What is a Password Manager, and how to set one up?
In today’s world, using a computer, tablet, or smartphone is important, and it’s equally important to protect your data. Sadly, people can sometimes fall victim to hacking. There can also be data leaks, and personal information can be stolen. So, how can you protect your data while using your tech? A password manager is one of the best ways to protect yourself online.
What is a password manager?
Using a password manager is one of the first and most important steps in protecting your personal information. A password manager is an application or a feature built into a device’s operating system that can create and securely store complex passwords. A password manager can even automatically input your passwords into the password field on a website with just a click, so you don’t have to remember all your complex password logins, but instead one master password.
How to set up a password manager?
There are many password managers available to use. Apple, Google, and Windows all have them built into their software. Let me explain how to set up two of the most common.
Apple Passwords
Step-by-step instructions to set up Apple’s Password manager on a Mac.
Open Safari and go to a website.
Click on the username or email box, and enter your username or email address.
Click on “Forgot my Password,” enter your email address.
Click on send temporary password.
Log in to your email, find the temporary password, and open the email.
Copy the temporary password by holding the Command key and then pressing the c key.
Go back to the website that you need to reset the password and paste the temporary password by holding the Command key and then pressing the V key.
Log in with the temporary password
On the screen to set a new password, click in the box to type a new password
Instead of typing in a new password, click on the window from the Apple Passwords app and select “strong password.” Your password will be saved in the password app for the next time you log into that website.
Note: To log in to a website after a password is saved in the password app, go to the website and click on the email or username box. A smaller box will appear with your email address or username. Click on that, and your email address and password will automatically appear. Then click login.
Google Chrome
Step-by-step instructions to set up Google Chrome’s Password manager on a Mac or PC.
Open Google Chrome and go to a website
Click on the username or email box, and enter your username or email address.
Click on “Forgot my Password,” enter your email address
Click on send temporary password
Log in to your email, find the temporary password, and open the email.
Copy the temporary password by holding the Command key and then pressing the c key for Mac, holding the CTL key and then pressing the c key for PC.
Go back to the website that you need to reset the password and paste the temporary password by holding the Command key and then pressing the V key for Mac, holding the CTL key and then pressing the c key for PC.
Log in with the temporary password
On the screen to set a new password, click in the box to type a new password
Click the set password button at the bottom of the screen.
Click the three dots to the far right side of the browser
Click on Passwords and Autofill
Click on Google Passwords Manager
Click the Add button on the Passwords Screen
Type the website address EX. https://www.hulu.com
Type your username if you have a username, or your email address if that is your username
Type in your new password
Click the Save button
Note: to log in to a website after a password is saved in the password app, go to the website and click on the email or username box, and your username or email and password will automatically appear. Then click the log in button.
Setting up a password manager is a bit of a process, but after it’s set up, your digital life is much more secure and easier. Check back next week for how to set up password managers on mobile devices.
