Password managers are software tools which help users create strong passwords and set rules for remembering them. Many cybersecurity experts maintain that using a password manager to create strong passwords and rules for remembering them is the absolute best method for securing your data on the internet. For detractors, password managers constitute a single point of weakness a bounty of highly sensitive personal data guarded by only one master password which can itself be compromised, stolen or destroyed. This may be true in some cases, such as if a hacker broke into a website and got hold of one of the password databases. However, most password managers are designed so that even if a firewall or network administrator's password was stolen, the password management program will automatically set new, strong ones.
Most password management programs use random salt values and generate strong passwords based on these values, making it extremely difficult to imitate. Passwords which have been copied from an online article, blog post or email and then cracked, or "hashed", are usually easier to crack than passwords which were randomly generated. Hashing is also more time-consuming than cracking. In addition, if one's passwords are "hashed", they cannot easily be changed or copied to create new, more secure passwords.
One possible disadvantage of password managers is that they may discourage users from changing passwords too often. They keep track of when a password changes, and send an email to the user alerting them that their password needs to be changed. Even though this is annoying, users can still change their passwords at any time, as long as they have not yet accessed their vault. In some cases, if someone finds a letter from Keepass in their mailbox, they can use it to access their vault.
Another possible drawback of password managers is that they only allow a small number of usernames and passwords. Because most users select a complex password, this limits the number of possible usernames and passwords. Keepass recommends only using five to ten words, making it easy for the user to remember and type in. On the other hand, because complex passwords are more prone to being cracked, it recommends using longer and more complicated passwords.
Keepass is not the only password manager available. There are also some other free, open source software programs which can be used to keep track of one's passwords. This option may be less convenient, however, since one has to download each program and install them one at a time. Many free password managers only allow one account per computer. This option is much less expensive.
A third option is to purchase a password manager which provides access to multiple accounts from one location. This option is usually the best choice for business users whose passwords and accounts for their business vary over time and who do not always want to change their password on every site. In addition, these programs often provide additional security features like firewalls and limits on the amount of people who have access to the user's accounts. Most programs provide an email feature that allows a business owner to check their messages online in real time.
Although many people think that password managers only provide access to a limited amount of information, there are actually several benefits to using this kind of software. Most come with anti-spam features to protect the user's data. Many also come with various tools to help prevent hacking and data breaches. Some programs provide real-time protection from data breaches, so that the owner will receive an email alert in the case that a breach occurs. Most programs allow users to export data directly to Microsoft Excel or other formats, which can be further analyzed for any threats or weaknesses.
Today, there are several different password managers available. They are all designed to perform the same functions, and all have the added benefits of allowing a company to manage its passwords and accounts in a secure manner. However, not all password managers are the same, and each has its pros and cons. Before purchasing one for use in the office or building where its use is recommended, it's important to consider what each offers in terms of functionality and how it safeguards the company's data.