What is password management and why is it so important?

Password management is probably something you only think about when you’ve forgotten a password. But it’s actually something we deal with every day. Whether you’re logging in to your email, your bank, or your favourite webshop, you need a password for all of them. And the more accounts you have, the harder it gets to remember all those passwords. Luckily, there are handy solutions: password managers.

In this article, we explain exactly what password management is, why it’s essential for your digital security, and how you can get started with it. We’ll also give you a quick overview of some popular security packages that include this feature as standard.

What does a password manager do?

A password manager is software that helps you securely store all your passwords. You only need to remember one master password – the rest will be filled in automatically when you want to log in somewhere.

Good password managers do much more than just store passwords:

• They generate strong passwords that are hard to guess.
• They check if your passwords are weak or reused.
• They sync your data across different devices.
• They offer space for secure notes, such as PIN codes, Wi-Fi passwords, or important documents like passport details.

This way, you no longer have to reuse the same password (which is a major security risk) and you don’t have to rely on lists or Excel files with login details.

What are the benefits of password management?

1. Increased security 
A password manager makes it easier to use a unique and strong password for every account. This reduces the risk of one hacked account giving access to all your other accounts.

2. Time-saving 
No more searching for passwords or constantly clicking on ‘forgot password’. With just one click, your details are filled in automatically.

3. Overview and control 
You can see at a glance which accounts you have, how strong your passwords are, and if any action is needed, such as updating a weak password.

Are password managers safe?

A common question is: is it really safe to store all your passwords in one place? The answer is yes, provided you use a reliable and well-secured solution. Most modern password managers use end-to-end encryption, which means only you can access your data – not even the provider can see it.

Also, look for extra security options like two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, such as a code via SMS or an app, so that even if someone knows your master password, they still can’t log in without that extra step.

Where is password management included?

You don’t always need to buy a separate password manager. Many security packages, such as those from Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky, include this feature as standard. This way, you can conveniently combine password management with other protection like antivirus and VPN, without extra costs or hassle.

Get started with password management

Ready to get started? Begin by mapping out your current passwords. Do you often use the same password? Are they easy to guess? Then it’s time to take action. Choose a password manager that suits your needs, or check if your existing security software already offers this feature. Set a strong master password, enable 2FA, and you’re all set to browse safely online.