If you’ve already taken the first step in security by using a VPN, you might be wondering if a password manager is necessary. Password protection has long been seen as the primary line of defense against hacking, harassment, and other forms of hostile behavior. But does a VPN cut it?
It is possible and preferred to use a password manager alongside a VPN. VPNs and password managers work to provide security in different ways, and neither one can ensure the highest level of protection on their own.
Having unique passwords remains an important tactic for preventing illegal access to your numerous sites and services. With the countless number of accounts we all have, this can often be a struggle. Read on for why you should use a password manager, even if you already have a VPN.
Is It Safe to Use Passwords With a VPN?
About 64% of Americans have experienced at least one type of data breach in their lifetime.
VPNs employ encryption to scramble any data you send over a wireless network. This is an excellent method for protecting personal data from people with malicious intent, but what does this mean for your passwords?
In theory, the VPN provider could view all of your personal data. The information that a VPN may view is determined by the security protocol used to connect to a website. A VPN may intercept and view all passwords and personal information transferred over an insecure HTTP connection.
It is unlikely that a reputable VPN will eavesdrop on your personal information.
However, not all VPNs are created equally. Many free VPN and proxy services collect and steal your info. They do this because providing a free VPN service is not a viable business strategy. They gather personal information, which is then sold to third parties and advertisers for profit. You should be aware that if you utilize the improper service provider, your passwords may be stolen.
The Advantages of Using a Password Manager With a VPN
Remember, VPNs and password managers are not the same thing. A VPN is a service that conceals your IP address, making your connection and online activities untraceable to anyone who does not have the necessary credentials. A password manager is a complex program that assists you in securely storing and managing all of your login information.
Because neither software can replace the other, you must use both to achieve the best level of security.
Even though your passwords are secured if you use a password manager without a VPN, someone on the same network may be able to eavesdrop on your browsing activity or accounts. They may be able to acquire access if you have any credentials stored in an insecure manner. In this instance, you will still want a safe and dependable VPN to encrypt your online activity as an extra layer of security.
What is a Password Manager?
Today, people manage dozens of passwords, if not more, to access various websites. Many of them even end up using the same password or a few varied passwords across different sites. However, weak, repeated, neglected, or shared passwords are responsible for almost 90% of all data breaches.
Hackers employ a wide range of techniques to breach security and gain access to systems. Through brute force assaults, hackers learn which passwords you use. When you use weak passwords, hackers have an easier and faster time succeeding, posing a threat to your accounts.
For this reason, it is recommended to use unique, lengthy passwords using random characters and phrases for each account. However, with so many accounts to manage, it’s nearly impossible to remember all those passwords.
This is where a password manager comes in. When you use a password manager and need to log into a website, you will first go to that website as you usually would. Instead of inputting your password into the website, you enter your master password into the password manager, which fills in the required login information for you.
You don’t have to remember what email address, username, and password you used for the website since your password manager takes care of it for you.
How Do Password Managers Secure Your Passwords?
Password managers allow you to securely store all of your passwords in a digital vault. All you need to do is remember your master password, and the rest is handled for you. So, how does it work?
To safeguard your information, most password managers use AES 256-bit encryption. This is the industry standard, as well as the military norm, making brute-force attacks almost impossible.
Furthermore, password managers use zero-knowledge architecture to safeguard your data from themselves. This ensures that your passwords are encrypted before leaving your device. As a result, when they end up on the company’s server, the provider has no way of deciphering them.
Are All Password Managers Safe?
Anyone who spends a lot of time online should install a password manager to keep track of their passwords and other important information. However, just like VPNs, not all password managers are entirely secure.
Most free password managers have limited functionality. Some password managers, for example, will limit the number of passwords you may save or the number of devices you can sync. On the other hand, some solutions may cause more harm than good.
When you use a manager, you must grant it access to all your important passwords. Some take advantage of your trust, gathering your personal information and using it against you. Similarly, even if they have the purest intentions, other password managers are just insufficiently secure.
That is why it is critical to select a password manager you can rely on. You should avoid using any password manager that isn’t able to keep your information secure.
Final Thoughts
We don’t always take all the steps that we should to keep our passwords a secret from others, whether it’s a sticky note, memorizing the same repeated password, or having passwords saved on your computer. If you want to reduce the risks associated with keeping your personal information on the web, you need to take control of your security.
Using a VPN and a password manager together can provide the highest level of security on your devices. However, keep in mind that not all are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before choosing the best services for your system.