![]() But otherwise, users of all ages manage their online passwords using largely similar approaches. 55%), while older users are more likely to say they primarily write their passwords down on a piece of paper (27% vs. For instance, those under the age of 50 are more likely than those ages 50 and older to primarily memorize their online passwords (72% vs. Within every major demographic group, a majority says that memorization is the password management technique they rely on the most – and the differences that do exist on this subject tend to be relatively modest. There are relatively few demographic differences when it comes to how internet users keep track of their passwords. ![]() ![]() Meanwhile, just 12% of online adults say that they ever use password management software to keep track of their passwords – and only 3% rely on this technique as their primary method for storing passwords. Most experts agree that saving passwords in browsers is OK if the passwords are unique to each site, however they also agree that password management software outside the browser is preferable. Roughly one-quarter (24%) of online adults keep track of their passwords in a digital note or document on one of their devices (6% say this is the approach they rely on most), while 18% say that they save them using the built-in password saving feature available in most modern browsers (with 2% saying they rely on this technique the most). Other approaches to password management are far less common. In total, just over eight-in-ten online adults (84%) say that they primarily keep track of their passwords by either memorizing them or writing them down. Around half of online adults (49%) say they keep the passwords to at least some of their online accounts written down on a piece of paper – with 18% saying that this is the method they rely on most heavily. Indeed, 65% report that memorization is the method they rely on the most (or is the only method they use) to keep track of their passwords. When asked about different ways they might keep track of their online passwords, fully 86% of internet users report that they keep track of them in their heads. But this survey finds that the vast majority of Americans keep track of their passwords using much more traditional methods – specifically, by memorizing them or by writing them down on a piece of paper. Many security professionals recommend password management software as the best way to create and store complex passwords. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to user data, and people’s password habits – such as how they manage their passwords, or whether they use passwords that are simple or complex – directly impact their overall security. Most Americans use memorization or pen and paper as their primary method of keeping track of their online passwordsįor average users, creating and storing passwords to their various online accounts is their primary interaction with the world of cybersecurity. ![]() Although many Americans are utilizing at least some of these steps, this survey finds that less-than-optimum cybersecurity habits are widespread. Cybersecurity experts generally recommend a number of steps for users to take in order to reduce their exposure to data theft, such as using a different, complex password for each account not sharing passwords with others using some sort of security feature on their smartphones and always updating their smartphones’ apps and operating system to ensure that they have the latest security updates. The weak link in many personal data breaches can be traced back to an overly simple password, an out-of-date smartphone app with missing security patches or the use of an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Individuals play a critical role in their own digital security.
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