How To Manage Your Passwords

The most effective and secure way to manage your passwords is with a password manager. A password manager can help you manage your passwords by securely storing them and identifying weak and reused passwords, preventing you from falling victim to various cyberattacks.

Continue reading to learn how to use a password manager and what to look for when choosing one. 

What is a password manager?

A password manager is a cybersecurity solution designed to generate and securely store strong passwords for all of your online accounts. Apart from passwords, password managers can also store other sensitive information like credit card numbers and important files, documents and images. With one master password, you can unlock your password vault and efficiently manage your stored passwords and files. 

Using a password manager is the most secure and efficient way to manage your passwords compared to other common methods. For example, many individuals resort to writing passwords down on a sticky note or storing them in a spreadsheet, which poses significant security risks. Although it seems like an easy and convenient solution, situations may occur where your sticky notes are misplaced or seen by unauthorized individuals while your spreadsheets may be vulnerable to hacking. 

How to use a password manager

The steps to use a password manager may vary based on the password manager you’ve chosen. However, most password managers offer similar functionality. Here are the six steps to using a standalone password manager. 

1. Create your master password 

The first step to using a password manager is creating a strong master password. A master password acts like a key to unlock your password vault, making it the most important password for you to create and remember. Just like any other password, your master password should be strong and safe to reduce the possibility of a cybercriminal gaining access. Here are some password best practices to follow when creating your master password. 

• Don’t include personal information
  • For example, your name or your birthday
• Don’t use dictionary words or phrases
  • For example, the word “password” 
• Don’t use sequential letters or numbers
  • For example, “12345” or “abc”

Additionally, it is recommended to use a passphrase as a master password as they are typically more secure and easier to memorize than a random password. Since passphrases are made up of a combination of multiple words, they are more challenging for cybercriminals to crack. 

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

Most password managers support multi-factor authentication which is an additional layer of security alongside your master password. Enabling MFA enhances the security of your vault, ensuring that nobody else can access the account but you. MFA requires you to prove your identity with at least two different types of authentication methods. Here are the types of MFA to choose from.

• Something you know: This authentication method is based on your knowledge.
  • For example, your password or an answer to a security question.
• Something you have: This authentication method is based on what you possess.
  • For example, a security key or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Something you are: This authentication method refers to your biometric information.
  • For example, a fingerprint or facial recognition scan.
• Somewhere you are: This authentication method refers to where you are located. 
  • For example, your geographic location.

3. Export and import your passwords

If your passwords are stored in another password manager or a browser-based password manager you’ll need to export and import them into your new standalone password manager. If you’ve been using a browser-based password manager, it’s important to transfer your credentials into your new password manager as soon as possible because it is insecure and vulnerable to compromise. Keep in mind that the importing and exporting process may look different based on which password manager you choose, so refer to its guide for assistance. 

4. Install the browser extension and applications

Password managers offer multiple options to access your vault. For example, Keeper Password Manager offers a browser extension, a mobile application, a web vault and a desktop application. Download what you think you’ll need, on every device, to make accessing your vault as convenient as possible. 

5. Create your new passwords 

After setting up your account, it’s important to audit and change all your weak passwords to make sure they are strong and safe. By using the password manager, you’ll be easily able to create strong passwords for each of your applications. 

6. Monitor your passwords

The final step is integrating your password manager into your digital life. Every time you create a new account, use your password manager to help you create strong passwords and securely store them. To further enhance your security, consider purchasing an add-on to your password manager that monitors the dark web. Dark web monitoring tools scan the dark web for your personal information so you can take immediate action if anything is found. For example, a dark web monitor integrated with your password manager will notify you if your credentials are on the dark web so you can take immediate action by updating your password. 

What makes a good password manager?

Here are a few things to consider when investing in a password manager. 

Strong security and encryption

The password manager you invest in should be both zero trust and zero knowledge to ensure only you have the means to decrypt your stored data locally on your device. Additionally, the password manager should protect your data with AES-256-bit encryption and Elliptic-Curve Cryptography (ECC), the most robust encryption in the cybersecurity industry. 

Has a built-in password and passphrase generator

Ensure that your password manager has a built-in password and passphrase generator. A passphrase generator will create phrases made up of unrelated words while a password generator will create a random string of characters for your password. You can use this tool when creating a strong password, strengthening a weak password or when updating passwords for multiple accounts. 

Autofills your credentials and more

Autofill is a convenient feature to look out for in a password manager. It streamlines the login process by automatically filling out your credentials when accessing websites or applications, eliminating the need to manually type in your credentials. With autofill, you can enjoy a seamless and convenient login experience while still maintaining the security of your passwords. 

Secure password-sharing capabilities

A good password manager should allow you to securely share your passwords with trusted individuals. Often, friends and family members share login credentials for certain subscriptions like streaming services or may need to exchange important financial records for more serious matters. Regardless of the situation, invest in a password manager that has secure password and file-sharing capabilities to avoid sharing them through vulnerable methods like text or email. 

Keeper Security’s password manager offers a One-Time Share feature that allows you to share your passwords and other sensitive information with any individual, even if they’re not a Keeper user. With One-Time Share, you can set the length of time to share a record as well as revoke access at any time. 

Compatibility across devices, systems and browsers

Make sure that your password manager works cross-platform, allowing you to access your credentials from all your devices including your phone, tablet and computer. In addition, a good password manager should be compatible with popular browsers such as Chrome, Safari and Firefox. Having a password manager that is compatible with different types of devices and browsers ensures that you can access your passwords from anywhere and on any device. 

Easy to use

Password managers should be simple and easy to use since they’re purposefully designed to secure your online accounts without manual intervention. With an easy-to-use password manager, you save time by automating tasks such as generating passwords, storing passwords and auto-filling your credentials.

Supports passkeys 

A passkey is a cryptographic key that allows users to authenticate themselves without having to enter a password. Compared to traditional passwords, passkeys are more secure and convenient because they are automatically generated, phishing-resistant and support 2FA by design. A good password manager should support passkey technology by enabling you to store, manage and autofill your passkeys, just like how they handle your traditional passwords.   

Let Keeper protect and manage your passwords

Effective password management requires investing in a dedicated password manager. Not only does a password manager safeguard your digital identity and help protect against cyberattacks, but it also streamlines your online experience by automatically filling out your credentials and storing them in an encrypted vault.

See how a password manager can help protect your digital identity by starting a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today.