Why this matters
Passwords remain the most common entry point for account takeovers. Not because people make poor choices — but because we simply have too many accounts to remember a unique, long password for each one. The result: reuse. And reuse means that a single data breach on a poorly secured website puts your entire digital identity at risk.
Credential-stuffing attacks are fully automated: attackers buy stolen email-password combinations and test them against hundreds of services within minutes. Anyone using "banking password equals LinkedIn password" often loses both at once — without noticing.
The solution is not a stronger password you memorise. The solution is a manager that handles it for you.
How to do it right
Set up a password manager
Choose a manager (see below) and import existing passwords. For new accounts, the manager automatically generates long, unique passwords.
A unique password for every service
Never use the same password on two different services. No 'base password with a number appended'. The manager remembers everything — you never need to reuse.
Choose a strong master password
The master password for your manager is the only one you need to remember. Use a passphrase of 4–6 random words: 'Carpet-Cloud-Hammer-Ocean-7' is stronger than any cryptic symbol password.
Enable MFA for the manager itself
Secure your password manager with MFA — ideally an authenticator app or hardware key. SMS MFA is better than nothing, but not ideal.
Regularly review old passwords
Good managers flag passwords that have appeared in data breaches (Have I Been Pwned integration). Update affected accounts immediately.
Replace the browser password store
Browser-built-in password stores are convenient but not suitable for business use: weaker encryption, not team-capable, and readable without a master password.
Tools we recommend
- 1Password — the top choice for teams and companies: vault sharing, SSO integration, reporting
- Bitwarden — open-source, self-hosting possible, free entry level; ideal for privacy-conscious individuals
- KeePassXC — fully local, no cloud service, for high-security environments or offline requirements
- Apple Keychain / iCloud Passwords — good for pure Apple ecosystems, limited cross-platform use
Not recommended as the sole solution: the built-in password store in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge — acceptable for personal use, insufficient for business data.
If you only remember one thing
No human can keep 200 unique, strong passwords in their head. That is not a weakness — it is biology. A password manager is not a convenience tool; it is a security necessity.
Set up a password manager today
Choose a manager from the list above, install the browser extension, and from now on generate a unique password for every new account. Existing passwords can be migrated gradually.