Password Managers: What You Need to Know

It’s time to ditch the old-fashioned pen and paper method of storing passwords. It’s not only outdated, but it also puts you at an elevated risk of having your accounts compromised. Instead, opt for a reliable online password manager that can help protect your sensitive information.

There are many password managers available, and they have unique features and strategies for keeping you protected. Some store your information locally; some store it securely in the cloud.   Some interact with sites and applications, and some are more or less just lists. There is no “one size fits all” answer to the question, “Which password manager is right for me?”, but here are some ideas to consider when thinking about or selecting one that’s right for you:

• Secure storage: Is the information (your passwords, usernames and credential) stored in an encrypted way?
• Cost: There are free options, as well as applications you can purchase. Some password managers are available on a subscription (monthly fee) basis.
• Where is your information stored? Depending on your particular use, you may wish to store your information on your computer, or on your business network. In other cases, you may wish to have your information stored “in the cloud”. The cloud option may provide access to your information from a range of places, and across multiple devices and platforms. If you choose an option that stores locally, it’s important to consider that you will only be able to access your information there.
• Some solutions offer interoperability with websites, mobile apps, and even televisions by prefilling your credentials. This can be very convenient, but make sure you understand the limitations and capabilities before you choose.
• Secure password generation: Most password managers will help you create strong, hard-to-guess, and compliant passwords for the application you are using. Some will examine your stored passwords and give you suggestions for creating better passwords, eliminating duplicates, or even telling you about passwords that you have chosen that are known to be compromised.
• Understanding what type of technical support is available is key and something that you should not overlook if you think you might need help getting set up and using a password manager.
• Many password managers require you to set a “master” password. Understanding the steps to recover a lost or forgotten master password is a critical decision point. Some platforms (generally the most secure) offer no means of recovery, so make sure to check this out and come up with a strategy that’s right for you.

Don’t take your online security for granted. Protect your accounts and keep them safe from cyber threats by using a trustworthy password manager.  While we can’t make any specific recommendations on specific products, we hope that these suggestions help you identify a solution that will help you stay secure and safeguard your digital activities.

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