Week 2: Authentication

Introduction

Download this video clip.Video player: ou_futurelearn_cyber_security_vid_1003.mp4

Show transcript|Hide transcript

Transcript

CORY DOCTOROW

Hello and welcome to Week 2. Last week we looked at online activities and security threats. We saw that many of these threats depend on attackers being able to impersonate us online. For this to happen, the attacker needs to access our online identities.

So this week we're looking at passwords. Many online services use passwords. From social networks to payment systems, passwords are how we identify ourselves and interact with the services that we use. So you'll learn the ways in which attackers will try to discover your password so they can impersonate you online. And you'll learn how you can improve the security of your passwords, and online identification methods that use different techniques and password managers.

But before we get started, a note of caution-- there will be discussions during the course, and just as you should never disclose your PIN, please also take care never to share any of your passwords. If you need an example, make one up.

End transcript

Download

 

Cory introduces you to Week 2 of the course.

Last week you explored the security threats that could affect your ability to stay secure online. You also learned how to keep your knowledge of these threats up to date.

This week you’ll learn about the purpose of passwords and the different situations in which they are used, the ways in which attackers try to learn your password so they can impersonate you online and ways of improving the security of your passwords and online identification methods.

Important warning: This week, you will be asked to discuss different aspects of password security. It is critical that you never share your actual passwords and only discuss the general principles. If you need an example, please make one up rather than give an actual password!