Keeping data safe from thieves

Data thieves want information: names, photos, messages, bank details. Here are five ways to lock your data. One: a strong password is long, with at least eight random letters, numbers and symbols, and not a name or a birthday. Two: multi-factor authentication asks for two proofs, for example a password you know and a code sent to a phone you have. Three: a fingerprint is something you are, because only your finger matches it. Four: face recognition also uses something you are, because it checks your face. Five: encryption turns your data into a secret code, so if a thief copies it, they see only nonsense, unless they know the password. Use more than one lock, like a door with a lock, a bolt and a guard. On many devices these features can be switched on; ask your teacher or a grown-up to help. Never use a password example from a book. The ones in books are invented, and everyone has read them.