Recent security breaches at Lastpass have left many users concerned about the safety of their passwords. As more and more of our personal information is stored online, password security has become a critical aspect of our online security.
This article will explore expert recommendations and industry best practices for protecting passwords when leaving Lastpass.
Exporting Passwords to a CSV File
The first step to moving your passwords from LastPass is to export them to a CSV file. However, it’s crucial to note that the CSV file is stored in plain text format on your computer, making it vulnerable to theft or hacking. Therefore, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure the security of the file.
Why Not Exporting to Plain Text is Important?
Experts recommend never exporting your passwords to a plain text file. “Exporting your passwords to a plain text file risks your data. The plain text file can be easily accessed and read, which makes it vulnerable to theft or hacking,” said Blake Schwank, the CEO of Colorado Computer Support. Instead, he suggests running another password management product alongside Lastpass to capture all your normally used passwords. This way, you can ensure that your passwords remain encrypted and protected, even if you choose to leave LastPass.
Using a Second Password Manager
Using a second password manager alongside Lastpass is an effective way to protect your passwords. It ensures that your passwords remain encrypted and protected, even if you choose to leave LastPass. Ed Anderson with Dyrand Systems in Vancouver recommends this approach. Using a second password manager ensures that your passwords remain secure and accessible, no matter what happens to your primary password management platform.
Best Practices for Password Security
Rob Giannini, a cybersecurity expert offering IT services in Fort Lauderdale with GiaSpace, recommends taking extra precautions regarding password security. “Password security is crucial, especially in today’s digital age. It’s important to use strong and unique passwords for each account and to change them regularly,” said Giannini. Best practices for password security include:
- Using a unique password for each account
- Using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoiding common words or phrases
- Changing your password regularly
Securely Deleting the Plain Text File
If you have already exported your passwords to a plain text file, securely deleting the file is more complex than just hitting the delete key. It’s essential to take extra steps to ensure the file is completely erased and cannot be retrieved. Experts advise using a tool like Eraser or BleachBit to ensure the file is securely deleted.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, taking precautions to protect your passwords from theft or hacking is essential. The risks of a data breach or online identity theft are too high to ignore. By following expert recommendations and industry best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your passwords remain secure, no matter your password management platform.
