Only you know this key, and because it’s stored locally on your device or printed out on paper, it’s harder for hackers to find. This is a random string of letters, numbers and symbols that the company will send you at sign up. In some cases, you might also get a “security key” to enter when you log in to new devices. Generally, you have a lengthy, complex “master password” that safeguards the rest of your information.

The mechanics of keeping those passwords safe differs slightly from provider to provider. But most experts in the field agree that password managers are a generally secure and safe way to keep track of your data, and the benefits of strong, complex passwords outweigh the possible risks. One hack could mean you lose it all to an attacker and struggle for months or even years to rebuild your online presence, not to mention you may have to cancel credit cards and other accounts. It seems counterintuitive to store all your sensitive information in one place. Password managers are more readily accessible and offer the benefit of filling in those long passwords for you. Think of how many sites you have credentials on - it’s an impossible task to remember it all without somewhere to store them safely (no, a sticky note on your desk won’t cut it). This is the exact opposite of using the same password everywhere, with minor variations depending on a site’s requirements. “It's just not possible without a password manager to have unique, long and hard-to-guess passwords,” Florian Schaub, an associate professor of information and of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, said.Ĭommon guidance states that passwords should be unique, with the longest number of characters allowed and uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Most of these services have autofill features that make it convenient to log in to any site without needing to remember every password you have, and they keep your credit card information close for impulse purchases.īut given that passwords are one of the top ways to keep your online identity secure, the real value of password managers is staying safe online.

They hold your valuables, in this case usually online credentials, in a section of the vault only accessible to you by security key or a master password.

Think of password managers like virtual safe deposit boxes.

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