Do you reuse the same base password across multiple accounts?This puts your data at great risk!
A password manager allows you to use a very strong unique password for each account, while easily remembering that there is only one master key.
Here are the main drawbacks for managers to address:
Password reuse - An account is hacked and hackers can access your account from anywhere. Very dangerous!
Easy-to-guess passwords - common dates, names, phrases are not secure. But strict passwords are hard to remember.
Write down your password - you may lose it or someone else can find the password you wrote.
Forgetting a password that you rarely use - resulting in locking out your own account!
Insecure storage - Syncing passwords in your browser can make them vulnerable.
Password managers solve all of these problems by encrypting storage and password generation. Let's take a look at the must-have features to keep your online life safe.
Here are the essentials to be an effective manager:
Secure encrypted storage - Make sure no one can access your master password vault. Look for AES-256 bits or higher.
Password Generator - Instantly create super strong, unique passwords for each account that no one else can crack.
Auto-fill login form - Enter your password automatically with a quick and secure login with one click.
Browser Extension - Enables easy autofill login directly in Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc.
Mobile App - Allows access to passwords from all devices.
Offline access - The vault can be viewed without an internet connection.
Custom fields - store other data such as credit cards.
Major options like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane all fit these criteria. Now let's put it into practice.
Here are some suggestions for making your password manager a natural part of your cybersecurity:
* Desktop and mobile apps and set your secure master password. Make it long but easy to remember.
Use the generator to create a unique random password for each account. Start with important logins, such as email and bank accounts.
Save the URL as well as log in so that your vault provides a complete list of your accounts.
Keep entries organized into folders for work, finance, social**, shopping, and more.
Enable autofill for seamless sign-in where possible. The administrator enters the password for you.
Designate trusted emergency contacts with time-limited access to the vault in case of an emergency.
Soon seamless ultra-secure logins will become a habit!A feeling of power.
Here are extra precautions for optimal safety:
Use two-factor authentication to allow it through SMS or authenticate the account. This adds an extra layer of validation.
Only the **Manager browser extension is directly from the company's official **, not the browser's extension store.
Never save passwords in your browser. This beats the use of a standalone crypto manager.
Change the password for any current account that was previously reused across multiple sites.
Check your manager's security measures, such as encryption standards for stored data.
Take control of your **security with a dedicated password manager!No more messy post-it notes or memory strain.
Which solution will you try?Share your experience with choosing and using a password manager in the comments!
List of high-quality authors