What is a Password Manager?
From capital letters to punctuation and numbers, most sites require long and complex passwords to best protect user information. While the benefits of added security are understandable, trying to keep track of the complicated passwords used across dozens of websites and applications can be easier said than done. Studies estimate that the average business user has 191 passwords to keep straight.
For those who struggle to manage passwords across dozens of sites, a password manager can be an excellent investment. These programs are designed to manage security by creating strong passwords and keeping them organized, and both businesses and individuals alike can make use of the protections they offer. From safeguarding confidential corporate content to keeping personal banking logins secure, a password manager can be a very valuable tool.
By: Alex McOmie Password manager reviewer Editor: Owen Dubiel IT security and VPN expert Updated January 31, 2023
The Benefits of a Password Manager
The biggest advantage for individual and business password manager users is improving online safety by removing the need to remember complex passwords across countless sites. But, there are other added benefits for using a password management system, including:
Auto-generate secure passwords for you.
With the growing risk of cybercrime, ensuring passwords are secure and hard to guess is more important than ever. However, creating distinct yet memorable passwords that include capital letters, lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers for every site with a registration can be easier said than done. A password manager can take the pressure off of password creation. When signing up for a new site or service, your password manager can suggest a randomized password that meets specific platform requirements. This password will then be stored within the program’s memory, resulting in the implementation of a password that is hard to crack but easy to access.
Alert you to phishing sites.
Phishing sites, or fraudulent sites posing as legitimate sites in an effort to steal information, are all too common on the web. Those who fall for phishing sites can put personal and financial information at risk, opening themselves up for potentially dangerous attacks or even a stolen identity. Password managers, however, can reduce the risk of falling victim to online traps. As the data associated with password managers is site-specific, your password manager won’t auto-populate information when you visit an illegitimate site. This can stop you from entering a username and password into a phishing site, effectively preventing this common form of cybercrime.
You don’t have to remember all of your passwords.
If you’re tired of trying to remember passwords across countless sites, you’re not alone. However, a password manager can help you circumvent this common burden by storing all of your username and password combinations in a secure manner so that you don’t have to rely on memory alone. When you visit sites or open programs that are stored in your password manager, password information can auto-populate. This makes it easy to log in anywhere without the need to remember passwords yourself. Even if you go years between using a particular site, your password manager will ensure you always have access.
Sync across all of your devices and operating systems.
As many web users with multiple devices know, a password saved on your computer may not auto-populate on your phone. Different password memory systems will keep your access to passwords fragmented, creating a logistical headache that can make using the same services across multiple devices unnecessarily frustrating. Luckily, some password managers work across devices, providing a way to unify password use for a more effective approach to accessing websites. Passwords implemented across all of your devices can be secured in one convenient location, simplifying the process of creating and using passwords. Types of Password Managers Password managers come in a few different shapes and sizes to best accommodate individual needs. The three most common types are desktop, cloud-based and single sign-on.
A desktop
Is a Password Manager Secure?
One of the biggest concerns surrounding password managers is whether or not they are secure. After all, a password manager holds all of your sensitive login information in one place. However, when used properly, password managers can actually increase your security.
Most password managers use strong encryption algorithms to secure your data, meaning that even if someone were to obtain access to your stored passwords, they would be virtually impossible to decipher. Additionally, many password managers require a master password to access your stored passwords, adding an extra layer of security. However, it's important to choose a reputable and trustworthy password manager to ensure that your data is being stored securely. Look for password managers with good reviews and a solid track record of protecting user data.
Tips for Using a Password Manager
To make the most of your password manager, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Use a strong master password. Your master password is the key to unlocking all of your stored passwords, so it's crucial to choose a strong and unique password that you don't use anywhere else.
Enable two-factor authentication. Adding an extra layer of security through 2FA can make it even more difficult for hackers to access your stored passwords.
Regularly update your passwords. While a password manager can make it easy to use strong and unique passwords, it's still important to regularly update your passwords to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Don't share your master password. Your master password should be kept private and not shared with anyone, even trusted friends or family members.
Using a password manager can make it significantly easier to manage your passwords across multiple sites while also improving your overall security. By using a reputable password manager and following best practices for password management, you can keep your sensitive information safe and secure online.
For more information on password managers - visit our friends at https://www.passwordmanager.com/ - or call us (210) 538-3669 - or by email at help@bvtech.org .