A password manager is a computer program or application that helps a user store and organize multiple passwords. Password managers should provide an encrypted environment and require that users create a master password. With a strong master password, password managers are a secure and recommended tool.
Why use a password manager?
Bad password practices are a very real threat to information security, at home and at work. Hackers frequently try to steal passwords for misuse. Further, people have a tendency to create some pretty bad passwords! We are typically not very good at protecting passwords, either. Have you ever seen anyone get into these bad password habits?
- Using very short and/or non-complex passwords
- Using the same password to protect multiple services
- Auto-saving passwords into a Web browser
- Writing passwords on sticky notes (on the monitor, under the keyboard)
- Keeping passwords written in a notebook or journal
- Storing passwords on the computer (or in the Cloud) in a text file (or notepad)
Password managers can help users break those bad habits by adding convenience and security to the computing experience. By storing many passwords in one encrypted repository, it is easier to maintain good password habits. Since users won't need to remember dozens of passwords, it is much simpler to create (and use) a strong and unique password for each service they utilize. Also, according to the password management solution you choose, you may be able to take advantage of some of these benefits:
- Login assistance
- Cloud-sync across devices
- Credential organization
Northeast College of Health Sciences does not currently offer an enterprise solution for password management. However, we encourage you to learn more about the solutions below to determine if a password manager is right for you.
The links below will open a new tab to an external Website.
bitwarden
bitwarden gives you power to create and manage unique passwords and passkeys, so you can strengthen privacy and boost productivity online from any device or location.
LastPass 3.0
FREE -Simplify Your Life. Last Pass remembers your passwords so that you can focus on the more important things in life.
KeePass
KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database.