Still using “123456” as a password for everything? First, stop that (it’s very silly). Then choose one of these apps to sort out your security woes.

Like trips to the dentist, password management is a grudge task. But it’s important, especially with the growing number of cyberattacks making headlines. What does a good password manager do? It not only stores your existing passwords in an encrypted, digital list, but it helps suggest good ones and ensures you’re not (heaven forbid) using the same password for every site you visit or service you use.

1Password

Very similar to LastPass, 1Password one ups it with a feature called “watchtower” that keeps track of known breaches to services and alerts you should you have an account with any of them (and, therefore, a password in need of changing). The interface is slick and intuitive, and you can store notes, credit card details or other sensitive information in it should you wish to. The only real gripe to be levelled against 1Password is its lack of a free version – you’re looking at a monthly subscription, or a once-off payment to sync your login data on your device from the get-go.

Bitwarden 

Bitwarden is the best free password manager because it's open source and equipped with a user-friendly interface, fast uploads, and smartphone compatibility. You can use as many devices as you want without limitations, ensuring you always have access to your most sensitive information. 

Bitwarden allows you to store as many passwords as you want, with no restrictions on the number or type of passwords that can be stored. Additionally, the app will help you create secure passwords across all plans, and you can safely share them with strong encryption. 

Dashlane

Though it’s not the oldest name in the password-management game, Dashlane is one of the best. It’ll suggest strong passwords for you, lets you store your passwords on your own device in an encrypted vault (or sync them between devices) and even offers two-factor authentication (a second layer of security where a code sent to a second device, like the one-time pins your bank sends you).

But what really sets Dashlane apart from rivals is its gloriously simple interface and its financial and automation smarts. Buy anything online and you can use Dashlane to store the digital receipts, and if a site is compromised and you need to change your password for it (or you want to change your password just because) you can do so for most services without ever leaving Dashlane’s interface.

The free version will suffice for more users, and if you find yourself wanting the premium ones you can always upgrade down the line. Its fee is annual rather than monthly, which wins it additional points in our book.

LastPass

Probably the most recognisable name in password management, LastPass offers apps for laptops or mobile devices. Create one (preferably really strong) a password for it, and it’ll remember (and autocomplete) passwords for every website or app you use that requires one. Do make sure to remember that one strong password though, won’t you? LastPass will even import saved passwords from your web browser and can generate extremely strong (in other words, lengthy and varied) passwords for you. It’ll also nudge you if you try to use the same password for more than one thing. But you wouldn’t do that, would you? Syncing between desktop and mobile requires a subscription, but the basic features are free and good enough for regular Joes like you and me who’re just looking to be a little more security conscious online.

Stay protected 

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