Using a password manager program in your business, and even personally, will help you save time, along with making sure you stay safe in the online world. It’s one of the single best ways to boost your online security. Now is a great time to set up a system and Increase your Security with Password Manager Programs in The New Year.
A password manager has five huge benefits:
- Generates strong passwords
- Stores your passwords securely
- Enters passwords for you
- Audits existing accounts
- Lets you access passwords on all your devices
Here are out Top 5 best password managers to help you increase your security in the new year:
1. LastPass
LastPass offers a free or paid version. The paid version adds unlimited syncing among your devices, along with encrypted online storage and advanced two-factor authentication. It is $36 per year, or ramp up to a family plan that covers up to six people for $48 per year. The paid versions also give you access to premium tech support, so you always have someone to help if you have questions.
We love that LastPass works on all major platforms and also has browser plug-ins to easily log-in when you’re working in different websites. It can also auto fill your forms when you log-in to different websites, which is a big time-saver. LastPass has also won Best Password Manager in the 2021 Tom’s Guide Awards!
2. 1Password
1Password is also easy to use and will work on many different devices and major web browsers, along with great plugins. It also has a great “Watchtower” feature that will help you identify and change any weak, reused, or compromised passwords in easy-to-use directions.
There is also a strong encryption practice, along with good security with two-factor authentication. One great feature for 1Password is their “Travel Mode”, which deletes sensitive data from your devices. Don’t worry, you’ll get it back later, but it helps to make sure that anyone who may snoop while you’re traveling won’t be able to find anything.
1Password can act as an authentication app for added security. It will create a secret key to the encryption key is uses, meaning nobody can decrypt your passwords without that key. Be careful, though. If you lose that key, not even 1Password can decrypt your passwords moving forward!
It is also an affordable option with a $36 yearly cloud subscription ($60 a year for families).
3. Dashlane
Dashlane is one of the best password-manager desktop-app interfaces there is, and it works on multiple platforms with great browser plug-ins. One thing to note is that Dashlane is phasing out the desktop applications and has encouraged all users to switch to the browser extensions. Not a deal breaker at all, but something to note for the future.
Dashlane also has a built-in, unlimited VPN service and allows you to change multiple passwords at once, if needed. You can reset hundreds of passwords at once!
We also love how well-designed this password manager is. It’s easy to use and even has a scanner that will go through your email inbox to find online accounts you may have overlooked!
One drawback is the high price. The premium plan is $60 per year when you pay yearly. If you only pay on a monthly basis, it will end up jumping to $78 for the year. Dashlane does offer a free plan, but is limited to 50 sets of credentials and won’t let you sync among the different devices you may have. However, as a reminder, you do get unlimited VPN service and you also get dark-web monitoring with the premium plan.
4. BitWarden
BitWarden may be the best free-tier password manager. It offers core features you need in a password manager, including the ability to sync as many passwords as you want between as many devices as you want. There is also support for software two-factor authentication and you can share between two people with separate log-ins.
However, the free version does lack features. That being said, the premium version of Bitwarden is reasonably priced at $10 per year ($40 for families). There may not be many bells and whistles and not all features are as intuitive as other password manager options, but because of its low prices and full-featured free tier, it has soared in the rankings.
BitWarden also offers a semiautomated password fill-in tool. Therefore, if you visit a site that you’ve saved credentials for, the browser icon will prompt you to ask which account you want to use and will automatically fill in the login form. This makes it easy to switch between usernames, when needed.
5. Keeper
Keeper offers a clean, streamlined look with top-notch security. There is also a solid, no-nonsense app offering, with great browser extensions and web interface. Keeper also stores files and documents of any kind with a premium service cheaper than most others. The free version also gives you everything except syncing among multiple devices and even offers free secure messaging services.
There is a trade-off. Keeper doesn’t have a bulk password changer and it won’t let you create a PIN to quickly access your mobile app. If you’re still using an older version of a phone, you’ll have to enter your full password every time. But if you upgrade to the premium version of $25 a year, Keeper will also monitor the internet for unauthorized use of your personal data and give you 10GB of secure cloud storage.
Regardless of which password manager system you choose, it’s important to protect your data with a strong master password. Keep your online date safe and less vulnerable to password-based attacks. If you don’t currently use a password manager, 2022 is the perfect time to get up-to-speed and Increase your Security with Password Manager Programs in The New Year! Contact us for any help you may need.