What Are the Main Mistakes When Using a Password Manager

Errors when using key managers

In our day to day we use countless online services and platforms. We are talking about social networks, bank accounts, e-mail, Internet registrations … If we do things right, in each of them we must have a password that is unique and also meet the appropriate requirements to consider it secure.

How do we manage all this? Logically it would be difficult to remember all those passwords, even more so about the services that we use the least. That’s where a key manager comes in. Simply by knowing the master password we can access all the others and have them stored in a safe place.

The problem is that it is not uncommon to find mistakes that users make . They trust their passwords in any service and that is also an added risk. For this reason, we are going to show some of the main errors to avoid in a password manager in order to always keep privacy and security in order.

Using a weak passkey

Undoubtedly one of the main mistakes when using password managers is using a master key that is not sufficiently secure. We are talking about the key that will allow to enter all the others. It has to be totally secure and not allow anyone to enter.

Some users trust the password manager to the point of putting any password that they easily remember and thus access. However, this could mean that an attacker broke that simple key that we have generated.

Reuse passwords

Another major mistake. If we use a password manager, it is precisely to have more freedom when creating complex and unique keys for all the services and platforms that we are going to use. It is a mistake to use the same password in several places at the same time, since what is known as a domino effect could occur, which basically means that if one is stolen, they could enter other accounts where we are using the same one.

Therefore, an important tip is never to reuse passwords. We must always create unique keys that we can easily manage with these types of programs. This way we will keep all records safe.

Not having two-step authentication

Even if a password is very, very strong, containing letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and other special symbols that make it really strong, some vulnerability can always arise and be exposed.

Therefore, it is very important to also have two-step authentication. This adds an extra layer of security that will allow us to protect our keys at all times. Even if an intruder knew what it was, it would take that second step to get inside. It can be, for example, a code that we receive by SMS.

Always stay logged in

Being always with the key manager session started can be a security problem. Many of them have extensions for the browser and allow us to easily enter a web page and automatically enter the password.

Now, what happens if someone has access to our team? Automatically, when logged into that key manager, it could enter our social networks, email or any other platform that we are using.

Choose an untrusted key manager

It is also a mistake to choose any password manager . We have at our disposal a wide range of options. There are them for all types of devices, they are multiplatform and we can also find them free and paid.

Our advice is always to choose one that is reliable, that meets the appropriate requirements. We can search for information on the Internet, analyze the security it offers and see if our data will always be safe.

Have passwords in multiple places

Another common mistake, although not directly in the manager that we use, is having the keys in another place . Although it seems strange, there are still many users who store passwords in a text file on their computer or mobile. Even using a key manager, they keep saving them in these places.

Logically this can endanger our security. As much as we use a very secure program to save the keys, if we also have them available in a simple text file, we would leave the door open to anyone.

Not having safe and up-to-date equipment

Finally, another common problem is not having the computer or mobile phone properly insured. It is important that we always have security programs that protect us. A good antivirus will prevent malicious software from entering our systems.

In the same way, it is essential to have the latest security updates . There are many vulnerabilities that can arise and we must correct to avoid the entry of intruders. We must always have all the patches correctly installed on our computers.

Therefore, these are some interesting tips to keep in mind to avoid making mistakes when using password managers. You always have to have them properly insured and ready to use in our equipment.