The main advantage of a password manager is obvious to anyone with more than one account online (i.e. everyone). Instead of remembering all 100 usernames and passwords, the password manager auto-fills them. But it’s not the only reason to use a password manager. See below for several more unexpected benefits.
Password manager programs generate, manage, and store many different passwords. You may be concerned about whether a password manager is safe to use. But, the cybersecurity industry consensus is “yes, it is.”
A password manager uses top-notch encryption to protect passwords. Plus, they take a zero-knowledge approach. They can’t actually see the passwords they store and prefill on sites. The password is encrypted before it reaches the manager’s server and can’t be deciphered. This is why you need to be so careful not to forget your master password!
Using a password manager is one of our 7 Tips for Better Cybersecurity. That said, the password manager offers more than a vault for encrypted credentials.
More Benefits of Password Managers
For one thing, many password managers have apps for download onto mobile devices. Then, you can use the password manager to prefill forms on those, too. This gives you the advantage of convenience not only on your computer but also on the go.
Some password managers offer added security benefits, as well. They might:
- warn you of weak password and login credentials;
- remind you to change your passwords;
- notify you if your passwords may have been compromised in a breach;
- advise you against using the same password on multiple sites.
Another advantage is that you can conveniently share passwords with others. Maybe you want to give family members shared access to streaming accounts or allow a work colleague access to applications you’re using remotely. A managed password sharing feature can allow them to see selected passwords. You aren’t showing everything: you can pick what you make available. Plus, when you change your credentials, the password will change on their end, too. This doesn’t need to be permanent either. You can easily revoke password sharing.
You can also use a password manager to secure other important information. You might store things such as credit card numbers or other personal identifying information. Keeping that kind of data in an unencrypted note on your desktop or mobile device is unsafe, but you can take advantage of password manager encryption to safely store those precious details. Learn how the bad guys get your passwords.
Secure your passwords with a manager
You can’t expect to remember all your unique passwords. Yet the days of writing down passwords on Post-it notes are over. Use cloud-based password management to secure your passwords and do more.
We’re happy to suggest the best solution for your needs and set it up, too. Here at Hopedale Technologies, we use LastPass to manage our passwords. To learn more about LastPass click HERE.
