When it comes to password security, there are two opposing forces. One is the need to use long, strong, and unique passwords for every login you use. The other is the fact that we use so many passwords on a regular basis, that it’s impossible to remember them all if they’re as strong as they should be.
The average person uses 27 different passwords for everything from online bank accounts to shopping on Amazon, and that’s just for personal use. Add in passwords used at work, and that number easily more than doubles.
This password overload has led to unsurprising password bad habits that make it easier for a hacker to compromise passwords, such as:
- Reusing the same password for multiple logins
- Using weak passwords
- Saving passwords on an unsecure document
Weak or stolen passwords are responsible for 80% of hacking related data breaches.
Data breaches, malware attacks, and ransomware infections can all be the result of not protecting passwords properly. But with so many passwords to juggle, what’s the answer for better password security?
This is the issue that password managers were designed to solve.
What is a Password Manager?
Password managers are applications that act as a vault for all your passwords. They securely store your login credentials for any apps or websites that use a sign in and all you have to remember is a single master password to unlock the password vault.
You can download the password manager application on your desktop, mobile device, and use a browser extension to access it as well. It will either open to allow you to copy/paste a password for a specific login or can autofill them into a login form.
Some of the most popular password managers are:
- 1Password
- Dashlane
- LastPass
- Bitwarden
Benefits of Using a Password Manager for Personal & Business
Password use is universal and whether you’re logging in to your Facebook account or run a department with multiple employees using passwords to access business applications, they’re an important part of data security.
Password managers have both individual and business subscriptions. Personal and family subscriptions can range from free to $5 per month. Business subscriptions, which include more administrative and business-focused options, can run from $4 to $8+ per user per month. You can also use the free or paid Mac password manager. However, the free version is only a basic function, whereas the paid version is a more enhanced one.
Here are the reasons using a password manager can significantly increase your password security and management efficiency.
Eliminates the Problem with Remembering Passwords
Weak passwords come from the need to remember so many of them. While 66% of professionals surveyed say that protecting passwords is important, 51% of them say it’s too difficult to manage passwords.
Password managers make it easy to manage strong, unique passwords for multiple logins, because the user only has to remember a single strong password to access all the rest.
Suggests Strong Passwords
The strongest passwords are those that don’t spell out any specific word, but are a string of numbers, letters, and symbols at least 10+ characters long. The type of password that’s difficult for a human to remember, but not a password vault.
Password managers can help you create strong passwords for every login by creating them for you.
Easy to Use
Password managers are designed to be quick and easy to use so they won’t slow down productivity. They can be accessed both by app and browser extension, so you can access your passwords for login in whichever way is easier. They can also sync your passwords across devices, so you’ll have them where you need them.
Strong Security & Encryption
The biggest worry with keeping your passwords in a single application is the security aspect. What if a hacker gets in and steals all your passwords at once?
The companies that create password managers implement industry-leading security and encryption to keep your logins safe. They also use what’s called local-only encryption, which means data is encrypted at the device level and even the password manager company doesn’t have access to the data stored in your vault or your master password and encryption keys.
Some of the other security features include:
- Alerts you to security breaches
- Only works in verified browsers
- Protects you from phishing attacks
- Removes sensitive details from your clipboard
- Protects your data from keyloggers
- Can be used along with two-factor authentication
Allows Companies the Ability to Better Manage Employee Passwords
If you have an employee that’s abruptly left the company or is just out sick and you need to access something that only they have the password for, it can leave you in a difficult situation if no one knows their password.
A password manager for business gives you the ability to assign an administrator that can access logins company-wide if needed, ensuring you’re never locked out of important programs or data.
How Strong is Your Password & Data Security?
From offering home device protection through our Web Guardian program to working alongside business owners to ensure their networks are secure, Two River Computer can help prevent your network from getting hacked and data being stolen.
Contact us today for a security consultation! Call 732-747-0020 or reach us online.
