I have talked a lot about password managers in the past and thought I would bring it up again. I know many people are reluctant to try them because they don’t understand how they work or how to set them up. In this article, I will explain all of that and also give you the reasons to go this way and some possible pitfalls too.
If you are currently keeping all of your passwords on a document on your computer and you occasionally update it and print out a new copy, moving to a password manager will simplify your life. No more multiple entries with some scratched out and dates next to each when it was last changed, or the last time you remember changing it. When I help someone set up a new computer and they use the printed document method it usually takes 30 to 45 minutes longer to set up their computer since we have to try multiple passwords and then reset most of them anyway since the person doesn’t remember the correct password. Since they are paying me by the hour, they actually spend more than the yearly cost of a password manager just by having me reset their passwords.
If you are currently keeping all of your passwords stored in a browser and you rely on that browser to keep all of them straight you might be in danger. Those passwords are not secure and could easily be stolen or accessed. With a true password manager, you have one master password that you need to remember to keep all other passwords secure. Typically, you log in to your computer and then log in to the password manager whenever you need a password. This can also be used on more than one device so if you have a computer, phone and tablet all of your passwords can be shared with all three devices, but they are still secure behind your one master password.
Setting up your password manager is easy if your passwords are stored in your browser. You can easily import them directly into the password manager from your browser. Once they are all loaded into the password manager you can delete them from your browser, and this will greatly improve the security on your computer.
So here is the quick Pros and Cons:
Pros –
- Better security, you need a master password to access all of your other passwords.
- Passwords can be available on all of your devices.
- Only one password to remember.
- Password managers will help you reset or change passwords.
- No paper copies lying around to get taken or lost.
- You can even keep credit card numbers securely in the password manager.
Cons –
- Most password managers have a small cost if you want to share across your devices.
- You must remember that one password. Most have no recovery if the master password is forgotten.
As you can see, having a password manager is a smart step towards better computing. I know setting up things like this can be daunting, but I can help you through the technical stuff. Call me if you want help with this. Here is a link to my favorite password manager:
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