Today, more than ever, we have a large amount of on-line services and devices that we keep secure with passwords. The problem is establishing passwords that are easy to remember and can keep us secure.
- The rules of keeping your passwords safe and secure depend on the following factors:
- Don’t ever use the same password more than once
- Don’t ever write down your password in an unsecured place (digitally or physically)
- Don’t use names, dates, ss#, or any easily hacked words and numbers
- Don’t share your password with anyone… ever! (except spouse if you have joined accounts)
- Create a password that is at least 8 characters long
- Change your passwords at least twice a year
How am I supposed to remember different and complex passwords that meet those criteria? Easy, you just rely on services that provide encrypted password storage on your iOS devices. Today, there are a few apps that do this, but the best ones are:
- 1 Password (my preferred app)
- MSecure
- Splash ID
These apps save URLs, usernames and passwords in a secured encrypted file away from prying eyes. The way all of these passwords are protected is with a master password that has to be entered before you can assess your passwords. I highly recommend that master passwords are at least 8 characters long including both words and numbers.
I currently have 67 passwords in my 1Password app in addition to credit card info, software serial numbers, and notes that I like to keep secure. To date, this is one of my most used apps and one that I could not live without. Gone are the days of writing my passwords in a post-it note, a word document or a notes application which is easily hacked and offers little to no security whatsoever.
If you want some sanity and security with your passwords, I highly recommend getting a password manager app on your iOS device.
How do you keep your passwords?
