Winchester Computer Tutor
  • Home
  • How can I help?
    • The basics
    • Next steps
  • About me
  • Ann's thoughts
  • Useful things!
    • Software
    • Shortcuts
    • Links
  • Charges
  • Contact me

12/1/2021

PAssword Managers

0 Comments

Read Now
 
​How do you deal with passwords? Do you use the same one for every account? [Please, please don’t do this!] Do you write them down in a notebook? [Better; two cross-referenced notebooks are better yet.] Do you reset the password each time you log in to an account? [That’s actually really safe, but such a hassle.] Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you only had to remember one password, ever?
Picture
I have good news for you! You can! With a password manager.
​A password manager is a safe space – a vault – where you can store information about all your accounts, including your passwords. The only way to open the vault is with a master password – the only one you’ll have to remember. Just make that password very strong and consider setting up two-factor authentication. Be aware that if you forget your master password, you may be locked out of your vault forever.
The advantages of password managers:
Encryption: the information you store in the vault is encrypted – transformed into complete unreadable gibberish that hackers won’t be able to decipher. Good password managers employ the encryption standard used by banks and the military and encrypt your information before it even leaves your computer.
Strong passwords: because you don’t rely on your memory, you can set up strong, unique passwords for every site. Many password managers even help you generate these.
Easy login: install the password manager’s browser extension and it can fill in your details when you login to a website. Do, though, read HowToGeek’s article on the dos and don’ts of using autofill.
Sychronisation: if you work across multiple devices you can access your information on whichever device you’re using, wherever you are.
Security checks: good password managers advise if you’re using the same password on multiple sites, if any of your passwords are weak or if your email address has been leaked in any known security breach.
What are the downsides? Obviously, because of the nature of the data stored, password managers are a target for hackers. However, researchers from the University of York who recently highlighted security vulnerabilities in some “still recommend their use to businesses and individuals alike, as they continue to be a more secure and useable option than resorting to password recycling or trying to memorize them all.” (WeLiveSecurity)
I’ve used the free version of LastPass as my password manager since 2014 and still find it more than adequate. SafetyDetectives deem LastPass “great choice for both beginner and tech-savvy users who are looking for a secure password manager”. If you’re considering a paid version, take a look at Tom’s Guide review of “The best password managers in 2021”.

Share

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

Details

    Archives

    January 2021
    October 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    May 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    March 2015
    November 2014
    June 2014

    Categories

    All
    Browers
    Charity
    Chrome
    Email
    Environment
    Fact Checking
    Fonts
    Gaming
    Genealogy
    Images
    Lifehacks
    Malware
    Outlook
    Phishing
    Security
    Support
    Thunderbird
    Windows

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • How can I help?
    • The basics
    • Next steps
  • About me
  • Ann's thoughts
  • Useful things!
    • Software
    • Shortcuts
    • Links
  • Charges
  • Contact me