With our lives being as busy as they already are, having to remember logins for each site we use can be an added headache nobody wants. The alternative is using a single or set of passwords across every site, but that can’t be safe right?
The truth is, that if the online vendor is following best practices, then your password should actually be stored securely using something called hashing and salting (which is discussed here), your password is relatively safe, but do all these online vendors follow best practices? Your guess is as good as mine. The sad reality is, it only takes one vendor to not be following protocol to compromise everyone who uses that vendor.
Enter password managers…
Your best bet is to ensure that you’re using different passwords for each site you use, and password managers help by providing a safe place to store that information.
What is a Password Manager?
A password manager is a software application designed to help users store, generate, and manage their passwords securely. Here are the main features and benefits of using a password manager:
- Storage and Encryption:
- Password managers store all your passwords in an encrypted database. This ensures that only you can access your passwords using a master password.
- Password Generation:
- They can generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, reducing the risk of using easily guessable or reused passwords.
- Auto-Fill and Auto-Login:
- Password managers can automatically fill in login credentials on websites and apps, saving you time and reducing the risk of typing errors.
- Sync Across Devices:
- Many password managers offer the ability to sync your password database across multiple devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and computers) so you can access your passwords wherever you are.
- Security Features:
- Additional security features may include two-factor authentication (2FA), secure password sharing, breach alerts, and audit reports to check the strength and reuse of passwords.
- Convenience:
- By managing all your passwords in one place, password managers can help you remember only one master password, simplifying your digital life.
Popular password managers include LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, and Bitwarden, each offering various features tailored to different user needs. Using a password manager can significantly enhance your online security by ensuring that you use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
How do I get started?
This article will primarily go over the free password manager options that most users can easily access without any additional subscriptions. This includes the following:
Apple Keychain |
Comes built-in as part of every Apple operating system, including their mobile iOS and is synced between all your Apple devices, if you are signed into iCloud. |
Google Password Manager |
Comes built-in on most Android based devices and is synced with your Google account and your Chrome browser. |
Both options provide all the features listed above, including breach reports. If there’s ever a breach where your account or password is compromised, your password manager will let you know and guide you to updating the affected passwords.
How to setup iCloud Keychain