Password Security: The 2025 Guide

Passwords aren’t going away overnight, but the way we secure accounts is changing fast. Passkeys are rolling out, more sites are enforcing two-factor/multi-factor auth (2FA/MFA), and good password managers now handle the heavy lifting. This page is your starting point — the basics, the why, and where to go next.

TL;DR — Quick Wins

• Use a password manager for all logins. No reusing, no spreadsheets.
• Turn on 2FA/MFA everywhere you can. Prefer app codes (TOTP) or security keys over SMS.
• Move to passkeys when a site offers them. They’re phishing-resistant and easier to use.
• Share access safely with built-in sharing, not screenshots or texts.
• Watch for breaches and change passwords fast when your data shows up.

Start Here: Deep-Dive Guides

These pages break the topic into bite-size pieces:

• 🔑 Passkeys explained — what they are, why they’re safer, and how to set them up
  → /guides/password-security/understanding-passkeys/

• 🤝 Sharing logins the right way — single-use links, shared vaults, and how passkeys/2FA change the playbook
  → /guides/password-security/safely-sharing-passwords/

• 🛡️ 2FA/MFA basics — TOTP apps, security keys, backup codes, and what to avoid
  → /guides/password-security/multifactor-authentication/

• 🚨 Stay on top of breaches — quick checks, alerts, and what to do after a leak
  → /guides/keeping-on-top-of-password-breeches/

• 🧰 Pick a manager — our tested picks for families, power users, and budgets
  → /best-password-managers/
  → /best-password-managers/free/

Why Password Security Still Matters

• Phishing is still the #1 way accounts fall. Passkeys help here because there’s nothing to type or steal.
• Password reuse is a gift to attackers. A single leak can unlock five or six of your accounts if you reuse.
• Your phone number isn’t a lock. SMS codes can be hijacked. Better: TOTP apps or hardware keys.

The Core Setup (Takes under an hour)

1. Choose a password manager (free or paid) and import what you have.
2. Turn on auto-generate and unique passwords by default.
3. Enable 2FA/MFA on your main email, bank, cloud storage, and social.
   • Use a TOTP app in the manager or enroll two security keys.
4. Where supported, create a passkey and store it in your manager or platform keychain.
5. Add emergency access (digital legacy) for one trusted person.
6. Set breach alerts and run a reused/weak password report.

Passwords vs Passkeys (When to Use What)

• Use passkeys when the site supports them. They’re simpler day-to-day and block most phishing tricks.
• Keep passwords for older services, but pair them with MFA.
• For shared accounts, add people as users when possible. If not, use your manager’s shared vault and view-only/no-export rights.

Sharing Access Without Leaking Secrets

• One-off need? Send a single-use link that expires.
• Ongoing? Create a shared vault with clear names and expiry dates for temporary items.
• MFA gotchas: don’t pass around SMS codes. Share TOTP inside the vault or enroll multiple keys.

Want the full playbook? See
→ /guides/password-security/safely-sharing-passwords/

Breach Playbook (Save This)

1. Change the password (generate a new one).
2. Rotate 2FA: new TOTP secret or re-enroll keys.
3. Kill sessions and review authorized apps.
4. Check other accounts that used the same or similar password.
5. Watch financials and inbox rules for a week.

More here:
→ /guides/keeping-on-top-of-password-breeches/

Tools We Recommend

• A trustworthy password manager (start here: /best-password-managers/ or the free list: /best-password-managers/free/)
• A TOTP app (often built into the manager)
• Two security keys if your key accounts support them

Bottom Line

Strong, unique logins + MFA + passkeys where available. Share access (not secrets), keep an eye on breaches, and make revoking access a one-click move. That’s modern password security — simple, practical, and easy to keep up.