Password Managers
We use the Internet for just about everything; shopping, banking, communicating with friends and family, and storing music, photos, and videos.

It's vital to safeguard all the personal data associated with these services with a different, strong password for each account.

A password manager can help you generate and keep each password safe.

Do you have three or four passwords that you recycle across all of your websites? Uh oh, that’s asking for trouble. At the rate data breaches happen these days, there’s a decent chance someone already has your password.

Even if you haven’t yet been compromised, better safe than sorry. It’s time to use a password manager. Not only will this make your online accounts more secure, but it will make them easier to manage. The question is, which type should you use, and which are the most secure?
Cloud vs. local management
There are many password managers from which to choose. Your decision may be based on cost, which software platform you are using, e.g. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS iPhone/iPad or a combination of these as I do.

All password managers will require you
to remember the master password to log-in.

Another choice is off-line (Local) or on-line (Cloud).

The data for off-line password managers is stored locally, meaning it is not on the Internet or the "Cloud" but in a file on your computing device. Since this file contains very sensitive data, any decent password manager will be sure to encrypt the file.

The data for on-line password managers is stored through your internet browser or the "Cloud" . Many of us no longer have one primary computer that we always use for the internet. Now we have numerous devices. We’re as likely to sign into our bank account from a phone as from a laptop.
How to Get Your Password Manager on Your Device
Once you've decided which password manager you'd like to go with, download it to your computing device. Instructions will vary dependent upon your choice. For example, a browser based password manager for your PC, an app for your mobile device, or one that offers both.
What Else Can Password Managers Do?
Features of a good Password Manager will include:

  • Auto-fill / Auto-Login / Form Filling - This feature automatically populates your user name & password in the corresponding site but is controversial as it provides a back-door to the bad guys. Remember, being secure is always less convenient.
  • Creates strong passwords.
  • Organizes password into groups, e.g. Financial, shopping. etc.
  • Stores your security questions and answers.
  • Encrypted storage for passwords, bank details, and more.
Too Many Choices ...
There are a plethora of Password Managers out there and these are the ones that are top-rated by many reputable resources. Note that the free versions have feature limitations, such as the amount of passwords you can store or other features.

  • Dashlane - 30-day free trial, Premium $5 per month - Premium Plus $10 per month to sync between devices.

  • Keeper - free option, $26 per year for premium

  • 1Password - 30-day free trial ($3 per month)

  • eWallet by Ilium Software - both Cloud and local-based choices. Mobile Device $9.99 lifetime; Windows PC & Mac $19.99 lifetime NOTE: SeniorNet offers a course on the local-based platform.
Not Recommended: Browser based Password Managers
Most web browsers offer at least a rudimentary password manager. (This is where your passwords are stored when Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox ask if you'd like to save a password.) This is better than reusing the same password everywhere, but browser-based password managers are limited.

The reason security experts recommend you use a dedicated password manager comes down to focus. Web browsers have other priorities that haven't left much time for improving their password manager. For instance, most of them won't generate strong passwords for you, leaving you right back at "123456." Dedicated password managers have a singular goal and have been adding helpful features for years now. Ideally, this leads to better security.
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