When setting up a password manager, there are certain things you should keep in mind to ensure you’ve set yourself up securely and efficiently to avoid frustration later on.
1Using a Weak Master Password
Okay, you’ve set up your password manager, but your master password is “p@55w0rd123”. Yikes! Remember, you’re setting up this password manager to storeallyour passwords—passwords to your bank account(s), social networks, and beyond. Your master password is essentially access to your entire digital life.
You should treat it as something only you, in the entire history of the world, could create—a unique combination of letters, numbers, and those pesky special characters we often forget. Now, the only problem you might have is remembering this password (something that could be a bit tricky, although it can indeed be accomplished), but, of course, there are methods to ensure you never forget it.
2Storing Your Master Password Insecurely
So, you’ve crafted an exceptional master password. No one, now or later, will ever be able to crack your password. You’ve got that part down, but you decided to store your master password under your keyboard, which is a big no-no for the very simple reason that if someone finds it, they can gain access to your entire digital life. It would almost be like leaving your laptop unlocked in a cafe while grab a coffee—physical security is vital for your digital security, too.
Likewise, storing your master password in a text file on your computer is a terrible idea. So, where should you store it?
Ideally, you should commit your master password to memory, as no one can read your mind (at least, not yet). If that seems too troublesome, the next option is to write it down on a piece of paper but store it in a secure location, preferably a security safe at home (even better if that safe is 500+ lbs. and bolted to the ground). Better yet, you can store it in anencrypted USB flash drive.
Just don’t keep it in a place that someone can easily access, and you’ll be fine.
3Not Backing Up Your Password Vault Properly
The password vault is where all of your sensitive information is stored within your password manager. While password managers are generally reliable, you’re able to never be too certain that your data is going to remain safe and secure 100% of the time.
Issues beyond your control can happen. The password manager can crash, causing data loss and corruption. A cyberattack can also happen—criminals may target the company powering your password manager, destroying the data they manage to access. So, when you set up your password manager for the first time, it’s a good idea to keep this in mind, making sure to back up your password vault frequently.
4Using the Same Password Manager for Personal and Work Accounts
While at work, I avoid logging in to any personal account. I don’t want my personal login credentials synced to company computers, so I use two separate password managers: one for work and another for personal, home use. Many companies have policies around privacy as well, especially on their computers. They can request access to anything you have stored on them anytime.
If the company you work for demands access to your computer and you have a password manager readily available for exploration, this could be bad, especially if you value your privacy. There are not only privacy concerns but also security concerns. If your password manager gets breached and contains both personal and company passwords, this can put your company at risk.
So, keeping your work and personal life separate is best.
