Password Managers - Why You Should Use One

In today’s digital age, we all have dozens of accounts that require passwords. From social media and email to online banking and work-related tools, the need to remember so many passwords can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, using simple or repeated passwords across multiple accounts is a common mistake that can leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks.

One of the most effective solutions to this problem is using a password manager. Password managers help you store and generate secure, unique passwords for each of your accounts, keeping them safe from unauthorized access. Below, we’ll explain why you should use a password manager, how they work, and why relying on browser-stored passwords is a bad idea.

 

 

Why You Should Use a Password Manager

A password manager is a tool that helps you securely store and organize your passwords, making it easy to access your accounts without having to remember every single password. Here's why using one is important:

1. Generate Strong and Unique Passwords

  • Password managers can automatically generate complex, random passwords that are much stronger than anything you would likely create on your own. These passwords often contain a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, making them harder for hackers to guess or crack.

  • The average user tends to reuse passwords across multiple accounts for convenience. But if one account is compromised, this creates a domino effect and exposes all other accounts to risk. Password managers eliminate this by storing unique passwords for each account.

2. Secure Password Storage

  • Password managers encrypt your passwords, which means they are stored securely and not visible to anyone who gains access to your device or online account. Most password managers use advanced encryption techniques (e.g., AES-256) to protect your data from theft or compromise.

  • With a password manager, you don’t need to worry about writing down passwords on sticky notes or trying to memorize them. They are all securely stored in one place, accessible only through a master password or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition).

3. Easy Access Across Devices

  • Password managers sync your passwords across all your devices, whether you’re on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This ensures that you always have access to your passwords, regardless of where you are.

  • Many password managers also offer browser extensions, which allow you to automatically fill in your passwords when logging into websites, making the process quick and seamless.

4. Secure Sharing of Passwords

  • If you need to share a password (e.g., for a work account or a family subscription), a password manager allows you to securely share passwords without revealing them in plain text. Many password managers have features that allow you to share access to accounts with trusted individuals while keeping the password encrypted.


Why Using Browser Stored Passwords Is a Bad Idea

While many modern browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) offer to save your passwords for convenience, storing passwords directly in your browser can be a risky and insecure practice. Here’s why you should avoid relying on browser-stored passwords:

1. Vulnerability to Data Breaches

  • Browsers store passwords locally on your device. While they may encrypt the password files, these files are often not as securely protected as those in dedicated password managers. If your device is compromised—whether by malware, a virus, or someone physically accessing it—your stored passwords could be easily exposed.

  • Hackers have been known to exploit vulnerabilities in browsers or use malware to access these stored passwords. Because browsers are often targeted in cyberattacks, relying on them for password storage puts your entire digital life at risk.

2. Lack of Robust Encryption

  • While browsers do encrypt stored passwords, their encryption methods are not as advanced or robust as those used by password managers. In addition, many browsers don't employ the same security measures (e.g., zero-knowledge encryption) that password managers use, which means that someone with access to your device or browser may still be able to decrypt and view your stored passwords.

  • With a password manager, your master password is required to unlock the vault, and the manager encrypts all your passwords locally before syncing or storing them in the cloud.

3. Browser Vulnerabilities

  • Browsers are frequently updated, but they are still vulnerable to security flaws and exploits. A hacker who discovers an unpatched vulnerability in your browser could gain access to your saved passwords, especially if you're not regularly updating your browser or have security settings disabled.

  • With a dedicated password manager, updates are typically automatic and more frequently targeted at improving security, ensuring you have the latest protection against evolving threats.

4. Lack of Cross-Platform Syncing (in Some Cases)

  • Some browsers do not offer full cross-platform syncing of saved passwords. If you change a password on one device, it may not automatically update on your other devices, which can cause issues. With password managers, all your passwords are stored in one central place and sync seamlessly across all your devices.

  • While modern browsers do offer syncing, some may require you to sign in with an account (e.g., Google, Firefox), which can be prone to its own security issues (like weak account passwords or a compromised cloud account).

5. Easy Access to Anyone Using Your Computer

  • If someone else uses your computer, they may be able to easily access your browser-stored passwords. Even if you have a password or lock screen on your computer, browsers often have an option to view or export saved passwords without requiring additional authentication.

  • On the other hand, password managers offer additional layers of security, such as requiring a master password or biometric authentication to access the vault.


Reputable Password Manager Tools

If you’re ready to stop using browser-stored passwords and make the switch to a more secure method of password management, here are some reputable password managers to consider:

  1. 1Password (Recommended)
    • 1Password is known for its user-friendly interface, strong encryption, and support for multi-device syncing. It also offers a unique Travel Mode to safely leave sensitive data behind when traveling.
  2. Dashlane
    • Dashlane offers advanced features, such as a dark web monitoring tool that alerts you if your information is compromised. It also has a built-in VPN for secure browsing and offers multi-device syncing.
  3. Bitwarden
    • Bitwarden is an open-source password manager with strong encryption and competitive pricing. It offers a free plan with many useful features and premium plans for extra security options.

 

 

Powered by Zendesk