You should be using a password manager!

Password managers are incredibly useful, and I encourage you to consider using one after reading this explanation.

They help you generate, store, and autofill passwords whenever they're needed.

You might already have a system for remembering passwords, like writing them down in a secure location. This basic method can work, but I suggest keeping your password list in a notebook that's easy to access, but not too close to your computer. In the event of a burglary, you don't want your passwords to be easily found. Personally, I store mine in my phone's Notes app, synced with a cloud service, so I can retrieve them from any device.

Your web browser likely offers to save your passwords, and this can be handy as long as others don't have access to your devices. For instance, browsers like Google Chrome allow you to create accounts that sync passwords across your phone, tablet, and computer, making them accessible on all your devices.

Ultimately, password managers simplify the process by securely managing your login credentials across all your apps and devices.

What web browsers can't do is fill in passwords for other apps.

Password managers are dedicated apps that store and manage your passwords. When you set one up, you'll create a "master password," which is the key to accessing all your saved passwords. Ideally, this is the only password you'll need to remember.

With a password manager, you can either store your current passwords or let the app generate strong, unique ones for you. Allowing a password manager to create new passwords is a big step, and it’s something I haven’t personally tried yet.

If you're looking for recommendations, 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden are great options to explore.

Apple has also announced a new password manager that will be released soon with iOS 18 and MacOS 18. It will be compatible with Macs, iPhones, and iPads, and Windows users will be able to use it via iTunes.

I plan to try out Apple's Passwords app and will write about my experience in the coming months. – Tribune News Service

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