Password Managers (July 2024)

A password manager or password vault is an app or programme on your phone, tablet or computer that stores your passwords securely so you don't need to remember them. This allows you to use unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts. Many people use the same passwords? for multiple accounts which, as I have discussed in previous columns, will leave you extremely vulnerable.

In addition, many password managers are helpful because they can:

·        Synchronise your passwords across your different devices, making it easier to log on, wherever you are, and whatever you’re using.

·        Help you to spot fake websites.

·        Let you know if you’re re-using the same password across different accounts.

·        Notify you if any of your passwords appear in a data breach so you know if you need to change them.

·        Help you to generate safe and secure passwords.

Some password managers also allow you to store other important information securely, for instance bank account and credit card information, passport and driving licence details, photographs, notes and important files.

Many browsers (such as Chrome, Safari and Edge) also have the ability to save your passwords securely for you, but you should only do this if you are using your own device. If you’re using a shared computer outside your home, for instance at a college or library you should never save your password in a browser.

You should also make sure you are using the latest version of your browser (and operating system), and you should keep this up to date.

There are lots of different password managers. It's worth searching for online reviews, and finding one that meets your requirements. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) www.ncsc.gov.uk also provides some technical guidance about the security features you may want to consider when choosing a password manager. Some anti-virus packages come with password managers built in or as an optional add on.

If you have an Iphone, Ipad or other Apple product you can use Keychain which is a very secure password manager system built into the Apple operating system.

It is important to protect your password manager account by choosing a strong ‘master’ password to control access to your password manager account (for example by using three random words). You can’t store this password in the password manager itself, so if you can’t remember it, it's OK for you to write it down provided you keep it safe and out of sight. Don’t keep it or any other passwords in the note facility of your phone or tablet.

If you forget the ‘master’ password for your password manager, you will not be able to get back into your accounts. If someone accesses your password manager account, they will have access to all your accounts so with this is mind, the NCSC strongly recommends that you:

Turn on two-factor authentication on the password manager account. This means that even if a cyber-criminal knows the ‘master’ password, they still won’t be able to access your password manager account. They also recommend that you install updates for your password manager app as soon as you're prompted.

In conclusion whether you have trouble remembering to change your passwords, aren’t very good at creating unique ones, or simply struggle to keep track of all the passwords our ever-expanding online lives demand a good password manager will help you protect your data.