What is a password and what makes it secure?
How to store passwords securely?
If you are interested in a secure way to store your passwords, it indicates you recognize that you have access to critical spaces deserving the best protection. The current foolproof way to store a password is in your mind, but the reality is that as humans we have memory limitations, and when we need to protect multiple spaces, we reach a point where it's impossible to manage all the data solely using our cognitive capacity.
Additionally, when employing password generators, the resulting credentials lack discernible patterns and prove impossible to memorize. This necessitates the use of a password manager. However, your data security will ultimately depend on the manager's security measures.
Is it safe to use a password manager?
It is crucial to ask yourself a series of questions before choosing to use a password manager, as by doing so, you entrust it with access to all your critical spaces.
- Trust in the developer: Do you trust the company or individual behind the password manager's creation?
- Anti-corruption policies: Is it possible for an external actor to compromise the password manager's integrity?
- Security team: Does the password manager have a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts?
- Data policies: Does the password manager have clear policies for handling your data?
- Information leakage: How does it affect the password manager if your information is disclosed without your authorization?
- Popularity: Is the password manager the most widely adopted in the market, making it a prime target for cyber attackers?
- Privacy: Does the password manager have unrestricted access to your information?
We therefore recommend that you follow a series of principles,
Transparency: Choose open-source password managers where data handling processes are subject to public audit.
Secure synchronization: If the password manager synchronizes your data, ensure it does so securely, using encryption and without revealing any part of your information.
Unauthorized access: The password manager should never store your information in a way that allows it to access it without your consent.
Risks associated with password managers:
If a password manager is compromised or its authentication credentials are accessed, all stored passwords will be exposed to the attacker, constituting a critical security failure.
Storing your passwords securely is essential to protect your accounts and sensitive data. Choosing a reliable password manager and following security recommendations can minimize risks and keep your logins protected.