3 Tips for Secure Password Management

You use them every day: passwords. However, they often receive too little attention. While one weak or reused password is enough to let your accounts and data end up on the street.

Fortunately, good password management doesn't have to be difficult. With a few smart steps, you can significantly improve your digital security. We have listed three practical tips for you that you can apply immediately.

Tip 1: Use an email alias per account

A strong password is important, but did you know that a unique email address protects you even better?

➡️ By using a separate email address for each service (for example, via the Gmail, Outlook, iCloud+ alias function, or a service like SimpleLogin), your username becomes less predictable. Will one of your accounts be hacked? Then it is much more difficult to link or take over other accounts.

✅ Extra layer next to your password; harder to trace in case of data breaches.

✅ Bonus: you can immediately see which party may have leaked your data.

Tip 2: Avoid reusing passwords... even with old accounts

We all have an account from years ago lying around somewhere. Think of old web shops, forums, or tools that you no longer use. But if you used the same password there as with your important accounts, you are still vulnerable to a hack.

➡️ Make sure that your old, inactive accounts also have unique passwords.

✅ Use a password manager to securely manage old and new accounts.

✅ Even better: close accounts that you no longer use.

✅ Note: older databases are often less secure and can even store passwords in plain text. This increases the risk of data breaches.

Tip 3: Activate “in-app” authentication instead of SMS or email

Two-factor authentication (MFA) is a must these days. But beware: not all MFA methods are equally safe.

➡️ SMS codes are vulnerable to SIM swapping and email MFA depends on the security of your inbox. That's why you should use apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Authy. For extra sensitive access, you can even use a hardware key, such as a YubiKey.

✅ Better protection against phishing and identity theft.

✅ Extra security for your most important accounts.

✅ Tip: Hardware keys are not only more secure, but also phishing-resistant thanks to standards such as U2F and FIDO2.

Use a password manager

Using your passwords smarter is one of the easiest ways to better protect yourself and your organization. With unique email addresses, strong passwords and secure MFA, you're immediately taking firm steps in the right direction.

In addition, using a password manager is always a good idea. For example, we work with 1Password in combination with single sign-on (SSO). This way, you can keep passwords safe, share them in a controlled way and make logging in easier and safer for everyone.

Remember to regularly audit your accounts and security. By keeping your digital hygiene sharp, you prevent surprises and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Safety starts with small choices and affects everything you do.