Password Manager is a convenient solution to organize and secure your login details, bank information and debit or credit card details. But are password managers hack proof? What do you do when your password manager gets hacked?
It sounds like a scary situation, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your online accounts are secure.
Can Password Managers Be Hacked?
There are lots of reasons to think that password managers aren’t as secure as you may have heard. But, when we talk about a password manager being compromised, the situation is not as rosy as it might seem, at least for the most part.
This is because password managers are designed in such a way that they encrypt all your data. It would be rare (perhaps impossible) to find a password manager service that doesn’t encrypt your data. If you find yourself using something like this, you need to change service and modify your password.
Every password manager relies on a master password. It is used to decrypt your data in the password manager. It is usually encrypted client-side for services such as Bitwarden, 1Password, and LastPass. So, the encryption key for it remains on your device, protected from any attacks on the password manager service.
Anyone who keeps your data in encrypted form cannot decipher it. However, if your password manager gets hacked then the following details may be part of the leak.
These details can’t give an attacker access to your password or the account associated with the password manager. But they can target you with phishing scams. You should be careful with online interactions and ensure that you only visit official websites or services without providing your sensitive personal information.
In other words, if you know that some of your information is part of a hack or data breach, you should be extremely cautious.
What To Do If Your Password Manager Has Been Hacked
What Can You Do After Your Password Manager Has Been Hacked? Here are some easy steps to follow.
1. Change passwords for your important accounts
Luckily, with a password manager, you can change passwords quickly. No need to think hard and create new, complicated passwords.
You can use the Password Generator feature or use an online password generator. Some password manager services offer a one-click feature to automatically change passwords, similar to what you do on Google Chrome.
For the most part, you can quickly create a new password, change it, and replace it with your current entry. When you do this for the online accounts that matter most to you, you can have peace of mind.
2. Switch to a Different Password Manager
It comes down to your personal preference. But in such a situation it would be appropriate to consider changing the password manager.
Explore other password manager alternatives to try them out. Some may be better and more secure. Maybe you ultimately decide not to move, and that’s fine, but you still need to exit the market.
3. Enable Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication
We don’t need to mention it. However, users still forget to enable two-factor authentication for some accounts.
Many passwords support multi-factor authentication methods such as biometric authentication, passwordless login, and more. It would be best if you take advantage of all the available options to strengthen the security of your online account.
If you think you missed doing this before, start exploring the authentication options available in your password manager.
4. Be alert at all times
You can handle most online threats by being vigilant every time you use a service, download a file, open an email, and interact with web elements. Whether your password manager is hacked or not, you should think twice about your online actions.
Furthermore, whenever a service is compromised, they send instructions to customers or users to secure accounts. The priority should be to follow the recommended steps whenever you receive such a communication.
Can You Trust Hacked Password Managers?
Nothing is impossible to hack, so password managers are a target of cybercriminals. This does not mean that you should completely lose faith in yourself. Still you need to be cautious. Think about how you found out about the hack. Did the service you use notify you first? Or did you find out through rumors online? Your answer should tell you whether you can trust them.