The number of online accounts one manages has grown significantly. Almost every service on the internet requires one to make an account. With the increasing number of accounts, one needs to create unique passwords for each, which are progressively more challenging to remember. Hence, people either create weak and easy passwords or write them on a piece of paper, which is not recommended. This is where password managers come to the rescue.
What is a password manager?
A password manager is software or an application designed to create, securely store, and organize a user’s login credentials. The primary purpose of password managers is to enhance a person’s digital security by generating strong passwords and keeping them secure. In doing so, they also help make their login process easier.
What are some of the features of a password manager?
Here are some features of a password manager:
1. Password generation
One of the primary features of a password manager app or piece of software is that it creates random, unique passwords with strong combinations for different accounts. This reduces the risk of multiple account breaches.
2. Password storage
The next key feature of a password manager is that it stores the user’s login credentials using strong encryption methods.
3. Additional secure storage
Many password managers also offer the option of securely storing other information besides login credentials. So, users can store their personal information on the app safely with the password manager’s security.
4. Auto-fill
Password managers also offer the option of auto-filling login information, making the process even easier.
What are the benefits of using a password manager?
Here are a few benefits of using a password manager:
1. Increased security
By creating strong and unique passwords and storing them with encryption, password managers offer increased security to the user’s accounts.
2. Zero-knowledge architecture
Password managers are built with a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning they get encrypted before being sent to the server. Not even the password manager provider can read the user’s credentials. So, for anyone wondering if password managers are safe on both ends, this will answer their concern.
3. Convenience
With password managers, the user must remember just one password: the password manager app or software. Rest assured, all the login credentials will be safe within the app, protected by that one password.
4. Reduced stress
Oftentimes, individuals find it quite stressful to create and remember all their unique passwords. Using a password manager takes this stress away.
What are some types of password managers?
There are several types of password managers available, including the following:
1. Local password managers
Local password managers store the user’s passwords on the user’s device in a digital vault in an encrypted format. One does not need an internet connection to access passwords with this type of manager. However, users can only access their passwords on the same device where they originally stored them.
2. Cloud-based password managers
Cloud-based password managers store the encrypted passwords on a remote server. The user would need an Internet connection to access passwords on this type of manager. They can also access this manager from multiple devices, provided they have an Internet connection.
3. Built-in browser password managers
A lot of web browsers have a built-in password management system. These password managers are free and convenient, but they can only be accessed via one particular browser.
4. Cost of password managers
The cost of password managers can vary widely based on their types and features. There are a lot of free password managers available. But if one is looking for advanced password managers with extra features, they may have to get a monthly or yearly subscription password manager.
