10 Password Manager Problems and How to Avoid Risks
Password managers not only offer an extra layer of protection for your online data, it can also be very convenient. You do not need to juggle multiple passwords in your mind. All you need is a single master password.
Silver bullet? Not really, there are still true risks involved.
Let’s see what the most common problems that you can encounter while using a password manager are.
Common Issues with Password Managers
Forgotten password
Password managers can create complex passwords that most of the time, these are quite hard to guess. While this may not make the system 100 percent immune to hacking, identity theft, and phishing, it can significantly minimize the rise.
The problems arise when you forget your master password. You can lose access to your files, personal information, and other confidential stuff. You can lose access to the information stored in the manager since the provider doesn’t store your encryption key.
The only way to go forward is to reset your account and start with a new vault.
That’s why, regardless if you created your own password or allowed the system to do so, it is crucial to safely keep this information where only you can gain access. Losing it means losing access to all the data stored in the manager.
Single point of failure
There is what we call the single point of failure. Once this master password is compromised, it opens the door to all of your accounts. The passwords that you use for each app or program will be protected by a single high-value password, referred to as the master password.It’s like your money is protected in a single vault. Though the risk of hacking may be small, it can still exist.
Once a hacker gains access to your master password, it’s like handing them a spare key to your home. They can come and go as they please and rummage through your belongings, so to speak.
As much as password managers are very convenient, a scary risk can arise once someone fraudulent gets a hold of your master password. With just a single password, they can gain access to a number of your accounts.
False sense of security
Most people may have the notion that password managers are the cure for threats online. But it isn’t, it is not a magic bullet that can 100 percent get rid of all the risks and problems that you may face regarding security. It cannot on its own. You still have to do due diligence.
Some people become lax and stop being vigilant with their online activities since they are utilizing a password manager. But it can only be possible if you will still police your online habits and practice phishing awareness. Using a password manager does not mean that you have to stop other cybersecurity measures or be complacent.
Glitches and vulnerabilities
Like any other software, password managers also have their own security flaws and glitches. These unfortunate scenarios can expose your confidential data to hackers and cyber criminals.
Password managers are also hot targets. Cyber criminals know that thousands and millions of passwords are stored in these.
It might still be susceptible to malware attacks and vendor breaches.
For instance, if your device was compromised by malware, it can gain access and capture sensitive data that is stored in your password manager. The manager alone is not immune to these threats and can even be a more lucrative target.
More attractive to sophisticated cyber attacks
We are not just speaking of simple phishing. We are speaking of large scale sophisticated cyber attacks that make use of more than just simple hacking to gain access into your accounts.
Hackers know all too well that a single account can be a meeting pot of multiple accounts. It might feel like dipping their hands in a pot full of honey.
Clickjacking vulnerabilities
Without self-policing and being too complacent, you may unknowingly be tricked into revealing data by overlaying hidden and malicious forms in legitimate sites. This can exploit the autofill feature to steal confidential information and passwords, often associated with credit cards. This vulnerability can expose your master password to cybercriminals lurking in the dark and waiting for that perfect opportunity.
You can be a victim of a tricked autofill. Once you have clicked the malicious site, your password manager autofills the hidden password. And there you go, you have been compromised.
Compatibility and setup issues
Like any other software, password managers also pose this same limitation. Not all managers are compatible with devices and apps, especially if they are not updated. It may not work seamlessly with everything that you need. There may be frustrating issues that may arise during the setup. Some users may have difficulty downloading and installing the manager in their devices.
Misuse and trust
This goes hand in hand. Users who do not trust the manager fully might end up nominating a weak master password. They might not use the built-in password generator for fear that it may be compromised or someone has gained access to it. Doing so will negate the entire purpose of why you got a password manager in the first place.
Very risky for unsecured devices
In most cases, the only way for hackers and cyber criminals to gain access to your master password is if they gain access to your device. Once they have your phone, they can easily configure and manipulate the personal data and gather confidential information pertinent to your master password. And when this happens, it is the end game.
That’s why if other people have access to your phone, it can be a risky route to use a password manager. On the other hand, keeping your device secure can mitigate or eliminate this particular risk.
Complex password generation
Password managers often suggest very complex passwords that you mightn’t be able to memorize. This is ideal since you are going to use this single password for your accounts. Yes, it can be difficult to remember the password by heart. As for your memory, you can opt to just write it and safely keep it in a pace where noy you will be able to gain access.
Another issue is when programs and websites reject the password. With a too complex password, some websites might not accept it.
There may be some technical limitations or outdated security issues that may discourage and prevent users from using longer and more complex passwords.
So, is using a password manager still recommended?
Password managers can make things easier and more convenient for you. But it doesn’t end there; you have to do your part. There are imitations and true risks involved too. With access to your master password, it can wreak havoc on your life. When your master password is compromised, hackers can gain access to everything. With just a single password, everything can be gone in the blink of an eye.
That’s why you still have to be vigilant and do due diligence. Self policing your online habits and always being in the loop on what the most common trends hackers use.
Having a password manager doesn’t make you immune to data theft, phishing, and other online threats. But with proper use, it can be mitigated.
Make sure that only you have access to your device. Keep your devices and passwords updated.
Always use a multi-factor authenticator. This further mitigates risks. Password managers can offer enhanced security and add extra protection for your online data. But don’t treat it as a magic pill; you still have to do something on your end.
And use and download trusted and top-rated password managers. Reputable managers use strong encryption. So even if the servers are breached, your data might still be unreadable to hackers.
With trusted managers, it offers enhanced security over getting a weaker password and recycling it for multiple accounts.
