Here is an essential Security Tool: A password manager.

A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store, generate, and manage their personal passwords for online services. It assists in generating and retrieving complex passwords, potentially storing such passwords in an encrypted database or calculating them on demand. Wikipedia

What Makes a Good or Bad Password?

Most computer users use ‘bad’ passwords. A bad password is one that is too short, too easy to guess, not complex enough, or used on multiple sites. You cannot really blame them. Passwords are difficult to remember. If you follow security best practices and have unique, complex, and long passwords, then you have to write them down. Writing down your passwords is not secure. How can you secure your list? If you keep it locked in a safe, then it is not very convenient to access.

Today we do have some improvements in password security for modern smartphones and laptops through use of biometrics, like facial recognition and fingerprints. This technology gives us fewer passwords to remember. Desktop computers have still not caught up to these technologies, however. You can purchase external devices that will allow you the same security, but they are not widely used.

How Can I Make a Password More Secure?

The best security solution for passwords today is a password manager program. This software application will allow you to generate secure and complex passwords for all your logins and store them in a secure encrypted database. You then just need to remember one master password to unlock the password manager. You can use the same password manager on all your computers, including your smartphone, so you will always have them available wherever you are.

Password managers are recommended by security experts. There are personal free editions that will get you started and there are business editions so that you can secure all your employees under one account. Dytech Group recommends using a password manager and securing it with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Why Use a Password Manager?

• Generates random passwords that are complex and secure
• Helps you to not reuse passwords on different sites
• Automatically enters passwords on websites
• You only need to remember one master password

Here are a few good password manager applications:

Lastpass  – Highly rated, includes Dark Web monitoring

1Password 

Bitwarden – Open Source, can be hosted locally

Keeper  

Dashlane  

If you have any questions or want to talk about some great IT services for your business, contact Dytech Group today! We can’t wait to connect with you.