How should I Store my Passwords securely?

It’ is important to understand how to store passwords, but a good first step for security is to use two-factor authentication (2FA) for every account that makes it available. 2FA gives you an extra layer of protection if someone gets your password. It’s an important first step to take for your security.

2FA will require a second passcode for any login that is provided via an authenticator app like the widely-used Google Authenticator app or by text message, a phone call, or email. However, 2FA is useless if your passwords are not stored safely by using one of these methods:

Here are more specific tips you can follow to store your password securely:

1. Use Your Browser’s Password Manager

There is excellent password-storage functionality built into Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and others. You  can even generate a password from your browser. With this method, the browser’s password manager will save your password for use on all devices, so it’s important to have a master PIN number or password set up to access your computer, phone, or tablet. 

2. Try Password-Saving Software

It’s hardly rare to forget a password, especially for sites you don’t use all the time. Like the password manager built into your browser, certain apps also store passwords safely. Password-saving software such as 1Password and Bitwarden will both store your encrypted passwords and generate random ones as needed. You can even find free versions that exclude some paid features, but they do what you need.

3. Keep Records On Paper

Storing passwords offline by writing them down might seem old-fashioned — and is likely something you’ve been told not to do — but it certainly beats doing nothing, and cybercriminals can’t reach through your screen and grab a notebook. Just don’t carry it with you, and instead, keep it in a secure location. 

Memorizing your passwords also works, but it’s not a practical solution for most as the human memory can be very unreliable, especially when it comes to details. 

4. Tips To Further Protect Your Passwords And Your Data

Password protection is important, but there are other best practices for securing them and other sensitive data. Keep these things in mind to enhance the actions you take to secure your passwords: Do not use the same password on every site or even multiple sites. It’s a bad idea because you leave a trail behind for hackers. In addition, never use the same password on work accounts and personal accounts. Always try to add some differentiation between the two accounts. Again, if there’s a breach, it will be easy for the intruders to get into all your accounts.