A password manager is a specialized digital vault that stores and encrypts your login credentials. Instead of memorizing fifty complex passwords, you only need to remember one Master Password so make this a good one! The password manager handles the rest, automatically filling in your saved usernames and passwords only when you visit a known trusted site or open an app with a saved entry in the password manager.
A password manager removes the mental burden of remembering unique and long strings for every site you may want to log in to.
The Result: You can use high-entropy, complex, and randomized passwords without ever needing to click "Forgot Password" again.
One mistake to avoid is using the same password for your NC State account as you might use for social media and other online services. Using unique password for all your online services has great security benefits. If any one of these other services have a breach hackers will try those same credentials on university systems and other services you likely use and could gain access.
The Benefit: Password managers can be used to generate unique, random strings for every account, ensuring a breach in one area doesn't lead to a total digital takeover which would require password changes across all your accounts where that password is used.
Phishing remains the #1 threat to higher education. A password manager help you with spotting fake websites you might visit due to phishing.
How it works: If you end up on a fraudulent site designed to look like the University login page or other service you might use (e.g., universtiy-login.com instead of university.edu), the password manager will not auto-fill your credentials because the URL doesn't match its records.
Whether you are grading papers on a laptop in the office, researching on a tablet in the library, or checking grades on your phone between classes, your password vault stays in sync.
The Benefit: You have access to your most secure credentials anywhere, anytime, protected by biometrics (FaceID/Fingerprint) or your master password.