A VPN protects data 'in transit', while strong passwords protect the 'account itself'. Combined, they form a complete double defense.
Why you need both
- A VPN encrypts the link, preventing eavesdropping and tampering;
- A password manager generates a unique strong password per site, defeating credential stuffing;
- Add two-factor authentication (2FA) and even a leaked password hits another wall.
Recommendation: guard the network layer with a VPN, the account layer with a password manager plus 2FA, and periodically check whether any password appears in known breach databases.