Simply put, password management software can save you time and keep your online interactions and personal information secure. It acts as password storage and can store your usernames and passwords and automatically log you in to your accounts with sophisticated, difficult-to-guess passwords. Password managers employ powerful encryption methods to secure your information in the database and during data transfers. The password manager is locked down tight behind one master password that only you are privy to.
Since the software automatically logs you in without the use of a keyboard, it can bypass malicious keyloggers. And since it stores the correct URL for you, it can help prevent you from accidently logging in to deceptive phishing sites. When signing up to a new site, it can automatically enter your contact information such as name, address, email, telephone number and more. Or, you can use a virtual keyboard that keyloggers cannot capture from, and it masks your keystrokes so those who might be looking over your shoulder will not see what you are typing either. The new account information can be added to your password database instantly.
These password managers can also store other types of information that you may want to keep secure such as locker or bike combinations, bank account numbers, mobile phone PINs, SSNs, passport information or any other bit of information you want to keep private. Most can also manage things like software licenses and expiration information and can alert you when it is time to change your password for an account.
Passwords written in notebooks or on sticky notes are not secure, and forgotten passwords are useless. If you manage numerous online accounts like most people, you can greatly benefit from a password manager. It will reclaim lost minutes of your day and help you defend your logins from hackers and keyloggers. Once you try it, you will never want to go back to filling out long, tedious online forms again.
Be sure to read our comprehensive reviews of today’s best password managers and articles related to password security to help you decide which password management software best fits your needs and lifestyle. To learn more about the best password managers see RoboForm Pro, Sticky Password and Kaspersky Password Manager.
At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™
Password managers should be easy to use and useful to the most inexperienced computer user, but secure enough to keep hackers out and encrypted information safe. We used the following criteria to evaluate and select the best password management software:
Feature Set
The best password management software provides applications and tools to help manage login information. This may include saving personal data or credit card information, allowing the user to print copies and make backups of saved information, or program functions like website-launching capabilities or the ability to save to a removable device.
Ease of Use
Password managers are intended to make your life easier, so they should be easy to use. We looked for software that makes it simple to add new accounts and fill out online forms quickly. We also rated the products higher that offer functional additional tools to make managing your passwords easier, such as toolbar add-ins, toolbar buttons and portable versions.
Security
It is absolutely imperative that a password manager provide bank-level, military-grade security. We looked for software that uses powerful encryption algorithms, keylogger and phishing protection, and lock-out features.
Help and Support
Password software providers should offer adequate support to their customers through telephone, email and chat support. We also looked to see if they provide sufficient support documentation online or with the software, and we checked their Twitter account to see if they regularly provide up-to-date information about their products and services.