The Best Password Managers: A Must-Use Online Security Tool

Cybercrime is a prevalent problem in Australia, where hacks, leaks, and scams cost the economy $30 billion per year.

Many occur when a hacker steals their victim’s password and pilfers sensitive data or hard-earned savings. Thus, the best line of defence is to adopt a strong, difficult-to-crack password that’s completely unique for every account.

But with the average internet user managing 100 accounts, it’s unfeasible to remember them all. Enter the trusty password manager, an easy-to-use online tool that memorises complex passwords on your behalf.

What Is a Password Manager?

A password manager stores passwords for multiple accounts in a secure virtual vault. Many also maintain personal information such as credit card numbers, names, and addresses, which saves you time when filling out online forms.  

Why Are Strong Passwords Important?

Most hackers access an account by waltzing in through the front door once they’ve stolen the key (AKA the password). Crafty cyber crims can crack a password in various nefarious ways:

• Phishing scams: The user clicks an email link directing them to a shady website replicating a real business, and then enters their log-in credentials.
• Brute force attacks: The hacker uses a script to guess trillions of different password combinations until they hit the correct one.
• Credential stuffing: The hacker uses combinations of leaked usernames and passwords to access an account.
• Keyloggers: Malware infiltrates your computer to create a record of your keystrokes, including your usernames and passwords.
• Man-in-the-middle attack: The hacker secretly relays communication between two parties to snoop on personal information, including passwords.  

All these sneaky password-stealing tricks become significantly more difficult when the user has a strong password.

What Is a Strong Password?

A strong password should contain:

• A combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• A large number of characters, ideally around 20
• No words found in the dictionary, sequential keyboard characters, acronyms, names, or identifiable numbers, such as years or a date of birth.
• Entirely unique characters from all your other passwords

An example of a strong password is something like “P8s^hf6HSVxcvx^%&$ds.” A weak password, on the other hand, would be “qwerty,” “ilovestacey,” or “MAGA2020!” No prizes for guessing whose Twitter account got hacked via the latter.

Why You Should Use a Password Manager

Although P8s^hf6HSVxcvx^%&$ds is a strong password even the smartest hacker won’t crack, no normal human brain can remember it, let alone another hundred like it. 

A password manager does the tricky memorisation for you by storing and retrieving this difficult-to-crack combination. As a result, you can securely save an unlimited number of strong passwords while only having to remember one—that makes being online easier and more secure.

Plus, while you could get a cat to walk on your keyboard, a password manager can also create strong passwords on your behalf.

Top Password Manager Considerations

First, compare free vs. paid password managers. While most have free versions, they’re usually somewhat limited, prompting security-conscious users to upgrade.

The best password managers offer features ranging from two-factor authentication (2FA) to VPN or phishing alerts and biometric logins. Some also come with browser extensions, extra file storage, and history retention for added convenience.

Another enticing password management feature is emergency access, which lets trusted contacts obtain your passwords in an emergency. Digital legacy integration lets family members retrieve your data should you pass away.

Password Manager Reviews

These top password managers all have an excellent reputation.

1. Dashlane

One of the most feature-rich options, Dashlane comes with a plethora of handy extras, like a VPN, an always-on dark web monitor (to find stolen passwords), and advanced anti-phishing protocols. The software periodically scans your accounts to find potential weaknesses.

Best for: Cyber security pros seeking best-in-class protection

Pros:

• More features than others
• Compromised account scanning

Cons:

• More expensive than others
• Highly limited free version

2. 1Password

This user-friendly password manager is a hit for its hassle-free interface. A basic tutorial runs you through its inner workings, including the daunting password-importing and capturing process. Despite its simple UI, you’ll find plenty of advanced features like 2FA, browser imports, and automatic web form filling.

Best for: Less technically literate people who just want something that works.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Password hygiene alerts

Cons:

• No free tier
• No email address data breach monitoring

3. Bitwarden

This highly secure, open-source password manager provides abundant advanced features in its free tier. Unlike its competitors, users get unlimited credential storage without paying a cent. A broad range of extensions covers big-name browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge and Opera, as well as a few lesser-known ones like Tor and DuckDuckGo. Upgrading to premium is cheap and unlocks features such as 2FA, cloud storage, and network security health checks.  

Best for: Cost-conscious users looking for the best free password manager

Pros:

• Excellent free version
• Affordable premium version

Cons:

• Some features are difficult to use

4. Keeper

Keeper comes with a broad selection of browser extensions and has loads of neat features like 2FA, auditing tools, password histories, and secure password management. Don’t bother with the free version, as it only lets you store up to 10 passwords on one device. The Keeper Family Package, however, is excellent for multi-device households as you can save unlimited passwords across five unique vaults.

Best for: Families needing up to 5 different accounts

Pros:

• User-friendly emergency access
• Generous provisions for large households

Cons:

• Limited free version

5. LastPass

A simple interface, strong encryption, and a bevy of useful features make this a top contender in a crowded field. Extra features like 2FA, a digital legacy plan, and password sharing add to the appeal. However, a string of data breaches cast serious safety questions.  

Best for: Users seeking a solid selection of advanced features for a low price

Pros:

• More add-ons than most of the competition

Cons:

• A recent data breach in 2022

Network Security Services At Your Doorstep

Need help securing the network in your home or office? Contact Geeks2U today. Our specially trained experts provide a range of network security services, from wireless encryption to antivirus and password manager setup.

FAQ

• Is it safe to use a password manager?

  Yes. It’s much safer than not using one.

• How can using a password manager help improve my online security?

  By saving and retrieving strong passwords that are unique to every account.

• Can a password manager help me manage passwords for multiple accounts efficiently?

  Yes, that’s precisely what they’re designed to do.

• How can a password manager assist in preventing phishing attacks?

  Some password managers trigger alerts during high-risk phishing situations.

• How does a password manager integrate with different devices and browsers?

  Password managers work on a range of operating systems and browsers.