Why you need a password manager now

Here, I'll explain why embracing handy digital vaults known as 'password managers' takes the hassle away from having to remember all your passwords, and avoids the risk associated with writing them down.

A password manager is your online password diary

The other week I was in a well-known high street stationer, and I saw a little diary-like book on the shelf. On the front in nice gold writing, it said "Passwords."

Now, although it's understandable that with everything being online nowadays, managing so many usernames and passwords is daunting, but writing a password down is never a good idea. 

Putting your passwords in a book that says 'Passwords' on the cover is a really bad idea as it creates a tempting target for someone to steal.

Having ALL of your passwords written down in one place is also a bad idea as, in the event of a fire or flood, or even just dropping it down the back of the sofa, you risk losing everything.

So what can you do?

Why you should use a password manager

Imagine having a secure digital notebook where you can store all your passwords safely.

That's essentially what a password manager is. It's like taking that book of passwords, locking it in a safe and having that safe follow you around so it's there ready with your passwords whenever you need to access a secure website. 

It'll even log in for you!

Using a password manager means:

• You only need to remember one main password, called a "master password" (this is the 'key' to your virtual safe).
• Your passwords are much more secure than they would be written down on paper or in a notebook.
• You can have a copy of your passwords on all of your devices: your computer, tablet, and phone (you just install the software where you need it*).
• If your phone or laptop gets lost or damaged you will still be able to access your passwords on another device; it's not like losing the password book.
• It can create strong, unique passwords for you. So no more frustration when a site tells you you need a password of a certain length with a number, capital letter and symbol and you don't need to remember them - the password manager manages this for you.
• If you change a password, it will update that password on all your devices.

(*some Password Managers limit this in the free version.)

How to use a password manager:

Using a password manager might seem complicated at first, but once you start using them, you'll soon wonder how you ever managed without!

Here's how it works:

1. Choose and install a password manager (some good free options are listed below).
2. Create your master password - make it strong but memorable. Read our factsheet: How to create a strong, memorable password.
3. You might want to write down your master password for your chosen password manager and store it somewhere securely (for example if you have a home safe or a safety deposit box). Don't note down what the password is for (you'll know this) and don't carry it with you, keep it secure!

When you log into a website for the first time, the password manager will offer to save your login details. Say "yes" to save them securely.

The next time you visit that website, the password manager will automatically fill in your username and password for you. All you have to do is click "log in".

It's that easy!

Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support

Helpful features of password managers:

Most good password managers can do more than just remember your passwords. They offer several other helpful features:

• They can create strong, unique passwords for you.
• Many can store other important information like passport numbers or bank card details.
• Some let you safely share passwords with family members or other people you trust to access to your accounts or information - you can even do this without revealing the password!

Digital inheritance

Password sharing also brings us to another issue of the modern world, the issue of accessing online accounts in the event of someone's death, what we refer to as 'digital inheritance'.

Good online security is great at making sure we keep our data safe, but in the event of someone's death, next of kin or executors of estates often find themselves unable to access these accounts to close them down, gather assets, or simply notify people.

Some password managers offer a 'digital inheritance' feature that allows a secure way of managing this.

Alternatively, this may be an occasion where you write down your master password to your vault and store it somewhere safe (in an actual safe for example) for someone to use in the event of your death.

Do bear in mind that there are some accounts, such as bank accounts, that have specific procedures for granting access to your finances.

Having access to your username and password would not be enough to prove that a person has your permission to access your data and finances on your behalf, and could get them into a lot of trouble if they try to do so.

So which password manager should you pick?

There are many password managers available, but below you'll find some commonly used free options.

Bitwarden

Bitwarden - Bitwarden is completely free and fully-functional for personal use and is trusted by experts as it is Open Source (which allows experts to check out all the code to make sure it's doing what it says it does!)

• Works on unlimited devices.
• Stores unlimited passwords.
• Free for personal use.
• Trusted by security experts.

Note: Some people find it a little complicated to begin with.

Aviva Password Manager

Avira Password Manager - Avira is probably better known for its free antivirus software often coming pre-installed on many laptops, but their password manager is equally good.

• Works on unlimited devices.
• Stores unlimited passwords.
• Easy to use.

Note: Doesn't allow password sharing.

NordPass

NordPass - Nord is a well-known provider of security software and their password manager is a popular choice.

• Works on unlimited devices.
• Stores unlimited passwords.
• Easy to set up and use.

Note: Can only be used on one device at a time.

LastPass

LastPass - Arguably one of the best known password managers.

• Unlimited number of passwords.
• Relatively easy to use/organise.
• Share with 1 other person.

Note: the free version has limited features.

Summary of password manager advice

Remember, a password manager is like a trusted friend who never forgets your passwords. It helps keep your online accounts safe and makes it easier to use strong, unique passwords for each account.

With a little practice, you'll find it makes your online life much simpler and more secure.

Other resources

• Tips for creating strong passwords you can remember
• A new way to log in will put an end to passwords
• 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them
• Practical tips to shield yourself from scams, with Ofcom
• For free tech support if you are older or disabled, call us on 0300 180 0028**

**Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls.