

While many people feel instinctively more comfortable storing sensitive information on their own hard drive rather then some far off server, the developers of such sites explain that they don’t store your master password. These password services make it easy for you to access your passwords from any desktop or mobile browser. A number of cloud-based password services have launched in the past few years. Best Cloud-Based Password Manager: LastPassĬloud Computing is the use of web services to create, edit, and store data on servers located elsewhere. It is also possible to imagine a setup process for password managers that asked the user a simple question at the beginning of setup: Do you want to optimize for security, convenience, or half-way in between? At the very least, I would like to see improved, cooperative efforts by the security industry to promote safe password practices.
PHRASE PASSWORD CREATOR KEYPASS SOFTWARE
It is possible to imagine password manager software which does a better job of both warning and educating users about unsafe password practices. I started out as a RoboForm convenience user but changed my habits to a secure user after educating myself about the risks of unprotected passwords. I suspect that most users seeking convenience would use a strong master password to protect all passwords if they understood the risks involved of not doing so. Some people do not protect any data with a master password. His experience has been that convenience users outnumber security conscious users. Simon Davis of RoboForm-maker Siber Systems says that users of RoboForm fall into two categories: those who seek convenience and those who seek security. Furthermore, many password managers ask users to make decisions during setup (or offer options) that require significant knowledge of password security.īy allowing this flexibility, users can be exposed to more danger than if they weren’t using a password manager at all – because all of these unprotected or lightly protected passwords are assembled in one electronic location. Most password managers allow some or all passwords to not be protected by a master password. So far as I have been able to determine, all password managers will let you choose as weak a master password as you like, some without any warning. Weaknesses Shared by all Password Managers There are also a few optional features that you may want, such as automatic form filling, secure notes, multiple identities, easy import/export, password generation, USB key support, and additional security features such as virtual keyboards, two-factor authentication, and one-time passwords. Keeping your passwords on your phone is more secure than carrying around a printed listing of your passwords, so long as it is protected by a master password. Passwords should be synced and easily available on all the desktop and mobile platforms you use.It must be easy to capture new login information and associate with one specific site.It must be easy to securely auto-fill user name and passwords in the more popular browsers.It should be as easy as possible to get started using the password manager, without sacrificing security.Security must be a given ( master password, AES).My efforts included extensive use of two password managers and poring through hundreds of reviews, forums, and comments about many others.īelow I describe four password managers with an outstanding combination of features, low cost, ease of use, and well-deserved popularity. However, if you’re selecting a password manager for the first time or dissatisfied with your current password manager, you may as well benefit from my efforts to identify the best password managers for individuals. While most password managers offer password import and export functions, the actual practice of switching password managers and learning a new one is cumbersome.

If you’re already using and liking a password manager not mentioned in this post, by all means keep using it so long as it offers master password protection in combination with strong encryption.
PHRASE PASSWORD CREATOR KEYPASS HOW TO
I describe how to use a password manager here (basics and index to password series) and here (tips).

More important than selecting the “best” password manager is to use such software wisely. Many of them do the basic job you need, which is to use a master password and strong encryption to securely store your passwords. There are dozens of password managers, including some built into browsers.
