Online security is more important than ever. Today, therefore, almost all applications and systems are password-protected. And because we increasingly use online software programmes, you may have to enter a password several times a day. Pretty annoying if you have to remember your password for all those programmes. Because yes, we all know it has to be a strong password too. The solution? A password manager.
Digital safe
A password manager is a (often online) application in which all your passwords are stored. So you can think of it as a digital safe, which you can unlock with a single, unique password. So this is the only password you need to remember. The password manager can then generate unique, very strong passwords for all your accounts. Think of randomly generated and unrememberable, long passwords with combinations of characters, (uppercase) letters and numbers. For each login required, you get a unique password, which your password manager can automatically fill in the moment you log in.
How does a password manager work?
You install the password manager in your browser, so to speak. When you need to login to a website or application, the password manager fills in the login details. Of course, the password manager itself is also protected by a master password, and in many cases you can also use Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires you to enter a unique, one-time code in addition to the master password every time you log in. This is the only password you will have to remember yourself.
Some password managers also allow you to securely store other data such as notes, licences and payment details. With many password managers, you also have the option to use it from all your devices, so you can always log in quickly, easily and securely.
Password managers also offer many advantages when used within companies. This is partly because in many cases, passwords can be shared more securely and the management of and access to passwords can be centrally managed and easily revoked if necessary.
Choose password manager
There is a lot on offer, so we have listed the following points to help you make a good choice.
- Will you go for a free or paid version? Most free versions will get you a long way. Paid versions often offer just a bit more ease of use and extra functionalities. Think, for instance, of being able to store payment details. By the way, many paid versions first offer a free trial period so you can try it out.
- For certain websites or applications, you might have a general login that your colleagues also use. Some password managers offer the option of creating a shared vault in addition to a private vault.
- If you want to use your password manager on different devices (e.g. your laptop and phone), some password managers only allow this with the paid version.
Commonly used password managers
A Google search yields a lot of results. Here is a list of the most frequently used password managers (in no particular order). When making a choice, always take your own requirements, wishes and expectations into account and base your choice on them.
- 1Password
- Bitwarden
- Keeper
- Roboform
- Sticky Password
- Dashlane
- Enpass
- TrueKey
- mSecure
Securing your data?
Of course, a strong password is only a small step in securing your data. Want to know what else you can do? Then get in touch with us.
