It would be simply negligent to use the same password for all areas without exception. In fact, experts recommend that each area without exception should have its own password. The problem is that you would have to have so many passwords that it is impossible to remember them all. After all, you shouldn't choose passwords that a stranger could just make up. Ideally, you shouldn't even choose words in the true sense of the word, but rather seemingly random combinations of keys, which would make it even harder to remember the passwords. Fortunately, there are so-called password managers that make it much easier for you to manage all your passwords. The best thing about it is that, thanks to the Password Manager, you really only have to remember one single password from now on. It should be emphasized that your Password Manager should provide you with a number of additional functions in addition to the pure management function.
The basic core functions of password managers at a glance
The core function of any password manager is, as mentioned above, to manage all your passwords and the associated key data. In addition, password managers usually have special functions for encrypting your passwords and other Data. The common standard is the so-called AES-256 Encryption (AES = Advanced Encryption Standard), which promises an extremely high level of security. A function for creating or generating highly secure passwords is not a matter of course, but it is quite common. This password generator should also be used to generate your so-called master password, which you can use to access your passwords stored in the password manager.
Further additional functions of some password managers in detail
Most password managers offer you many additional functions in addition to the core functions mentioned above. Which additional functions these are in detail depends on the respective Password Manager, of course, which is why you should find out more about them in advance.
A possible additional function that could be of great interest to you is a search function that finds duplicate passwords for you. After all, you should use an absolutely unique password for every password-protected area without exception. Also practical are advanced search functions that check your passwords for their respective security level. Usually, these advanced search functions also suggest far safer alternatives to the passwords in question.
Another feature that you certainly won't want to miss from now on is the automatic password completion, which, depending on the function variant, even enters your passwords completely autonomously or independently for you, if you wish. It should be noted that the automatic completion or transfer of your passwords is not only unspeakably practical or convenient, but can also contribute to your security. As you may know, there are malicious programs called keyloggers that store all the keystrokes you make on your keyboard and can thus spy on all your passwords. Accordingly, if in doubt, you should consciously choose a password manager with a virtual keyboard. This is a special function that allows you to enter your password not via the keyboard but, for example, via the screen using your mouse, so that no keylogger in the world can spy it out.
What else should I look out for in my Password Manager?
First of all, you should make sure that your preferred password manager is actually compatible with the operating system of your computer, smartphone, tablet, notebook, netbook or Mac. In addition, it could be decisive for you whether the Password Manager works like a normal Software must be installed on your device or whether it can also be operated directly via your Internet browser without installation. The clear advantage of browser-based use is that you can use your password manager from almost any Internet-enabled device. It has to be admitted, however, that there are client-based password managers with corresponding apps and/or with a cloud connection that you can also use online via almost any Internet browser.
