Password Management Apps

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of talk about security breaches and bugs. We recommend that you change your password immediately if you use any of the programs or services that have been recently breached (AOL, Internet Explorer, anything effected by Heartbleed Bug) and change your password every 3 months for all the other programs you use. If you use several programs you might have several passwords. Changing them on a regular basis can be frustrating, whether you try to remember them or write them down. Luckily there are password management apps out there that allow you to save all your passwords in one secure location. We scoured the Internet to find the best password management apps, and compiled a list and review of each below.

Dashlane 2.0

Pros
Dashlane is free to use on a single device. The app walks you through its features once you sign up. It generates strong passwords, rates new passwords as you type them in, and helps replace weak ones. If you have any security breaches, the app alerts you and secures your password sharing. It's available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Cons
You can only sync between your devices if you opt for the paid edition. The app offers no new browser extensions for Internet Explorer.

Last Pass 3.0

Pros
Last Pass's user interface puts notifications and queries where you're looking and you can search from the browser menu. It fills out web forms for you and allows credential sharing. It's free to download the basic version, which is available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Cons
Last Pass does not support mobile devices or allows you to sync shared credentials. You can get a family sharing option, but only if you purchase the premium plan.

Password Box

Pros
Password Box offers video tutorials and a setup task that helps new users. It automatically offers random generated passwords. You can share passwords with other users and family members and transfers credentials after your death. The basic version is free and is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Cons
You can't import browser passwords, nor does the app offer web form filling. Unlike Dashlane it doesn't offer strength rating for saved passwords. It also doesn't offer the ability to group or categorize saved credentials.

Last Pass 3.0 was named Editor's Choice by PCMAG.com, and is the easiest password management app to navigate. You can look at each password management app and find the one that suits your needs by clicking on the names of the apps above. Below are some password tips to help get you started on managing your passwords more effectively.

Password Tips

• Use upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Change your passwords every 3 months.
• Don't use the same password for everything.
• Don't use names of children, pets, or significant others.
• Use a password management tool like the ones listed above to help your remember your passwords.

Do you have questions? Or do you have experience with a password manager? Let us know by leaving a comment below.