How To Choose the Best Password Manager

Passwords are essential to modern life. They protect people’s money, correspondence, work, and identities. The best passwords use long strings of unique, unconnected letters, numbers, and symbols, but most people use passwords considered weak or reuse the same password across multiple platforms.

The average person has 100 passwords; thus, password managers can help. This software securely stores passwords in a digital vault, letting you create strong, unique passwords for all your applications. Learn how to choose the best password manager, why you need one, and how the software works.

At its most basic, a password manager is software that stores and manages passwords and login information. Most browsers have rudimentary password management systems that can remember your details for next time. But these don’t have all the security and other features of dedicated password management software.

More sophisticated systems use military-grade encryption to keep your details safe. The passwords are locked in a digital vault only accessed by a master key or master password. Companies can’t access your vault and don’t have master passwords, so details are kept safe. It’s important to remember your master key, as it might not be recoverable.

• Security: Password managers store your passwords in one of two places: the company’s cloud-based server or a vault created on your device. The cloud-based option tends to be more popular, as the vault can be accessed from any device and will be secure even if a computer is lost or stops working. However, some people are more comfortable storing their details away from the cloud.
• Strong encryption and up-to-date security measures: The program should strongly advocate for additional security, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometrics like fingerprint and facial recognition technology. Most programs can automatically create strong passwords for each platform they interact with.
• Compatibility with all your hardware and software: People store personal details on phones, tablets, and desktop and laptop computers, so your password manager has to go everywhere. Also, check that it works on all your operating systems and has an extension for your favorite browser. Research the syncing capabilities for multiple devices. Cloud-based vaults can be accessed from any device, and many desktop-based programs allow you to set up vaults on multiple devices. These vaults are synced when you log in to the internet.
• Ease of use: See if the password manager has a user-friendly interface. The system should use plain language, and browser extensions must work automatically. Biometric logins provide convenient tools for using password managers on mobile devices.
• Additional features: Many programs include additional features for extra security. Some flag duplicate or weak passwords, prompting you to change them or automatically change passwords regularly. You can also receive security suggestions as you browse. If you have programs you need to share access to, such as a joint bank account, you may be able to set up password sharing with trusted people. Many programs also include secure online storage of important documents.
• Value: Although your digital safety is priceless, most people still have budget constraints. Free password management systems exist, but paid services may have better security and features. Look for unlimited password storage and the features you’re most interested in to get the best value for your money.

Although encryption and automatic password generation may seem complicated, password managers offer a simple user experience. The first step is to download the software. You’ll be prompted to create a master password. After the system works, this will be the only password you must remember.

It should be strong and more than 12 characters long. Next, start logging in to your accounts. The software will ask if you want to save the password. Click on yes to log it in your secure vault.

The day-to-day use of the system is usually through a browser extension. The software should have instructions on downloading the extension for your favorite browser. Opening your browser will prompt you to log in to your account using your master key after your computer has been in sleep mode for added security. Once you’re logged in, the program automatically fills in any credentials you need.

You must first download the app to use the software on a mobile device. Log in using your master key and decide whether to enable fingerprint or face ID scans. Once the app is set up, it can begin automatically filling out details on apps or websites you visit on the device.

When you open a page that requires a password, there’s a Passwords option above the keyboard. Clicking on this will prompt you to log in to the software manager. Once logged in, the fields are filled automatically. The mobile apps don’t allow you to stay logged in, so there’s always a login prompt. But with fingerprint or face scans set up, this doesn’t add much time to the login process.

The biggest benefit of a password manager is that it remembers your passwords. Most people use weak passwords or reuse them on multiple sites simply because that’s easier to remember.

A password manager helps you make secure choices, as you only have to remember the master password to access your vault. As many programs sync across multiple devices, this can protect your digital identity, whether on a work computer, personal laptop, phone, or tablet.

Many password managers auto-generate unique passwords for each site you join. From a security standpoint, this is best practice as it segments your data. If someone accesses an account, they can’t use those credentials to access others.

For example, knowing your Facebook password won’t let a hacker log into your bank account. Password managers also protect you from phishing scams. The software automatically fills in details based on the site’s URL. You know it’s not a genuine site if nothing is automatically filled in.

Several password managers provide additional storage. As the encryption is so secure, these digital vaults are the perfect place to store copies of important paperwork, such as contracts or mortgages. Many also keep credit card details and other banking information safe in password management systems and can be set up to automatically fill this in, along with your name and delivery address, when you’re shopping online. This also saves you time, as you don’t need to type anything.

A password manager can also be an important part of your digital inheritance. If you pass away, you may want your executor or heirs to have access to different accounts, whether to close them or pass access on to colleagues or clients. With a password manager, you can leave the master key so an executor can finalize digital details.

How Password Managers Work: A Beginner’s Guide: Dashlane’s guide to what password managers do and don’t do, how to set them up, and more.

How To Protect Your Data Online by Using a Password Manager: Kaspersky explains whether you should use a password manager, gives tips for selecting one, and has some helpful FAQs.

Information Security Office: Password Managers: Check out Carnegie Mellon University’s recommended password managers and other information.

• What Is a Password Manager?
• What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
• What Is Phishing?