Password Security Checklist
Use this checklist to systematically improve your password security
Password Manager Setup
Compare options like 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, or KeePassXC
Desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, and browser extensions
Long, unique, and memorable - this is the one password you'll need to remember
Emergency kit, recovery codes, or trusted contacts
Add an extra layer of security to your password vault
Password Audit & Update
List all your online accounts, categorized by importance
Email, banking, cloud storage, and primary social media
Generate unique passwords for accounts sharing the same password
Update any passwords shorter than 12 characters or based on dictionary words
Use Have I Been Pwned or your password manager's breach checking feature
Two-Factor Authentication
Install an app like Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator
Secure your email first, as it's often used for account recovery
Banking, payment services, cryptocurrency, and investment accounts
Social networks, messaging apps, and video conferencing
Store these securely in your password manager and/or printed in a safe place
Ongoing Maintenance
Register for notifications about data breaches affecting your accounts
Set a calendar reminder to review your password security every 3-6 months
Identify and close accounts you no longer use to reduce your attack surface
For family or team accounts, use your password manager's secure sharing features
Ensure you have a secure backup of your password database