Challenge 093 · Ages 9–16
Password Security Challenge
Investigate strong passwords.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 1.5 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Technology
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you investigate strong passwords. and explain the choices that make your solution effective?
Learning outcomes
- Recognise common online risks and protective behaviours.
- Apply practical strategies to improve digital security or privacy.
- Explain decisions using evidence from realistic digital scenarios.
Connected learning
Computing: networks, data and security; PSHE: online safety and wellbeing; English: critical reading; Mathematics: logic and patterns.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Sample fictional passwords
- password rules sheet
- examples showing how difficult different passwords are to guess.
Equipment, tools & software
- Computer/tablet
- school-approved password checker that works without uploading passwords
- calculator (optional).
Safety & preparation
- Never ask students to reveal or test their real passwords.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.