9 Reasons you should be using a password manager

While some of us struggle to remember them – and others tie themselves in knots in an attempt to make them stronger – passwords are a necessity to anyone who owns a computer or smart device.

While passwords form the most basic level of IT security, this short collection of characters remains the frontline of data protection should your data fall into the wrong hands.

However, as more companies introduce username and login details, in order to secure their sites, it becomes difficult to create and remember effective passwords for each account we use. Worryingly, studies have shown that many people (especially those under the age of 34) have become careless with their passwords. In fact, nearly 35 percent of us are using the same password for most of our online logins. Worse still, 42 percent of tech users have reported having an account hacked at least once. This has grave implications for SMEs in sectors like law and private equity, where users may not be savvy enough to understand the risks associated with poor password security but use their laptops and email accounts to store a huge amount of sensitive and valuable data.

9 Reasons you should be using a password manager

It’s not hard to see why people become lax with their own security. Consider how many password protected applications you were using ten years ago – now compare that to today. Personally, I have 30+ password protected accounts today, compared to a meger eight back in 2010. Now, let me tell you, remembering 30 unique, secure passwords is no easy feat.

That’s why I use a password manager. My password manager keeps my personal and professional data secure, making my online experience simple and worry-free.

Below, I’ve listed 9 of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced since adopting a password manager.

One password to rule them all

A password manager stores all your passwords in a single account. The master password to your safe is the only password you’ll ever need to remember. To take security up to the next level, I link my password manager with my biometrics, so I only need to use my fingerprint to access my passwords.

Generate random passwords

Password managers can generate random passwords for each of your accounts. Password cracking programs are designed to guess the most common passwords first, so completely random passwords will always be far stronger than those you come up with off the top of your head.

Simple access to multiple accounts

You can login to accounts easily. Once you sign up for a password manager, you can install a browser extension that will autofill logins for you while still storing them securely.

Easily change your passwords

Password managers make changing or resetting passwords a breeze. If a website you have an account with has been hacked, you can stay secure by using a built-in password generator to create a new password.

Some password managers can even reset your passwords with the click of a button. You can also choose to change all your passwords periodically for optimal security.

Use the convenient autofill feature

You can still use the form autofill feature when you have a password safe. Instead of letting your web browser save your form information, entrust your password manager to store your personal details safely.

Share passwords securely

You can share passwords to joint accounts with family or co-workers. Of course, it’s generally not recommended you give away your personal passwords, but for shared accounts, a password manager gives you the option to control who has access to passwords.

Store more than just passwords

Answers to security questions, shopping profiles, memberships, and medical prescriptions are just a few examples of additional information that can be stored securely in your password safe.

Use the same password manager across multiple devices

Many password managers provide access across multiple devices. As we use our mobile devices more often (and as more websites provide optimized mobile experiences), this is increasingly important. Many of the password managers also provide support for passwords for apps.

It’s time to take IT security seriously

Passwords may seem a trivial protection method, but secure, frequently updated passwords are still an effective way to keep your data safe. Password managers are the ideal way to generate robust passwords that guard you and your organisation against reputational damage and loss of revenue.