What is the minimum recommended length for a strong password?

• 8 characters

• 10 characters

• 12 characters

• 16 characters

Answer explanation

The longer your password, the harder it is to crack using brute force. A 16-character password can take billions of years to guess, while 8-character passwords can be cracked in minutes.

A password manager helps you store and _ your passwords securely

Answer explanation

Password managers take the stress out of password hygiene by generating, storing, and auto-filling strong, unique passwords for every account. All you need to remember is one master password.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Match each security practice with the correct benefit:

• Makes it harder to guess

• Use a unique password

• Generates and stores strong passwords

• Use a password manager

• Slows down brute force attacks

• Use 16+ characters

• Stops one breach from affecting others

• Mix letters, numbers, symbols

Answer explanation

Each technique helps protect your data in a specific way:

• * Unique passwords isolate risks.

• * Managers handle the complexity.

• * Character variety prevents simple guesswork.

• * Length buys you time against brute-force attacks.

Use a (a)   to create (b)   random passwords

• password manager
• 16-character

Answer explanation

Best practices prioritize strong, unique, and secure storage. Frequent changes aren't necessary if your password is strong — just update when there’s a real risk. Weak or reused passwords, or storing them physically, opens doors to attackers.

When should you change a password?

• Every month

• Every year

• Only if there’s a breach or suspected compromise

• Never

Answer explanation

This old-school advice leads to weak habits like reusing variations of the same password. The current best practice (per NIST) is: use strong passwords and change them only if they’re exposed or suspicious activity is detected.