Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- lurk /lurk/
- data breach /DEY-tuh breech/
- reconsider /ree-kuhn-SID-er/
- random /RAN-duhm/
- refrain /ri-FREYN/
[verb] – to wait or move in a secret way so that you cannot be seen, especially because you are about to attack someone or do something wrong
Why is he lurking around in the hallway?
[noun] – an occasion when private information can be seen by people who should not be able to see it
Millions of accounts were stolen due to data breach.
[verb] – to think again about a decision or opinion and decide if you want to change it
The teacher reconsidered the team’s proposal.
[adjective] – happening, done, or chosen by chance rather than according to a plan
Some random guy walked in.
[verb] – to avoid doing or stop yourself from doing something
The sign said “Please refrain from smoking.”
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Pets are wonderful companions. They are a source of comfort and support. The relationship we share with our pets is one of the strongest bonds we can ever experience in our lifetime. But is this love putting our online security at risk? A study conducted by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) reveals that millions of people are still using their pet’s names as passwords for their online accounts. Why is it a bad idea? And what can we do to make our online accounts more secure?
Statistics from NCSC say that 15% of British people choose their pet’s names as passwords, 14% use a family member’s name, 13% use a significant date, and 6% use their favorite sports team as passwords. These accounts make easy targets for hackers because they simply guess common pet names, or lurk into social media profiles to get information. Communications Director at NCSC, Nicola Hudson comments “We may be a nation of animal lovers, but using your pet’s name as a password could make you an easy target for callous cyber-criminals. Millions of accounts could fall victims to data breach by criminals using trial-and-error techniques.” This logic also applies to other personal information you have like birthdays and family names.
The NCSC’s latest Cyber Aware campaign provides updated advice to web users worldwide, intending to encourage people to reconsider password protection and online safety. The NCSC also recommends using harder-to-crack passwords such as three random, unconnected words. Regularly updating your device is also recommended as it provides added protection. Refrain from using easily guessed passwords such as anniversaries, birthdays, or even pet names. Following these steps will help make our accounts more secured.
Statistics from NCSC say that 15% of British people choose their pet’s names as passwords, 14% use a family member’s name, 13% use a significant date, and 6% use their favorite sports team as passwords. These accounts make easy targets for hackers because they simply guess common pet names, or lurk into social media profiles to get information. Communications Director at NCSC, Nicola Hudson comments “We may be a nation of animal lovers, but using your pet’s name as a password could make you an easy target for callous cyber-criminals. Millions of accounts could fall victims to data breach by criminals using trial-and-error techniques.” This logic also applies to other personal information you have like birthdays and family names.
The NCSC’s latest Cyber Aware campaign provides updated advice to web users worldwide, intending to encourage people to reconsider password protection and online safety. The NCSC also recommends using harder-to-crack passwords such as three random, unconnected words. Regularly updating your device is also recommended as it provides added protection. Refrain from using easily guessed passwords such as anniversaries, birthdays, or even pet names. Following these steps will help make our accounts more secured.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think is the reason why many people like to use their pet’s name as passwords?
- For you, what is a “strong password”? Please describe.
- What will happen if hackers access other people’s accounts?
- Do you know anyone who has been a victim of data breaching or hacking? What happened to their accounts?
- What do you think should be the punishment for these cyber criminals? Please explain your answer.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- companion
- hacker
- secure
- protection
- advice