Cyber Security Technology Training Passwords & Password Managers What is a password manager? A password manager is an app that creates and keeps track of secure passwords. Is it safe to use a password manager? Yes. Computer security experts say the combination of security and convenience provided by using a password manager is safer than not using one. What makes a password secure? ● Length (at least 12 characters) ● Variety of letters + numbers + symbols ● Words that aren’t in a dictionary ● Not using the same password for more than one account What is a passphrase? A passphrase is a string of several words (real or made up) that’s more secure and easier to remember than a shorter password. A passphrase may include numbers, spaces or other characters. What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why do I need to know? 2FA adds extra security by requiring an extra step when you log in. The extra step may be a code that’s texted to you, a PIN, a fingerprint, face recognition, or some other factor. Features to look for in a password manager ● Generates secure passwords ● Syncs between desktop and mobile devices ● Captures new usernames and passwords when you log in to a secure site ● Autofills saved passwords on desktop and mobile devices ● Automatically updates stored passwords when you change them ● Imports from and exports to other password managers Created by Michelle Quigley [email protected] / Updated March 2021 Cyber Security Technology Training Passwords & Password Managers Comparing popular and recommended password managers PASSWORD MANAGER PRICING KEY FEATURES Free for one user on one kind of PC Magazine’s best for Lastpass (lastpass.com) device, premium $36/year ease of use Free for up to 50 passwords on PC Magazine’s best for Dashlane (dashlane.com) one device, premium $60/year security-focused extras 1Password (1password.com) Starts at $2.99/month Wirecutter 2021 top pick Stores passwords on your Free for personal use, pay per device, PC Magazine top Myki (myki.com) user for businesses pick for free password managers Starts at $34.99/year, additional PC Magazine’s best for Keeper (keepersecurity.com) charges for secure messaging secure cross-platform and other features password management Free or $10/year for secure file PC Magazine’s best Bitwarden (bitwarden.com) storage and additional features, open-source password pay per user for businesses manager Free or up to $4.99/month for PC Magazine top pick for LogMeOnce personal use, more for free password manager (logmeonce.com) businesses + advanced features with lots of features Resources ● Test your passwords at howsecureismypassword.net (sponsored by DashLane) ● Check haveibeenpwned.com to see if any of your accounts have been compromised ● Consumer Reports: consumerreports.org/cro/password-managers.htm ● Consumer Reports: consumerreports.org/digital-security/tips-for-better-passwords ● PC Magazine: pcmag.com/picks/the-best-free-password-managers ● PC Magazine: pcmag.com/picks/the-best-password-managers ● New York Times: thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-password-managers Created by Michelle Quigley [email protected] / Updated March 2021.