Did you know that hackers can guess your password in as soon as a fraction of a second? For the most part, this depends on the complexity of your password.
However, the more complex your password is, the harder it is to remember. And you have to remember a lot since you should use different passwords for each of your accounts. Otherwise, then a single security breach can render it useless.
That’s why getting the best password manager is a must. It generates strong passwords for you, and it keeps them, so you don’t have to remember it.
Keep on reading to learn some tips on how to manage passwords using it.
1. Get the Right Password Manager
You should first confirm the security features of the password manager. At the least, look for the following features:
Zero-Knowledge
The password manager you use should operate on zero-knowledge security architecture. In this type of encryption, hackers or even the provider’s staff doesn’t know your passwords. It encrypts your data in your device before they’re transmitted to the servers.
All they host in their servers are a bunch of gibberish. Thus with Zero-Knowledge technology your data is NOT saved in clear text format. Even if hackers were successful in getting in, they wouldn’t get any useful data at all. Similarly, employees of password management software provider will not see your data in clear text and will be in gibberish format.
Anyone other than you would still need your master password, the encryption key. It unravels the gibberish and turns it into readable data. It isn’t hosted on the provider’s servers, though.
That’s why you should review the security and encryption practices of the password manager before committing to it.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is the minimum security requirement. Don’t get a password manager without it.
While zero-knowledge encryption works in protecting your passwords on the provider’s side, two-factor authentication gives you protection on your side.
Sometimes, the risk is higher on the client’s side. There’s the risk of having malware that tracks your keystrokes. You could also misplace the password somewhere accessible to anyone.
This is where the two-factor authentication comes in. Aside from the password, you’ll need to enter a randomly generated code sent to your phone.
This way, no one will get into your password manager, whether it’s your snoopy co-worker or a hacker, without getting hold of your phone as well.
On that note, check if it automatically logs you out if there’s no activity in a certain amount of time.
2. Choose the Right “Master” Password
While the password manager handles all your other passwords, you still have to think of one solid master password for it. Since it can access all your important accounts, like your email address, social media profile, mobile banking apps, and more, that master password must be the strongest you’ll ever make.
Never include any personal information anywhere in the master password. That includes a name, a birthday, any other important date, or even your favorite hobby.
These are available on the internet with some snooping around. With the amount of information we put out online, a hacker may even be able to find out the name of your first pet.
It goes without saying that you also shouldn’t put obvious combinations of letters and numbers, like 1234 or abcd. Avoid common passwords! There are cracking tools that try every combination of words in the dictionary.
Whatever password you settle for, though, make sure to remember it. Don’t store or write it anywhere, like in a post-it note or your cellphone. This is the number one rule in all password managing tips.
Choose a password that’s strong and memorable to you at the same time.
3. Update Your Password Manager Often
Whatever password manager you’re using, make sure to always update it as soon as possible. Hackers find exploits every day, although security companies are also constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities that hackers may use. Doing so, they find new ways to strengthen the safety and security of your data. Some companies provide automatic security updates, meaning as soon as you login to their security product, you will be automatically receiving latest security updates.
This is why getting the latest updates is important. Through these updates, providers fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, deploy new security features, and so on.
If you don’t update as soon as it releases, you risk getting exposed to any security flaw they might have found. Hackers can then use these to get into your data.
Before you get hung up on these security flaws, though, know that there’s nothing that is 100% safe and secure. There are always going to be vulnerabilities, but do they make password managers a waste of time?
The answer is a resounding no.
Logging into social media, searching on the internet, and every activity has risks. Unless you’re going to live a tech-free life, you’re going to have to live with security risks.
The thing is there’s something safer and more secure. And it’s your job to always choose the safest and most secure option.
Password managers are safer and more secure. You should still use one to strengthen your protection against data theft and more risks.
This is also why choosing the best password manager is important. They must have tight security and the latest encryption knowledge.
4. Stay on Top of Your Data’s Security
Like we said above, hackers and security providers are always in an arms race. Sometimes, one is ahead of the other, while at other times, the other is ahead.
You shouldn’t watch from the sidelines, though. You also have to do your job in keeping your accounts secure.
Keep yourself updated with the latest data breaches. You can check stuff online like the security of your email address if a recent hack compromised it.
You also need to be careful about phishing scams. It’s a threat that’s designed to fool you into thinking you’re safe. It’s disguised as a legitimate email, website, or anything else. It would require you to input your username, password, other details, or instruct you to click on a hyperlink they have provided..!
To avoid this, don’t follow suspicious email links, even if it alerts you of a compromised account. Confirm this by calling or contacting the company and not responding to the email. Don’t input your password manager’s password anywhere else, either.
Get the Best Password Manager
Getting the best password manager is your best protection against the numerous data breaches that happen every day. Of course, you still have to do your part to protect your data, too. Follow our tips for managing passwords above to keep yourself protected.
Still, a password manager can take loads off your shoulders if you choose the right one. Contact us today and learn how we can protect your passwords and data.
