Top 7 password managers
Nowadays, having too many accounts and too many passwords to keep track of is a universal problem. As a result, people have adopted a poor habit: using the same password every time to make it easier to remember. Using a password manager is a far better option. The idea is to enter all your identifiers into a highly secure database (think a digital safe). There are two password manager categories: local and cloud based. Local managers Local password managers like KeePassXC and PasswordSafe offer you complete control over your data. They are free, open source, and don’t require an Internet connection. A modern, multiplatform version of KeePass, KeePassXC is recommended for its compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux. These tools are ideal for advanced users who want to store their passwords locally, without having to rely on the cloud. Reliability and security of the source code KeePassXC, like KeePass, from which it is derived, is an open-source software. Its source code is accessible publicly, and security experts can audit it. In fact, the KeePass manager for Windows was audited by the European Commission EU-FOSSA project in 2016, and no critical vulnerabilities were detected. This helps guarantee that the source code is exempt of any major faults or backdoors. There are several KeePass clones and derivatives on Windows, Linus, iOS, and Android platforms. Using only official versions, such as KeePassXC, is crucial, as they are actively monitored and regularly updated. This provides better security and greater compatibility. Cloud-based managers Cloud-based password managers keep your password database on the cloud. These managers constitute an interesting compromise between user-friendliness and security. When properly implemented, they are considered safe and offer many benefits: Compatibility with all modern browsers Synchronization of your passwords on all your devices, accessible at all times Possibility of sharing certain passwords with other users (spouse, children, colleagues, etc.) Monitoring of accesses to your account, defining of trusted devices and, occasionally, an emergency contact should an unexpected situation arise Advanced features, such as detection of compromised passwords or dark-web monitoring in the case of certain managers Of all the recommended options, some should, however, be avoided. To avoid: LastPass Although LastPass has long been a key player in the password manager sector, several security incidents that occurred in 2022 have compromised the trust of users and experts alike. Despite efforts to reinforce the security of LastPass, some breaches have had significant repercussions, such as hacking of encrypted data and digital assets. For this reason, we recommend choosing more robust and transparent solutions, like Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, or NordPass. Can the provider access my passwords? The provider cannot read your database, as it is encrypted and unreadable without your master password–whether stored locally or in the cloud. All encryption and decryption operations are carried out locally on your device, and your master password is in no way transmitted to the provider. If the technology is properly implemented according to the best industry-standard encryption and security practices, it is impossible for the provider—and a potential hacker—to decrypt your passwords without your master password. That’s why it’s crucial that you choose a reputable, transparent, and independently audited manager. Essential tips Here are a few habits to adopt to maximize the security of your passwords: Use a long (15-character-or-more), unique master password : A robust master password is the cornerstone of your security. A passphrase: a memorable sequence of at least four words (with or without spaces). A complex password: composed of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) : This provides added security, even if your password is compromised. Never reuse your passwords : If a password is compromised on one site, all other accounts using the same password are at risk. Keep an eye out for data leaks and change any password that has been compromised : Certain managers automatically alert you if one of your passwords appears in a data leak. Use a reputable, transparent manager : Check the provider’s security audits, confidentiality policy, and reputation. Keep your master password in a safe place : If you lose it, you could lose access to all your passwords. Avoid saving your passwords in your browser : The security offered by specialized managers is far more superior than that of browsers. Comparison charts Here is a comparison chart of the main solutions, to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Note that some free password managers may limit the number of passwords you can store. We divided the managers into two categories: local solutions, for complete control of your data, and cloud-based solutions, for simplified synching. Comparison of local password managers Manager Cost Platforms Encryption Secure sharing User friendliness KeePassXC $0 Windows, macOS, Linux AES-256 Via third parties Average to good PasswordSafe $0 Windows Blowfish/Twofish Not integrated Basic Comparison of cloud-based password managers Manager Cost Platforms Encryption Secure sharing User friendliness Bitwarden Free to $56/year Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS AES-256 Yes Good 1Password $3.75 – $5.99/month All platforms AES-256 Yes Excellent Dashlane $0 – $10/month All platforms AES-256 Yes Very good NordPass $0 – $4.59/month All platforms XChaCha20 Yes Good Proton Pass $0 – $12.49/month All platforms XChaCha20 Yes GoodCloud accounts, a user’s manual
Cloud solutions are a great example of this evolution. You’ve probably already heard that they can help you make better use of your devices. That’s true, but many people still aren’t clear on how they work and, more concretely, how can they help. Here’s some handy information to help you understand what cloud services are all about. 1. Your cloud is yours only! The first thing you need to know is that when you use a cloud service, the only person who can access your data is you. It’s important to let that sink in. A lot of people are afraid that once their information is sent to the cloud, it will be accessible to everyone on the Internet. But the fact is that no one knows your password but you—not even the cloud service provider’s staff! So don’t forget this important nugget of information: you are the only person who can access your information. 2. What exactly is the cloud? In the IT field, the term “cloud” refers to storage space reserved just for you. Think of it as a bank account for saving your information. To access it, you need a device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and an Internet connection. Most cloud services require an email address (to use as your ID) and a password. To understand how the cloud system works, let’s go back to our banking analogy. When you want to access your bank account, you need a debit card (which is like a user name) and a PIN number (which is like a password). 3. What is the cloud used for? The cloud’s main function is to make a copy of your information so that nothing is lost if your device is misplaced or stolen. Services like Apple iCloud or Google Drive have features that enable automatic backups. In fact, whenever your device is connected to Wi-Fi, its contacts, photos, notes, reminders, appointments, search history and more are all saved in this virtual storage space. That way, even if you lose your device, you can still access most of your personal information via websites like icloud.com or google.com/drive. 4. How does syncing work? To get a better understanding of what we mean by “syncing devices,” let’s imagine that phones, tablets and computers are all ways of accessing the Internet and your accounts, much like an ATM at the bank. No matter where you go, you still have access to the same amount of money. The same is true with the cloud! Syncing your devices allows you to access the same contacts, photos and other data on all your devices. This means that if you make a change on one device, it will be automatically applied to all the others and saved in the cloud. Did you buy a new phone? Simply connect your new device to your cloud account and all your information will be available to you. How do you know if these features are enabled? Open the settings on your various devices and go through the backup options. Read also: How to free up storage space on an Android device How to free up storage space on an iPhone 10 things to do when you get your new phone 10 tips to preserve battery life on your cell phone
