What is a Password Manager?

How does a password manager work? 

Our password manager stores all your important credentials and information for you – all you need to remember is one master password. Your sensitive information is encrypted end-end. This is a fancy way of saying that even if the servers storing this data get breached it will still be encrypted, and your data will remain safe.  

How do I implement a password manager? 

The first step in implementing a password manager is creating a Master Password, something that is unique and complex enough that a hacker cannot easily guess it – or use an AI tool too crack it (don’t include birthdays, maiden names, first cars etc.). This needs to be something that only you would know, it is recommended to include a few numbers and/or special characters. This sounds overwhelming, but remember, this is the only password that you will need to remember! This helpful chart gives an idea of how the length of a password effects your level of security: 

Once you have chosen your password, ensure that you enable multi-factor authentication for your password manager, either SMS or app-based. This will give an added level of security to your personal information. 

The second step is to install the password manager extension in your browser. This should only take a minute and will make your life much more efficient moving forward. The plug-in will auto fill your credentials into web logins.  

The last step is to add all your existing credentials to the password manager. This can be a long process depending on how many services you use (you’ll be surprised how many there are!) - so take it in bite sized pieces. Set aside a few 30-minute time blocks to get through the list. If you are like most people, you likely use your browser to save all your credentials, this is a great place to start. Open up that list and go through the websites one by one. We recommend resetting each password with one generated by the manager to ensure that they are all as secure as possible and if any of your credentials have been breached historically you are in the clear. Additionally, while you are in the security settings for each of your services, we recommend that you implement multi-factor authentication to maximize your safety. 

Once all your credentials are added to the password manager, make sure to install the app on your phone so that you are safe not only in the office but while you’re on the go.  

Now that your pre-existing credentials are saved the rest is easy. Whenever you do create a new log-in for a service just add it in your password manager, use a password generated by the manager and you are good to go! 

Moving forward you only need to remember one Master Password and the password manager will do the rest. You’ve got way less to try and keep in your head, and you are safer than ever while browsing the web!  

Not only can you use a password manager for log-in information, but you can also use it to store things like credit card information, health card numbers, and driver’s license info. Making it easy to complete online forms or make purchases online when you need this data. 

Does this sound overwhelming? No worries! Take a look at our Cyber Security Awareness Package or our Fractional IT Management offerings and we'll walk you through every step! 

Reach out to us today to protect yourself and your business.