Are Password Managers Safe To Use?

Have trouble keeping track of all your passwords? Do you use the same password for all your accounts just so you’ll remember it? We’ve all been there. However, using the same one for multiple accounts is a security risk. It could result in your accounts being hacked, and you becoming a victim of identity theft.

To help solve these ongoing password issues along with account data security, many people use password managers. But what exactly are they? And, are password managers safe to use? We discuss this and more below.

What Is A Password Manager?

Password managing apps and software do most of the work when it comes to storing and keeping track of your account passwords. They not only keep track of your passwords, but they can also generate strong passwords for you so you don’t have to. Other account information password manager apps may store and protect include your account PINs, security question answers, and credit card numbers and their CVVs.

Password management isn’t just simply remembering your passwords. It also involves securing them as well. Many of these password apps have the ability to encrypt your passwords and other information so hackers cannot obtain them.

The Most Popular Password Managers

LastPass

LastPass is probably the most popular password manager out there. You can use it on your web browser, iOS or Android device, or Windows phone. Depending on what you want to use their app for, there are multiple personal and business packages to choose from.

With their free app, you get:

• Access to all of your devices’ passwords.
• The ability to automatically save, fill, and edit your passwords.
• Password generator.
• Share notes and passwords privately with others.
• Backup your credit & debit cards, and other personal information.
• Security Challenge and Multi-Factor Authentication to secure your LastPass account/app and account passwords.

If you choose their premium version, the subscription includes so much more! LastPass is available on the App Store, Google Play, and Windows Store.

Dashlane

Dashlane steps it up a notch in other ways compared to LastPass. With their Premium Plan, they include Dark Web Monitoring and VPN services to protect your Wi-Fi and devices. The Premium Plus Plan includes up to $1 Million identity theft insurance, identity restoration support, and credit monitoring.

The Dashlane free plan includes:

• The storage of up to 50 passwords.
• Records of your payment and personal information.
• Can only be used on one device.

Dashlane is available in the App Store and Google Play, and for download via web browser.

1Password

Unlike Dashlane and LastPass, 1Password doesn’t offer a free subscription. However, you can try any of their subscriptions free for 30 days. They offer a variety of packages for personal, family, or business use. What really stood out from this app was the fact that there’s a travel mode. With it, you have the ability to remove sensitive information from your phone and restore it at your discretion. 1Password can be used on Chrome, Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows systems and devices.

Are Password Managers Safe?

Overall, legit password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password are safe and secure. However, if the password manager app isn’t from a name brand, there’s no guarantee that it will protect your passwords properly.

And whether or not password managers are secure also depends on what general phone security measures the user has in place. This includes two-factor authentication, fingerprint scan, face id, and password and pattern protection. If phone protection methods aren’t in place, the app could be accessible if someone gets a hold of the phone.

Password Safety Tips To Follow

Avoid Reusing Passwords

The number #1 rule to follow is to never reuse passwords for multiple accounts. If a hacker gets a hold of the password, they may be able to secretly access all of them. To ensure they don’t get access with just one of your passwords, utilize all account security measures available to further protect it.

Use Strong Passwords

If you have a strong and unique password, hackers are less likely to be able to figure out what it is. A strong password consists 12+ random characters comprised of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It should also have no relation to yourself, like the street you live on or your dog’s name.

When In Doubt, Write It Down

You don’t have to always rely on a password manager to keep track of your account login credentials. You can always write down all of your passwords in a notebook as a backup.

Don’t Give Away Your Passwords To Anyone

Even if it’s a family member, avoid giving away your passwords to anyone. Just like yours, their devices or email address could easily get hacked. And if it does, they may be able to access any communications containing login information.

Be Careful With Your Browser Remembering Your Password

It’s convenient to have your browser remember your password. However, if someone were to gain access to your browser, physical computer, or by hacking your device, they could obtain your passwords easily.

If you are considering using a password manager on your devices, make sure to use a name brand like LastPass. And don’t forget to take password and device security measures as well outside of the app.

Originally Published On Digital Addicts On November 6, 2019.