Password managers keep our online accounts safe. They store all our passwords in one place. But are they hackable?
What are password managers?
Password managers are like digital vaults: they save all your passwords inside themselves. You need only remember one master password to then gain access to all of your other passwords. This makes keeping a lot of accounts much easier to handle.
Dedicated password managers are difficult to hack if configured properly. While hackers are always hunting for ways to steal your information, a properly configured password manager has a complex password and two-factor authentication. This makes it very difficult to crack.
You can protect your password manager by using a strong master password. The master password is the “key” that unlocks all of your other passwords. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, or better yet, a secure passphrase that is easy to remember, but hard to guess.
Be sure to enable two-factor authentication. 2FA adds an important layer of security.
What happens if a password manager gets hacked?
If you’ve set up your password manager properly, the chance of it being hacked is extremely low. However, if your password manager is compromised, you should:
- Change your master password immediately.
- Determine which accounts could be affected and change their passwords as well.
- Consider shifting to another password manager.
- Keep up to date with any security news about your manager.
The benefits of using a password manager usually outweigh the risks. They help you create strong, unique passwords for each account.
Choosing a reputable password manager with good reviews and security features is key. Do some research before deciding which one to use.
Using a password manager will go a long way in enhancing your online security. If you need help in selecting which one, give us a call at (734) 240-0200.