How to use a unique password for every account without going crazy
In honor on Cyber Security Month, I am rerunning this newsletter to help you access your accounts safely. You know you should have completely unique passwords for every online account, and you’re not supposed to write them down anywhere. But that’s not enough. They also have to be hard to remember.
If you’re like me, that’s just not possible because you use a lot of online services. The internet has made my life easier in so many ways, but it comes with its own risks.
So, how do you keep your online accounts safe? Many people are turning to Password Managers.
A password manager is software that stores and organizes your passwords in an encrypted state, which makes them hard to hack.
The most popular versions will fill login forms automatically. Once you’ve downloaded the software and stored your passwords, they’re fairly easy to use.
Are they safe? The experts are mixed on this point. Some feel that it’s never safe to store your passwords. Others are comfortable with the encryption used on the best versions.
My assistant swears by LastPass. It’s free for your PC, but the is a cost for using it on your smartphone.
If you want to use a password manager, you can choose between a web-based or a local service. LastPass is web-based as is Dashlane and Roboform. The information is stored in the cloud so you can easily use it on all your computers and devices. Keepass and SplashID are local, meaning they’re stored on your PC.
To do your own research, check out the links below.
If you use a manual system, remember to use unique passwords for each site. When was the last time you changed your passwords? One of the most common passwords in the actual word “password”. Not a good choice. Be creative and make something you can remember that isn’t public information (mother’s maiden name, pet’s name, etc.).
Two factor identification is another great way to keep your accounts safe. You’ll receive a text or email with a code, that you have to enter so that you can prove you are you. Yes, it can be an added step that takes time, but it can save you in the long run.
How do you manage your passwords? Let me know in the comments.