Many business owners use random password generators to create unique but easy-to-remember passwords for their users. Generating secure and easy-to-remember passwords is important for both your business protection and your data’s safety.
Yet, hackers are getting smarter by the day, with more sophisticated technology to decipher common passwords. Let’s take a look at how safe these automatic password generators are and how they can protect your business.
What Is an Automatic Password Generator?
Automatic password generators are computer programs which create secure passwords that are hard to guess, but with any password generator comes a paradox.
If a password is easier to remember, it’s easier to guess, making it easier to have your account hacked. Yet, a good password generator will create a complex string of numbers, letters, and characters without you lifting a finger.
How are you supposed to remember one of these for every online account you have? Well, there’s an easy way to do it. It involves memorizing one password, otherwise known as a master password.
Using a Master Password With an Automatic Password Generator
There are several advantages to using an automatic password generator. The first is that the passwords are hard to guess. The algorithms used in secure password generation technology create randomization that, although the laws of probability make it guessable, would be enough to deter even the most enthusiastic opportunist from hacking into your account.
Further, the benefits of random passwords are strengthened with the right software and security. There are ways you can use these generators without compromising your security. That’s because, often, you will never see the password on the screen.
That’s a deliberate move because all it takes is a computer infected with a keylogging virus (this includes the clipboard, aka “copy and paste”) or screen capture to read the password, giving the hacker access.
There are two ways you can overcome these issues, and both involve extra security.
Using Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication is one of the fastest-moving advances in cybersecurity. It’s the process of having to confirm your login using an alternative method, as well as your password.
The reason behind this extra layer of security is that if your password’s compromised, then the hacker would still need access to your second method, whatever that may be.
This is where the generators come into play. Suppose you’re the kind of person who has the same login details everywhere.
The hacker can log in to your email to grab that verification code before you do. So it would be best if you used a different password everywhere.
But like we said before, how do you remember so many random strings of characters? The good news is you don’t need to because instead, you can use a password manager.
Use a Quality Password Manager
Password managers are the best way to store all those pesky passwords in one place. The idea behind this is that you only need to remember your master password. You can also secure these with two-factor.
But it gets better.
Using a password manager, you can use automatic password generators to create a different and secure password for every site you visit.
Password managers have been around for quite some time. They’re starting to get the attention they deserve. Look into them, because you can manage your passwords in the safest way possible with them.
Password Safety Is Paramount
If it involves a password, make sure you take as many security steps as you can to make sure you’re not going to get hacked. The worst part is that some of the generators that claim to be secure are not.
The best practice is to use an open-source offline generator, one built into your browsers such as Google’s Password Generator, or one built into your password manager.
Other forms of two-factor authentication include using your phone or a physical security key (think like a house key). Or, you can generate special codes using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator. This is also known as TFA-2FA.
What’s the Downside to Using a Password Manager?
Password generators are a great solution to the problem of remembering complex passwords. Yet, if you don’t take steps to secure them further, you’re opening yourself up to some issues,
First, you have to make sure the password generator itself is secure. If it’s not, then you’re opening yourself up to the same issues as using regular accounts. An attacker now has access to all your accounts rather than one in a random attack attempt.
The downside to using an automatic password generator with a password manager is that security risks involve storing all your passwords in one place, like if your phone gets hacked or if someone digs through your trash. That’s why it’s a good idea to use two-factor authentication for added protection.
Noticing a theme here? The vast majority of cybersecurity issues come down to neglect from the end-user. That’s why we’re emphasizing throughout this article how important it is to use extra security precautions. In nearly every case, the tool itself is as secure as can be, but it’s the failure to take extra steps that causes the issues.
Use an Automatic Password Generator With Caution
In summary, using an automatic password generator is a great way to keep all your passwords secure. But, it’s best used alongside two-factor authentication if the security of your data is important to you.
If you’re looking to keep your passwords safe and secure, sign up for free today to LogMeOnce and never forget another password again.
