It seems like we need a new password every time we turn around. Between our online banking, social media accounts, and streaming services, it can be hard to keep track of them all. And if we use the same password for everything, we're putting ourselves at risk of a data breach.
So how many passwords does one family need? The answer depends on a few factors, including the number of devices and online accounts you use, as well as the security needs of your family. But in general, it's a good idea to have at least one password for each of the following:
Email accounts
Online banking account
Online shopping accounts
Restaurant and other loyalty apps (every national chain has them and plenty of local pizza joints do as well, these days)
Social media accounts
Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Apple, etc)
Work computers
School computers or tablets for the kids
The Wi-Fi network
The admin password for the router
Smart home devices (and they all seem to require their own accounts)
Zoom and other productivity apps (these are pretty darn helpful when trying to chat with grandpa)
Some of these, like Apple+, will then share account credentials with our other accounts, just to complicate matters. So if someone wants to buy a movie, you have to enter that password manually (or give access to others to buy whatever they want). Or if using Google TV, it's tied to a code entered with a Google account, so if it loses its token, you have to re-authenticate (which of course the kids want to be done asap, whether they've taken out the trash or not). So if you have children, you'll also need to create passwords for their devices and online accounts and be prepared to type in yours when they need. And if you have any pets, you may want to create passwords for their pet-sitting services and vet accounts, which are now as app driven as anything.
Of course, creating and remembering all of these passwords can be a challenge. That's why it's a good idea to use a password manager like Secret Chest. A password manager is a software application that helps you to create, store, and manage your passwords securely. Secret Chest also bolts on a second factor of security on your behalf, and supports Apple Passkeys for when all of your services finally get around to supporting those.
When choosing a password manager, it's important to consider the following factors:
Security: The most important factor to consider when choosing a password manager is security. Make sure that the password manager you choose uses strong encryption and has a good reputation for security.
Usability: The password manager should also be easy to use. You don't want to have to spend hours trying to figure out how to use it.
Features: Make sure that the password manager has the features that you need. Some password managers offer features such as two-factor authentication, password sharing, and password generation.
Once you've chosen a password manager, it's time to start creating your passwords. Here are a few tips for creating strong passwords:
Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Make your passwords at least 12 characters long.
Avoid using personal information in your passwords, such as your name, birthday, or address.
Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
We hope you'll join us in our quest to shard and distribute all the things in a secure and scalable fashion. Feel free to sign up for the public beta to see what we're all about!
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