1Password, the (almost) perfect password manager

These days, it might as well be said right away: everyone should use a password manager. What is a password manager? It is an application or, more commonly today, a combination of online services and applications, which stores your passwords in a safe and secure way, and also makes them available on all your devices. .

For some, it may be an app built into the browser or operating system, or a separate standalone app. For the most part, a good password manager will be one you can install on all your devices, so you have easy access to your passwords no matter what device you’re using. With such a tool, you can access your passwords regardless of the device you are using. This not only makes it easier to access your passwords, but it also means you’re less likely to break the two main password guidelines of using weak passwords or reusing passwords. .

There are many password management apps and services out there, but one of the biggest names in this field is 1Password.

Why 1Password and not the others?

Some of the most useful features of 1Password include these:

• Security vulnerabilities alerts: they inform you if your passwords have been leaked in the wild.
• Phishing Protection: it protects you from websites that might try to steal your passwords.
• 1Password only passes password details to browsers that have been signed by an identified developer: this means that hackers cannot use a modified browser to steal your data.
• Emergency kit account recovery feature: this prevents you from being blocked in your account.
• Multi-factor authentication based on application and U2F key: an additional level of protection to prevent unauthorized access.
• Clear clipboard function: it prevents your password from being leaked from the clipboard data.
• Protection against keyloggers: it prevents hackers from using a keylogger to steal your data.
• User consent required to pass password data to browser: so you keep full control.
• Built-in digital wallet: securely stores your bank card or ID card details.
• 1 GB of document storage: a safe and secure way to store all your important documents.

1Password works on a variety of platforms: Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS, and there’s also an extension for the Google Chrome browser. The experience is very smooth, easy to use and secure. It differs a bit from platform to platform, but I find it to be a good experience overall, and the manager syncs between all devices effortlessly.

One of 1Password’s most useful features is the Emergency Kit. This is a PDF that contains your account email address, secret key, and a place to write down your master password. You can save it digitally, or choose to print it and store it in a safe place. Either way, it provides peace of mind in case you lose valuable data and can’t access your passwords.

Maximum security

Overall, hard to fault 1Password. Passwords are easy to enter, easy to exit, and everything is stored securely using AES 256-bit encryption. It is also possible to protect access to your account using an app and multi-factor authentication based on a U2F key, which I consider an absolute necessity these days.

Plus, 1Password has something to suit almost any budget. Individual subscriptions are marketed from 2.99 euros per month, against 4.99 euros per month for a family subscription including five licenses. On the business side, a 10-license team starter pack costs $19.95, while a professional subscription starts at $7.99 per employee. Note that business subscriptions come with additional features like 5GB of document storage space, usage reports, VIP support, and more.

Despite lacking a free (but limited) subscription, 1Password is getting really, really close to perfection. Not least thanks to its wide range of additional services that are offered beyond password management. The basic password management experience is solid, and the applications for use on the various platforms are well-made, reliable, and easy to use. Something to make your digital life much simpler.

Source: ZDNet.com