Security is one of the sections that most worries most users in the Internet age in which we are living. Despite everything it offers us, it is also a danger to our personal and sensitive data, hence the obligation to take certain precautions.
We cannot and must not forget that the Internet is an extensive breeding ground for all types of users, both good and malicious. In fact the second guy is constantly on the prowl with the firm intention of stealing as much as he can from the rest. Here, how could it be otherwise, the personal data of each one attracts a lot of attention. And is that from the Internet right now we can do almost anything unthinkable just a few years ago.
That is why we expose very sensitive data such as access to our bank accounts, cards, matters related to health, the Treasury , etc. The handling of this highly personal information is currently the order of the day.
There are several methods to safeguard data on the Internet
But all this that we tell you, is far from frightening anyone, rather so that we are aware of the dangers. Because at the same time we must bear in mind that we can take many paths to keep ourselves safe. For this we can use specific security programs, as well as our own protection methods, robust enough. To give us an idea, one of the most popular protection methods for years, are our dear passwords .
These are personal keys, more or less complex, that we use to prevent others from accessing our platforms, programs or equipment. Although little by little other more advanced systems such as biometrics are growing, the truth is that the passwords of a lifetime are usually the most used. But of course, despite all the advantages of these, they also have some drawbacks. One of them is that we have to remember them, and the memory is sometimes treacherous. To all this we add the fact that each time we make use of a greater number of services that require these access passwords , which complicates it.
Furthermore, in these times, it is advisable to use passwords that are as complex as possible, in addition to trying to never repeat them. As you can imagine, or you have already suffered in the first person, the handling of all these passwords is increasingly complex.
Password managers, a good solution, apparently
That is why on many occasions and for all this, we use the password managers. These are platforms that are responsible for collecting all the access keys that we use, to protect them by using a master key that protects all the others. The usefulness of all this is clear, we will only have to remember a master password , to be able to access all the others in an orderly manner.
But of course, in turn, these password managers can also present their dangers. On the one hand, we must bear in mind that in many cases, as we forget the master key, we will lose access to all other passwords. And that’s not all, but we must also think that we are providing, to a single company, the access credentials to all our platforms, services and applications. In other words, they have all our passwords stored on their servers.
A secure password platform, but only in appearance
In theory these passwords are properly protected and safe from everyone, at least that is the theory. But in reality, if we talk about the popular LastPass manager, or others of the style, the truth is that they are private companies that do not usually make their internal workings too clear. Thus, as a general rule, we do not know the internal security measures they use, how they encrypt our data at the server level, or to what extent certain people of the firm could have access to them.
In addition, there can always be suspicion of what these companies really do with our credentials. Many doubt that the same, if necessary, can be sold to other companies. Keep in mind that we can use payment managers , or many others free. All of them must be maintained in some way, especially services that do not receive a single euro for all of this.
It is for all this that we have told you, which is why even today, many users are suspicious of these password managers . But then, at this point, many might wonder what is the solution that we can use to keep our private keys.
Other alternative solutions to save the keys
As it is easy to imagine, we can always use more archaic methods when saving all our passwords. For example, we can use paper and pencil, but in these times, it is not the best way. Another possible solution is to create a file where we keep these keys. Of course, we recommend you keep it in a safe place, outside the PC’s hard drive, and if possible, encrypt it.
On the other hand, one of the most accepted and appropriate solutions for the times, in making use of password managers, but working locally. This means that they keep our data encrypted and protected on our hard drive, so they do not pass into the hands of third parties. This is the case, for example, of services such as KeePass or Myki, among others.