Get Those Passwords Under Control!

Save time and effort by setting up routine management that only requires a few minutes of supervision per month once you are set up. By leveraging free tools and adhering to best practices, you can create a secure and manageable password system. World Password Day serves as a timely reminder to assess and improve our password habits, ensuring our digital information remains protected.

Adopt Best Practices for Password Security

Using a password manager reduces the risk of password reuse and simplifies the process of maintaining unique passwords for each account. Best practices are:

• Length and Complexity: Aim for passwords that are at least 12 characters long, incorporating uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-password-protection

• Regular Updates: Periodically change your passwords, especially if you suspect any account may have been compromised.

• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Refrain from using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Avoid simple sequences such as "1234" or "password." https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-create-a-strong-password-4783955https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-create-a-strong-password-4783955

• Unique Passwords for Each Account: Ensure that each of your accounts has a distinct password to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple services.

https://www.avast.com/c-topic-passwords

Enhance Security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Whenever possible, enable MFA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app, in addition to your password.

How to Create a Free and Secure Password List?

Strong passwords are typically long, complex, and unique. Free password generators can make updating passwords effortlessly: Managing multiple strong passwords can be challenging. Free password managers securely store your credentials and often include features like autofill and password generation:

Utilize Free Password Generators & Password Managers

Open-source password managers often offer secure password storage and generation features. These tools allow users to store multiple passwords in a secure container, can offer strong encryption, and generate unique, strong passwords for new accounts.

Key Features of Open-Source (Free) Password Managers:

• Security: Open-source password managers utilize strong encryption algorithms to protect your password data.

• Privacy: Many open-source managers prioritize user privacy by allowing local storage of passwords without relying on external servers.

• Transparency: Open-source code is publicly available, allowing users to inspect and audit the software for security vulnerabilities.

• Customization: Open-source password managers often offer features like password grouping, autofill functionality, and plugin integration.

• Cross-Platform Support: Many open-source password managers are available for various platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

• Password Generation: Built-in password generators allow users to create strong, unique passwords for new accounts.

Examples of Free Password Generators & Managers:

• KeePass: A free, open-source password generator and manager that stores all passwords in a single, encrypted database protected by a master key.

https://keepass.info/

• Bitwarden: A cross-platform password generator and manager with a free, open-source version that supports various devices, including web, mobile, and desktop apps.

https://bitwarden.com/

• Psono: A self-hosted, open-source password generator and manager that allows users to store their credentials locally and share them encrypted with their team.

https://psono.com/

• PasswordSafe: An open-source, cross-platform password generator and manager designed for easy storage of sensitive data.

https://pwsafe.org/

• Teampass: An open-source password generator and manager specifically designed for team collaboration, offering secure sharing of credentials and role management.

https://teampass.net/

• Enpass: A cross-platform password generator and management solution that stores user credentials locally or in the cloud.

https://www.enpass.io/

• Avast: An Apple specific password generator and manager that secures passwords with both local and cloud storage options.

https://www.avast.com/random-password-generator#pc

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.passwordmanager&hl=en_US&pli=1

Using a password manager reduces the risk of password reuse and simplifies the process of maintaining unique passwords for each account.

The key phrase is “reduces the risk” in the cyber world there is no such thing as without risk and constant vigilance is required. Be sure the password manager you choose is encrypted and guard its password as if your life depends on it! If a hacker gets hold of your master password, they have all your passwords. By their very nature password manager programs are a target for hackers.