If you think about it, almost every website insists you create a user account. They usually ask you for a few personal details, perhaps your address, but most importantly…a password. It’s often the easiest option to type a password you know well, especially if it’s one you want to remember, but this is a recipe for disaster.
Using a password you’ve used before can leave you vulnerable to identity theft or your account being hacked. Many people are unaware that cybercriminals can crack weak passwords in seconds using automated tools, so imagine what could happen if your one and only password is exposed?
Thankfully there is a solution to this, and it’s a lot simpler than you’d expect. Password managers are specifically designed to remember your unique logins and passwords, and here’s why you should start using one immediately.
What is a password manager?
A password manager is a system that will generate a unique password for the websites you register with. The system will then store your passwords, helping keep them safe and secure in the same place.
When you visit the same website later on, the password manager will automatically fill in your login information and password for you.
How trustworthy is a password manager?
If you’re worried about having your credentials and passwords stored in one place, you’re not the only one. Many people often wonder that if the password manager’s database is hacked, wouldn’t that be just as risky as using the same password for every website?
For example, Norton Password Manger has a number of security features that make it a reliable system to use, including 256-bit AES encryption, Zero-knowledge architecture and Two-factor authentication.
How much do password managers cost?
There are some password managers that have a small subscription fee, but there are also a lot that don’t cost anything. For example, Norton Password Manger is free to use on its own, covering phones, laptops and computers.*
Users can also access the Norton Password Manager as a part of other Norton all-in-one plans, including the Norton 360 Advanced Powerful Device Security plan. However, if you’re on a budget, the basic plan from Norton (Norton AntiVirus Plus) includes Password Manager as well as Real-Time-Threat Protection, Firewall and Cloud Backup.
If you’re interested in more ways you can protect yourself online, check out the 5 reasons you should use antivirus software, even on a Mac.
*With the free version of Norton Password Manager, the company reserves the right to limit the number of entries (like passwords) at any time. This limitation won’t affect any existing entries in your vault.
