How To Use Password Managers To Keep Your Accounts Safe

Password managers have become especially useful as we do more online. 

Take a moment to count all of the different things in your life that require a password. If you’re anything like us, that number is probably high. And best practice is to have a different password for each account and not to use the same one or two passwords for everything. But that turns into a lot to remember. The solution? Password managers. They offer a secure and efficient way to manage the passwords we have to remember daily.

But if you aren’t already using a password manager, here’s our guide to what they are, why you should consider using one, and a few options that will help keep your information safe online.

What Are Password Managers?

Password managers are digital vaults where you can safely store all your passwords, login details, and even sensitive information like credit card numbers. 

So, instead of trying to remember a different password for every account, password managers remember them for you. Helpfully, you only need to remember one master password to unlock your vault. 

Why Password Managers Matter

Password managers work to simplify your online presence and beef up your security. 

According to a recent study by Statista, in 2023, there were 3,205 reported incidents where online data was compromised on banking sites, social media, email, and more. And all of these instances impacted a whopping 353 million people.

Luckily, not every piece of data that was compromised led to a stolen identity, but it does show how easy it can be for personal info to fall into the wrong hands.

Ideally, you should have a different password to protect each of your accounts. But we’re all guilty of using the same password or a shortlist of passwords for everything. This is another reason why a password manager may be a useful tool because all you need to remember is one password.

But there is an important point you can’t overlook: The password you use for your password manager should be the strongest one of them all. If it’s not, a weak password can then expose all of your other passwords if it’s too easy to crack. 

Free vs. Paid Password Managers

Free password managers will do a good job of covering all the basics, offering strong password generation and storage solutions. 

But if you need two-factor authentication, secure data sharing, or an emergency access feature, investing in a paid plan may be your best bet. 

It’s also smart to consider which platforms you use the most—Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac—as some password managers tailor their features to certain systems. 

Ultimately, the best password manager for you is the one that fits easily into your digital routine with a balance between security, convenience, and cost.

Top Picks for Password Managers

Finding a password manager that meshes with your requirements can be tough, but it’s important to find one that does. Below are five standout password managers you may want to consider:

The Password Management Gateway for Newbies: 1Password

The 1Password manager caters to first-time users, with a design that combines simplicity with fantastic protection.

Here’s what we like about 1Password:

• Simplified setup: Perfect for personal and business use, 1Password streamlines your workflow, keeping your passwords safe easily.
• Travel Mode: Activate Travel Mode to safeguard your sensitive data across borders, making only what you need accessible.
• Watchtower alerts: Watchtower alerts you to potential data breaches and reused passwords.
• Family & team sharing: 1Password’s shared vaults make managing shared access both secure and straightforward.
• High privacy level: With a Secret Key added to your master password and third-party security audits, 1Password offers excellent security and privacy.

For Fans of Open-Source Transparency: Bitwarden

Bitwarden password manager is an open source password manager. This means anyone can inspect the platform’s code for security weak spots and suggest fixes. 

This, coupled with a free tier featuring unlimited password storage and cross-device synchronization, makes Bitwarden a powerful option.

Here’s what we like about Bitwarden:

• Open-source code: Bitwarden is built on an open-source foundation, meaning anyone can check its code for security. This transparency helps improve its safety and reliability.
• Unlimited storage on free plan: With Bitwarden, you can store as many passwords and secure notes as you need, even on the free version. 
• Access anywhere, anytime: Bitwarden works across all your devices, from smartphones to laptops, allowing you to access your passwords whenever you need them. 
• Two-factor authentication: For an added layer of security, you’ll have a second way to prove it’s you when logging in.
• Self-Hosting: For those who want complete control over their data, Bitwarden offers a self-hosting option where you store your password data on your own servers.

For Extra Online Security: Dashlane

Dashlane password manager goes beyond most password managers with a virtual private network (VPN) and dark web surveillance. Its Password Changer is capable of updating numerous passwords on the fly for an extra layer of defense.

Here’s what we like about Dashlane:

• Private browsing: Dashlane’s built-in VPN ensures your online activities remain private.
• Dark web monitoring: Stay informed with instant alerts if your personal information is detected on the dark web.
• Hassle-Free password updates: With Dashlane, updating compromised passwords is effortless, thanks to the automatic renewal feature that keeps your accounts secure.
• Secure storage for sensitive files: Dashlane provides encrypted storage, offering a secure vault for your most important documents and sensitive information, from financial records to medical details.
• Access across all devices: Dashlane makes sure your passwords are always within reach, no matter the device you’re using.

For Families & Small Work Teams: Keeper

Keeper password manager could be a good, flexible solution for families or small work teams. This password manager has features designed to share passwords securely and provide emergency access, all on a user-friendly platform.

Here’s what we like about Keeper:

• Easily share passwords if needed: Keeper enables seamless password management and sharing among teams or individuals, for safe collaboration. Set up shared folders and manage permissions with ease.
• Emergency ready: Keeper’s protocols ensure that in case of an emergency, trusted individuals have the necessary access to critical data.
• Biometric convenience: Access your secure vault swiftly and securely with biometric logins, combining convenience with high-level security for everyday use.
• Constant vigilance: With BreachWatch, Keeper continuously scans the dark web for exposed personal information.
• Organize with ease: Keeper’s platform organizes your passwords, files, and other sensitive information, making it simple to manage your digital footprint across different spaces and teams.

For Large Teams & Corporations: NordPass

NordPass password manager is the go-to for businesses who want to streamline access to corporate portals with convenience and security.

Here’s what we like about NordPass:

• Streamlined operations: NordPass simplifies your digital life management with a frictionless experience for handling passwords, passkeys, and sensitive information.
• Health check: Regular security audits and real-time breach notifications keep you informed and protected.
• Collaborate confidently: Securely share essential passwords and sensitive company information with co-workers.
• Multi-Layered defense: With multi-factor authentication and the pioneering use of “XChaCha20” encryption, NordPass fortifies your digital vault against any unauthorized access.
• Reliable backups: Cloud-based storage supported by zero-knowledge architecture ensures that only you can access your stored information, guaranteeing privacy and accessibility.

How To Set up Password Managers

Setting up a password manager is like building a digital fortress. Here’s how to lay the foundation, brick by digital brick:

Create a Strong Master Password

The master password is the foundation of your password manager’s security. Consider a passphrase—a sequence of words that create a long string of characters—that includes symbols and numbers to enhance security while making sure it’s something you can remember.

Import Existing Passwords 

Transitioning to a password manager can include importing your existing passwords. Use the import function to consolidate credentials from browsers or other managers into your new vault.

Organize & Categorize Your Passwords

Use folders or tags to categorize your passwords—be it social media, financial, or entertainment accounts—making retrieval as easy.

Best Practices for Using Password Managers

With your digital fortress built, maintaining its defenses is key to stopping hackers and data breaches.

Perform Regular Updates

Updating your passwords regularly—especially for sensitive accounts—is vital. Set a schedule to review and refresh your passwords so they remain strong and hard to breach.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra checkpoint to your defenses. Enable this security measure for password managers to introduce an extra verification step, significantly strengthening your defense against unauthorized access.

Be Cautious With Sharing Features

Use your password manager’s secure sharing features wisely. When you share a password, it should only be with trusted individuals under secure conditions.

Safeguard Your Digital Life With Password Managers

By choosing a suitable password manager, setting it up with a strong master password, and adhering to best security practices, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. 

Take the first step towards bolstering your online security today by using password managers, and pave the way for a safer digital presence.