Online security is more important than ever. Nowadays almost all applications and systems are protected with a password. And because we increasingly use online software programs, you may have to enter a password several times a day. Quite annoying if you have to remember your password for all those programs. Because yes, we all know that it also has to be a strong password. The solution? A password manager.
Digital safe
A password manager is an (often online) application in which all your passwords are stored. So you can see it as a digital safe, which you can unlock with one, unique password. So this is the only password you need to remember. Then the password manager can generate unique, very strong passwords for all your accounts. Think of randomly generated and unmemorable long passwords with combinations of characters, (capital) letters and numbers. For each required login you will receive a unique password, which can be filled in automatically by your password manager when you log in.
How does it work?
You install the password manager in your browser, as it were. When you have to log in to a website or application, the password manager fills in the login details. Of course, the password manager itself is also protected with a master password and in many cases you can also use Multi-Factor Authentication, so that you also have to enter a unique, one-time code with every login in addition to the master password. This is the only password you will have to remember.
Some password managers also provide the ability to securely store other data such as notes, licenses, and payment information. With many password managers you also have the option to use it from all your devices, so that you can always log in quickly, easily and securely.
Password managers also offer many advantages when used within companies. This is partly because in many cases passwords can be shared more securely and the management and access to the passwords can be centrally managed and easily revoked if necessary.
Choosing a password manager
There are quite a few names to choose from. To make a choice, you can pay attention to the following points:
Are you going for a free or paid version? Most free versions will get you a long way. Paid versions often offer just that little bit more ease of use and extra functionalities. Think, for example, of being able to store payment details. By the way, many paid versions offer a free trial first so that you can try it out.
For certain websites or applications you may have a general login that your colleagues also use. Some password managers offer the option to create a shared vault in addition to a private vault.
If you want to use your password manager on different devices (for example your laptop and phone), this is only possible with the paid version with some password managers.
Commonly used password managers
A Google search yields many results. Here is a list of the most used password managers (in no particular order). When making a choice, always take your own requirements, wishes and expectations into account and base your choice on that.
Would you like to know how to secure your data?
A strong password is of course only a small step in the security of your data. Want to know what else you can do to secure your data? Please contact us.