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Mastering Password Management: Best Practices, Tools, and Security Insights

The internet's "vegetables" are password managers. We are aware of their benefits, yet the majority of us find that nibbling on the digital version of fast food makes us happy. It has been "123456" and "password" for almost ten years, the two most widely used passwords on the internet. The problem is that most of us have trouble remembering a large number of passwords and are unsure of what makes a good password.

Memorizing every password is the safest (though wackiest) way to save them.A password manager makes it simple and, more importantly, helps with the creation of stronger passwords, lowering the chance of attacks on your online presence based on weak passwords. In this article, we will discuss the following topics related to password management:

  • What is password management?
  • Why is password management important for network security?
  • What are the Common Password Management Challenges?
  • What are the Best Practices for Password Management?
  • What are the Tools for Password Management?
  • Commercial password managers
    1. Dashlane
    2. Zoho Vault
    3. 1Password
    4. Keeper Security
    5. NordPass
    6. RoboForm Everywhere
    7. LastPass
    8. Bitwarden Premium
    9. Enpass (Pro version)
  • Open-source password managers
    1. Bitwarden (Open-Source Core)
    2. KeePass (KeePassXC, KeePassDX, etc.)
    3. Passbolt
    4. Buttercup
    5. Myki Password Manager & Authenticator
    6. LessPass
    7. Avira
    8. Psono
  • How Can Password Managers Improve Security?
  • How to Securely Save Passwords in Chrome?
  • How to Use Password Managers on Mobile Devices
  • Are Password Managers Safe?
  • Is it Safe to Use Browser Password Managers?

What is Password Management?​

A system called password management makes it easy to store passwords securely and instantly retrieve them as needed.

Passwords are essential in today's digitalized workplace for every function, from simple tasks like recording daily attendance to sensitive ones like gaining access to customers' exposed financial information. Even the most powerful CEO will eventually find it hard to remember several passwords for various company websites since we are all only humans.

The personal front is where things get even more challenging. For their email, online banking, online shopping, social networking accounts, and several more digital services, the usual user uses various passwords. A 2020 survey by NordPass found that the typical user had 100 passwords to remember.

The single-source fix for this contemporary issue is password management. Users using password managers may control all of their passwords, both personal and work-related, from a single area. Password managers do more than just store your passwords in memory. It supports a number of cybersecurity best practices, enables prompt password rotation, and aids in the selection of sufficiently complex passwords.

When remote work has become the norm and missing a password might result in being entirely locked out of the office infrastructure, traditional password management techniques are no longer practical. Another typical security issue is keeping passwords in places where family members or acquaintances might access them, whether physically or digitally. This habit is more prevalent among workers who have poor technological hygiene.

The administration of employee systems and passwords has finally had to be updated as a result of the emergence of more sophisticated phishing techniques that target workers who work from home.

Why is password management important for network security?​

Almost half of the world's population currently has access to the Internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union. It implies there are a lot of passwords flying around, and the whole world's population is handling anything between 10 billion and 100 billion passwords. This gives hackers a lot of targets to choose from.

For several reasons, including the existence of many gigabytes of sensitive data, the requirement for multiple users to access the same account, and regulatory supervision, to mention a few, enterprise password security is always a little more challenging than personal password security.

The lack of a strong company-wide password management strategy is an invitation for hackers to wreak havoc and steal sensitive data when the majority of businesses have switched to a remote work environment. From entry-level colleagues to senior executives, infiltrators have already started to target remote workers as easy targets and deceive them into disclosing business credentials. This emphasizes the necessity of efficient password management.

Think about shared access. Every big company with an online presence employs at least a small crew to manage its social media accounts, which frequently results in many users accessing the same account with the same login information. HR databases, vendor databases, and IT control panels are examples of other accounts that frequently use the same login credentials for several users. Security and accountability are frequently put at risk by shared credentials. Enterprises may properly monitor shared credentials and lower associated risks by using shared account password management.

Password administration gets more difficult when a company expands since employees' accounts and passwords need to be handled across time zones and job profiles. Larger enterprises frequently do not choose independent password managers. Instead, they choose privileged account management solutions that assist businesses in concurrently addressing a number of cybersecurity issues.

Businesses must mandate best practices for password management for the thousands of employees who will be utilizing several devices remotely. These gadgets could use an unsafe internet connection or be running harmful third-party software. Not every worker adheres to strict digital hygiene standards at all times. To maintain the integrity of their systems, major organizations must utilize a combination of user-friendly software and thorough training.

Yet there are other factors that must be taken into account in addition to convenience of use. A full-featured enterprise-grade password management system is required to meet organizational requirements and accomplish network security objectives. Every business password management system must have the following qualities:

  • A safe place for passwords

  • Password security on company computers

  • Limiting access to staff devices

  • Time-saving, automatic password management that maximizes security

  • Tools for creating reports

  • Ability to record, monitor, and restrict employee password access as necessary

Employee education is crucial, particularly in the distant business world of today. Online safety, cybersecurity best practices, and secure password management must all be covered in staff training. An organization whose staff lacks fundamental knowledge of these subjects cannot be helped by even the most cutting-edge password management technology and the toughest corporate regulations.

What are the Common Password Management Challenges?​

In our digital age, protecting passwords presents several difficulties. On the one hand, the number of web services utilized by people is rising year over year; on the other hand, cyber crimes are expanding dramatically. These are some typical dangers to our password security:

  • Login spoofing: Cybercriminals use a bogus login page to illegitimately obtain passwords.
  • Sniffing attack: Passwords are obtained through sniffing attacks, which use unlawful network access and instruments like keyloggers.
  • Shoulder surfing attack: Attackers use a small camera to sometimes steal passwords as users input them and access user data in the process.
  • Brute force attack: In brute force attacks using automated techniques attackers steal passwords and access user information
  • Data breach: Direct theft of login information and other sensitive information from a website database.

All of these dangers provide attackers with the chance to obtain limitless access by stealing user credentials. Let's look at how people and organizations commonly handle passwords.

What are the Best Practices for Password Management?​

While security remains a top issue for enterprises, educating and empowering regular users about password management best practices is a crucial component of that endeavor. Take a look at a few of the findings from the 2023 Bitwarden Password Choices Survey:

  • Almost all respondents (90%) admitted to reusing passwords.
  • 54% of participants use a computer document, 45% depend on memory, and 29% use a pen and paper to keep track of their passwords.
  • About half (49%) express difficulty with staff members utilizing unapproved software or devices without IT's permission.

Security and IT professionals must inform staff members about the best password practices if they want to affect change inside a business. Deploying a password management solution throughout your business is one of the simplest ways to promote proper password hygiene. Here are some additional recommendations for handling passwords:

  • Use a password management program: The majority of individuals visit many websites during the day that require passwords. It is almost impossible to remember tens of different, suitably secure passwords (or passphrases). A password organizer makes using passwords on several websites easier while enhancing user security. There are several reliable password managers available. Give preference to companies that operate across platforms and provide services to individuals for nothing or for a very cheap price. The majority of password managers now have more features than before.
  • Choose a tool that you can quickly implement throughout your business: Password managers must be simple to use for all user levels, from novice to expert. The apps should be straightforward to use and install while taking into account a large or dispersed staff base. For instance, setting up Bitwarden is simple, whether you decide to use the Bitwarden Cloud or create your own self-hosted instance. And Bitwarden Directory Connector keeps your Bitwarden users in sync with your teams and workers by integrating with the most popular directory services available today, including Azure, Active Directory, Google, Okta, and others.
  • Change passwords only when you believe you may have been hacked: It's no longer necessary to change your password every three months. The recommended practice for managing passwords is to never change them unless you believe you have been compromised. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advises users against frequently changing their passwords. This really encourages behavior that, over time, can lead to weaker passwords. By looking at concrete proof, such as credit card fraud, or by utilizing a tool, such as your password manager, that can detect whether your password was revealed in a breach, you can figure out if you've been hacked.
  • Employ robust, distinct passwords: You lessen the effect of data leaks by using strong, one-of-a-kind passwords for every service you use online. A strong password involves enhancing the entropy, or randomness, of the password rather than merely adding unusual letters or numbers to a familiar phrase or name. Using a passphrase is one simple method for coming up with a secure password. A passphrase combines seemingly unconnected words or phrases that are simple for the user to remember but challenging for an attacker to decipher. Passphrases are simple to memorize and have a high degree of entropy.
  • Wherever feasible, enable two-factor authentication: Good password managers ought to provide options for extending this feature, as two-factor authentication (2FA) is starting to appear more often on both consumer and commercial websites. Enabling 2FA makes your account more secure by forcing you to input a second token in addition to your master password. Without the second token, even if someone managed to figure out your master password, they would be unable to access your password manager.

What are the Tools for Password Management?​

To protect your data, all your passwords must be strong and unique. Password management is secure and simple with a password manager. You only need to remember a master password; the manager automatically fills in the rest for you. We will provide detailed information about some of the commercial and open-source password managers.

Commercial password managers​

Top commercial password managers are outlined below:

  1. Dashlane: With the addition of a VPN and a dark web monitor, a history of your logins, and checks for weak and hacked passwords, Dashlane completes all the fundamental and sophisticated functions we expect from a password manager. The most costly Dashlane plan costs money, while the free plan is only good for one device. But Dashlane is a fantastic option for premium password management because of its ultra-smooth password capture and replay technology and a plethora of stylish yet user-friendly features. Pros of Dashlane are as follows:
    • Easy password replay and capture
    • Restrict device access from any location
    • The safe exchange of passwords is supported by many types of multi-factor authentication
    • Incorporates VPN scans for hacked accounts
    • Keeps a complete password history

Cons of Dashlane are listed below:

  • Pricey
  • Free tier with only one device available
  • Dated password recurrence system
  1. Zoho Vault: You work and live better thanks to Zoho Vault's collaboration capabilities, device syncing, browser extensions, import of passwords from browsers, and simplicity of multipage logins. Zoho Vault is for cost-conscious customers. A robust free package without restrictions on device synchronization or password storage is available from Zoho Vault. Most other password managers include stricter restrictions on their free accounts, such as limits on the number of passwords that may be kept in the vault or the number of devices that can sync simultaneously. Pros of Zoho Vault are listed below:
    • Syncs with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices.
    • Allows for multi-factor authentication
    • Available on any device and in all browsers
    • Multipage logins are handled
    • Password imports from browsers
    • Significant free plan

Cons of Zoho Vault are given below:

  • Lacks filling out web forms
  • Miniature password generator that is confusing
  1. 1Password: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS are available from 1Password. It enables multi-factor authentication and has one of the best password management solutions. Because it is user-friendly and provides lots of protection, 1Password will appeal to the majority of people, but it does have some drawbacks. True password inheritance is absent from 1Password, and its import capabilities are subpar. Pros of 1Password are listed below:
    • For users of mobile devices, Watchtower, a password monitoring service, is now accessible.
    • Beautiful and slick mobile applications
    • Multi-factor authentication is supported with intuitive password management.

Cons of 1Password are as follows:

  • Filling out forms is cumbersome and unreliable
  • Limited choices for import
  • Lacks the ability to inherit passwords
  1. Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault: Keeper is incredibly user-friendly on a wide range of devices and browsers. Moreover, it provides features like strong support for multi-factor authentication, safe sharing, practical auditing tools, and complete password history. Anybody seeking top-notch premium password security, particularly people with big families. Five Keeper Unlimited Vaults are included with the Keeper Family bundle, making it an excellent bargain. The absence of a free subscription tier provided by Bitwarden and Dashlane as an alternative to Keeper is a drawback. Having said that, Keeper offers a 30-day trial period so you can see if it's the right app for you. Pros of Keeper are as follows:
    • Simple instructions for new subscribers
    • Well-designed applications and browser extensions that collect and repeat passwords smoothly
    • Options for safe password sharing and inheritance
    • Supports a variety of multi-factor authentication methods
    • Keeps history of credentials and files

Cons of Keeper are listed below:

  • Zero free tier
  • Some coveted features are extras that cost money.
  • Limitless encrypted storage
  1. NordPass: A straightforward, user-friendly solution for securely accessing your passwords across desktop, mobile, and web apps is NordPass, which was developed by the same team as NordVPN. Among the crucial features that have been introduced over time are a Data Breach Scanner, a password health report, an online vault, and a password inheritance option. Nordpass is for users of business accounts. Using a variety of methods, NordPass for Business helps managers identify which workers' password vaults have outdated, repeated, or weak passwords. Pros of NordPass are listed below:
    • Supports the exchange of secure credentials
    • Uses a security key and an app to provide two-factor authentication.
    • Multi-factor authentication is a requirement for commercial accounts.
    • A data breach scanner, as well as a report on the security of passwords
    • Audited

Cons of NordPass are given below:

  • Pricey compared to rivals
  • The free version cannot be used on several devices at once.
  1. RoboForm Everywhere: RoboForm Everywhere excels at managing passwords and filling out forms. RoboForm's new online vault is a great addition to an already fantastic product at a time when many rival products are modernizing user interfaces and focusing on usability. RoboForm Everywhere is for users of RoboForm today. The current version of the password manager will be simple to use if you are already accustomed to its file system. RoboForm is a very powerful password manager; however, it falls short of its competitors in terms of the slickness and usability of its menu structure. Pros of RoboForm are given below:
    • Filling out online forms completely
    • Keeps track of application passwords
    • Web vault look has been modernized and syncs with many different sorts of devices and browsers
    • Automatically creates strong passwords.

Cons of RoboForm are listed below:

  • Restricted imports of rival products
  • The desktop interface might be challenging.
  • Not compatible with hardware security keys

  1. LastPass: Since it provides a wealth of free features that enable the majority of users to acquire what they want without spending a dime, LastPass is our top selection for the best password organizer overall. It is accessible on the majority of browsers and almost all smart devices, and its subscription editions include more extensive sharing functions. Pros of LastPass are listed below:

    • Simple to use
    • Rich free version of features
    • A number of different factors (MFA)

    Cons of LastPass are as follows:

    • Outmoded desktop applications
    • Certain personal data types cannot be auto-filled.
    • Hacked website in 2022

  2. Bitwarden Premium: Bitwarden is a password manager that focuses mainly on very high security. This is reflected in Bitwarden's strong end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption and the fact that the company is very transparent with open-source software. Pros of Bitwarden are as follows:

    • Rock-solid security
    • Open-source
    • Works on all devices and systems
    • Good free version
    • Many additional options exist for even more safety

Cons of Bitwarden are listed below:

  • The desktop app could have been more user-friendly
  • There is no live chat to contact customer service
  • There is a long list of service providers that Bitwarden "may" share data with In addition to passwords, Bitwarden allows you to store credit card information, personal information, and secure notes. There is no limit to the amount of data you can store, even with a free account. Incidentally, Bitwarden does not seem overly commercial: almost all basic functions are free, and the company does not engage in loud advertising or intrusive requests to upgrade to premium. In addition, Bitwarden offers apps for most operating systems and extensions for many popular browsers. Even if your system or browser is not included, you can still use Bitwarden thanks to the special web version. The only real downside to the service is the lack of a live chat. The desktop app doesn't work as well as the online dashboard.
  1. Enpass (Pro version): For all types of users, Enpass is a fantastic password organizer. It has a ton of different apps for various devices, including free and commercial versions, and a vast range of functionality. To simplify your digital life, you can use Enpass on a variety of platforms to remember your passwords, login information, and financial details. Pros of Enpass are listed below:
    • Enticing user interface
    • High number of characteristics
    • No cost on desktop
    • Able to sync between platforms
    • Dependable a password generator

Cons of Enpass are given below:

  • Does not immediately import passwords from the browser
  • On mobile, the free edition offers few options.
  • A lack of two-factor authentication

Open-source Password Managers​

The best open-source password managers are as follows:

  1. Bitwarden: Simply put, Bitwarden is the greatest password management program for free, and the relatively affordable subscription edition adds more security and storage features. Pros of Bitwarden are listed below:
    • Open-source
    • Simple to use
    • Free tier and affordable paid options
    • Enables multi-factor authentication Shareable content is available at all membership levels
    • Provides applications for all widely used platforms and browsers

Cons of Bitwarden are given below:

  • Send functionality enables unsafe password sharing
  • Clumsy password replay and capture
  1. KeePass: KeePass is a free, open-source password manager that lets you choose the plug-ins you need to add the functionality you need, but it has an outdated user interface and could be too complicated for beginners. Pros of KeePass are as follows:
    • Reminders for password updates can be set
    • Strong security settings for storing password history
    • Storing credentials locally
    • Quite adaptable with plug-ins

Cons of KeePass are given below:

  • No automated credential collection
  • It's not easy to utilize the setup
  • Obsolete and ugly UI
  • Special characters are not used in the automatically generated default passwords.
  • In testing, Auto-Type did not manage multipage logins; there was no mobile support
  1. Passbolt: Open-source password manager Passbolt is built for business and team use. It may be completely hosted by Luxembourg developer Passbolt SA, self-hosted on your own server, or self-managed on rented server space. Pros of Passbolt are listed below:
    • 100% verified open-source code
    • End-to-end asymmetric encryption
    • Fully or partially hosted
    • Community Edition, Free
    • Auto-fill with browser extensions
    • Public-key encryption (same as in blockchain)
    • High levels of collaboration
    • Interoperable (Open API & CLI) (Open API & CLI)

Cons of Passbolt are given below:

  • Web-based encryption (but as strong as it gets)
  • Totally hosted options use servers from Google and AWS

  1. Buttercup: Buttercup manages archive modifications and saves conflicts using a delta system. To protect the security of your login information, the archive is encrypted with AES 256-bit when it is saved. To make sure that your archives are locked and unlocked securely, Buttercup employs setup and encryption techniques that are industry standard. Buttercup does not force users to create accounts or gather any personal information. Can save password archives in WebDAV, ownCloud, Dropbox, and Nextcloud for remote access and sharing. Your login information is totally under your control and accessible from anywhere you have an internet connection. By locally storing files, the desktop program allows offline archiving. The mobile application allows auto-filling for in-browser logins.

  2. Myki Password Manager & Authenticator: Myki, a relatively new player in the password-management space, is free and boasts distinctive security measures, but it isn't as slick or feature-rich as some of its rivals. Pros of Myki are given below:

    • Free client accounts
    • Offline security approach
    • Responsive in-app support

    Cons of Myki are listed below:

    • A few glitchy features, such as mobile autofill
    • No online vault (requires app or extension)
    • No family planning

  3. LessPass: Your information is usually kept in an encrypted database by password managers. Your data is still kept in a single location, even if it is locally encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption. Simply because you saved all of your data in one location, it might be vulnerable to a succession of intricate cyberattacks. LessPass takes a different strategy and doesn't save all of your information in one location. LessPass will enable you access if you enter the site URL, login username, and master password. Passwords are generated using the same process. Support for Android, Chrome, Cozy Cloud, Firefox, Snapchat, and more is available with LessPass. For added protection, it enables you to self-host your LessPass database on your own server.

  4. Avira: The fundamentals of password management are handled by Avira Password Manager across all of your devices, but it lacks sophisticated capabilities like form-filling and safe sharing that the top rivals offer. Pros of Avira are listed below:

    • All of your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices can sync passwords.
    • Authentication using two factors.
    • Free. Cons of Avira are given below:
    • Not fill out online forms.
    • Secure sharing and digital inheritance are lacking.
    • Information about security status requires a paid upgrade.

  5. Psono: Your personal information is protected from hackers using the free and open-source Psono password manager. It is accessible on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Small businesses should consider Psono since it is self-hosted; larger businesses must pay a subscription based on the number of users. You have complete control over your privacy since it enables you to host your login information on your own server. Moreover, it contains a function that enables password synching and sharing, enabling smooth use across many devices. Pros of Psono are as follows:

    • Simple to use.
    • Works effectively in a group environment.
    • Owns the hosting.
    • Uses numerous layers of encryption to protect your data.
    • Offers several adjustable features and choices.
    • Aids in ensuring that only authorized users have access to data.
    • Both local and cloud storage are possible. The main cons of Psono is that bigger businesses must pay according to the number of users.

How Can Password Managers Improve Security?​

One of the best ways to be safe online and safeguard your personal information is by creating a strong, one-of-a-kind password for each online account. The ideal length for any password you make is eight characters, with a mixture of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. (Sorry, "password123" won't do; it's just not good enough.) Although it may be tempting, using the same password across all of your accounts puts your online security at considerable risk. You don't want to make yourself an easy target for hackers. In fact, according to a new study by cybersecurity company Hive Systems, a hacker easily deciphers a weak password.

By making the process of using strong passwords easier, password managers are essential tools that help you stay safe online and improve your level of digital security. They're simpler to operate than you might imagine. Nonetheless, research by Security.org found that four out of five Americans don't utilize a password manager.

A password manager is an online service that keeps your passwords safe and secure, along with other information like credit card numbers, bank account information, and identity papers. Weak or repeated passwords are one of the largest possible risks, and it takes care of the tedious task for you.

Poor password practices are risky for your online security. Reusing passwords exposes you to credential stuffing attacks that can compromise accounts that share the same password, and using weak passwords makes it simple to crack your accounts.

Yet, a password manager allows you to establish strong, individual passwords for each of your online accounts while only requiring you to remember one master password. Your password manager generates a strong password for you if you're unsure how to do it or don't want to do it yourself. A function that examines your existing passwords and notifies you which ones are repeated or weak and should be changed is also included in many password managers.

You safely distribute confidential information and documents to loved ones if necessary. It's simple to enter your credit card information and make transactions without having to physically have your card on hand if you shop online.

You can combat phishing schemes with the assistance of your password manager. Phishing attempts won't fool the password manager, even if they manage to lure you into clicking on a bad link. Regardless of how similar the URL seems to the unaided eye, your password manager will recognize that it differs from the website you typically enter.

You don't need to be concerned about keeping all of your private data in one location. The best password organizers utilize a zero-knowledge strategy to protect your passwords and other data you save with them. This strategy encrypts all data before it leaves your device, making it impossible for anybody, even the password management itself, to access your passwords or other data. And if your password manager is unable to access your data, no one else will be able to either.

How to Securely Save Passwords in Chrome?​

To ensure the security of your login information, Chrome can assist you in finding and changing any passwords that have been stolen due to data breaches. Your credentials are the usernames and passwords you use to sign in to websites and applications.

If the login and password you use to get onto a website are compromised, Chrome can alert you. By default, this parameter is turned on.

Chrome may be used to simultaneously verify all of your stored credentials. Chrome examines the passwords you've saved and notifies you if any of them have been compromised.

Chrome initially encrypts your login and password before verifying your credentials. Next, it transmits the encrypted credentials to Google for comparison with a list of encrypted records that have already been known to have been compromised. Chrome shows a warning and asks you to reset your password if it discovers a match between the encrypted pieces of data. Throughout this procedure, Google is never made aware of your account or password.

Chrome encrypts your username and password with a secret key that is only known to your device when you use Chrome to sign in to a website. Then it gives Google a duplicate of your data that has been hidden. Nobody, not even Google, knows your login or password since the encryption takes place before the information reaches Google's servers.

You can find out whether any of your stored usernames or passwords were exposed due to a data breach. When you log in to a website where a data breach has been discovered, you may select to automatically get notifications regarding your credentials.

How to Use Password Managers on Mobile Devices?​

Although there are many excellent free password management tools available, having your passwords synced between desktop and mobile apps is an advantage of a paid membership. Of course, this implies that your safe vault will be kept on the cloud. If this worries you, we advise you to learn more about the security of password managers.

The majority of significant services provide specific iOS and Android applications. Mobile applications are an essential component of understanding how password managers operate. After logging in, 1Password and Dashlane appear as follows:

Again, you can see how similar the two appear and feel in the sample from the suggested password management software for iPhone above. Seeing your multiple logins, notes, identities, and secure documents is an option. You'll need to enter your master password or scan your face or fingerprint each time you launch the app.

We'll use Facebook as an illustration once more. You can access the auto-fill feature by clicking on the "Passwords" text above the keyboard while we're on the login page. This requires your fingerprint to log in (or Face ID).

When you choose one of your login choices after logging in, it automatically fills in your username and password.

Every login requires authentication, unlike the desktop app, either by your master password or your fingerprint/Face ID. With a mobile device, you can't stay "logged in," but in all honesty, it's not that horrible.

Are Password Managers Safe?​

To avoid having to keep track of all the different passwords used throughout the digital world, password managers have become popular. The passwords are kept in an encrypted vault that only those with the proper authorization may access. It may seem like a boon to have a digital assistant remember your passwords for all of your accounts, but password managers have a number of drawbacks.

  • Master Password: The difficulty is passwords. So, how can you really access a password manager? That is the problem that password managers are supposed to tackle. Using your "master" password would be the best way to do it. As a result, you now only need to remember one password for all of your many online accounts. Although this is more user-friendly, it still introduces one of the greatest issues with password managers: the possibility of this password being hacked. But now, if your password manager's master password is stolen, the attacker has access to all of your accounts, not just the one they were targeting. This was the situation when hackers targeted users of the well-known LastPass password manager with a credential-stuffing assault using email addresses and passwords stolen from third-party hacks.
  • Possibility of hacking: Major defects or code weaknesses can provide attackers access to a password manager and a user's credentials, much like practically any other software or website. Five of the most popular password managers had security weaknesses in 2019 that allowed for the exfiltration of passwords from a computer's memory. A more recent instance leveraged a specific issue in a password manager as a launchpad to target systems that included that program. Hackers can compromise access to a password manager by using common hacking techniques like man-in-the-middle, obtaining session tokens, or installing malware that records keystrokes. But once more, the issue with password managers is that once an attacker gets access, their attacks may encompass every aspect of your online persona.
  • Locked Out Recovery: One issue with password managers is that you can only access your account using a master password, which is not a safe authentication method. This raises a few problems, the first of which is that the person's password manager will be permanently locked out if they fully forget their master password and lose access to their email or other recovery accounts. The second problem is that an attacker who has access to that email account may simply execute the recovery procedure, which includes sending a link to that account. By altering your master password, they may escalate the attack and essentially take control of the account while acquiring access to your passwords for all of your other accounts.
  • Phishing: Attackers can utilize password managers the same way they employ phishing attempts to steal identity credentials for any other authentication procedure. The main issue with password organizers, however, is that since hackers are aware of how valuable the information contained inside (all of your passwords) is, they are more likely to concentrate hard on phishing your master password. Attackers have created methods to get around these security measures for accounts that need two-factor authentication. Even though password managers are not supposed to automatically fill out authentication forms on fraudulent phishing websites, they still provide you the choice to enter your information, as one security researcher explains. This disproves one of the key claims of password managers.
  • Use of Insecure Passwords: The fact that password managers could still only handle credentials that were never secure, to begin with, is one of their drawbacks. Although many password managers can create safe passwords for websites, research shows that only approximately 20% of users really utilize Chrome's secure password generator and that only about 50% actually use their third-party password manager's generator. This indicates that even while individuals are using password managers, their passwords still have the typical problems of human-created passwords (easily guessed dictionary terms, too short passwords without symbols or digits, being reused across several websites, etc.). Credential stuffing, phishing, MitM, and other credential attacks can compromise any of these accounts with weak passwords.
  • Security of Password Manager: Passwords are encrypted before they leave your device, according to the majority of password managers' "zero-knowledge" systems. Passwords are kept in an encrypted format (often AES-256), making it impossible for the provider to decrypt them. As a result, a hack of the password manager's servers shouldn't provide any useful client information. Yet, a few years ago, hackers were able to access and decode user data after they launched an attack on password manager OneLogin. Furthermore, data encryption won't aid a user if the hacker gets past their authentication processes, much like with the majority of other assaults that target access points. Users' whole account information will still be totally accessible, and password managers will have the same issues as any other method of account authentication.

Is it Safe to Use Browser Password Managers?​

Yes. Conventional wisdom from the past advised against saving your passwords in your browsers. It is no longer accurate. Since they are connected to accounts that use two-factor authentication, modern browsers are substantially more secure. The option to establish strong, random passwords is currently available in most of the main ones; Microsoft's Edge browser is the most recent to enable the function. Yet, the majority of users will still most likely benefit from utilizing a password manager from a third party.

There's no denying that utilizing the password manager built into your browser can alleviate certain problems. If nothing else, it makes it simple to create secure, one-of-a-kind passwords for each website and service you use, reducing the risk associated with password reuse. If you reuse passwords, thieves may be able to get into numerous websites using the exposed login credentials from one website. Some may even alert you if there has been a security breach and request that you change passwords if your login information has been exposed. Browsers are also cost-free, eh?

Nevertheless, browser-based password managers bind you to that particular browser.

For instance, your login information will be synchronized across your Google account if you utilize Chrome's password manager. These passwords are only accessible in Chrome, not when you try to sign into a website using Firefox or Edge. And there's no way you'll be able to remember the information without entering it into Chrome to get it if you're utilizing the option to automatically generate lengthy, random passwords (you should be!).

But if you use an Android device and Chrome to save your passwords or an iOS device and Safari, you may be able to login into mobile apps that connect to your Google or Apple account, respectively. Logging into mobile websites or apps can still be a major pain.

Last updated on by Zenarmor