The Advantages of Password Managers
This week, we’re dispelling the misconceptions about password managers and showing others how these tools will keep them safe online. If you’re like most people, you’re probably using the same password for most of your accounts – and that’s not safe! If your one password gets stolen because of a data breach, it can be used to gain access to all your accounts and your sensitive information. Luckily, password managers are easy to use and make a big difference.
HOW DO PASSWORD MANAGERS WORK?
A password manager is a software created to manage all your online credentials like usernames and passwords. When you first sign into a website or service, the password manager records your username and password to auto-fill the next time you need to login. It stores them in a safe, encrypted database and also generates new passwords when needed.
Because the password manager stores all your passwords, you don’t need to memorize hundreds of passwords or keep that secret password paper in your drawer. Please stop doing that! Now you only need to remember one to unlock your password vault in the manager app, so it makes things so much easier.
EASILY MANAGE ALL YOUR PASSWORDS
As our online lives expand, so do the number of unique passwords we need to create and remember—if you’re using strong password habits. Since 53 percent of people rely on their memory to manage passwords, it’s virtually impossible to remember them all. Password managers can save users a lot of headaches and make accounts safer by recommending strong passwords. Why not give your passwords a security upgrade and test out a password manager application?
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. While there are all kinds of ways to keep your data protected, following just four key steps can make a big difference. Password managers is the second step we’re highlighting this month. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the help of a password manager, you can be on your way to keeping your data safe and secure online. #becybersafe
Written by: Chris Zambuto and StaySafeOnline.org | Chief Information Security Officer @CMITBostonCambridge
