Strong Passwords & Password Managers

Strong passwords are your first defense against fraud. However, you may find yourself thinking “all these complex and unique passwords are getting out of hand! How am I going to remember them all?”

Well, a premium password manager can be the solution. With a password manager, you only have to remember one master password. So let’s get into the details.

Strong Passwords Typically:
  • Use 15+ characters
  • Include numbers, symbols and a mix of uppercase and lowercase
  • Are different for every account
  • Are changed every 6 months

A password manager can check all those boxes for every account by generating random passwords, at the character length of your choice, with numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters, and can be manually or automatically changed every so often.

What to Know About Password Managers
  • A password manager may cost you some money.
    Although there are free ones out there, premium managers are safer than most free options. Some premium managers offer free versions, so do some research to determine what is best for you.
  • With a password manager, your master password is extremely important.
    You need to have a strong password, incorporating the above elements, to protect your vault. If you need to, have a “hint” to reference in case you forget your master password. You’ll be locked out of the vault if you cannot remember your master password.
  • Password managers can be breached.
    Password managers can be, and have been, breached. However, password managers encrypt the data, typically with industry–standard encryption like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard, the same encryption the U.S. government uses), so if there is a breach, the hacker would have to decipher that encryption, which is almost impossible. Plus, with a strong master password, two-factor authentication and malware free devices, your security is looking very strong.
  • More than just passwords.
    Password managers can store more than just account passwords. You can store addresses, membership numbers, insurance information, credit card and bank information, WiFi passwords and more.
  • There are different types of password managers.
    Password managers can be browser-based, cloud-based or desktop-based. Each one has pros and cons, so do some research to determine which is best for you.

For more information on security and common fraud tactics, visit WheelhouseCU.com/security.

Sources
cybernews.com/best-password-managers/are-password-managers-safe/
us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-password-manager-security.html

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