Passwords are a blessing and a curse. They allow us to pay for things online and to guard our personal information. But as techniques for cracking them become ever more sophisticated, it's becoming harder to remember and manage all the passwords we need.

For one thing, you really shouldn't use the same password for more than one account. If a hacker is able to break into one of your accounts, they'll try that password with others. Or if one site springs a leak, such as Sony's PlayStation in 2012, hackers can have a field day trying the leaked passwords on other sites. You might not feel too security conscious about some of the sites you use (forums, for example, where no money changes hands), but if you've used the same or a similar password on a more important site, like a shop or your bank, it's like leaving your front door open.

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Before you post that video, meme, or selfie on Facebook (or Twitter, or Instagram, or Tumblr, and let's consider avoiding Snapchat completely), ask yourself whether it fits one or more of the criteria outlined below. Because nobody ever regretted not uploading something for the entire world to see, and you may well save yourself a load of grief down the line.

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If you want to understand the future of humanity – where we're headed, who'll be in charge, and exactly how worried you should be about that – you could do worse than begin with two unremarkable buildings, on opposite coasts of the US. The more famous one, half a mile from Google's main campus in Mountain View, California, is home to Google X, the search giant's purportedly secret research lab.

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 Apps are becoming an increasingly important way to communicate and access the internet through our phones, tablets and TVs. We use them to play games, send messages, check the news and weather and use maps and navigation services. Increasingly we are also using them to do our

banking.

While apps provide a simple and easy means of accessing great content and services, it's important to be aware of how to use them safely and securely.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your smart device and apps and how to use them with confidence. This guide has been produced by Ofcom in association with the Information Commissioner's Office, the Competition and

Markets Authority, PhonepayPlus and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Read the resource here.

An exploration of self-harm in the context of online behaviour; what research currently tells us; current expert opinion from those who support children and young people with self-harm and how those of us with responsibility for online safety might consider adapting current interventions to understand and prevent digital self-harm.

This is essential reading for parents, carers and adults who work with young people.

Read the article here.

The ICO has developed a useful and comprehensive series of resources and guidance for young people to help protect their personal information. Access the resources here.