Password Management
Same Old Password
One of the ways passwords can be utilized is having the same password for every account. I highly recommend not using this technique. If one of your accounts is compromised the bad guys always try the victim password with other accounts you have first, it is the path of least resistance for them.
Writing Your Passwords Down
Second, writing them down on a piece of paper or notebook. This is a better idea but is still not recommended. When writing them down if not written clearly it can lead to problems. Some individuals will than guess what the password maybe and if typed incorrectly a password reset will then have to be done. This can be frustrating and time consuming. Notes tend to get cluttered as well and when writing them down the passwords tend not to be very complex which is a problem in itself. More on that later.
Passwords Saved on a Smart Device
Another technique I have seen used and again is not recommended is having your passwords kept in a note or a contact on one’s smart phone or tablet. This would have the same issues as the notebook or paper. The password may be able to be read easier but passwords tend to be weak and reluctantly they would have to be typed onto other sources. Redundant passwords are also used because a long complex and unique password is just no fun to type.
May Be the Best Way
One of the best ways to save passwords is to create a file that can be accessed by your computer. I would use a USB-C flash drive to save this document, spreadsheet, or text file. This file can be accessed when passwords are needed. This flash drive can also be read from a phone or tablet that has a USB-C port. If your device is newer than 3 years it should have this port.
With this little technique you can keep your passwords, user names, addresses, credit card information, and other confidential information that is regularly needed to login to most secure websites. Links to these various sites can be saved on the flash drive as well. With one click you can be right at that login screen. The most desirable is that every password can now be complex, longer, and different from all other passwords. The copy/paste technique is used to copy the password or other pertinent information to the desired field. This way no typing is needed, few mistakes, and less password resets.
To heighten security the flash drive can be removed from the device and saved in a safe place. Pro tip, make sure you do regular backups of the drive for that unexpected situation such as loss or failed drive. Most drives can be encrypted so if the drive is lost no one can read your private stuff.
Password Complexity
Passwords should be at least 11 (eleven) or 12 (twelve) characters long and if possible, the longer the better. They should include an upper and a lower-case letter, numbers, and a symbol. It is important to not use whole words in your password. This technique can make the password weak.
Third Party Software
Lastly, and I think this is the best for the majority of the tech users out there and that is a good password manager. One that I have seen when working with different clients is Dashlane. This software or app can be used with Apple, Microsoft, iOS (iPhone) and Android phones (Samsung, LG, TCL, etc.). One account can be used on all of your devices.
There is a monthly charge for this service but if simplicity is your concern, then this is it. I would recommend going to their website and see for yourself the benefits and will they work for you.
There are more password managers out there and they are hundreds of times more secure than using the password manager in your browser no matter the platform.
I look forward to your comments,
Tom “TC" Czajczynski