The easiest way to store a password is by writing it down on a paper. No one can hack a paper. But this has its disadvantages – you may misplace it. Or it may accidentally be copied by a wrong person.Or worse washing the paper down with your laundry if left in your shirt or pants!
Over time, there has been a development on password managers created to help you either generate and recall passwords or store all your passwords in the same place – and access them by only using a single master password.
One of the downside of password managers, especially those with no cloud storage or reset options; is that, once you forget the master password to the manager – all your other passwords saved therein are lost completely!
If your passwords are stored on your computer’s hard drive – you risk having a hacker snooping around your saved files or losing the entire hard drive information in case your device malfunctions.
Re-using passwords vs many passwords
Re-used passwords holds the master key to your digital life. If compromised, say hacked, it would mean that every bit of site and account that relies on your password is compromised too!
For your vital accounts and sites, you should use unique passwords instead. But when they are multiple, it might be impossible to recall each password – we all forget one or two. To solve this, you need to write them somewhere safe that only you have an access to.
Password Managers
Some password managers don’t store your information on their server. It’s just a software installed on any of your device eg. flash drive
In the above case, always remember to make regular backups; to avoid losing all info in the event of a system malfunction or device crash.
Secondly, never use a device with your passwords on untrustworthy computers. Suppose you were in an internet cafe or airport business center and a spyware was installed on the computer you used – someone would later gain access to all your information.
Be careful and avoid opening suspicious emails; that might trick you to share sensitive information with them. Some might pose as an email or memo from bank, trading companies, delivery companies and you might end up being a victim of fraud.
Keepass Password Manager
Keepass (website: https://keepass.info) is a free open-source password manager software that works with multiple Operating Systems. The software works offline and requires no internet connection to access or save new entries.
It works by storing all entered passwords into a single database; and accessing them by using a single master key password
It’s highly customizable especially for tech-savvy. But the downside of Keepass is its User Interface. It has a basic interface that might seem unattractive or lacking the straight-forward user experience
Apart from the user interface, the other major downside of this password manager is; lack of safety net. In case you forget your master key password, you can’t find your way around.
The saved database (.kbdx) can be exported as a backup to some cloud storage locations such as Dropbox or gmail. Also, by using iOS app, one can easily import the database by using Dropbox to retrieve the database file.
Alternatively, syncing of the database files that contain these passwords in different devices can be done manually via USB stick or cables. This limits exchange to offline use onl
