A great way to avoid hackers? Password managers.

Different accounts, same five passwords. We’ve all done it – and probably still do. But what you may not realize is that by always using the same passwords, you’re actually opening yourself up to hackers. Who, if they get hold of just one of those passwords, can access multiple accounts of yours, change all your passwords, and yes most likely steal your personal information or money.

Now, your brain may be saying, “That won’t happen to me, I’m not important enough.” Well, that’s exactly what Laura¹ thought.

Laura was sitting at work one day when she got a text message out of the blue confirming a $700 transfer request from her bank. Confused and panicked as she had not made this request, she immediately went to log into her bank account and cancel the transfer, but lo and behold she was locked out of her account! Not only that, but as she tried to reset her bank account password she realized she also couldn’t log into her email, as the password there had too been changed. There was no doubt about it – she had been hacked. The thief had been able to access her bank, her email, her online shopping account (spending over $500), and who knows what personal information. All because she had used the same password (her pet’s name) for the various accounts.

So, what’s the solution here? Try to remember a thousand different passwords for each account? Actually, it’s pretty simple and it’s called a Password Manager (we use Aura, for example).

A password manager does exactly what the name says – encrypts and safeguards all your passwords in one place, that only YOU can access with the master password.

It auto-generates new passwords when creating accounts and saves all your login information, so you'll never have to scour your brain for which one you decided to use again. By keeping your passwords impersonal and generated by an algorithm, you’re also making it more difficult for hackers to get their hands on your passwords and personal information.

Password managers also give you the option of an added protection with two-factor authentication. Meaning anytime you need to login to an account, you’ll receive a text with a one-time verification code to make sure it really is you.

Note: While browsers like Chrome and Internet Explorer have their own built-in password managers, they don’t have a master password option and aren’t encrypted, meaning they’re easier to hack.

Bonus tips for those who haven’t taken the leap to password managers yet:

• Set strong and difficult passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. (Never use personal information like pet names, family members, important dates)

 

• Use different passwords for each account.

 

• Avoid using real words, hackers can use malicious programs that can process every word found in a dictionary to crack passwords.

 

• Never share passwords as this can compromise the safety of your accounts.

 

• Avoid using public WiFi without a VPN, this could potentially expose your device’s data including saved passwords.

 

• Change your passwords periodically and after any notification of an organizational data breach.

Password managers like Aura’s, not only make your life easier (throw out that little notebook full of passwords!), but it makes cybercriminals lives much harder.
 
1 https://www.rd.com/article/hacking-horror-story/