From the mythical 1234 to an indecipherable but difficult to remember hieroglyph. The world of passwords has been evolving and thank goodness, because with all the passwords for the applications, tools or services that we use every day to work, to live, to shop… it would be impossible any other way. But what is the best password manager out there? You will discover the same in this article.
The world of passwords is a bit crazy. Having a good manager to keep all our access codes safe is key to feeling safe, and working and living without thinking about the possibility of them being stolen. In this article, you will learn everything you should look for when choosing a password manager.
How to choose a password manager
A password manager is not only a digital security tool, remember that it is also present in many moments of your daily life. In a world where online threats are the order of the day, a good manager allows you to store and manage all your access codes securely. With just one master password, you can forget about memorizing dozens of complicated combinations.
The main thing is security
The main goal of a password manager is to protect your data. Therefore, the first factor you should look at is security. Look for those that offer advanced encryption, such as AES 256-bit encryption, which is the most secure standard today. This type of encryption ensures that even if someone accesses your data, they cannot decrypt it without the corresponding key.
Another essential feature is two-step authentication (2FA). This measure adds an extra layer of protection, requesting an additional code upon entry. Many password managers allow you to use applications such as Google Authenticator or even an SMS to generate that code. This way, even if someone gets your master password, without the second authentication factor they will not be able to access your accounts.
Finally, verify that the manager you choose has leak alerts. This feature alerts you if any of your passwords have been compromised in a security breach, allowing you to quickly change them before they can be used by hackers.
Make it compatible and easy to use
The password manager should work without problems on both your mobile and your computer. If you have, for example, an iPhone, a Windows laptop, and an Android tablet, it is important that the administrator supports all of these devices to easily sync your passwords. Also, look at the browser extension. A good password manager should integrate with the most used browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge automatically. This way you can autofill your passwords when logging into your accounts without having to search for them every time.
Finally, make sure the interface is intuitive and easy to use. There’s no point in having a comprehensive password manager if you find it complicated or frustrating to navigate through its options. The key is to find a balance between security and ease of use.
Additional features that make a difference
The best password managers not only store your keys, but they also include features that improve your digital experience. Some, for example, allow you to securely share passwords with other people, ideal for those who manage shared accounts with family or co-workers. Another interesting feature is the strong password generator. This allows you to create complex passwords without having to invent them yourself. You just have to choose the length and level of complexity, and the manager will do the rest. Additionally, some will warn you if you use the same password on multiple accounts, which is a bad habit.
It is also important to consider the support offered by the administrator. Some include features like emergency access, which allows a trusted person to access your passwords in case something happens to you. It’s also helpful that the manager has a recovery feature in case you forget the master password. Of course, if you have a local key manager like KeePass, you will be somewhat more protected compared to those that are based in the cloud.
Choosing the best password manager doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing is to prioritize security and ease of use, making sure it is compatible with all your devices and offers additional features that fit your lifestyle. If you take these aspects into account, you will be one step closer to protecting your data and living more peacefully in the digital world.
