How should you securely manage passwords for internet sites?

Managing passwords securely is essential for protecting personal and sensitive information. Saving passwords to an encrypted file is the best method among the options provided because it adds a layer of security to your stored credentials.

When passwords are saved in an encrypted file, they are encoded in such a way that unauthorized users cannot easily access or read them. Even if someone gains access to the file, decryption is necessary to reveal the actual passwords, which significantly reduces the risk of password theft. Encryption algorithms make it extremely difficult for attackers to retrieve the information without the correct decryption key or method, adding a crucial level of protection.

In contrast, storing passwords in plain text files, relying on browser password-saving features, or enabling session caching does not provide the same level of security. Plain text files expose passwords in an easily readable format, while browsers might not encrypt stored passwords or may be susceptible to vulnerabilities. Session caching, while it can enhance usability by remembering user sessions, does not securely store passwords and may leave them vulnerable if someone accesses the system.

For these reasons, saving passwords to an encrypted file is the recommended practice for ensuring password security while managing access to internet sites.