Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to ForgotYourPassword.com, a part of Keeper Security. This is your resource for everything password-related. We help people understand the importance of password security and password management. Below are the most asked questions about passwords. 

How do I find my password if I forgot it?

If you forgot your password, it is best practice to reset it instead of recovering it. Depending on how and where you store your passwords, chances are they could be exposed – putting your account(s) at risk. Follow these steps to help you reset your password.

How often should I change my passwords?

In the past, it was thought that you had to change your password every 3 to 6 months, but this is no longer the best practice. Changing your passwords frequently can actually make your passwords more susceptible to a breach because requiring people to create new passwords themselves often leads to people reusing passwords or using weak passwords that are easy to remember.

It is only necessary to change your passwords in certain situations, for example, after experiencing a security breach, detecting unusual activity on your accounts or after using an unsecured network.

What makes a strong and secure password?

When creating strong passwords, there are several best practices you should follow to make sure it is strong and secure. Here are a few steps to follow:

  1. Do not reuse the password on multiple accounts
  2. Do not include sensitive information (e.g. birth year, home address, pet’s name)
  3. Do not use dictionary words
  4. Do not use sequential numbers (e.g. 1234…)
  5. Use a password generator to create passwords
  6. Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts

Can passwords be hacked or stolen?

Yes, passwords can be hacked and stolen. Your passwords are more likely to be hacked or stolen if you reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts or don’t follow password best practices.

Storing passwords on a notepad or in a spreadsheet also makes you more vulnerable to having your passwords hacked or stolen, because those methods are not protected with security measures such as encryption.

What is a password manager and how secure are they?

Password managers are tools that store, generate and manage your passwords in a cloud-based digital vault. They allow you to access your passwords using any device, eliminating the task of having to remember every single one of your passwords. While password managers are very convenient, they are also very secure and not using one can put your passwords and accounts at risk of a data breach. When choosing a password manager, look for one with the highest level of security that has never been hacked.

How do I choose a password manager?

Before choosing a password manager, it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Here are the steps to finding a password manager that’s right for you:

  1. Consider which features you need – password managers tend to offer different packages such as personal, family and business plans. Choose the plan that best suits your needs. Also look for beneficial add-ons that a password manager might offer. Common add-ons include dark web monitoring and secure messaging.
  2. Ensure that the password manager supports Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA ensures no one but the authorized owner can access their password vault.
  3. Do your online research – read through tech reviews and customer reviews to see which password manager is right for you.
  4. Start a free trial – while most basic password managers are free, a free trial of the premium version is often offered as well. Premium versions typically include unlimited password storage, file storage and more. A free trial is the best way to find the right choice without a full commitment.