Managing the Plethora of Passwords A Password Manager is a program that is used to help increase online security by allowing users to generate (either through the password manager or externally) a strong password, and then store it on a phone, web browser, or computer app. What this accomplishes is the ability to use different passwords for all of your accounts, increasing security in the event of a data breach. It also increases security in that you are able to use much more complex passwords that include random letters, numbers, and special characters, without having to remember them yourself. The only thing you will need to remember is a master password, and you’ll have access to all of your logins. There are several options on the market. Google Smart Lock is built into Google Chrome and Android devices. It is a simple password manager that does not generate passwords, but can be set up fairly quickly. Go to passwords.google.com to turn the setting on, and as long as you are signed in to Chrome or your Android device, the passwords will sync between devices. Instructions for Smart Lock can be found here. ​ ​ ​ KeePass is a free, open-source project that works for Windows, as well as KeePassX for Mac, takes some fiddling with to work, but it is capable of generating a 64 character password with random numbers and letters. The passwords are then stored and encrypted on your computer. The only caveat for this password manager is that the database needs to be accessible, so in most cases the passwords are stored per device, unless you store the file on the cloud. KeePass Download for Windows | KeePassX for Mac Some simple instructions for setting up ​ ​ ​ KeePassX can be found here: Mac and Windows ​ ​ ​ ​ LastPass is a web browser extension and smartphone app that stores autofill information to include passwords, credit card information, and other digital records. It is free, but can be upgraded to a premium membership for more functionality at $2 a month. This one is easily syncable across multiple devices as well as having the additional features. It can generate strong passwords inside the application itself, making it a one-stop shop. LastPass can be found here. ​ ​ ​ .