Master Password: How to create a strong one?

An average person has 100 passwords. Naturally, remembering them becomes a tough challenge.

Consequently, human psychology makes people fall into one of the two traps – either reuse the same password on many accounts or create simple, easy-to-guess logins. Yet, in both ways, they make their data particularly vulnerable to external threats.

One of the most accessible solutions to solving these vulnerabilities and radically improving data security is a Master Password.

What is Master Password?

In short, a Master Password is an algorithm that allows you to securely unlock your passwords by typing in one – Master – password.

When you create an account in a password manager, you are asked to type in your email and a unique password. By using these logins, you can later access all other passwords stored in an encrypted vault.

This password is never stored in a cloud. It never leaves the user’s device. Instead, it is regenerated each time a user enters a piece of identifying information. This way, the algorithm grants access to the account.

When used in a browser, a Master Password keeps all logins locked until you type the password in.

Is Master Password secure?

Master Password is one of the most secure methods to protect data in cybersecurity.

It is a relatively new algorithm, initially released in 2012 by Maarten Billemont. This algorithm is not a password replacement. Instead, it unlocks your private key, which is used to decrypt your data stored in the vault.

The most important criteria that add ultimate security to this type of algorithm are:

• it is never stored in the password manager database;
• nobody can access it or reveal it except you;
• since it never leaves your device, it is never sent through the Internet.

And that is the main difference between the Master Password and a regular credential. Therefore, make sure you never forget it.

How to create a secure one?

The Master Password is not an exception from regular passwords – you must make it strong. Although you can always apply the basic secure password creation principles, there are extra things you should keep in mind.

Here are the 5 tips for ultimate Master Password security.

1. Since you need to remember this password, use a passphrase or a combination of random words as a base for your credential. Never use easy-to-remember sequences such as common sayings, song lyrics, or other word combinations;
2. Avoid including any personal information at all costs (birthdates, names, addresses, hobbies, etc.);
3. Include numbers, capital letters, and special symbols. Try mixing up the sequence – add a number to the front, special characters in the middle of the password, and so on. Make it hard to guess.
4. Make it long. The longer the password, the more time a hacker needs to decipher it. A password of 20+ symbols takes years to crack.
5. Secure your account with two layers of security. Turn on Two-factor authentication (2FA) to your account. 2FA adds an additional layer of safety and blocks 99.9% of automated data attacks.

Master Password is one of the most secure technologies that can substantially boost your cybersecurity.

Start using a password manager today. It is there to help you build password habits effortlessly.