Password Managers: Protecting Yourself in the Age of Hackers

password managersWhether it’s warnings about Heartbleed, the “largest data breach” ever, or Internet browser vulnerabilities, new online security threats are popping up every day. In the age of hackers, what is the number one way to safeguard your data?

Use a Password Manager
Password managers like LastPassDashlane1Password and True Key, are highly recommended by security experts as the strongest defense against online vulnerabilities. A password manager will help you generate a strong, unique password for each account you have, storing them all in one secure place – all you have to do is remember your master password. This is widely regarded as the best strategy to prevent hackers from accessing your information. In the unlikely event that one of your accounts is breached, hackers won’t have access to all of your online accounts since each of your passwords is unique.

Are They Really Safe?
These applications use browser extensions and mobile apps to remember your login information for you, so you don’t have to look up the unique password each time you want to check your bank balance or Facebook status. But can the apps and browser extensions really be safe? Yes – password management companies use the highest level of encryption possible, and no one but you has access to your master password. In fact, if you forget it, you are out of luck – you’ll have to delete your account and start over. Password managers actually lock your account and “throw away the key,” in that they never save your master password.

Outsmart Hackers
There’s no easier way to stay ahead of the hacking curve than to use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Using a password manager will simplify this process, making your online life easier, safer and tidier. All of the most popular password managers offer a free version, and some offer a premium version with additional useful features, like mobile device or multiple device access. Start using a password manager now to reap the security benefits. And really, is $12-$29 a year too much to pay for peace of mind?

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