Secure your accounts with a dedicated password Manager

In the initial days on the internet, it was conventional wisdom not to store passwords on browsers.  Over a quarter of a century, the internet has evolved drastically and introduced new browsers and operating systems. The user’s approach has also changed the way one using the internet. Modern browsers are more secure, with user’s accounts protected by strong passwords and by the use of two-factor authentication.

Many Browsers, including Microsoft Edge, have a basic password manager and the ability to create strong passwords.  The advantage of using a browser password Manager is that one has to use a unique and strong password for each site one uses.  Though this process can be lengthy, and the user has to remember different passwords for different sites, it is good. Hackers breach an account, reuse the password on user’s other accounts, causing more damage. On the other hand, a single unique password eliminates the risk of reusing the hacked information somewhere else. Above all, the browser password Manager is free. 

Still, many people prefer using a dedicated third-party password Manager.  This is because browser password Managers confine a user into using that particular browser only. The cross-platform facility isn't available in this case.  For example, if one is using a chrome password manager, the login will be synced available across all the user accounts on Google. However, if the user tries to access the same sites on other platforms like Edge or Firefox,  then one has to access the passwords stored in Chrome to reuse them on another platform. Also, it is difficult to remember long, complex passwords one has used on Chrome. So, one has to go back to the chrome browser, log in again and find out what the password was used. 

Another headache would be when one is using a mobile website or app. Log in with one’s password used in the PC browser on a mobile can be frustrating. However, users of android phones or I phone have their passwords stored in Chrome or safari and might retrieve it from the google or apple account. 

Can you trust the browser with passwords?

It goes without saying why it is essential to have a strong password. Having unique and complex passwords and changing them every few weeks can secure an account to a certain extent. Complex passwords denote having at least an 8-character password with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.  People are now used to this combination and do not need any reminders. Also, it becomes difficult for hackers to guess such a kind of password. 

No matter how strong a password is, one's credentials can be stolen if one logs into a malicious website.  Hackers use these malicious websites to install malware into the system, steal the password, and gain knowledge of a user's network activity. 

Browsers such as Firefox do not integrate a complex password generator. They only offer suggestions for random passwords but do not allow customization for specific characters or lengths. 

A Browser password manager is good in storing passwords and offers convenience for users for surfing the web, but they are vulnerable to malware attacks. Though they have an autofill feature, it is not secure and risky if any other person can get hold of the device and log in to important accounts. This will go undetected as they do not have any facility to check any vulnerabilities in the system or alert if an account has been hacked. 

Why is a Password Manager important?  

There are many benefits of using third-party password Managers.  They are designed to work on cross platforms and can work with any browser.  After installing the tool, one can log into a site or service on any device or software apps.  This feature alone makes a password manager useful as people are using multi-devices nowadays.  

There are other benefits too. Browser functions revolve around a user’s account only. However, a password Manager has many features apart from saving passwords.   They have the option of sharing a password securely with families or co-workers. If someone wants to use a WIFI or a family member wants to login into your Netflix account, then one need not hesitate to share as the password sharing is secured. 

Password Managers help users to save time through their auto-filling options. Even though Browsers also have this function. Password managers use it more robustly. They also have some helpful notification features like 

• sending a reminder to change old passwords, 
• share emergency passwords with specific contacts, 
• a storage facility using advanced encryption
• accessing open Wi-Fi Hotspots through VPN capabilities. 

Developers have the security aspects on the top while developing password Managers. The whole idea is to protect a user, and this is the prime concern nowadays when hacking of accounts has become rampant. This is why Third-party password managers offer advanced security features.  They provide an extra layer of security with a master password for all the different passwords linked to separate accounts. This is backed up with a second-factor authentication.  The advantage here is one does not need to remember all the passwords and only requires one to use the master password. 

Conclusion

Password hygiene has become such a critical activity for billions of people globally that we now have an “International Change Your Password Day”. February 1 has been earmarked for this day, dedicated to ensuring people practice good password hygiene and keep their online activities secure. 

If one is accustomed to using  different browsers, it is recommended to use a dedicated password manager. Though it will not be a free tool, it can safeguard personal and banking accounts and save from larger catastrophe. People use different browsers for various functions. One does not have to put all their eggs in one basket or cookies in the same browser. Cybersecurity experts recommend users use multiple web browsers, each earmarked for different activities. It is not only safe but secure as well. For example, if one wants to use a browser for streaming, speed is the requirement. In contrast, if one wants to do online banking, the browser's security is more important than speed.