This content is located in CAPS under Social Implications: Basic Security Concepts for Grade 10.

Authentication is a cornerstone of information security and a vital topic for students to understand in today’s connected environment. By teaching concepts like User IDs, Passwords, Multi-factor Authentication, and One-time Passwords (OTPs), we equip learners with practical skills to safeguard personal and institutional information. Here’s how to make this topic interactive and relevant for Grade 10 learners.

Begin the lesson by contextualising authentication in real-life scenarios: Ask learners how they log into their phones, social media accounts, or school portals. Highlight that these processes all involve authentication—proving who they are to access resources.

User IDs Start by explaining that a User ID is a unique identifier, often used in combination with passwords, to verify identity. To make this concept relatable:

• Create a classroom analogy: Assign each learner a unique number or nickname for the day. Every interaction in class (e.g., answering questions, receiving points) requires the use of their identifier.
• Discuss real-world examples, like email addresses or usernames on platforms like Google or Instagram.

Passwords Move on to passwords, emphasising the importance of strong, memorable combinations. Practical classroom ideas include:

• Password Strength Activity: Write examples of weak (e.g., “12345”) and strong passwords on the board. Let learners critique and improve them.
• Password Creation Challenge: Ask students to create a secure password using a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Then, test its strength using online tools (if internet access is available) or a classroom rubric.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Introduce MFA by explaining how it adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than one verification method. Break it down with real-life examples:

• Use a banking app or Gmail that prompts a text message verification.
• Simulate MFA in class: Have learners ‘log in’ to an activity by providing their User ID, then solving a maths riddle or answering a personal security question.

One-time Passwords (OTPs) Explain that OTPs are temporary passwords sent via SMS or email. To make this concept engaging:

• Run a game where each learner receives a slip of paper with a unique ‘OTP’ for class activities. They must use it within a set time to ‘unlock’ participation in a quiz or discussion.

Discussion and Reflection Encourage learners to discuss the pros and cons of these methods. For example:

• Passwords can be guessed or shared, but MFA adds complexity.
• OTPs are secure but require immediate access to phones or emails.

For under-resourced classrooms, use offline activities and role-play to simulate these concepts. Learners can pretend to be systems verifying identities, creating a memorable and interactive experience.

Finish the session by summarising the importance of secure authentication in protecting personal information, encouraging students to implement these practices in their own digital lives.

What strategies do you use to make security concepts engaging for learners? Share your ideas or experiences in the comments!This blog post offers practical strategies for teaching Grade 10 learners about authentication. Covering User IDs, Passwords, Multi-factor Authentication, and One-time Passwords, it provides engaging classroom activities to make security concepts relatable and interactive, ensuring learners are equipped to protect their information effectively.