Password Managers: Stop Reusing, Stop Remembering

Reuse is the root cause of most account takeovers. A password manager removes the need to remember anything except one long passphrase.

Choosing one

Look for end-to-end encryption, a published security audit, cross-device sync and an emergency-access option. Bitwarden, 1Password and Proton Pass all qualify; browser-built-in managers are a reasonable starting point.

Migrating without pain

• Create a master passphrase of four unrelated words, long beats complicated.
• Install the browser extension and phone app, then let it capture logins as you use them.
• Fix the top twenty accounts first: email, bank, social, school, work.
• Run the built-in breach and reuse report; replace every duplicate flagged.
• Store recovery codes and your family safe word in the same secure vault.