Passwords must be complex and different. But to follow this rule, you must use the password manager. All data for authorization on various services will be stored in it. This will generate any complex keys. Lifehacker collected the top password vaults that will help protect your accounts.
1. LastPass
Platforms: Web, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
When you install on your computer, you are prompted to add an extension to store passwords in your browser. For smartphones and tablets, there are customers in the app stores.
The data is encrypted and decrypted at the device level. Access to the main password and keys for decryption is not even in the most LastPass. You can share passwords with colleagues and loved ones by choosing whether they see the code itself or simply gain access to the service for a certain time. LastPass itself authorizes the user on sites with saved passwords.
2. Dashlane
Platforms: Web, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
After installation, Dashlane will check the database and, if a weak, repetitive or corrupted password is found, prompts you to replace it. If the site you are using is hacked, the manager will warn you about it. In addition, in Dashlane you can store bank card and account data, as well as checks for purchases in online stores.
3. 1Password
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
Can work without connecting to the network and synchronize storage through network folders, Wi-Fi or “clouds” (Dropbox and iCloud). You can configure access for other users or specify trusted contacts.
The manager works on Windows and macOS. It has extensions for popular browsers: Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Safari. Mobile applications are available after purchasing a license. However, they have a trial period of 30 days.
4. RoboForm
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux.
Roboform not only saves passwords, but also protects you against phishing attacks. The application remembers how the correct reference to the service looks. And warns of the danger when entering data for authorization or payment. RoboForm can be installed for free on mobile devices. But synchronization with the computer is possible only after paying for the subscription.
5. KeePass
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux.
Free password manager with open source. Despite its outdated appearance, it offers a high level of security. The application has a portable version, which can be downloaded from a USB flash drive without installing it on a computer.
KeePass does not have synchronization. You can transfer the database to a flash drive or use cloud storage to access passwords on different devices. If you store a portable application and database in the cloud, then no other synchronization is needed.
6. Sticky Password
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
A manager from AVG antivirus developers who can capture data even from old forms and manage application passwords. Supports direct synchronization via Wi-Fi. Do not give access to passwords online, which increases the level of security.
7. oneSafe
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
This application has a slightly wider functionality than other password managers. OneSafe offers to close access to files on the computer and make backup copies on removable media. The Decoy Safe function will help create fake accounts so that even if an application is hacked, the attackers do not receive the correct data.
8. SafeInCloud
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
The manager stores passwords in the “cloud”, offering synchronization between Windows, Mac, Android and iOS through Yandex.Disk, Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. To create secure passwords, the application has a built-in generator. There is integration with all popular browsers and auto-complete fields, which avoids the need to copy passwords from the manager.
9. Splikity
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web.
Well performs its functions, but does not offer anything new. Works on the computer and mobile devices. Supports integration with popular browsers and automatic synchronization. From the competitive advantages, one can single out a simple interface that makes Splikity a good choice for those who did not use password managers before.
10. Enpass
Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.
Enpass offers two options for storing data: locally on the computer and remotely in the “cloud”. By default, passwords are stored locally. But when synchronization is turned on, the data is sent in encrypted form via Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and other storage.
In conjunction with Enpass a password generator is supplied, in which you can choose the parameters of the code generation (length and use of certain symbols). The generator is built into the window for adding passwords, which allows you to quickly create complex keys for different accounts.
What to choose: local or cloud storage
Password managers can store data locally on a computer or remotely in a cloud. The advantages of cloud storage and synchronization are obvious: passwords are available on all devices on which the manager is installed. The risk is that if the cloud service is compromised, the passwords will be in the hands of intruders.
It is necessary to decide what is more important: the maximum protection from data loss or ease of use.
Local storage is safer, but lack of synchronization between devices can deliver a lot of inconvenience. For example, you save the password from the account on the computer, and when you try to log in from the phone, you will not be able to remember the key.
Mistrust of password managers is caused by the very fact of finding all the keys in one place. But for most users, the security benefits that sophisticated passwords give outweigh this disadvantage.
