We’ve discussed the basics of Cyber Security and also how to avoid being scammed by email hackers. Both of these articles highlighted the need for your passwords to be strong. But what we haven’t explained is how you’re supposed to keep track of these passwords. Let us introduce you to the concept of a password manager.
In our current cyber environment, hacking and cyber-attacks are taking place much more often than many business owners realise. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that business scams were up more than 30 percent in 2016. According to Kaspersky Lab Security Bulletin 2016, a company is hit with ransomware every 40 seconds. These statistics can seem frightening, but the best first-level defence against hacking is a strong password.
It is no longer good enough to use your birthday, a name, etc. If your passwords aren’t strong enough, hackers and the software they use will be able to “guess” them. You need to have a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts. (For tips on creating a strong password, check back to our post on email scams).
Password managers are not just a way to store your passwords in a secure place, they can also generate these unique and complex passwords for you. You do, however, have to create and remember one master password, which will be the key to all of your password manager created passwords.
How does it work?
Your typical password manager will install a browser plug-in which will handle your password capture and replay. This way, each time you log in to a secure site, it will ask you if you want to save your password.
Using your super-strong master password, you gain access to the browser password manager, and then every time you log in to a new site, the password manager will help you create, save and store your passwords.
The best password managers will save your account details when you create the account and will also recognize when you change your password and offer to update the stored information.
What password managers to use
There are so many options when it comes to password managers, and depending on the level of security you think you require, you can get one for free or for a small fee.
A couple of free password managers:
Last Pass https://www.lastpass.com/
Free to use, with features such as two-factor authentication and free syncing, with a premium plan you can upgrade to for a small cost.
Log me once is also free, and claims that by using their Single Sign-On system, you increase your security by 300%. Log me once also uses a passwordless system, with four authentication options to choose from.
For more options, PC Mag has created an in-depth list of the best Password Managers of 2017, including both a Paid and Free list.
Have more questions about Password Managers or Cyber Security? Give us a call and speak with one of our knowledgeable Technical Engineers on (08) 9228 4118, or send us an email at .