Part 2 of keeping our parents digitally safe

Continuing the topic of advice to our (my) parents on staying safe online. We know the digital world is a scary place, especially so for those of us who aren’t tech-savvy.

So, to our (my) parents, don’t worry, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from cybercriminals. Like I said in Part 1 don’t trust anyone online, or over the phone for that matter and if it sounds too good to be true then it is!!

Now the question I get is “how do I get a secure password, keep it safe and remember it?”. Well this is not just a Parent problem but one that most of us face. I for one battle to remember all the passwords for all the places I need to log into daily and the last thing I want is to use the same password everywhere, because if one gets compromised then all are compromised. So how do you solve this issue and make life easier.

The answer…. A Password Manager.

So, what is a Password Manager. In layman’s terms a password manager is a software application that helps you create, store, and manage your online passwords securely.

The benefits it offers are massive

1. Enhanced Security
2. Password managers encrypt your passwords, storing them in a secure vault. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your credentials, even if they gain access to your device.
3. They also help you create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, which are much harder for cybercriminals to guess or crack.

• Convenience and Efficiency
• With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords. This eliminates the need to remember multiple, complex passwords, simplifying the login process and reducing the risk of getting locked out of your accounts.
• Many password managers also offer autofill features, automatically filling in your login credentials when you visit a website, saving you time and effort.

• Multi-Platform Accessibility
• Most password managers offer cross-device synchronisation. This means you can access your passwords from any device, whether it’s your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

• Additional Features
• Many password managers support two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Some also offer features like secure password sharing, password health reports, and dark web monitoring, further enhancing your online security.

Here are some examples of Password Managers that are available but pick one that is easy to use for your folks or even for you. I personally make use of a Password Manager and find them to be very useful.

1. Google Password Manager (Free): Integrated with the Google ecosystem, offering automatic password saving, generation, and cross-device synchronisation.

• LastPass (Paid): Provides secure password storage, autofill, multi-device synchronisation, and a comprehensive reporting dashboard.

• Keeper (Paid): A zero-trust platform with end-to-end encryption, secure file storage, and 2FA.

• Bitwarden (Paid): An open-source password manager with strong encryption, secure password sharing, and cross-platform compatibility.

• KeePass (Free): A free, open-source password manager with strong encryption and local storage.

Creating a Master Password

Now you still need a great Master Password to secure it and here. The trick is to use a long password that is easy to remember but near impossible to guess. To achieve this I have the following guidance:

I like using a sentence, something I like doing or have seen around me that I can easily reference. Some examples I give are:

“I LOVE watching the ocean”

“Me sitting on the porch”

“I think I am Gordon Ramsay”

“oh look a butterfly!”

Anything long and easy to remember will do !!

Additional Tips for Staying Safe Online:

• Be Cautious of Phishing Attacks: Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and software to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid sensitive activities like online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi networks.

Now all you must do is show your folks / kids / friends, how to use it, which is also simple.