PASSWORDÂ MANAGERS
You know the drill for logging in to your computer. You have to enter a password. You also need passwords for your internet service, for specific websites, and for online commerce.
The use of passwords for online security comes with certain drawbacks. If your password is easy to remember, it may also be easy for a hacker to guess it. If your password is more complex, a combination of letters and numbers, you’re more likely to forget it, and you could be locked out of your computer. If you have several passwords, you’re almost certain to forget one sooner or later.
Some people use password managers, installed browser plug-ins that track all of the passwords the user needs for all different online functions. If you have the plug-in and you log in to a secure site, it offers to save your password and any other credentials. You need to enter the information only once. With every subsequent visit, the password manager offers to fill in the information automatically. If you have saved multiple logins for a particular site, the password manager will show you multiple login options. Most password managers display a toolbar menu with a list of saved login credentials, so you can visit any saved site and log in automatically.
If you need to change a password, or you need login credentials for a new site but don’t want to think of a new password, most password managers will generate and save new passwords automatically.
Most password managers will also fill in personal data on internet forms: name, address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. This could save you considerable time.
Most password managers are free. The better ones cost between $12.00 and $39.95. You don’t have to shell out a lot of money for a superior product, though. One of the top-rated password managers, Lastpass 4.0 Premium, costs just $12.00.
If you want your online activity to be secure, but don’t want to remember multiple passwords, consider installing a password manager. And for the best internet service, talk to us.