Pro tip: How to securely share passwords

April 12, 2024

By Kim Komando

Any regular visitor to Komando.com knows never to share passwords. While that’s true in general, password sharing is sometimes necessary. You have to be careful and do it the right way.

Essentially, it all comes down to using the right password manager. Keep reading for more details.

Why would you want to share your password?

Password sharing is beneficial for small business owners. Team members may have to share login data to access important accounts. You don’t want employees to text or email passwords to each other since hackers can intercept those messages.

You should also share your password if you have medical issues or are incapacitated. If you give your password to a trusted friend or loved one, they can log in for you to help out.

In addition, password sharing is helpful when paying bills. Say you and a roommate have only one utility account. If one cannot access the account, the other person must pay before the lights go off.

MONEY TIP: 5 bills you should never put on autopay

The worst ways to store and share your passwords

Keep these rules in mind when it comes to passwords:

• Never put passwords in an email: Even if you’re using an encrypted service, this is a bad idea. Email messages often pass through different systems and servers. This means there’s a copy of your password in your Sent folder. If hackers break into your email account, they could find your passwords and take over your accounts.
• Keep passwords out of messaging apps and texts: These apps may not be encrypted and could expose your credentials.
• Don’t store passwords on your device: Someone could get access to your phone, computer or tablet or hack into it from afar with scary programs like Pegasus. In a matter of minutes, they could steal your password.
• Finally, avoid online documents: Many document management platforms lack encryption, two-factor authentication or other security features.

How to safely share passwords

The safest way to share passwords is through a reputable password manager. These tools store and generate login information for all of your accounts. Since they encrypt your passwords, they’re much safer than sharing passwords over unencrypted channels like emails or texts.

Password managers can even detect fake login pages. You can install them onto your computer or access them through websites, browser extensions, or the cloud. However, you and the person you’re sharing with need an account with the same service.

RELATED: 6 hidden uses for password managers

The way you share depends on your password manager

Some password managers have built-in features that let you share login credentials with someone else. For example, LastPass makes password sharing as easy as right-clicking a password and selecting Share.

Just know that hackers recently breached LastPass’s security systems. You might want to try a password manager with more robust security systems.

Be vigilant against cybercriminals

The more we rely on our devices for work, school and our personal lives, the more we have to lose. There’s much to protect, from your bank accounts to personal data. You’ll need a strong antivirus program like our sponsor TotalAV, an industry-leading security suite that’s easy to use.

It provides the best protection in the business. Get this:

• TotalAV received the renowned VB100 award for detecting over 99% of malware samples for the last three years.
• You’ll get constant protection from the latest threats and its AI-driven WebShield browser extension automatically blocks dangerous websites.
• TotalAV’s Total Password browser extension creates strong passwords and stores them safely.

Right now, get an annual plan of TotalAV Internet Security for only $19 at ProtectWithKim.com. That’s over 85% off the regular price.