I Have Too Many Passwords - Help!

You know that using your dog's name and your birthday for passwords is a bad idea, so you've got sticky notes with passwords all over your monitor. It sort of works, until you forget which is which, or the dog eats one. Keeping track of all your login info can feel like a second job. If you're feeling frustrated, you might want to use a password manager. Believe it or not, a password manager will free you from the sticky notes and paper lists. You'll only have one password to remember.

How can anyone safely have one password? Dedicated password managers

are cybersecurity tools featuring encryption and other security to keep your login info safe. These tools are similar to a safe that only you have the combination to open, with all of your account information for your sites and subscriptions safely locked inside. The software will keep up with password changes on your account. Best of all, password managers work across devices and applications, so you truly only need one password for everything.

If you're ready to life the single-password life, you're probably wondering which password manager is the best. The most popular one is 1Password, which has a free trial and low monthly fee, as well as features such as secure information sharing with your contacts, and extra travel protection when you're crossing borders and data networks. Keeper is another excellent option with similar features. If you're looking for a free option, Myki is Firefox's preferred password manager.

If you use Apple devices, iCloud Keychain is a secure, encrypted password manager that you can use across your devices. It will remember all your passwords under your Apple ID, so you can log in to use them with your preferred method (PIN, Face ID, Touch ID).

One thing to note is that saving your passwords in your browser isn't the same as using a password manager. Browser-based password managers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, aren't the most secure option. The encryption is not as secure as a dedicated password manager, and your passwords are only in your web browser, not in apps or email.

When you choose your "password of passwords," make sure you use both lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using words that could be identifying, such as people's names or the city you live in. Finally, longer is better when it comes to passwords.

If you have trouble thinking up a new password, there are password generator sites that can help you come up with something random.

If you have questions about your passwords or other cybersecurity, we're here for you! Book a 1:1 Tech Help.