To combat the "password fatigue" most of us revert back to convenient options like reusing the same passwords or saving them in our browser so we don't have to memorize them. Even if you started writing them down and storing them in a safe place, you probably stopped after a while.
Despite the struggles, strong passwords and, ideally, two-factor authentication remain to be the most important measures you can take to protect your online accounts. And help is on the way! Password managers are programs that store all your passwords in one database encrypted with a master password only you know. This makes it simple to manage unique passwords for each account. Most programs even synchronize across different devices so you can look up your passwords securely from anywhere. Some programs allow you to import login information, in others you have to manually enter it. But this is a minimal time investment compared to the convenience you enjoy later on!
What to look for when choosing a Password Manager:
- A program you feel comfortable with and that is simple for you to use.
- A solution that meets your needs (different devices, storing security questions etc.).
- Before choosing a program, read reviews and see what other users experienced.
- The program should NOT be able to recover your master password for you. This is a password only you should know. If the program can recover it, that means it is stored somewhere which creates a risk!
