← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

What can happen if someone gets into your account

When someone else logs in to your account. They can read your private messages, post pretending to be you, or lock you out by changing your password.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Staying Safe Online — Module 5, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Digital Footprints — Module 37

Understanding What can happen if someone gets into your account in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

What it does: Once they are logged in, they can open and read messages that were meant only for you. Posts made from your account look like they come from you, even though someone else wrote them. When someone changes your password, your old password stops working and you cannot log in. They can also post and send messages as you, which can upset your friends or get you into trouble. A long, strong passphrase is hard to guess, so it helps keep other people out of your account. A message you did not send is a warning sign. Tell a trusted adult and change your passphrase.

Common mistakes: Line 3 is wrong. Someone who logs in to your account can read your private messages. It should say they can read your messages. Line 3 is wrong. When a stranger posts from your account, your friends think the post came from you. That is why it is dangerous.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 137–153) and word search (Modules 137–225).

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Learning
Duo
Someone logs in to your account without permission. What could they do?
Read your private messagesNothing, because they only see the login page
Matches
password = "pet123" Safe from takeover!
↓
A short, easy-to-guess password does not keep your account safe. A strong passphrase of random words makes it much harder for someone to log in as you.
Applying
Meanings
Term
account takeover
Meaning
When someone else logs in to your account. They can read your private messages, post pretending to be you, or lock you out by changing your password.
Practice
IF stranger logs in to my account THEN
Testing
Gaps
intruder.(privateMessages)
Check Answer
Spots
2 they can log in
3 they cannot read messages

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Quick Questions

1. Someone logs in to your account without permission. What could they do?
A. Read your private messages ✓
B. Nothing, because they only see the login page
Once someone is logged in, they can see everything inside your account, including private messages.
2. Which one is something a person could do after getting into your account?
A. Post as themselves so everyone knows it is not you
B. Post pretending to be you ✓
They can use your name and profile to post, so your friends may think the posts really come from you.
3. A stranger changes the password on your account. What has happened to you?
A. You are locked out of your own account ✓
B. You get a free upgrade to your account
When someone changes your password, your old password stops working and you cannot log in.
4. True or false: Someone in your account can only look. They cannot pretend to be you.
A. True
B. False ✓
They can also post and send messages as you, which can upset your friends or get you into trouble.
5. Why does a strong passphrase matter?
A. It makes it much harder for others to guess their way in ✓
B. It makes your account look more popular
A long, strong passphrase is hard to guess, so it helps keep other people out of your account.

Match the Pairs

account takeover → When someone else logs in to your account without your permission
changePassword("new") → A trick that locks you out, because your old password no longer works
Someone who gets into your account can read your private messages → openMessages(yourAccount)
Someone in your account can pretend to be you and post as you → post(yourAccount, "Send me money!")
password = "pet123" Safe from takeover! → A short, easy-to-guess password does not keep your account safe. A strong passphrase of random words makes it much harder for someone to log in as you.
if (someoneInYourAccount) { nothingBadHappens() } → Something bad can happen. They can read your messages, post as you or lock you out, so you should tell a trusted adult quickly.

Key Term

account takeover
When someone else logs in to your account. They can read your private messages, post pretending to be you, or lock you out by changing your password.

Fill in the Blanks

1. intruder.read(privateMessages)
Hint: Type the action an intruder can do to your private messages once they are logged in.
2. intruder.post(as = "you")
Hint: Type the action that lets someone pretend to be you by putting up something new.
3. intruder.changePassword(newPassword)
Hint: Type the action that locks you out of your own account.
4. IF passphrase = weak THEN risk ← high
Hint: Type the level of risk when a passphrase is easy to guess.
5. IF passwordChanged THEN canLogin ← false
Hint: Type the true or false value that shows you are locked out.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A if someone knows your password
B they can log in
C they cannot read messages
Line C — Line 3 is wrong. Someone who logs in to your account can read your private messages. It should say they can read your messages.
Question 2
A stranger logs in to account
B stranger writes a post
C friends know it is not you
Line C — Line 3 is wrong. When a stranger posts from your account, your friends think the post came from you. That is why it is dangerous.
Question 3
A stranger logs in
B stranger changes password
C you do not know new password
D you can still log in easily
Line D — Line 4 is wrong. If a stranger changes your password, you cannot log in and you are locked out of your own account.
Question 4
A if passphrase is strong
B it is easy to guess
C fewer takeovers happen
Line B — Line 2 is wrong. A strong passphrase is hard to guess, which is why it helps stop other people getting into your account.
Question 5
A if account is taken over
B tell a trusted adult
C change your password
D keep it secret from all
Line D — Line 4 is wrong. After a takeover you should not keep it secret. Tell friends the posts were not from you so they are not tricked.

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