Password Managers
Why does one need a password manager?
Passwords are not going anywhere anytime soon, and every site where one has to create an account requires one. Trying to remember a secure password for every site has become an impossible task. While two factor authentication adds a layer of protection, it is not an excuse to reuse or use a weak password. Using an easy or memorable password is asking for trouble, and is just plain foolish. Hackers have access to databases on the dark web that contain login credentials from hacked websites such as the Yahoo breach and many others. These passwords are then tried on sites such as online banking, social media, etc. This is called credential stuffing. To remain safe, every login account must have a unique complex password. The best way to do this is to use a password manager. There are numerous ones out there. The best one depends on the devices you have. For example, if all you use is Apple, then the Apple Keychain is all you need. However if you use Windows, Android and Apple then a third party manager is a better solution.
Storing passwords in a web browser?
This is not a good idea. Browsers usually store passwords with weak or no encryption. Worst of all, anyone can view the password list without authentication. The only exception to this is Apple’s Safari, which requires a login password to view the passwords. Here is an article that demonstrates how easy it is.
| Windows | Linux | MacOS | iOS | Anrdoid | ChromeOS | Free | Pay | Two-Factor Authentication | |
| Apple Keychain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Blur | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Dashlane | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EnPass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| LastPass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1Password | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| KeePass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Security Keeper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password Boss | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Roboform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sticky Password | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| True Key | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Zoho Vault | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| LogMeOnce | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Reviews
PcMag – The Best Password Managers for 2019
Cnet – The best password managers for 2019
Tom’s Guide – Best Password Managers 2019
Article by: Rick Naujokat
