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Page 85 - Cyber Safety C-8
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    Password Managers: A Digital Keyring

                     Consider having hundreds of different keys for different lockers, and having to remember which
                     key belongs to which lock. It would be nearly impossible! A password manager works like a secure,
                     intelligent digital keyring that stores all passwords in one encrypted place.
                     A password manager protects  password data  using strong
                     encryption algorithms, meaning even if someone gains access to
                     a device, they cannot read the stored passwords. Only one strong
                     “master  password” is required  to  unlock the manager. Once
                     unlocked, it automatically fills in the correct, complex password
                     for websites and apps, reducing the risk of typing errors or falling
                     for fake login pages.

                     Modern password managers can also generate strong, unique
                     passwords  for every account,  check  for  weak or repeated
                     passwords,  alert when  a data  breach is detected,  and sync
                     passwords  across  devices  securely.  This ensures stronger  online  protection  and  prevents
                     cybercriminals from easily guessing or stealing passwords.
                     Popular examples of password managers are Bitwarden, LastPass, and 1Password. In fact, many
                     banks in India now recommend using these managers to keep online banking accounts secure.

                     Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The Double Lock

                     Passwords act as the first lock on a digital account, but relying on a single lock is risky in a world
                     full of cyber threats. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also known as Two-Factor Authentication
                     (2FA), adds a second layer of verification to ensure that only the real account owner can access
                     the system. Even if a cybercriminal manages to guess or steal a password, access is still blocked
                     without the second verification factor.

                     MFA works by combining two or more types of authentication factors:
                     1.  Something the user knows, such as a password or PIN.

                     2.   Something  the  user  has, such  as  a  one-time  password
                        (OTP) sent to a mobile device, a hardware token, or a code
                        from an authentication app such as Google Authenticator
                        or Microsoft Authenticator.
                     3.   Something the user has biometric identification such as a

                        fingerprint, face scan, or iris recognition.
                     By requiring at least two of these factors, MFA significantly
                     reduces the chances of unauthorized access. This method is
                     widely used in banking apps, email platforms, social media accounts, and online payment systems.

                     A commonly observed  example  is the login process  of a Gmail  account.  After entering  the
                     password, the system sends an OTP to the registered mobile number or displays a verification
                     prompt on a linked device. This additional step ensures that the account remains secure, even if
                     the password has been compromised.

                                                                                          Advanced Password Protection  83

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