How to choose a password manager?
If you follow the basic guidelines for creating a strong password (or use our random password generator ), then you should have a lot of long and complex passwords.
I would like to believe that this is so and sincerely praise that you are serious about the security of your data. personal data fraud But where do you store all these passwords? Remembering and keeping them in mind is troublesome, and we will not even consider the option of writing them on a piece of paper. There are password managers specifically for this.
A password manager is not just a vault, but also a secure safe that you can trust with your wallet, personal data and your entire digital life. Gone are the days of using a password manager just for convenience. Today it is an essential tool for protecting credentials, passwords, and in some cases, bank card numbers. Cybercriminals use a variety of automated brute-force tools to try thousands of combinations to guess a password. Combinations of frequently used passwords and vocabulary words are included in the database for such search. In the case of a personalized attack, it also includes details from personal life: dates of birth, phone numbers, pet names.
That is why it is recommended to create complex passwords that are not associated with you. And use one password for one site, because in case of hacking or information leakage, the compromised login-password pair is run through the rest of the popular services.With a password manager, you can create a unique password for each account that is impossible to learn. All you need is to remember one master password to enter the program. Once you start using it, you will quickly realize that a password manager is one of the most useful digital tools out there.
Let's take a look at the key features a good password manager should have.
Safety
Not all password managers have the same features. Most of them have basic security features required for proper password management, such as weak password detection, password generators, and two-factor authentication.
While these features are important, some password manager developers take additional steps to provide better protection. Features such as password management for apps as well as sites are added, and warning about data leaks from sites you are registered with. When comparing password managers, consider the following security features to find the most secure option for you.
Multi-factor authentication
To verify your identity, some apps, websites, and all strong password managers use two-factor or multi-factor authentication an download personal data fraud
An SMS with a password from an online bank is one example of such a method.
Password managers use 2FA and MFA techniques for enhanced security, such as the free Avast Passwords password manager, which supports fingerprint login.
Secure password generator
Make sure your password manager has a feature for generating secure passwords. This feature is quite common and you should have it at your disposal.
Today it is necessary to create long and complex passwords. They should be nearly impossible to remember and unique to each account. In order not to suffer every time, coming up with them, you can simply use the password generator to immediately create a complex password.
Secure password sync
This is an essential feature for anyone using multiple devices: laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones. Choose a password manager with secure syncing across all your devices. This way, if you save your Facebook password on your laptop, it will automatically be saved on your phone as well. If the sync function does not work as expected, it will negatively affect the usability and efficiency of the password manager.
Automatic password update
This feature is extremely useful, but not all password managers support it. Those password managers in which this feature is available offer instant automatic password updates for compromised sites.
Thus, before the attacker can use the stolen password, it will already be changed to a new one. Avast Passwords keeps you safe by constantly checking a worldwide database of compromised sites and alerts you if your accounts are vulnerable.
You can also use the free Avast Hack Check tool to see if one of your accounts has been compromised.
Ease of use
Many password managers share the same usability features. For example, autocomplete passwords. This function substitutes saved passwords and frees you from having to remember them.
There are many additional features. Find the kit that's right for you.
Browser extensions
The browser extension is one of the main features found in popular password managers. It aims to provide you with the best online comfort and security.
Password manager for apps
Many of us log into our accounts through their respective applications, while most password managers only protect your data on websites. The developers of advanced password managers understand this and offer advanced features to protect passwords on both websites and applications.
1Password is a great example of a password manager with password management functionality for apps.
Function "Electronic wallet"
Do not confuse with crypto wallets, which are used exclusively for sending and receiving cryptocurrencies. Certain password managers include the "Electronic Wallet" feature. These wallets securely store your credit card numbers and other payment details, automating the process of entering them upon purchase.
Emergency access for other users
Some password managers can provide emergency contacts. This feature can be useful as it allows family members or colleagues to access important accounts in the event of an emergency.
As such, some password managers offer a family subscription, which allows the password manager to be shared with other users for specific accounts. This feature can come in handy at home or at work.
Dashlane is a password manager that has an accessibility feature for other users.
TeamsID , Dashlane , RoboForm , 1Password are password managers that have family and team subscriptions.
LastPass is a password manager that offers family sharing features in the paid version.
Platforms
What if you have a Windows computer and an iOS smartphone and want to protect both devices? Several password managers, including, offer multi-platform solutions that allow you to sync passwords across platforms and devices, including mobile apps.
Some password managers only support cross-platform sync in the paid version. Some work only with Android, some only with macOS, and some with all. When choosing a password manager, make sure it works with the platforms and devices you need.
Protect and save your passwords now
Now that you have an idea of how password managers work, data breach reporting it's time to start choosing the appropriate option. Trust me, you will notice the difference. Internet surfing becomes much more enjoyable when you do not spend most of your time logging into accounts on various sites.
While there are many great password managers out there, we recommend you try Avast Passwords , a reliable password manager in Russian that is also free. It doesn't limit you to one browser or device.