The Reading / Listening - Web Authentication - Level 6

It looks like login usernames and passwords are on their way out. No longer will we have to worry about the security of our login credentials. They are set to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login system known as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become an official standard for logging in at the main Internet standards body, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will be universally used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication processes. It will allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts using a digital device, biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or USB security keys.

The WWWC spoke about the days of passwords being numbered. A spokesperson said: "It's common knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy. Not only are stolen, weak or default passwords behind 81 per cent of data breaches, they are a drain of time and resources." It added: "Now is the time for web services and businesses to adopt Web Authentication to move beyond vulnerable passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences," Web Authentication means users are at less risk of having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because login authentication is achieved via physical devices or biometrics from our body.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Web Authentication - Level 4  or  Web Authentication - Level 5

Sources
  • https://www.cnet.com/news/goodbye-passwords-webauthn-is-now-an-official-web-standard/
  • https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/03/05/webauthn-becomes-official-hardware-login-standard-for-browsers-like-apples-safari
  • https://thenextweb.com/security/2019/03/05/web-apps-will-soon-let-you-log-in-with-hardware-keys-and-fingerprints/


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. PASSWORDS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about passwords. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
       logging in / username / password / secure / standard / Internet / browser / fingerprint
       common knowledge / data / breaches / time / resources / vulnerable / biometrics
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. FINGERPRINTS: Students A strongly believe fingerprints are more secure than passwords; Students B strongly believe the opposite.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. BIOMETRICS: What will we be able to do with these biometrics in the future? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

What We Could Do

Security Risks

Eyes

 

 

Fingerprints

 

 

DNA

 

 

Body smell

 

 

Voice

 

 

Face

 

 
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. LOGIN: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "login". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. DEVICES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best devices at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • electronic dictionary
  • 3D printer
  • scanner
  • smart glasses
  • USB drive
  • digital camera
  • smart watch
  • MP3 player

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. credentials a. A group of people with a common purpose or function acting as an organization.
      2. infinitely b. Relating to or about the face.
      3. standard c. The details you need (such as usernames and passwords) needed to log in online.
      4. body d. A required or agreed level of quality or attainment.
      5. platform e. To a very great degree; without limit.
      6. biometrics f. A standard for the hardware of a computer system, determining what kinds of software it can run.
      7. facial g. The use of the face and body to be used for security purposes (e.g. logging on to websites, gaining access to areas of a building, etc.).

    Paragraph 2

      8. numbered h. Something known by most people.
      9. common i. The ability to produce a desired or intended result.
      10. efficacy j. Open to physical or emotional attack or harm.
      11. breach k. Not surviving or remaining in a position of power or advantage for much longer.
      12. drain l. A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.
      13. vulnerable m. Cause money, energy, or another valuable resource to be lost, wasted, or used up.
      14. device n. A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense.

 

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. The article said passwords are on their way in.     T / F
  2. Login credentials might soon be replaced by Web Authentication.     T / F
  3. The World Wide Web Consortium said Web Authentication is dangerous.  T / F
  4. The article said fingerprints are not part of Web Authentication.     T / F
  5. The WWW Consortium suggested the use of passwords is nearing an end. T / F
  6. The WWW Consortium suggested passwords are a waste of resources.     T / F
  7. Web Authentication increases the risk of having passwords stolen.     T / F
  8. Web Authentication makes use of biometrics.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. worry
  2. credentials
  3. standard
  4. universally
  5. accounts for
  6. numbered
  7. efficacy
  8. drain
  9. vulnerable
  10. achieved
  1. makes up
  2. attained
  3. all over
  4. limited
  5. fret
  6. burden
  7. weak
  8. ID
  9. benefit
  10. guideline

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. usernames and passwords are on
  2. the security of our login
  3. replaced by an infinitely more
  4. universally used
  5. such as fingerprints
  6. The WWWC spoke about the days of
  7. passwords have outlived
  8. they are a drain of
  9. users are at
  10. authentication is achieved via physical
  1. secure login system
  2. devices or biometrics
  3. by web browsers
  4. passwords being numbered
  5. their efficacy
  6. their way out
  7. less risk
  8. credentials
  9. and facial recognition
  10. time and resources

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
security
universally
official
security
usernames
digital
system
processes

It looks like login (1) ____________ and passwords are on their way out. No longer will we have to worry about the (2) ____________ of our login credentials. They are set to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login (3) ____________ known as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become an (4) ____________ standard for logging in at the main Internet standards body, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will be (5) ____________ used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication (6) ____________. It will allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts using a (7) ____________ device, biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or USB (8) ____________ keys.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
vulnerable
common
breaches
biometrics
days
risk
adopt
stolen

The WWWC spoke about the (9) ____________ of passwords being numbered. A spokesperson said: "It's (10) ____________ knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy. Not only are (11) ____________, weak or default passwords behind 81 per cent of data (12) ____________, they are a drain of time and resources." It added: "Now is the time for web services and businesses to (13) ____________ Web Authentication to move beyond (14) ____________ passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences," Web Authentication means users are at less (15) ____________ of having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because login authentication is achieved via physical devices or (16) ____________ from our body.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  It looks like login usernames and passwords are on ______
     a.  their way out
     b.  there way in
     c.  their ways out
     d.  their ways in
2)  No longer will we have to worry about the security of our ______
     a.  login credentials
     b.  login green dentures
     c.  login creed entrails
     d.  log incredible shawls
3)  used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger ______
     a.  authenticity ration processes
     b.  authentic nation processes
     c.  authentic ration processes
     d.  authentication processes
4)  allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts ______ device
     a.  using a digitally
     b.  using a digit all
     c.  using a digit tall
     d.  using a digital
5)  biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or USB ______
     a.  security keys
     b.  security quays
     c.  security quiz
     d.  security keeps

6)  The WWWC spoke about the days of passwords ______
     a.  being numbed
     b.  being numb barred
     c.  being numb bed
     d.  being numbered
7)  It's common knowledge that passwords have outlived ______
     a.  there ethics cases
     b.  their ethics racy
     c.  there efficacy
     d.  their efficacy
8)  adopt Web Authentication to move beyond ______
     a.  vulnerability passwords
     b.  venerable passwords
     c.  vulnerable passwords
     d.  Vulcan able  passwords
9)  users are at less risk of having their passwords and ______
     a.  credential stolen
     b.  credentials stolen
     c.  credential stole in
     d.  credentials stole on
10)  This is because login authentication is achieved via physical devices ______
     a.  of biometrics
     b.  or biometrics
     c.  on biometrics
     d.  ore biometrics

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

It looks like login usernames and passwords are on (1) ___________________. No longer will we have to worry about the security of (2) ___________________. They are set to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login system known as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become (3) ___________________ for logging in at the main Internet standards body, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will (4) ___________________ by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication processes. It will allow website users to (5) ___________________ to their online accounts using a digital device, biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or (6) ___________________.

The WWWC spoke about the days of (7) ___________________. A spokesperson said: "It's common knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy. Not only are stolen, (8) ___________________ passwords behind 81 per cent (9) ___________________, they are a drain of time and resources." It added: "Now is the time for web services and businesses to adopt Web Authentication to (10) ___________________ passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences," Web Authentication means users are (11) ___________________ of having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because login authentication is achieved via physical (12) ___________________ from our body.

Comprehension questions

  1. What did the article say are on the way out?
  2. What did the article say we won't have to worry about the security of?
  3. What will Web Authentication be used by?
  4. What two examples of biometrics did the article mention?
  5. What kind of keys did the article say we might use?
  6. What did the WWWC say about the days of passwords?
  7. How many data breaches are because of stolen, weak or default passwords?
  8. Who did the article say should adopt Web Authentication?
  9. What might Web Authentication improve the security of?
  10. What did the article say Web Authentication is achieved via?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What did the article say are on the way out?
a) modems
b) browsers
c) websites
d) passwords
2) What did the article say we won't have to worry about the security of?
a) our bank accounts
b) our login credentials
c) our home
d) bluetooth
3) What will Web Authentication be used by?
a) networks
b) search engines
c) social media sites
d) web browsers and platforms
4) What two examples of biometrics did the article mention?
a) our retina and fingerprints
b) DNA and fingerprints
c) fingerprints and facial recognition
d) facial recognition and DNA
5) What kind of keys did the article say we might use?
a) encrypted keys
b) Internet keys
c) digital keys
d) USB security keys

6) What did the WWWC say about the days of passwords?
a) there are many of them
b) they are difficult
c) they are numbered
d) they are long
7) How many data breaches are because of stolen, weak or default passwords?
a) 81%
b) 80%
c) 79%
d) 78%
8) Who did the article say should adopt Web Authentication?
a) mail providers
b) everyone
c) web services and businesses
d) social networks
9) What might Web Authentication improve the security of?
a) the Internet of Things
b) online experiences
c) social media
d) online shopping
10) What did the article say Web Authentication is achieved via?
a) biometrics
b) bionics
c) biology
d) biofuels

Role play

Role  A – USB Drive
You think a USB drive is the most useful device. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a digital camera, a smart watch or a 3D printer.

Role  B – Digital Camera
You think a digital camera is the most useful device. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a USB drive, a smart watch or a 3D printer.

Role  C – Smart Watch
You think a smart watch is the most useful device. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a digital camera, a USB drive or a 3D printer.

Role  D – 3D Printer
You think a 3D printer is the most useful device. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their devices. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a digital camera, a smart watch or a USB drive.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'username'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'password'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • days
    • common
    • weak
    • drain
    • risk
    • body
    • out
    • worry
    • set
    • official
    • universally
    • accounts

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Passwords to be replaced by Web Authentication

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'password'?
    3. How difficult is your password?
    4. How much do you worry about online security?
    5. Have you ever had problems online?
    6. What do you think of the idea of passwords?
    7. What would you do if your passwords were stolen?
    8. What do you think of the Web Authentication system?
    9. What do you know about biometrics?
    10. How secure do you think fingerprints and facial recognition are?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'username'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. Have you ever been hacked?
    5. How many passwords do you have?
    6. How dangerous is the Internet?
    7. What happens when someone steals your identity?
    8. What is your biggest worry about being online?
    9. What advice do you have for people to stay safe online?
    10. What questions would you like to ask a hacker?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    It looks like login usernames and passwords are on their way (1) ____. No longer will we have to worry about the security of our login (2) ____. They are set to be replaced by an (3) ____ more secure login system known as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become an official standard for logging in at the main Internet standards (4) ____, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will be universally used by web browsers and (5) ____ for simpler and stronger authentication processes. It will allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts using a digital device, biometrics (such as fingerprints and (6) ____ recognition) or USB security keys.

    The WWWC spoke about the days of passwords being (7) ____. A spokesperson said: "It's common knowledge that passwords have (8) ____ their efficacy. Not only are stolen, weak or default passwords behind 81 per cent of data breaches, they are a (9) ____ of time and resources." It added: "Now is the time for web services and businesses to adopt Web Authentication to move (10) ____ vulnerable passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences," Web Authentication means users are (11) ____ less risk of having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because login authentication is achieved (12) ____ physical devices or biometrics from our body.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     up     (b)     in     (c)     out     (d)     on    
    2. (a)     credentials     (b)     cardinals     (c)     credits     (d)     credence    
    3. (a)     infinitely     (b)     infinity     (c)     infinite     (d)     infinitive    
    4. (a)     body     (b)     head     (c)     torso     (d)     chest    
    5. (a)     podiums     (b)     elevations     (c)     stages     (d)     platforms    
    6. (a)     faced     (b)     face-off     (c)     farcical     (d)     facial    
    7. (a)     numbered     (b)     lettered     (c)     symbolized     (d)     sketched    
    8. (a)     relived     (b)     liveried     (c)     enlivened     (d)     outlived    
    9. (a)     drain     (b)     sink     (c)     pipe     (d)     flow    
    10. (a)     beneath     (b)     beyond     (c)     behest     (d)     bequeath    
    11. (a)     to     (b)     at     (c)     on     (d)     by    
    12. (a)     via     (b)     per     (c)     pro     (d)     anti

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. the security of our login dcteneiarls
    2. fiinitnley more secure
    3. become an ifocfail standard
    4. stronger authentication roepssces
    5. using a digital vedice
    6. fingerprints and facial cnogiriteon

    Paragraph 2

    1. It's common lowkednge
    2. stolen, weak or fduaelt passwords
    3. 81 per cent of data aebcrehs
    4. move beyond elnrubavle passwords
    5. authentication is ciavehed
    6. imbrteiocs from our body

    Put the text back together

    (...)  as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become an official standard for logging in at the main
    (...)  passwords behind 81 per cent of data breaches, they are a drain of time and resources." It added: "Now is the
    (...)  processes. It will allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts using a digital device,
    (...)  Internet standards body, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will
    (...)  be universally used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication
    (...)  login authentication is achieved via physical devices or biometrics from our body.
    (...)  Authentication means users are at less risk of having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because
    (...)  knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy. Not only are stolen, weak or default
    (...)  passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences," Web
    (...)  time for web services and businesses to adopt Web Authentication to move beyond vulnerable
    (...)  The WWWC spoke about the days of passwords being numbered. A spokesperson said: "It's common
    (...)  of our login credentials. They are set to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login system known
    (  1  ) It looks like login usernames and passwords are on their way out. No longer will we have to worry about the security
    (...)  biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or USB security keys.

    Put the words in the right order

    1. way   their   passwords   on   Usernames   are   and   out   .
    2. our   Worry   of   the   login   credentials   .   security   about
    3. infinitely   Replaced   secure   by   login   an   more   system   .
    4. system   will   that   A   be   universally   used   .
    5. will   allow   website   users   to   It   log   in   .
    6. about   of   days   the   passwords   Spoke   being   numbered   .
    7. knowledge  passwords  Common  outlived   have  that  their   efficacy  .
    8. of   security   the   their   Improve   online   experiences   .
    9. Authentication   users   Web   at   are   means   less   risk   .
    10. achieved   is   authentication   via   Login   physical   devices   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    It looks like login usernames and passwords are on their way in / out. No longer will we have to worry about the secure / security of our login credentials. They are set / let to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login system known was / as Web Authentication. Web Authentication has become an officially / official standard for logging in at the main Internet standards head / body, the World Wide Web Consortium (WWWC). It is a system that will be universally / universal used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication professes / processes. It will allow website users to log in securely to / at their online accounts using a digital device, biometrics (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) or USB security keys / answers.

    The WWWC spoke / voiced about the days of passwords being numbered / lettered. A spokesperson said: "It's common knowing / knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy / live. Not only are stolen, weak or default passwords behind 81 per cent of data broaches / breaches, they are a drain / sink of time and resources." It added: "Now is the time for web services and businesses to adopt Web Authentication to move behind / beyond vulnerable passwords and help web users improve the secure / security of their online experiences," Web Authentication means users are at less risk of / on having their passwords and credentials stolen. This is because login authentication is achieved via physical devices / divisions or biometrics from our body.

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    I t l__ k s l_k_ l_g_n _s_r n_m_s _n d p_s s w_r d s _r_ _n t h__ r w_y __ t . N_ l_n g_r w_l l w_ h_v_ t_ w_r r y _b__ t t h_ s_c_r_t y _f __ r l_g_n c r_d_n t__ l s . T h_y _r_ s_t t_ b_ r_p l_c_d b y _n _n f_n_t_l y m_r_ s_c_r_ l_g_n s y s t_m k n_w n _s W_b A_t h_n t_c_t__ n . W_b A_t h_n t_c_t__ n h_s b_c_m_ _n _f f_c__ l s t_n d_r d f_r l_g g_n g _n _t t h_ m__ n I n t_r n_t s t_n d_r d s b_d y , t h_ W_r l d W_d_ W_b C_n s_r t__ m ( W W W C ) . I t _s _ s y s t_m t h_t w_l l b_ _n_v_r s_l l y _s_d b y w_b b r_w s_r s _n d p l_t f_r m s f_r s_m p l_r _n d s t r_n g_r __ t h_n t_c_t__ n p r_c_s s_s . I t w_l l _l l_w w_b s_t_ _s_r s t_ l_g _n s_c_r_l y t_ t h__ r _n l_n_ _c c__ n t s _s_n g _ d_g_t_l d_v_c_, b__ m_t r_c s ( s_c h _s f_n g_r p r_n t s _n d f_c__ l r_c_g n_t__ n ) _r U S B s_c_r_t y k_y s .

    T h_ W W W C s p_k_ _b__ t t h_ d_y s _f p_s s w_r d s b__ n g n_m b_r_d . A s p_k_s p_r s_n s__ d : " I t ' s c_m m_n k n_w l_d g_ t h_t p_s s w_r d s h_v_ __ t l_v_d t h__ r _f f_c_c y . N_t _n l y _r_ s t_l_n , w__ k _r d_f__ l t p_s s w_r d s b_h_n d 8 1 p_r c_n t _f d_t_ b r__ c h_s , t h_y _r_ _ d r__ n _f t_m_ _n d r_s__ r c_s . " I t _d d_d : " N_w _s t h_ t_m_ f_r w_b s_r v_c_s _n d b_s_n_s s_s t_ _d_p t W_b A_t h_n t_c_t__ n t_ m_v_ b_y_n d v_l n_r_b l_ p_s s w_r d s _n d h_l p w_b _s_r s _m p r_v_ t h_ s_c_r_t y _f t h__ r _n l_n_ _x p_r__ n c_s , " W_b A_t h_n t_c_t__ n m__ n s _s_r s _r_ _t l_s s r_s k _f h_v_n g t h__ r p_s s w_r d s _n d c r_d_n t__ l s s t_l_n . T h_s _s b_c__ s_ l_g_n __ t h_n t_c_t__ n _s _c h__ v_d v__ p h y s_c_l d_v_c_s _r b__ m_t r_c s f r_m __ r b_d y .

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    it looks like login usernames and passwords are on their way out no longer will we have to worry about the security of our login credentials they are set to be replaced by an infinitely more secure login system known as web authentication web authentication has become an official standard for logging in at the main internet standards body the world wide web consortium wwwc it is a system that will be universally used by web browsers and platforms for simpler and stronger authentication processes it will allow website users to log in securely to their online accounts using a digital device biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition or usb security keys

    the wwwc spoke about the days of passwords being numbered a spokesperson said its common knowledge that passwords have outlived their efficacy not only are stolen weak or default passwords behind 81 per cent of data breaches they are a drain of time and resources it added now is the time for web services and businesses to adopt web authentication to move beyond vulnerable passwords and help web users improve the security of their online experiences web authentication means users are at less risk of having their passwords and credentials stolen this is because login authentication is achieved via physical devices or biometrics from our body

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    Itlookslikeloginusernamesandpasswordsareontheirwayout.Nolong
    erwillwehavetoworryaboutthesecurityofourlogincredentials.Theyar
    esettobereplacedbyaninfinitelymoresecureloginsystemknownasWe
    bAuthentication.WebAuthenticationhasbecomeanofficialstandardfo
    rlogginginatthemainInternetstandardsbody,theWorldWideWebCon
    sortium(WWWC).Itisasystemthatwillbeuniversallyusedbywebbrow
    sersandplatformsforsimplerandstrongerauthenticationprocesses.It
    willallowwebsiteuserstologinsecurelytotheironlineaccountsusingadi
    gitaldevice,biometrics(suchasfingerprintsandfacialrecognition)orU
    SBsecuritykeys.TheWWWCspokeaboutthedaysofpasswordsbeingn
    umbered.Aspokespersonsaid:"It'scommonknowledgethatpassword
    shaveoutlivedtheirefficacy.Notonlyarestolen,weakordefaultpasswo
    rdsbehind81percentofdatabreaches,theyareadrainoftimeandresour
    ces."Itadded:"Nowisthetimeforwebservicesandbusinessestoadopt
    WebAuthenticationtomovebeyondvulnerablepasswordsandhelpwe
    busersimprovethesecurityoftheironlineexperiences,"WebAuthentic
    ationmeansusersareatlessriskofhavingtheirpasswordsandcredentia
    lsstolen.Thisisbecauseloginauthenticationisachievedviaphysicaldev
    icesorbiometricsfromourbody.

    Free writing

    Write about Web Authentication for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    Passwords for computers and websites are not safe enough. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. PASSWORDS: Make a poster about passwords. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. FINFERPRINTS: Write a magazine article about all login-ins requiring a fingerprint. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on passwords. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your ideas on safe passwords. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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