If you follow Internet security at all you already know this but if you don't then here's the short story...Every site gets hacked. The big internet sites and the little ones. If that wasn't bad enough news, the next big security risk revealed this past year was that WiFi networks are easy targets for hacking. So how does this affect the average user of the internet? Well, if you're the type of person that likes to create unique passwords for every site you join you're on your way to some good security and privacy. But if you're the type of person that uses the same three passwords, then you've probably come up with at least five reasons you don't need to use a password manager.
1. The internet is just a series of tubes.
That's right, its a simple system and not very technical, so what if I use 1-2-3-4-5 as my password. Just because you don't understand how complex doesn't mean you should ignore the rules to best use it. For example, driving a car is a relatively simple procedure (gas/brake/steer) but a very complex machine. You take time to learn how to drive, you learn the rules of the road and how to avoid other people who also drive on the roads in your community. You might even take a course on defensive driving techniques. The point is you're willing to take the time to learn in order to get the most out of the driving experience while protecting yourself and those you love.
2. Your name is John Smith
You're just one in a few million of internet users, no cares about my information. Whether the reward is a few dollars or a few thousand dollars, with millions of internet users it only takes a few percentage to make online scams and identity-theft a profitable enterprise for the ruthless and unscrupulous hackers and scammers out there.
3. I have a sticky note
The one password you use on every site is written on a sticky note stuck to your monitor or laptop. Just don't do this!
4. The Google remembers my passwords
Its true that you can choose to have your passwords remembered by your browser of choice. This is an awesome convenience provided by Microsoft, Google, Mozilla and a few others, but there are some pretty obvious risks. Anyone who gets or has access to your computer, laptop or phone can access your passwords. Worse, what if your device is stolen? Then who knows where those passwords will end up. Eric Geier over at PC World has written a great article on this very topic.
5. Passwords? We don't need no stinkin' passwords.
Oh, yes you do. Until they come up with a better way to secure your user information online the lowly password is your first-line of defense when it comes to securing your personal information online.