Let’s start with the basics: You need to have a strong, unique password for every website and app that you use that requires a password. That means that you should never reuse passwords and that they need to be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. (If you want more info on how to create a strong password, check it out here.)
But who can remember all of those passwords, especially when they’re random combinations of letters and numbers instead of regular words? Basically no one. And that’s why you need to use a password manager.
What is a password manager?
Password managers act as a secure vault for all of your login information. Good ones also have random password generators, making it easier to create those long, complicated secure passwords. They’re also a great place to store anything else you might need but don’t want anyone else to have access to, like credit card and ID information.
How do password managers work?
Here’s how they work: Once you’ve downloaded the software, you’ll be asked to set a master password. That’s the only password you’ll have to remember from now on, because it will give you access to your password manager. Obviously, this password should be really strong — and you should never reveal it to anyone, ever. The person who has that password has access to all of your login information: your social media, your email, your bank accounts, everything. So it’s really important that you keep it a secret.
Most password managers come with an extension for your computer, making it easy to autofill both your username and password when you want to log in to a new site. They’ll also automatically lock after a certain amount of time, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your computer open and someone accessing them.
Why can’t I just save my password on my browser?
A lot of browsers offer to “manage” your passwords by saving them. While that’s convenient, it’s not a very safe way to store your information. Those programs aren’t encrypted, which means they’re vulnerable to malware attacks. You also can’t access the information independently, so it’s hard to remember what your passwords are. Finally, password managers have the added perk of providing you with a random password generator, ensuring that your passwords are strong. Generally, if you’re concerned about security, it’s a good policy to never save passwords on your browser.
What password manager should I use?
The password manager you choose is based on your preferences and your operating system. In the Addons Store you can find the following; 1Password, Bitwarden, Lastpass, Dashlane, SaferPass, and Keeper Password Manager. They offer security, random password generators, and an easy-to-use interface. Some of them also have a free plan, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. And when it comes to guarding all of your login info, don’t you want the best?
Stop trying to remember all of your passwords. Stop reusing passwords. (We know you’re doing it.) It’s time to get a password manager and you can get one from the Addons Store.
