You may already use a Password Manager. If your phone automatically fills in website passwords, the Password Manager built into your phone or browser might be active. This is a good thing. If it does this from time to time, you’d be wise to press on. Get it to do so all the time!
A password manager is a software application that stores and manages online credentials. You know you shouldn’t reuse passwords, and most websites force you to mix things up with numbers and symbols when you choose a password. If you’re doing it right it will be impossible to remember these passwords. Password managers help you generate, retrieve, and keep track of complex passwords for various accounts, ensuring both security and convenience.
The only password you need to remember is that of the password manager. It will remember the rest. It will boost your security and do a whole lot more.
So, let’s get to grips with what a password manager can do for you and your family…
Advantages of Using a Password Manager
Password managers store all your passwords securely. BTW, they are so heavily encrypted that you mustn’t forget the password that unlocks the manager. They cannot be retrieved if you forget or lose this primary password. The password manager provider cannot help you by resetting the password. That’s secure.
However, it is liberating when the only password you need to know is the password manager’s. A password manager will apply your passwords when needed online and in the apps on your phone or computer. No more searching through sticky notes and spreadsheets, or frustrating moments spent resetting passwords or getting locked out of your accounts.
A Password Manager keeps you secure
Defence against data breaches
Online security is significantly boosted with a password manager. They generate strong, unique passwords for each online account, ensuring that a breach in one service doesn’t compromise your other accounts. Websites are always under attack, so you cannot assume the websites you use will look after your data.
Defence against phishing
Password managers defend you from phishing attacks when danger is one click away in an email or message. These attacks are designed to trick you into giving away your passwords. If you accidentally click on a fraudulent link, sending you to a convincing but fake website, the password manager won’t fill in your details, alerting you to potential danger. By recognising only legitimate websites, they autofill your credentials on the correct sites and don’t give away your secrets.
Password health monitoring
Another crucial benefit password managers have over pen and paper or spreadsheets is they can actively monitor password health. They alert you to weak or reused passwords and guide you to improve your security. Some even notify you if your passwords have been compromised in a data breach, allowing you to take swift action to protect your accounts.
Additional authentication codes
Password managers can also help by filling in two-factor authentication codes (2FA or MFA codes). You might already use a separate app for these, but it is something a good password manager can also handle. If you are not sure what this is, don’t worry. Some sites ask for additional verification beyond just a name and password. You might have got used to this if you have ever had to type in a code sent to your phone, or used a bank card reader to create a code. It’s the same idea and it is going to become more common.
A Password Manager is always ready to help you
Available across all your devices
Password managers can synchronise their password data across all your devices, whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. This ensures you can access your accounts anytime, anywhere, without the hassle of manually entering or remembering your passwords or hunting for that password book.
Shareable passwords
For families or teams, password managers simplify sharing passwords securely. They offer options to share specific passwords or credentials with family members and trusted individuals, without exposing the passwords to unnecessary risks. You can export passwords, but if your family use the same kind of manager it is possible to create shared groups of pooled credentials.
To conclude, password managers help you create, store, monitor and securely share passwords. They boost security and convenience. As technology evolves, so do the methods used by cybercriminals. As I have said elsewhere, in the online world you are up against smart opponents; criminal, commercial and state. Password managers are continuously updated to combat new threats, ensuring your security.
I will round this post off by listing some password managers. But, as I suggested at the beginning, if your phone already fills in passwords for you, and you haven’t installed one of these, you are probably using the built-in password manager.
This is a list of some third-party apps, available on any device. I am not affiliated with any of them and receive no payment for these links.
LastPass
- Features: Password storage, autofill, secure notes, password generator, sharing, and dark web monitoring.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: LastPass
1Password
- Features: Password storage, password generator, secure notes, document storage, two-factor authentication (2FA), Travel Mode.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: 1Password
Dashlane
- Features: Password storage, dark web monitoring, VPN, password generator, secure notes, sharing.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, browser extensions.
- Website: Dashlane
Bitwarden
- Features: Open-source, password storage, secure notes, password generator, sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: Bitwarden
Keeper
- Features: Password storage, password generator, secure file storage, dark web monitoring, two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: Keeper
NordPass
- Features: Password storage, secure notes, password generator, data breach scanner, sharing.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: NordPass
Passbolt
- Features: Open-source, password storage, secure sharing, password generator, two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: Passbolt
RoboForm
- Features: Password storage, password generator, secure notes, form filling, sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: RoboForm
Zoho Vault
- Features: Password storage, password generator, secure notes, sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA), integration with other Zoho products.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: Zoho Vault
Enpass
- Features: Offline password storage, secure notes, form filling, password generator, integration with cloud services.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, browser extensions.
- Website: Enpass