Password Managers

A password manager is an app that stores all of your passwords in an encrypted format. This means that you only need to remember one password to access all of your other passwords.  Think of it as having a key lock box to store all of your keys. Most password managers also have a generator to help you come up with and keep track of strong passwords. 

When choosing a password manager, be sure to select one that has an app for all of your devices and a plug-in for all the browsers you use. You are more likely to use strong passwords if you do not have to type them in everywhere. A good password manager setup will fill in the password wherever you need it and reduce typing passwords to a minimum. 

Note that, like all cloud storage services, you are trusting your data to a third-party. If you are not willing to take that risk, you should select a local file only manager that does not sync to a cloud database. Look for zero knowledge, end-to-end encryption, which means that the vault cannot be decrypted without your master password and that the company does not have access to that. 

Dashlane and 1Password

Dashlane and 1Password are both highly rated cloud-based password mangers. They have very similar features. Like any other choice between similar products, it comes down to preference and how it meets your needs. Be sure to check the integration with your smartphone and other commonly used devices. The main reason for a cloud service, aside from automatic backup, is to synchronize your passwords, so you need to ensure that the one you choose works on all of your platforms.

Check out this link for more on these two leading password managers.

Bitwarden

Bitwarden offers all of the basics needed in a password manager, including availability on multiple devices as well as plugins for most browsers.  The free version is fully functional and the premium version is very reasonable. 

KeePass and KeePassX

KeePass is a free open-source application that encrypts a file to store your passwords.  There are versions for other operations systems, like MiniKeePass for iPhone and KeePassX for Mac; and they all support the same file types and encryption. KeePass has many features, but like other open-source options, can be confusing.  

Tip: When starting off, go with the 2.x version of the database. 

Apple Passwords App and Google Chrome Sync 

New as of iOS18, Apple Passwords is the built-in password manager for Apple products.  It is synchronized through iCloud, so you only have to remember your Apple ID password or at least have access to your iPhone or iPad to unlock.  Passwords sync through Keychain and are available on Windows with iCloud for Windows. The Passwords app can also be used for MFA and passcodes. 

Similarly, Google can sync your password across your Android devices and Chrome, including Chromebooks, using your Gmail account. 

Tip: Unless you are "all in" with either Apple or Google, these methods have their drawbacks. It is nice that they are built into the phones and do not require an additional account, but there are too many limitations when you start introducing other devices.

Paper Notebook

Yes, keeping your passwords written down in a notebook is still better than having to remember them or using the same password for everything. Just be sure to keep the notebook in a safe place (don't carry it with you!). While not encrypted and susceptible to anyone in proximity to your hiding spot, this method will never be hacked online. 

Tip: Use an address book.  They are easy to find, usually pretty sturdy, have convenient alphabetical tabs for organizing accounts and would not be an obvious place for passwords should someone be rifling through your desk.