If you have several online accounts, then you know how hard it can be to remember all those passwords. Especially if you are using strong ones. Is there a solution? I know what you might be thinking; I’ve been there myself – create one very strong password and use it on all accounts. But wouldn’t it also mean that if one of your accounts gets compromised, all others will be too? There are much better ways to play the remember password game.
There are much more convenient ways to avoid remembering your passwords than this one. Your passwords are the last line of defense between cybercriminals and your data. They definitely deserve your attention. This is why we have put together a list of the best ways to store your passwords without ever having to remember with which account they go with.
Let Your Browser Remember Passwords for You
All of the most used browsers have a form filler and password manager built in. This includes Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. For instance, if you sign in to Google Chrome with your credentials, Chrome will by default start storing your passwords. The password manager functionality of other popular browsers is pretty much similar to this one.
If you have problems remembering your passwords for online accounts, this is the easiest thing you can do. Every time you enter your login name and password, the browser will ask you if you want it to remember the password for that website/account. The next time you try to access that account, you will be automatically logged in.
Is this practice to be trusted? You probably know that all Internet browsers send back some data to the manufacturers. It would be scandalous if it was discovered that they are “stealing” passwords of their users. In any case, there is no hard proof that they are doing it or not doing it. In the end, you have to decide whether you want to place your trust in their hands. Keep in mind that anyone with access to your computer will be able to see and access your accounts.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager is a software solution that you can use to keep your account names and passwords stored in a secure fashion. Password managers are cloud-based which means that your data will be stored on their servers. These servers are behind powerful firewalls and antivirus systems we mere mortals can only dream about.
In order to use a password manager, you will have to create an account and install a designated browser plugin. This plugin will extend your browser functionality and allow you to store your passwords on the go. The best solutions from this software category is LogMeOnce. While the purpose of this software is the same, they are not all the same. For instance, LogMeOnce offers access to an excessive number of features that can help you avoid to remember your password but also protect your phone, increase productivity, and use a selfie as two-factor authentication.
Password managers are quite handy because they can help you to store your credit card info so that you can purchase it online in a faster and more secure fashion.
How secure are they? Again, as with Internet browsers, you will have to make a decision because you will be placing your trust and data into someone else’s hands. So, make sure to do your research, because some of the password manager vendors have been hacked in the past.
Create Your Documentation
Another way to avoid having to remember your password is to create an Excel spreadsheet. While this practice may slow you down when you want to log in fast, you may find it more secure. The data will be on your hard drive or memory stick and the only thing you will have to worry about is getting your data damaged or lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
Why did I say Excel, when there are other options? I don’t want to force my opinion on you and suggest that you should buy the Microsoft Office suite. But if you already have it.
The downside to this practice is that it will significantly slow you down as you will have to look for your credentials on the go, and if you get your file lost or damaged, you can say goodbye to your passwords. So make sure to regularly update it and keep the backup on a memory stick. It is also not sure to save and manage your passwords using a ]spreadsheet.
Buy a Simple Ledger
In the end, you can go all out in CIA/KGB style and buy a simple ledger that you will always keep by your side. Writing down your account names and passwords is generally not a bad idea until it proves otherwise. Ledgers easily get misplaced and stolen. Keep in mind that security experts don’t recommend writing down your passwords. But if this practice is more attractive than the ones mentioned above, go for it; just make sure to spice it up with a few tricks.
These 4 ways will help you avoid having to remember passwords for any of your accounts. Some of them are safer than others. We only recommend using LogmeOnce Password Manager to protect, secure and manage your passwords easily. The other options are not secure.
