Many of us do and we don’t think twice about it, but in reality, data is not always safe. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions below, read on, as your online information may not be as safe as you think!
If you use the same password for everything and your password is stolen, hackers can use it to access all of your accounts. For anyone that might be able to guess your birthday from a login, for example, KimL082285, that’s one less layer of security, since your birthday is often one security question that is answered to obtain access to accounts.
There are secure solutions for your login information that can increase your protection and save you a lot of hassle in the event of a data breach. It’s smarter to be proactive at data protection instead of needing to do clean-up after an incident. This is where a password manager can come in handy. A password manager can benefit you by securing and automating your data.
The average American uses the internet each day to log into social media accounts, read email, make purchases or browse the internet. A password manager stores login information for these accounts and websites. A password manager plugs into your browser and automatically enters information when you sign in to an account or website. If you are taking some precautions by using different passwords for each login, then you may have discovered the frustration of searching for the right password or even just resetting it over and over when you can’t remember it. Password managers alleviate this issue by securely storing your logins and passwords confidentially and doing so conveniently with an autofill feature.
Password managers are secure, digital replacements for your notebook or post-it notes with your passwords. Password managers can also generate new, strong passwords when you create accounts or make changes to current accounts. They can offer a password-protected vault of your passwords, including one master password. With encryption, the data is scrambled, making it really tough for hackers to gain access to your information. A good password manager can also inform you in the event of a potential hack or exposure, or even offer family plans to make sharing safe yet simple. They may also store shopping profiles, medical prescriptions, or other helpful information. The bottom line is, it’s a way to keep your information organized and safe.
The setup of a password manager can be time-consuming. You may need to manually enter all of your current passwords during setup if they can’t be imported. Also, you may forget the master password, which would lock you out of your accounts. If you don’t trust yourself to memorize your master password, write it down and keep it in a locked drawer. Although there are some drawbacks, it seems the pros outweigh the cons, as most of the time commitment is upfront.
Password creation is highly important since it protects all of your personal data. But a password should not be so complex that it can’t be remembered. If you’re creating your passwords yourself, long strings of lowercase and uppercase letters are not good enough. There must be a combination of words, dashes, periods, or other punctuation. You might choose a phrase of a song and then include dashes between the words, such as “Saw-you-driving-your-Porsche”. There are some online password generators and password managers that can help with creating something random and usable.
If you’ve decided a password manager is right for you, it’s time to start your research to select the one that suits all of your needs. Many services offer free basic versions or free trials. Examples of some password protection software include; LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane, Keeper, Bitwarden, and Password Boss. Although nothing can guarantee hackers will stay away, you can take all the precautions to ensure your risk is really minimized and your information is well protected.
Bayntree offers holistic financial guidance that includes planning for all stages of life. Please schedule an appointment on Bayntree’s online calendar by selecting the date and time that is most convenient for you! You can also always reach us by emailing info@bayntree.com.
Bayntree Wealth Advisors provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management. The Bayntree team specializes in all aspects of financial health, including retirement planning, risk management, investment advice, tax strategies, estate planning and insurance.
Bayntree does not provide specific legal or tax advice. Please consult with your tax advisor or legal professional for guidance with your individual situation.
