Cybersecurity · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 1 of 5 · 10 guided hours

Passwords, MFA and Account Safety

Protect accounts with long unique passwords, a password manager and multi-factor authentication.

Learning objectives

  • Explain how passwords are attacked
  • Create strong passphrases and use a password manager
  • Enable multi-factor authentication and keep recovery options safe

Topics

  • password attacks
  • passphrases
  • password managers
  • multi-factor authentication
  • recovery codes
  • account inventory

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 How Passwords Are Attacked

    Understand the ways attackers get passwords so the defences make sense.

    guessing and crackingcredential stuffingdata breachespassword reuse

  2. Lesson 2 Passphrases and Password Managers

    Create strong passwords you do not have to remember by using a password manager.

    length and randomnesspassphrasespassword managersmaster password

  3. Lesson 3 Multi-Factor Authentication and Recovery

    Add a second factor so a stolen password alone cannot open your account.

    something you know, have, areauthenticator appsSMS codesrecovery codes

Practical activity

Build an inventory of your important accounts, move them into a password manager with unique passwords and turn on MFA for email, banking and social media.

Expected outcomes

  • Unique passwords for every important account
  • MFA enabled on high-value accounts

Assessment

Account inventory reviewed (without passwords) and a demonstration of MFA sign-in.

Free taster lesson Passwords, MFA & Account Safety Read a free self-study lesson on this topic in the Free Course Library.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.