Using a password manager is very useful
The first option you have to protect your passwords is to use a key manager. It is a program that you can install on your computer or mobile, in addition to the fact that some have a browser extension, which is used to safely store your passwords. You can save all your keys there, for example to log in to Gmail, Facebook or any site.
¿Why is it so important? Ideally, you should have a password for each service you use on the Internet. A password for email, another to enter Facebook, another for Amazon… In short, a different one in each case. In addition, it is important that it is completely random, that it meets requirements such as having at least 12 characters, using letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers and other special symbols. That makes it difficult to memorize those types of keys.
Being difficult to remember, what we do is put simple passwords or use the same one for several accounts. But of course, if, for example, your Internet forum account is stolen and you use that same password in email and social networks, you will have a problem. A password manager help protect your keys by being able to generate a unique one for each case. You have options like 1Password or LastPass.
Enabling two-step authentication protects better
But there is something else you can do to protect your passwords and it really is very simple. It’s about the two step authentication. It is something that is increasingly present. It’s basically extra protection that you add to an account. For example, you can use it on Facebook, in the mail, bank accounts…
Beyond the password you use, if for some reason they manage to steal it from you they’re going to need that second step in order to enter the account. It is usually a code that comes to you by SMS, mail or when using an application. It is a very good barrier to protect devices and accounts that you use every day.
For example, you can completely protect your Instagram account. If someone tries to enter from another device, the process to enter the two-step authentication data will exit. You will have to put that code that you are going to receive by SMS to your mobile or to your email account. It is undoubtedly something that will protect your passwords, your accounts, and thus prevent intruders.
In short, as you can see, it is really very easy to protect your passwords. Although you can consider different methods and tips, simply using a key manager and turning on two-step authentication when possible is going to be very good for your security.