Password manager

A password manager is an app that creates and stores a different strong password for every account behind one master lock, so you do not reuse them.

Password manager: A password manager is an app or built-in tool that creates strong, unique passwords and stores them in an encrypted vault, protected by one master password or your biometric. It fills them in for you, so you never have to remember or reuse them.

Most people reuse a few passwords, which makes one leak dangerous for many accounts. A password manager removes that weakness. It also helps against fake sites, because it fills a password only on the real address it saved, so a lookalike page gets nothing. Google and Apple offer built-in managers, and other trusted ones exist. Many also warn you when a saved password appears in a known leak.

The master lock matters most. Make it long and unique, turn on two-factor authentication for the manager itself, and keep a recovery option somewhere safe. Do not keep passwords in a notes app or a chat to yourself. Start with your email, banking and shopping accounts, then add the rest over time. Never share the master password with anyone. Test it once.

Tips

• Use the manager built into Google or a well-known app, and protect it with a long master password.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for the manager and for your email.
• Do not save passwords in a notes app, a photo or a chat with yourself.

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