Key Points
- Password managers securely store passwords and input them automatically when logging into an app or website.
- The drawbacks of password managers include the risk of all passwords being in one place and the potential for easier access to accounts if a device is compromised.
- Password managers may not protect against keyloggers, may lack backup features, and may not have mandatory two-factor authentication.
- Password managers have been hacked in the past, but there are alternatives such as bundled services, antivirus software with password managers, and built-in options like Credential Manager and iCloud Keychain.
Password managers can be a great way to help you manage all of your different passwords and keep your online accounts secure. However, are password managers all they’re cracked up to be? Just like all technology, there are some drawbacks to using password managers that you’ll want to be aware of. Let’s dive into the reasons to avoid a new password manager.
Some Background on Password Managers
Password managers are a type of software that helps users manage their passwords. If you’re like most people, then you probably have dozens or even hundreds of passwords. So, trying to remember all of these would be impossible. Password managers securely store passwords and input them automatically when logging into an app or website.
When you use a password manager you only need to remember a single password to unlock your password vault. Most password managers also include features that help you generate strong passwords, securely share passwords with others, sync across platforms, and alert you if any of your passwords have become compromised.
Reasons to Avoid a New Password Manager
However, password managers still aren’t a perfect solution. Here are some of the main reasons you might want to avoid a new password manager.
All of Your Passwords Are in One Place
Password managers make it easy to store all of your passwords safely in one place. This reduces your likelihood of being hacked, but it will make the damage even greater if your password manager gets hacked. A lot of password managers also store sensitive banking information like credit card details too.
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Your Accounts Can Be Easier to Access
Most people will keep their password managers logged in when using their devices. That way you don’t have to enter your master password every time you want to login to a website. However, this means that if anyone gains access to your device while you’re still logged in, then they have access to all of your passwords and sensitive information.
Still Not 100% Safe From Keylogging
Password managers do protect you from keylogging to some extent. Since passwords will be filled in automatically, this stops keyloggers from getting your site passwords. However, if a keylogger is present, then they can still obtain your master password for your password manager.
Some Don’t Include Backups
Not every password manager includes a backup feature. So if your password manager goes down, then you can lose access to all of your passwords. If you are using a password manager, make sure there’s a backup feature and that it’s enabled.
2FA Isn’t a Mandatory Feature
For some password managers, enabling 2FA is an optional feature. However, if you’re not using two-factor authentication, then your passwords simply aren’t safe. If your master password gets hacked, then the rest of your passwords are completely open to a hacker.
You Can Still Forget Your Password
If there’s one glaring weakness of password managers it’s that you can still forget your master password. If you forget this password, then there’s no way to gain access to the rest of your passwords. You can avoid this by backing up all of your passwords or storing your master password in a safe place offline.
Password Managers Have Been Hacked in the Past
Even though password managers are incredibly secure, they have been hacked in the past. For example, LastPass was hacked in 2015 and OneLogin in 2017. Keep in mind that customer passwords were never revealed during the hacks, but it’s not exactly reassuring. Luckily, there have been no major hacks in recent years.
Alternatives to Using Password Managers
Even though password managers might not be perfect, they can still help to improve your online security, while helping you keep track of all your passwords. However, you may not want to invest money into a separate password manager. Luckily, there are a few other services you can use that bundle password management features, like anti-virus software, VPNs, and tools that might already be installed on your computer. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best password manager alternatives.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs available. With your VPN subscription, you also get access to a password manager called Keys. It’s very easy to use, can generate strong passwords, and lets you store an unlimited number of items on an unlimited number of devices. It also includes more advanced features like password health monitoring and uses zero-knowledge encryption for an added layer of password protection.
- Built-in VPN when used with an active ExpressVPN subscription (sold separately)
- Connect to multiple VPN locations simultaneously
- When the VPN is in use, enjoy speeds of up to 180 Mbps for multiple devices at once
- ExpressVPN protection 24/7 for any connected device
- Covers up to 1,600 sq. ft.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a very popular antivirus software that’s known for being very advanced, yet lightweight and won’t slow down your system. Beyond its virus and malware protection, it’s equipped with an advanced password manager. The password manager is easy to use and is available as a browser extension for macOS and Windows. Plus, you can download the mobile app for both iOS and Android.
- Rated #1 by PC Mag for 2023
- Compatible with Windows (8.0, 8.1, 10, and 11), Mac (macOS X Yosemite 10.10 and later), iOS (11.2 and later), and Android (5.0 and later)
- Dedicated browser secures your online transactions
- Advanced features like web protection tools, parental controls, file shredder, firewall, VPN, and anti-tracker
- Will not automatically renew
Credential Manager (Windows)
Windows 10 and 11 users have a built-in password management tool called Credential Manager. This tool lets you store and manage your passwords and other login information directly on your PC. This free tool can save both web credentials and Windows credentials, for local files and folders. It’s free and easy to use, however, any user with admin access can see your passwords, so it’s not the most secure option available.
iCloud Keychain
If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then you have a built-in password manager called iCloud Keychain. It’s already built into your devices, so there’s no need to install or pay for anything extra. Simply typing in a password into a web form will prompt the software to activate. It will autogenerate a password for you, or you can type in your own and automatically save it. All of your password data is synced across iCloud using end-to-end encryption.
Wrapping Up: Reasons to Avoid a New Password Manager
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what password managers do and a few reasons you may want to avoid using a password manager. Even though there are some security issues with most password managers, the benefits outweigh the cons in most cases. Check out bundled services like VPNs and antivirus programs that provide additional security and often include password management as part of their services. Also keep in mind free credential managers and keychains that you may already have installed on your devices. If you still have the need for a password manager, make sure you choose one that’s high-quality and that you understand their flaws so you can further protect yourself.
- ExpressVPN Aircove Wi-Fi 6 Router
- Built-in VPN when used with an active ExpressVPN subscription (sold separately)
- Connect to multiple VPN locations simultaneously
- When the VPN is in use, enjoy speeds of up to 180 Mbps for multiple devices at once
- ExpressVPN protection 24/7 for any connected device
- Covers up to 1,600 sq. ft.
- Bitdefender Total Security 2023 – Complete Antivirus and Internet Security Suite – 5 Devices | 2 year Subscription | PC/Mac | Activation Code by Mail
- Rated #1 by PC Mag for 2023
- Compatible with Windows (8.0, 8.1, 10, and 11), Mac (macOS X Yosemite 10.10 and later), iOS (11.2 and later), and Android (5.0 and later)
- Dedicated browser secures your online transactions
- Advanced features like web protection tools, parental controls, file shredder, firewall, VPN, and anti-tracker
- Will not automatically renew
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