The Ultimate Guide to Choose the Right Password Manager

A password manager is software to help you manage your passwords digitally instead of the traditional method of writing them down. It makes it easier for you as well as more secure. To this date, almost all password managers available today are browser plugins and extensions.

When purchasing a password manager, the main thing you should look at is whether it offers two-factor authentication (2FA). It means that when the password manager is opened, you need to authenticate through an app like Google Authenticator or Authy. Without this extra step, your passwords are not as secure as they should be.

Why password managers is important?

A password manager (or a web browser) can store all your passwords securely, so you don’t have to worry about remembering them. This allows you to use unique, strong passwords for all your important accounts (rather than using the same password for all of them, which you should never do)

There are various uses when it comes to password managers, including fallowing steps.

1. Syncing data across your devices

If you’re the type of person who likes to control their passwords, then password managers are for you. You can store encrypted databases that only you have access to in the cloud, and they will sync across all your devices with no hassle at all.

2. Ensuring that each password is unique and strong

It will prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information such as emails, bank accounts, social media accounts, etc., by creating highly complicated passwords that humans cannot remember but that computers can.

3. Password generators

Password managers often come with password generators to create random and powerful passwords based on your specifications (length, symbols). This way, you don’t have to memorize them (because they’re too complicated) or store them in your browser (because they’re too easy to hack).

Password manager features

Some of the features to expect include:

1. Password generation

Password generation is one of the main features offered by password managers. A good password manager will allow you to create super complicated passwords easily with the click of a button without memorizing them or storing them in any way.

2. Password sharing

It is essential to use your passwords across different platforms, such as your work computer and your home computer. Password managers will allow you to share passwords easily between devices by copying and pasting or exporting the encrypted file itself.

3. Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a crucial feature in today’s world of hacking. If your password manager doesn’t have this feature, then do not purchase it because your passwords will not be as secure as they should be.

4. Secure sharing

This feature allows you to securely share passwords with other people without anyone accessing or seeing your sensitive information.

5. Security breach alerts

Password managers will often come with security breach alerts that warn you if a website has been compromised and recommends changing your password as soon as possible.

6. Secure data storage

This feature allows you to store all your essential documents in one secure place. It keeps your information private by creating encrypted databases, which are only accessible to you.

7. Cross-platform capability

Make sure that the password manager you purchase is compatible with both your computer and phone operating systems (macOS, Windows, iOS, Android). Password managers like LastPass and 1Password offer support across multiple platforms.

Famous Password Managers

There are so many free and reputable password managers providers in the market; which you can download or buy from websites:

1. LastPass

LastPass is an excellent password manager that you can begin using right after downloading it to your computer or phone. It supports cross-platform capability, allowing users to access their credentials on any of their devices with ease.

2. 1Password

1Password is an excellent option if you want to store all your passwords in one convenient location without downloading anything. It keeps your passwords both in the cloud and locally on your computer or phone, so your information is accessible no matter which device you use.

3. Dashlane

Dashlane is a password manager and form-filler that takes security one step further by securing your personal information and not only passwords. It allows you to securely store bank details, credit cards, and any other important documents in one location.

4. Keeper Password Manager

Keeper Password Manager stores all your passwords in one location securely with AES- 256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and cross-platform capability. It also has secure notes feature to store other sensitive information, such as account numbers and PINs, in one place.

5. Roboform

Roboform is an excellent password manager that allows you to sync all your passwords across multiple devices, including computers and mobiles. You can easily create complex passwords and share them with friends, even if they haven’t installed the program.

6. Bitwarden-Free

Bitwarden is a popular open-source password manager that allows users to store their login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data securely in an encrypted vault.
Bitwarden is a user-friendly password manager that offers strong security features and is a great option for those who prioritize privacy and security.

7. Norton Password Manager – Free

Norton Password Manager is an easy-to-use, free solution for popular browsers and mobile devices that lacks the features and slick appearance found in premium password managers.

8. KeePass – Free

KeePass is a free, open-source password manager that lets you add the features you want from a library of plug-ins, but its interface is outdated, and it may be too complicated for beginners.

Helpful password manager buying tips

1. Check the security methods.

Ensure that your password manager uses SSL encryption to protect your passwords and other sensitive information. Also, ensure that it has two-factor authentication, requiring your password and device PIN to access the account.

2. Look for device compatibility.

Before purchasing a password manager, check that it is compatible with all of your devices (computer, mobile phone, tablet) to ensure you can access your login details when on the go. Cloud-based services are also helpful if you don’t want to install anything onto your computer and only use it in browsers.

3. Make sure it has a secure note feature.

Secure notes allow you to store other sensitive information, such as account numbers and PINs, in one place. It prevents you from manually typing all of this information into your password manager every time it is needed.

4. Check the autofill capabilities.

Autofill allows you to automatically fill in login information when browsing the internet, saving a lot of time and increasing your productivity. It is instrumental if you often enter the exact details into different websites.

5. Check for integrations with other services.

If possible, check that your password manager integrates with other web services that you regularly use, such as your email provider. It will make it even easier to benefit from all of a password manager’s benefits.

6. Look for extra security features.

In addition to offering excellent security, there are some other useful features you can look out for in a password manager, such as the ability to save sign-up information when filling out online forms and a secure digital wallet for storing cryptocurrencies.

The Price Factor

The average price for the above-stated password managers is around $39-$59 per annum. While this may seem a little pricey at first, the benefits of using it far outweigh any cost. You can see increased productivity and a decrease in time wastage with all your logins saved securely.

Final Notes

Using a password manager has become an absolute necessity in today’s technological age. Not only does it keep you secure, but it also saves time and helps to improve your productivity.