Password Managers
Should you be using a password manager? Yes, you should absolutely be using a password manager. In conjunction with two factor authentication, it’s the best thing you can do to keep your data safe. Even if you’re not as paranoid as we are, the sheer number of websites and devices we need to create and refresh passwords for is overwhelming. Very often in life we sacrifice privacy for convenience but in this case we gain both security AND convenience by letting a password manager do the frustrating work of trying to recall hundreds of passwords for us!
We researched most of the reputable names in the field and these are our top recommendations.
Best Overall- 1Password
Best Free Service- Bitwarden
1Password gets our highest recommendation because it combines rigorous security protocols with a very user friendly interface. It will identify weak and/or reused passwords, security breaches, and guide the user through how to get the most of the app in clear and simple language. Pricing is $3 per month for an individual and $5 per month for a family of up to five.
If you’re not in a position to pay for a subscription to a password manager, Bitwarden will certainly get the job done and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. You will miss out on some of the features of 1Password like the password checkups, breach reports, and 1GB of encrypted store for sensitive document like your tax returns, but you will get a top of the line password solution with second-to-none security.
One last important thing to note is that while you will no longer have to remember passwords for many different sites, you will need to create one very strong and memorable password to access your password manager. Since you will need to memorize this one, you should use a long and memorable (but random) string of words. 1Password has an extremely useful free generator here. Set to “memorable password” setting and adjust for as many words as you’re comfortable remembering. Be sure to also write this password down on a physical piece of paper and store somewhere safe and secure in your home like a locked cabinet or vault.
Good luck and be safe out there.
