6 password managers to secure your online accounts

With the rampant cyberattacks in the online world, security is a paramount concern. With a plethora of accounts across various platforms, each demanding unique passwords, keeping track of them all can be a really daunting task.

Enter password managers — the unsung heroes of digital security. These softwares not only securely store your passwords but also help create unique, hard to guess passwords for all of your digital accounts. Today, we will explore some of the best password managers available to secure your digital life.

Why use password managers?

Before delving into the specifics, let’s understand why password managers are essential. They address two primary issues: password fatigue and weak passwords. The former is the human tendency to reuse passwords due to the difficulty in remembering multiple complex sequences. The latter issue arises from the use of easy-to-remember (and hence, easy-to-hack) passwords. A password manager aids in creating robust, unique passwords for each account and remembers them for you.

While password managers serve as a critical tool in your cybersecurity toolkit, it’s essential to understand the principles of creating strong passwords and practicing good password hygiene.

Creating strong passwords

A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Here are some tips:

1. Length and Complexity: Longer passwords are harder to crack. Aim for a minimum of 12 characters. Include a mix of numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters, and special characters.
2. Avoid Personal Information: Never use easily identifiable information like your name, date of birth, or common words. These can be guessed easily by someone who knows you or by a computer program.
3. Use a Phrase: Consider using a passphrase – a sentence or a sequence of words. They can be easier to remember and harder to crack due to their length.

Practicing good password hygiene

Creating a strong password is just the start. It’s equally important to practice good password hygiene:

1. Unique Passwords: Never reuse passwords. If one account gets compromised, others using the same password are at risk.
2. Regular Updates: Update your passwords regularly. This limits the harm if your password is stolen.
3. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or biometric data.

The role of password managers

Now, remembering unique, complex passwords for every account seems impossible, doesn’t it? That’s where password managers come in. They securely store all your passwords and help you generate new, strong ones. They also auto-fill credentials on websites, saving you time and the hassle of typing.

Best password managers

Now that we’ve established the importance of password managers let’s look at some of the best options available.

1. LastPass

LastPass is a leading name in the password management realm. It’s user-friendly interface, coupled with multi-platform compatibility makes it a popular choice. LastPass offers secure storage for passwords, notes, addresses, and even credit card information. Its auto-fill feature ensures seamless browsing experience. LastPass also includes a password generator and a security dashboard that provides an overall security score and suggests improvements.

2. Dashlane

Dashlane comes packed with features that go beyond password management. It includes a VPN service for secure browsing and dark web monitoring that alerts you if your information appears on the dark web. Dashlane’s password generator is also noteworthy. Its ability to autofill forms with your saved details across various websites saves you from the mundane task of typing the same information repeatedly.

3. 1Password

1Password stands out with its ‘Travel Mode,’ which allows you to remove sensitive data from your devices when you cross borders. It also offers a unique ‘Watchtower’ service that informs you about ongoing website breaches. 1Password’s clean, intuitive interface and excellent customer support have earned it high praise.

4. Keeper

Keeper is a robust password manager that provides a variety of features like secure file storage, version history (which can recover previous versions of your records), and emergency access for up to five contacts. It also offers BreachWatch, a service that constantly monitors the internet and dark web for data breaches and alerts you if your information is found.

5. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that offers great value. It’s minimalistic and straightforward, making it a good option for those who prefer simplicity. Despite being free, it doesn’t skimp on security features. It includes end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure password sharing.

6. RoboForm

RoboForm is an affordable password manager that excels in form filling. Its standout feature is the ability to handle complex forms that stump other password managers. RoboForm also offers secure sharing, digital inheritance, and strong security protocols.

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Frequently asked questions about password managers

To wrap up, let’s address some common questions people have about password managers.

Q1: Can I trust password managers?

Yes, you can. Password managers use top-notch encryption technology to protect your data. This means that even if a hacker manages to get hold of your data, they won’t be able to decipher it. Plus, most reputable password managers follow a “zero-knowledge” policy, meaning they don’t have access to your master password or the passwords stored in your vault.

Q2: What if I forget my master password?

The master password is the key to your digital vault, and forgetting it can be problematic as most password managers don’t have a way to retrieve it due to their zero-knowledge policy. To prevent this, some password managers offer account recovery options like one-time recovery codes, SMS recovery, or emergency contacts.

Q3: Can I use password managers on multiple devices?

Absolutely! Most password managers offer apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some also offer browser extensions for easy access and autofill capabilities. This depends on the provider you choose, but most of them have integration with multiple platforms.

Q4: What happens if my password manager gets hacked?

While the possibility exists, remember that your data is encrypted. This means that even if hackers breach the password manager’s servers, they’d only get gibberish. Additionally, password managers have robust security measures in place to prevent such breaches. In addition, most password managers don’t store your passwords in the cloud as it lives within your local machine.

Q5: Are free password managers any good?

Free password managers can be a good start, but they often come with limitations, like a limited number of passwords or lack of sync across devices. If you have more extensive needs, a premium version would be more beneficial.