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Password security is a big deal, and if you don't think it is, then someone might be hacking into your computer even as you read this. A strong password isn't foolproof, but it proves that you're no fool. And it might protect you from compromised data, a broken computer or identity theft. Your bank account, your personal e-mails and lots of other stuff are at risk with weak passwords.

Do you use strong passwords? Password Checker can help you to gauge the strength of your password. It is for personal reference only. Password Checker does not guarantee the security of the password itself.

Do we all need to be that careful about our passwords? Probably not. But passwords are one of the web's most important security tools. Whether it's for your Google account, your banking center, or your favorite store, choosing a good password and keeping it safe can go a long way toward protecting your information online.

Advice from Google engineers on generating secure passwords.

Take the Symantec Password Survey. Tips for password safety are also given.

Generate strong passwords with a free password generator program.

Advice for teens from www.kidshealth.org. Here are some things to consider to safeguard your online identity and reputation:
1. Remember that nothing is temporary online
2. Mark your profile as private.
3. Safeguard your passwords and change them regularly.
4. Don't post inappropriate or sexually provocative pictures or comments.
5. Don't respond to inappropriate requests
6. Take a breather to avoid "flaming."
7. Learn about copyrights.
8. Check your digital footprint.
9. Take it offline.

Latest story of an 8th grade student being harassed online after giving her password to some friends. After a falling out, they sabotaged her MySpace page, changed her password info and proceeded to post sexually provocative information.

f you invited me to try and crack your password, you know the one that you use over and over for like every web page you visit, how many guesses would it take before I got it?

Developed by the IT Dept at University of Michigan, this series of five clever posters gets users to remember and adopt a few basic principles of password security. You can order copies off of their web site.

One of eight interactive case studies for kids (GR 4-8) from Cable In the Classroom: Power to Learn.
An understanding of the wonderful world of wireless will help the young people avoid any pitfalls that may arise from using laptops, smart phones, and PDAs. And if they are going to be using wireless technology it doesn't hurt if they understand how it works. This unit explains the importance of password protection and cybersecurity. The graphics are Nickelodeon style. A short quiz assesses understanding. For the entire series, check out: http://powertolearn.com/internet_smarts/interactive_case_studies/index.shtml

Stolen accounts-caused by aggressive phishing attacks and distribution of malicious programs to collect passwords-have become a plague upon the Web. Spammers want them so their messages can get past spam filters. And crooks, who often lock out the true owners by changing their passwords, use them to find and get inside financial accounts or to impersonate the owners and weasel money out of their friends.

Cisco & Wired Safety's Tween CyberSafety 6-page document is loaded with colorful graphics and gives kids tips on a variety of Internet safety topics, such as cyberbullying, remembering passwords, and determining which sites are safe.

Budd:e Primary introduces e-security basics to stay smart online, including privacy, password creation, protecting personal details, virus scanning, secure websites, copyright and scams.

Security pros cringe as their users download software for personal use, turn off firewalls to speed up a connection, or leave their passwords stuck to their laptops.Wouldn't it be nice if you could give end users a list of the most dangerous things they do online every day, and then tell them why those activities are particularly risky? The following is our list of "The Ten Most Dangerous Things Users Do Online," along with some explanation of the risks - and solutions - associated with each.

Online Safety Quiz for Kids from SecureFlorida.org. Questions cover privacy issues like online profiles, pictures, passwords and screen names. Find out how safe you are. Web links lead to best practices for parents & kids.

More employees are asking for and viewing social networking sites of job applicants. Most employees like to get a clear picture of the person they are hiring. Lets face it most companies want to make sure they know what they are getting before they spend the time and resources to hire and train a person. Recently officials in Bozeman, Montana requested for all job applicants to turn over their usernames and password of all of their social networking sites as part of the background check. Is that crossing the line?

In WEBONAUTS INTERNET ACADEMY, kids (age 8-10) explore what it means to be a citizen in a web-infused‚ information-rich world. Participants play through a series of 12 missions adhering to the Webonauts' motto: "Observe, Respect, Contribute." Each mission helps children understand critical online safety issues, such as the importance of protecting passwords and maintaining privacy settings. Other missions teach how to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources of information and how to react to bullying. Note: this resource was developed as a partnership project between PBS KIDS and Common Sense Media.

This article outlines the dangers of using unsecured WIFI networks both at home and with others. Hackers can access and capture sensitive data over your network.