To mark Safer Internet Day, we’re going back to basics with passwords. How many times have you got annoyed that you can’t remember your personal or professional passwords? If you’re anything like us the answer is a lot!
Particularly as passwords are becoming harder, longer and more complicated to keep us safe. Thankfully, there are easier ways to remember, or rather, delegate the responsibility on to something.
What are password managers?
Password managers are software’s applications that store and manage various online account passwords. The software works by storing your passwords in an encrypted format (basically a jumbled mess) that can only be accessed by a master password and/or phrase – so you only need to remember one password. Much easier!
Password managers Vs web browser
When the web browser remembers your passwords, we tend to breathe a sigh of relief. However, storing your passwords on a web browser can be risky and, ultimately, may become more costly.
Different web browsers store information in their own way. Chrome allows you to view saved logins without needing a user password and Firebox gives you instant access to passwords without authentication. Two of the most used browsers leave you vulnerable.
This means if someone hacks your personal or business account, all your passwords would be accessible – a fairly terrifying thought.
To stop your web browser saving your passwords you will need to go into the security setting and make some changes. We’d recommend removing all your stored passwords on all browsers, turn off auto-prompt for storing passwords and, where possible, turning on two-factor authentication.
There’s also an element of convenience. Many password managers can sync across multiple devices, meaning you always have your passwords with you. This is particularly useful on phones and tablets, where you can access passwords using your fingerprint.
Password Managers
After changing your settings you may want to consider downloading password manager software for personal and professional use. There’s a range of password managers available, but some of the more popular ones are:
For businesses, there are often Enterprise plans that allow multiple users to access the same passwords.
For example, you can share your Google Analytics login details with the rest of the team by adding it to a password manager. Once shared, the team can log into their password manager using their own details and have access to account too. There’s no need to email passwords (which isn’t safe anyway) or remember them all.
We recommend doing your research and finding the best password manager for you and or your team. Once set up, they offer a safe and convenient way to share and store passwords. Don’t just be safe on Safer Internet Day.
Want to know more? Get in touch :)