Password manager

A password manager can make your life easier in many ways while significantly increasing your security and convenience on the internet. All you need to remember is one master password, and you get a secure place to store all your passwords and login details. A password manager can generate complex passwords for every website/app whose username and password it stores.

A password manager can generate complex passwords for every website/app whose username and password you save. This automatically prevents you from using insecure phrases (such as ‘Password123!’) and reusing passwords. If one of the services you use is hacked, only that one account is compromised, not all of your user accounts.

Many password managers offer browser integration, enabling them to automatically fill in login forms. This is not only convenient, but also has the advantage of protecting you from phishing attacks, as the passwords are assigned to the corresponding services and websites and can only be used on the correct page.

In addition, many password managers help with automatic security checks to determine the strength of your passwords or even warn you about compromised passwords. Furthermore, many password managers can also store credit card details, secure notes and 2FA codes.

There are two types of password managers that must be distinguished, as they differ in important aspects.

• Online password manager services: Password manager services usually come with their own apps and browser plug-ins. The main advantage here is the automatic synchronisation of your passwords across different devices. However, you usually have to take out a subscription for these services, and your password manager account is, of course, also an account that can be attacked and must be protected accordingly. There have also been data leaks at various providers in the past.

• Local password manager apps: Local password managers store an encrypted file on your computer or mobile device, allowing you to store your passwords in a relatively secure location. However, these apps often do not have automatic synchronisation, so you have to come up with a strategy for this yourself.