Online and Cyber Security: Password Managers

 If you are using simple passwords or the same ones repeatedly, I will pass along my sympathy now for the upcoming hack.

Stop using documents and “Post It notes” to store your passwords, and STOP using simple passwords.

You need a Password manager!

Special Note: Nothing is free, so I recommend paying for a service that is as important to your financial health as this.

A password manager will help create complicated passwords, track them, and make them available for your loved ones should something happen to you.

Here is a list of popular password managers. Where the best is subjective, the list below is from best to worst based on my opinion after reviewing many sources.

  1. 1Password Families
  2. Dashlane Premium
  3. Keeper Unlimited
  4. Keeper Free
  5. Bitwarden Families
  6. LastPass Premium
  7. LastPass Free
  8. Bitwarden Free

My Tips

Usernames: Avoid using your email, name variation, or account number as a username. Bad Guys know then, and you just made their jobs easier.

Two-factor Authentication: Make sure you set up two-factor authentication. When possible, use an authenticator like MicrosoftAuthenticator, Google Authenticator, or Symantec VIP, also available in the Google and Apple App Stores.

Recovery Questions: Always set up recovery questions and never answer truthfully; for example, your favorite teacher’s name could be Basketball. Remember to document those in your password manager.

Trust, but do not trust: If I were creating a password for a low-risk account, maybe a free subscription or membership, where the risk of my account being hacked would be limited to no, I would enter the password into the password manager. However, I always need to add the correct password for essential passwords!

Huh, what are you talking about? Are you crazy? Yes, crazy like a fox!

Create your work formula; for example, you can …

·        Add 3 (or some number) characters to the beginning, the end, or both the beginning and end of the actual password, and do not copy them when you log into the account. Example, the actual password is Ruf%^$#677sfETV You could add three character, Example qweRuf%^$#677sfETV or Ruf%^$#677sfETVqwe or qweRuf%^$#677sfETVzxc

·       When creating a password, ensure a certain character is always a number, like the 7th character. Then, when you enter the password, increase or decrease that number by, say, one. Example, if your password is pjd%YT8okn63% you would enter either pjd%YT7okn63% or pjd%YT9okn63%

Summary

Using simple or repeated passwords puts you at risk of future hacks. Avoid storing passwords in documents or sticky notes and stop relying on easy-to-guess passwords. Instead, use a password manager to create strong passwords, store them securely, and allow access for loved ones if needed. Below is a list of recommended password managers, ranked from best to worst, based on a personal review of various sources.

Final Thought: Please remember to freeze your credit; it will only help you in the long run and never hurt your credit.

We all have choices; make the Smart Choice for a better life. 

Thank you for taking the time and for investing in you. 

Please leave a comment below; I love to learn.

Who better to learn from than you?



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