Are All Passwords Managers The Same?

Password managers come in all shapes, sizes, prices, and varieties, but they all serve a similar purpose. Password managers help you create, store, and manage passwords and sensitive information, storing it within the cloud for easy access and storage. If you’ve never used a password manager, you might be surprised to learn just how effective they are at increasing your personal or business cybersecurity.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the basic functions of password managers and look deeper into the features that separate the good from the great.

Browser Password Managers

You’ve probably had your Chrome or Firefox browser ask you at some point if you wanted to save your passwords. Most modern browsers will prompt a save option when you put a password into a site. If you click yes, the password is stored within the browser’s storage. It’s convenient, and auto-fill means you don’t ever have to type in login credentials again. Sounds great, right?

Except that browser password managers aren’t great at keeping things secure. Let’s look at Google Chrome, for example. Your browser is connected to your Gmail account, and can sync your data via this account. All of your browser history, passwords, credit card info, and personal information can be stored in the Chrome browser.

Now, let’s say a hacker gets your login credentials for your Gmail account. Not only do they now have access to your email, but also your browser—and all of the sensitive information you’ve stored there.

A password keeper app is a better choice because it’s not linked to your browser. It has its own security features separate from any browser, so even if your device is compromised, your passwords will be safe.

What Do Password Managers Offer?

Some people ask why they should use a password manager to begin with. The answer is simple: because good passwords and password management is the first line of defense against a cybersecurity attack. Did you know that about 65% of people actually reuse passwords? Some even use the exact same password for every single website or app. Imagine a hacker finding out that the password he’s stolen accesses everything from social media to bank accounts to personal information and more. It’s a hacker’s dream!

Taking care of your passwords is an important responsibility. Password managers work to make this process easier and more effective. With a password manager you can:

Generate Secure Passwords: Don’t worry about trying to come up with the most complex and un-crackable password you can think of. Your password manager likely has a password generator feature, where you can customize the number of characters in the password and the type of characters you include.

Store The Passwords Securely: When you create a new password, it’s stored in the app or web app under the website name. You can edit passwords and login credentials at any time, but you have to log in using your master password. This should be unique and complex, but something that you can remember.

Manage Passwords: Password management is about more than just separating passwords and website credentials into organized sub-sections. You also need alerts when passwords get old, when they’ve been compromised, or when you’re using duplicate passwords.

What Makes A Good Password Manager?

Password managers aren’t all created equal. Some only offer the most basic of services, while others offer the full range of protection and security—for a price. The great thing about password managers is that they’re usually only a few dollars per month, and you’re massively increasing your business or personal security by using such a service.

A good password manager has an easy to use interface, integrates with your browser, and has extra security features to keep your information safe. Also, you don’t want a password manager that’s provided by a company with poor customer service. What happens if your information is compromised? You don’t want to trust a company that doesn’t value its customers to help you fix that problem.

Do I Really Need One?

Businesses and individuals alike should be using password managers. It’s important to secure and manage passwords, as they’re the first line of defense in your fight against cybercrime. You’d be amazed at how many cyberattacks could have been prevented by a simple password update!

Don’t settle for your browser’s password manager. Risking your personal information and passwords with the “security” of browsers is a good way to end up in hot water. Browser password managers simply don’t have the right level of security to properly protect your passwords.

Final Thoughts

Taking steps to protect your passwords is probably the best decision you’ll make this year. Don’t be afraid to try password managers. Many of them offer a free trial, so you can see exactly what the product can do before you buy it. Don’t leave your passwords to chance!