Passwords, Pwnage & Protection: Why You Need a Password Manager Like, Yesterday

Brooke Silva
Jun 24
2 min read

If your go-to password is something like “123456” or “yourdog’sname2020,” we need to have a little chat. 🐶🔐

In the era of digital everything—banking, business, baby monitor apps—your password is often the only thing standing between you and a major headache (or worse: identity theft). And according to a recent report from CyberNews, over 16 billion credentials have been exposed in data breaches.

Yes. BILLION. With a B.

💥 So What Can You Do (Besides Panic)?

Breathe, friend. Then do this:

1. Check if Your Password Has Been Compromised

Before you go nuclear on your entire digital life, run a quick check at HaveIBeenPwned. It’ll show you if your current passwords are part of a breach.

Spoiler alert: they probably are.

2. Get a Password Manager. Like, Now.

This is not a drill. Reusing passwords is like using the same key for your house, car, office, and mailbox. All it takes is one breach to unlock everything.

A password manager (like my favorite: LastPass) creates strong, unique passwords for each account—and remembers them so you don’t have to. It’s like giving your digital life a 24/7 bodyguard. 💪

3. Start Changing the Big Ones First

Focus on the accounts that matter most:

Email (it’s the gateway to everything else)
Bank and financial accounts
Cloud storage and backups
Social media (yes, even that)

Not sure how? When you go to log into MOST websites, you can do a "forgot password"

Here’s how to change your password in Google. Each account will have a similar option in the security settings.

4. Stay Skeptical. Stay Safe.

Even with strong passwords, bad actors will still try to trick you with fake emails, links, and logins. Never click suspicious links, and don’t give your credentials to anyone—not even “tech support” calling you out of the blue.