What is password?
A password is a secret word, phrase, or string of characters that you create to prove who you are when you log into a computer, website, app, or any digital service. It works like a key that only you should know, keeping your personal information safe from others.
Let's break it down
- Secret: Only you should know it.
- Characters: Can be letters, numbers, and symbols (like @, #, $).
- Length: The more characters, the harder it is to guess.
- Uniqueness: Use a different password for each account so one breach doesn’t affect everything.
Why does it matter?
Passwords protect your private data-emails, photos, bank details, and more-from being accessed by strangers. A strong password stops hackers from easily guessing or cracking your accounts, which helps keep your identity and finances safe.
Where is it used?
- Logging into email, social media, and online banking.
- Accessing work computers, VPNs, and internal systems.
- Unlocking smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- Signing into Wi‑Fi networks, cloud storage, and gaming platforms.
Good things about it
- Simple to create and remember (especially with a passphrase).
- Works everywhere-most digital services rely on passwords.
- Can be combined with extra security steps (like two‑factor authentication) for stronger protection.
Not-so-good things
- People often choose weak passwords (like “123456” or “password”).
- Reusing the same password on many sites makes all accounts vulnerable if one is compromised.
- Passwords can be stolen through phishing, keyloggers, or data breaches, so they need to be managed carefully.