal details (child’s name, phone number, etc.) are also weak because they’re easy to guess or find online.


4. What is a strong password like

 Describe strong passwords as long (12+ characters), unique, and a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Show how a phrase (“BlueDog!RunsFast22”) can be easier to remember and still strong.


5. Why is it not a good idea to use the same password for different online services

 Use the “one key for all doors” example —if someone steals that one key, they can open everything. Remind participants that if one service gets hacked, all their accounts are at risk


Free tools to stay safe online

Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) 🔎

  • Check if your email or password has been exposed in a data breach.

  • Receive alerts when your account is found in new breaches.

  • Action: If your email appears, immediately change the password and enable 2FA.

  • Link: https://haveibeenpwned.com/


VirusTotal 🛡️

  • Free online scanner to check files or URLs for malware.

  • Aggregates results from multiple antivirus engines.

  • Action: Before opening suspicious attachments or links, upload them to VirusTotal.

  • Link: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload


AbuseIPDB

  • Database of malicious IP addresses reported for abuse.

  • Useful for system administrators, but individuals can also check suspicious IPs (from emails, logs, etc.).

  • Action: If you spot unusual login activity, check the IP against AbuseIPDB to assess risk.

  • Link: https://www.abuseipdb.com/


How these tools support password security

  • HIBP → reveals if your password has already been compromised.

  • VirusTotal → helps you avoid malware that could steal your credentials.

  • AbuseIPDB → raises awareness of potentially dangerous login attempts or phishing sources.


Open Badge: Secure action

Discover how to use this training material together with other themes to help learners earn the Open Badge.

Badges allow learners to demonstrate the skills they have gained and showcase their achievements. Learn more by clicking the button below.



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