Password Management: Comfort of Security
A password manager is a software that aids in organizing user passwords. They help free up space in your brain, so you can be utilizing it for more productive things. Often, these password managers require a strong master password that will grant access to the greater password data base. The two primary types of password managers include online managers and offline managers. Online password managers are cloud based services, meaning your passwords are secured within the web. Whereas offline managers allow you to store your passwords on your computer’s hard drive. Some offline managers also allow you to utilize your own cloud servers rather than the provider’s. Although password managers are mainly used to secure passwords, some providers will provide extra features such as password generators.
Examples of Password Managers
Last pass is one of the first services that allowed for easy password storage.
- They offer synced online services and locally single device services.
- They remember all your passwords and help change your passwords if you’ve been hacked.
- Supports 2-fctor authentication using google authenticator
- Notifications of unusual activity
- Supports Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows phones, and Blackberry
Dashlane is a service launched in 2012, that is very popular due to it’s interface.
- Simple security, easy log in
- Two factor authentication
- Ability to share passwords with emergency contacts
- Ability to change dozens of passwords at the same time with minimal effort
- Supports Windows, OS X Android, iOS
1Password offers powerful and secure password manager that runs well on multiple platforms.
- Flexible, easy to use, works seamlessly in every browser
- Good looking interface
- Strong password generator
- Digital wallet that allows you to keep bank accounts and payment information
- Generates passwords based on customized password settings
- Can be used locally only without sync
- Supports Windows, OS X, Android, and iOS
Pros and cons of Password Managers
Pros
· Convenient
· Not having second thoughts about creating complex passwords
· Safer than password sheet
Cons
· Some services cannot contain notes other than passwords
· Software vulnerabilities
· Online hackers
-William Wei
