Open Sesame
Managing passwords through the use of apps.
From Instagram to Facebook, and from emails to bank accounts; almost everything online requires the use of passwords to protect your information. However, having to memorize an endless list of passwords can become tiresome and force many of us (including myself) to create similar/ the same passwords across a span of several accounts. Although less cumbersome, this method comes with a big security risk, where the chances of your accounts getting breached is significantly increased. Therefore, in order to maintain a decent level of security and remember all your passwords, it may be a good idea to use a password manager.
A password manager is an application in which an individual can store, generate and retrieve all their passwords and security questions pertaining to all of their accounts. The advantage to this is you now only have to remember one master password to gain access to your ‘password vault’. For those of you who are forgetful or just have too many passwords to keep track of, installing a password manager may be something to consider.
Here are a few applications that I have tested out using an iOS mobile device:
Keeper
This is a free application you can download from the app store (a premium version is also available) where users can organize their information in an easy to use clean interface. One can organize their passwords into folders (Social Media, Business, Bank accounts, ect.), and attach files, photos and notes to each account entered. In addition to this, Keeper can generate strong passwords with the option to customize character length, special characters and numbers. In regards to the premium version, an individual can add their family members in one account, each with a private ‘vault’ and will gain access to unlimited password storage.
Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Blackberry, Kindle, Windows Phone, Chrome OS
Two-Factor Authentication: Yes
Dashlane
This application offers both a free and a premium version. Users can not only manage their online account information, but can add and organize IDs such as passports, driver’s licences, social security numbers, ect., which allows individuals to leave originals in a safe location. One can also store secure notes into the application such as WiFi passwords and alarm codes. Dashline also provides a customizable password generator (similar to that of Keeper). This application allows users to sync passwords across an array of devices, therefore you never have to worry about forgetting your password and not having your phone with you.
Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, watch OS
Two-Factor Authentication: Yes
LastPass
This application delivers a simpler user interface for those of you who don’t care about the aesthetics of an app. Also offering a free and premium version, LastPass automatically organizes passwords into categories (Social, Productivity, ect.), and allows users to launch their accounts from within the app. Individuals can sync their passwords across devices, as well as providing access to extensions (Safari and Chrome) for instant logins. A unique aspect of LastPass is that it allows the account holder to sanction other personal (of the users choosing) to gain access to their ‘password vault’. Users can set a time frame of how long outside personal would have to wait before they are granted entry to the account.
Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, watch OS, Windows Phone
Two-Factor Authentication: Yes
A feature that all three of these applications have in common is the use of biometric login. If remembering a single master password is still too much, these applications allow for users to access their passwords via Touch ID, Face ID and finger print readers (with regards to a mobile iOS/ Android device).
At the end of the day, if you’re still on the wall about using a password manager, just remember, writing down your passwords on paper kills trees.
Save the planet. Use password managers.
