Nothing says “surround sound” like a full-on Dolby Atmos soundbar system. While many of these bar-speaker bundles cost upwards of $1,000, one of the best Atmos rigs has a crazy-good discount at Woot today: For a limited time, you’ll be able to score the Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar for only $868. That’s a $1,132 markdown from its original $2,000 price!
Why you should buy the Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar
More than just an upgrade for your TV speakers, the Samsung HW-Q990D is a true, all-hands-on-deck surround sound, but minus a bulky AV receiver and all that speaker wire. Thanks to side-firing and up-firing drivers, the HW-Q990D is able to direct audio around you and up toward the ceiling for the height effects Dolby Atmos is renowned for. The system also comes with two rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer.
One of the best features of the Samsung HW-Q990D is Spacefit Sound Pro. This calibrates the soundbar to accommodate the unique acoustics of the room it lives in, so you’ll always have the best sound for the space. We’re also big fans of the Adaptive Sound feature, which analyzes and enhances dialogue and vocals in real time, so you’ll never miss a line of your favorite show.
The Samsung HW-Q990D can be used for video passthrough to your TV as well, and has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming tunes wirelessly from a phone or tablet.
This article is sponsored by Bitwarden. Product choices and opinions expressed are from the sponsor and do not reflect the views of How-to Geek editorial staff.
As digital life gets more complex, managing passwords has become a balancing act between security and convenience. According to the latest Bitwarden World Password Day survey, that balance is tipping in a concerning direction, especially for Gen Z and Millennials, who, despite understanding the risks, often take shortcuts that leave them vulnerable.
This fifth annual global study by Bitwarden surveyed over 2,300 working adults across six countries, revealing a major gap between cybersecurity awareness and real-world behavior. Even as threats grow more sophisticated, risky password habits remain common, and younger generations are leading the trend.
Why Password Security Matters
Passwords are often the first, and sometimes only, line of defense between sensitive information and cybercriminals. A compromised password can lead to account takeovers, identity theft, financial loss, and even corporate data breaches.
As our lives increasingly move online, from banking and healthcare to work and entertainment, the risks associated with weak or reused passwords are greater than ever. Strong, unique passwords for every account, backed up by tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure password management software, are essential for safeguarding sensitive personal and professional information.
Unfortunately, while awareness of these risks is growing, consistent good habits have yet to catch up.
Awareness Doesn’t Always Mean Action
One of the survey’s most striking findings is that 79% of Gen Z respondents recognize the danger of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, however, 72% still admit to doing it. Even after companies announce a data breach, a majority (59%) of Gen Z users simply reuse a similar or existing password rather than creating a strong new one.
In contrast, only 23% of Baby Boomers reported reusing a password after a breach, highlighting a concerning divide between generations. Despite growing up in the digital era, many younger users seem caught in a cycle of acknowledging risks but failing to change their habits.
Password Fatigue Is Real
Bitwarden
Managing dozens of online accounts has created a phenomenon often referred to as password fatigue, and it’s hitting Gen Z the hardest. 72% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents estimate they have fewer than 25 unique passwords, even though they likely have far more accounts.
38% of Gen Z admit they make minimal changes, like swapping a single character, when updating credentials. 30% of Gen Z frequently forget passwords to important accounts, leading many to rely on password reset functions or even abandon account logins altogether.
In fact, across all surveyed generations, 55% of respondents have given up trying to log into an account or created a new one just to avoid resetting a forgotten password. This widespread password fatigue presents both a personal security risk and a business challenge, as account abandonment can impact customer retention.
MFA to the Rescue
Bitwarden
There’s one area where younger users seem to be ahead: adopting multi-factor authentication (MFA). Over 80% of Gen Z and Millennials say they enable MFA even when it’s optional, compared to just 51% of Boomers. This proactive approach adds an extra layer of protection.
However, cybersecurity experts caution that MFA shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for strong, unique passwords. Common MFA methods, like SMS verification, are vulnerable to attacks such as SIM swapping.
When Passwords Get Personal
Bitwarden
Beyond security, passwords are now part of how people manage personal relationships. The Bitwarden survey found that 44% of Gen Z respondents have changed a streaming service password specifically to block a friend or family member after a disagreement.
This trend highlights how intertwined digital credentials have become with personal boundaries, particularly among younger users who are more likely to share streaming accounts, gaming logins, and other digital services.
The Sharing Paradox
Bitwarden
Even though Gen Z leads in password manager adoption (46%), many still share sensitive information in risky ways:
25% send passwords via text message
19% send screenshots of passwords
19% share credentials verbally
Only 13% use secure sharing features offered by password managers
While password managers provide tools for safe credential sharing, social habits and convenience often outweigh security best practices.
Generation X: The Overlooked Opportunity
Bitwarden
The study also uncovered challenges facing Generation X. Despite being in leadership roles professionally, only 33% of Gen X respondents use a password manager. Worryingly, 21% admit they either don’t trust password managers or don’t know how to set one up.
As cybersecurity threats escalate, addressing this confidence gap is critical, especially for a generation that often sets workplace policies. Targeted education and better user experiences could go a long way toward improving security outcomes.
Bridging the Gap Between Awareness and Action
The Bitwarden findings paint a clear picture: tools like MFA and password managers are crucial, but they’re not enough without the right habits. Strong digital security depends on consistent best practices, not just awareness.
Security experts recommend:
Making password managers part of daily routines, not an afterthought
Designing security policies that prioritize ease of use
Tailoring education programs to the unique vulnerabilities of each generation
Improving user experiences to reduce the friction that leads to risky shortcuts
As cyberthreats continue to evolve, strengthening personal and organizational security practices is more important than ever.
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