What’s the Best Way to Manage Passwords?

When it comes to the best way to manage passwords, there’s no single system that works for everybody. However, there are some dos and don’ts that should be followed to keep your passwords (and your accounts) safe and secure.

In the early days of the internet, it wasn’t unusual to have one simple password that you used for multiple logins. We’ve come a long way from there though, and today, it’s more important than ever to engage in best practices of password management and security.

For businesses, improper password protection can result in data breaches and credential leaks. And while your standard browser password managers might seem secure, they leave a lot to be desired in terms of risk reduction.

So what’s a better alternative? Here’s what you need to know about the top password management tips, including the best password managers for business or individual use.

Basic Password Security Tips

For a high level of password protection, start here.

• Don’t use the same password twice. Using separate passwords for every account means that if one is hacked your other logins are still safe.  

• Never tell anyone your password(s). There are very few legitimate reasons why anyone else would need your login information. Keep your usernames and passwords private, and if you do have to share this info for a brief period, change your password afterward.

• The longer your password, the better. Length is key for tough-to-crack passwords. Aim for at least 12 characters, and use a mix of numbers, characters, and uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds a crucial additional layer of protection to your accounts and ensures that even if someone guesses your password, they won’t be able to access your data.

How to Manage Logins and Passwords

There may be some flexibility insofar as the best way to manage passwords, but one thing is undeniable: you can’t go wrong using a password manager.

A cloud- or desktop-based password manager offers a high level of security for your login information and, in the case of cloud managers, can be synced across devices for access when and where you need it.

Sometimes referred to as password vaults, these simple solutions store username and password data for every single account you have, all in one secure location. And they offer a lot of the convenience of browser-based storage managers (such as automated password fill-ins, so long as you’re logged in) without the gaps in security. Most will also suggest strong passwords to you when you’re creating new accounts to take the guesswork out of coming up with something that’s hard to hack. Other advantages include data encryption and optional add-on features like dark web monitoring.

As for which password manager you go with, that depends on your needs and your budget. But there are a lot of great options out there, including no- and low-cost password managers that are plenty suitable for adequate password security.

Some of our top password manager picks are:

• LastPass
• 1Password
• Bitwarden
• Dashlane
• Keeper
• LogMeOnce

Just like when you choose any software tool for your business, you’ll want to do a comparison of features, price, and integration abilities before settling on the right password manager for your needs. Make sure to consider things like whether the manager lives on your desktop or is based in the cloud, as well as whether it offers add-on perks like multi-factor authentication.

Want password security tips that are personalized for your business? Contact us today to learn about our IT consulting services, and work with a team of dedicated IT experts who are as committed as you are to keeping your accounts safe.