Dream Interpretation of Udilova 

Promotion password managers with cloud synchronization. Password managers (comparative review). Protection for all passwords

Over the past year, 4.2 billion passwords have been stolen. This out-of-the-ordinary figure should concern anyone who deals with the Internet. The US Federal Trade Commission has analyzed what happens to stolen credentials. Once stolen logins to Facebook, Google, Netflix and online banking are published on a hacker forum, on average it takes only nine minutes before the first attempt to log into your account. Since two out of three users use the same password for multiple services, a stolen key opens many doors at once.

The above number also demonstrates that it is no longer just individual users who fall for a phishing email who can have their passwords stolen. Hackers have targeted large services, which promises them huge profits. Large IT concerns such as Yahoo! and Uber.

Generating strong passwords

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology has made adjustments to the rules for creating secure codes. Several innovations:
Length: Strength depends on the length of the password. The longer it is, the better.
No logic: A meaningless set of letters is more reliable than you might think. But the password shouldn't be a digital jumble.
Uniqueness: Use the password only once.
Examination: With the Pwned Passwords online service, you will find out if your passwords are being used by someone else or have been published.
Change if necessary: If user data is stolen from the servers of any service whose client you are, change your password.

Until recently, studies estimated an average of 20–30 password-protected accounts per user. Recent data suggests a much higher number. A password manager used for corporate purposes stores an average of 191 passwords for business clients. But even those with only ten accounts practically do not adhere to the basic rule of security: a password cannot be used more than once.

Protection for all passwords

This is precisely the problem that the ten password managers we tested help solve, acting as a vault for secure passwords and working on Android, iOS, and Windows. They store all passwords centrally in one place. These products use powerful AES encryption with a virtually uncrackable key length of 256 bits to protect your safe. Such a database can only be unlocked with the correct master password. Thus, the user does not need to remember the password for each of his accounts, but only the master password that opens the safe with all other codes.


At the same time, the products we tested work according to two different principles: eight managers, including the top three LastPass, 1Password and Dashlane, are online services. An encrypted password database is stored in the service provider's computer centers.

This is the most convenient solution for the user, since passwords are used not only on a desktop computer, but also on smartphones and tablets. In this case, to start synchronization, you just need to enter your login and master password. All codes will be at your fingertips anytime and anywhere. However, such services require you to trust the provider and be convinced that he really does not have the master password and there is no way to gain access to the database in any other way.


The second operating principle chosen by the developers of such a popular open source program as KeePass, as well as by Steganos for their password manager, is local storage of a password database.

We recommend starting with PC storage and only then adding mobile devices. The advantage of both local solutions is that the user retains full control of the safe. For this reason, we awarded KeePass a perfect score in the Security category. This method is less convenient, since you will have to think about how to get passwords from your smartphone yourself. However, KeePass is the only program that can interact with various applications that read this database format.

For example, during testing we chose KeePass2Android (Android) and MiniKeePass (iOS). All other password managers already come bundled with suitable applications.

Double master password protection

The security of the password manager is based on the master password (see block on the right). Therefore, we do not understand why half of the participants in our testing accept even such basic codes as “1234abcd”.

Only 1Password, Dashlane, and products from well-known antivirus developers such as F-Secure, Kaspersky and Avira require more complex master passwords. It is equally important to protect your safe by other means - in this regard, the tools from antivirus experts are frankly shoddy.

Selecting a master password

Using suggestions. A funny line from a Netflix series or your grandmother's saying would be a great base for your password. You can also turn to your hobby. The phrase “I love read Chip magazine” might be a good idea.

Use of uppercase and lowercase letters. Correct spelling -
rather a disadvantage for the password. "ILovereadChipMagazine" looks better from a security standpoint.

Embedding special characters. You can also add a couple of special characters: “ILove/readChipMagazine2018$”.

Double authentication. Be sure to enable two-factor authentication to further secure access to your password manager.

All good dispatchers are integrated, that is, in addition to the master password, you must enter a second factor to access the storage. In this case, you can rest assured that even if the master password along with the database falls into the wrong hands, access to it will still be denied.

Regardless of this, the overall safety of dispatchers is at a high level. The leaders of our test, LastPass, Dashlane and Keeper Security, captivate with well-implemented checks of the strength of passwords used, calculate duplicates and even offer backup options. All products not only store credentials, but also create secure passwords - each of them has its own generator integrated.

However, in practice their technologies differ: LastPass, KeePass and Avira Password Manager do the best job. Their generators are impossible to miss, and in addition, they clearly display the password length. The mobile solution from Kaspersky is not so convenient: there is no generator in mobile applications, so strong passwords can only be created in the desktop version.

Credentials for applications and web services


In terms of ease of management, web services lead the way, and we are not just talking about simplified synchronization. In particular, 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane demonstrate how to build apps the right way and keep up with the latest technology. For example, all three providers were very quick to adapt their apps to the Face ID scanner on the iPhone X. On top of that, biometric unlocking is much more convenient than entering long master passwords.


All password managers offer autofill credentials in your browser to log into a website. This method does not work for Windows programs and applications on smartphones and tablets. The easiest way here is to copy and paste the data into the appropriate fields. Android, unlike iOS, makes this easy. For Apple's system, application developers need to integrate special functions to work with password managers. At least for our leaders - LastPass, 1Password and Dashlane - there is a long list of supported apps that don't require a clipboard.

All solutions have a search function to quickly discover data. However, only 1Password, KeePass and Steganos allow you to integrate multiple databases, thanks to which the user can, for example, separate personal and work accounts. The “Favorites” function is also very useful for displaying frequently used passwords - data marked in this way is always at the top of the list.

Logging into Windows without a password

Password managers store all credentials. The Windows login situation is more complicated because you don't have access to the safe yet. Microsoft has integrated the Windows Hello function into the Top Ten, thanks to which user authentication can be carried out by scanning a fingerprint, facial recognition or iris recognition. Devices like , already have the technical means, since a regular webcam is not enough.

Better than browser storage

All participants in our test integrate into the Chrome and Firefox browsers, but only four test participants can cope with Microsoft Edge: LastPass, 1Password, Keeper Security and True Key. Speaking of browsers, their built-in managers are just storage and lack important additional functions - for example, a password generator. We recommend turning to special tools to avoid losing peace and sleep due to the terrifying news of millions of stolen credentials.

To determine the best password manager, we will traditionally rely on the opinions of users of the Android application store and Google Play. This is the simplest and most objective criterion. As Gagarin said, let's go!

Important! We only took free applications.

1. KeePassDroid - 4.6

Traditionally, for this kind of application, here you can create groups, add your own notes, even add password files and the like.

It is important that there is a function for generating complex passwords. Thanks to KeePassDroid, you won't need to come up with a strong password - just generate it in the program. If you wish, you can change a couple of symbols to make it even more reliable.

There is also a function for filling out login and password fields on certain sites and programs. Overall, a very high-quality application!

2. LastPass Password Manager - 4.6

Another very secure storage that can generate passwords.

LastPass Password Manager's interface is simpler and friendlier than KeePassDroid's. It also has some unique features such as its own browser.

Using the program is very simple - first the user enters one password for the application, and it, in turn, puts them wherever it can according to the data entered by the user. The storage can contain not just passwords, but full-fledged accounts.

3. Enpass password manager - 4.6

Enpass password manager is a whole small ecosystem. There are programs for Mac, Windows and Linux. They all use the same account, which is very convenient.

There are no monetary fees, but there is automatic filling of password fields in browsers and other applications.

It is important that it supports working with fingerprints. This is the most reliable way to protect yourself from unauthorized access.

It is also possible to backup all information that is in Enpass password manager. Great program!

4. PasswordSafe and manager - 4.6

The main feature of this password storage is the use of Advanced Encryption (AES) 256bit encoding. This ensures a high degree of reliability in storing all your information.

It is important that PasswordSafe does not provide Internet access at all. Accordingly, you can hack it (theoretically) only from your smartphone or tablet. It is impossible to gain unauthorized access remotely. And the use of the application is traditional - one password for the program, and it itself will enter all other logins and passwords.

Rice. No. 4. PasswordSafe and manager

5. Dashlane Password Manager - 4.6

We can say about this application that it is very fast. If when using other managers, logging into accounts may be slightly slower due to the program’s operation, here everything happens much faster.

There is a separate service for electronic payments, which is very important, because transferring money on the Internet has become an integral part of our daily life.

There is also a password generation function. True, there is a significant drawback for many - Dashlane Password Manager is not translated into Russian. There are only English, Spanish and French versions. However, the interface is quite simple and anyone can easily understand it.

6. Bitwarden - Password Manager - 4.7

A very beautiful and multifunctional application that allows you to conveniently store all passwords in one place. It has a separate extension that integrates into Chrome and other programs.

To encrypt user data, the AES-256 and PBKDF2 SHA-256 algorithms are used here. Today they are considered more than reliable. Moreover, Bitwarden is open source. However, no one can hack it to gain access to users' information.

Bitwarden is considered one of the most reliable applications in this category.

Rice. No. 6. Bitwarden - Password Manager

7. Password manager - SmartWho Keeper - 4.7

Another really beautiful and multifunctional program that makes it possible to store all passwords in one place and configure their automatic entry into the appropriate fields.

There is also one common password for the program, which you will still need to remember and not lose.

SmartWho Keeper uses AES 256 encryption. It is noteworthy that there are separate categories and, accordingly, features for storing certain types of data, for example, passport, files, banking information, insurance number, and so on. There are separate templates for all this.

Rice. No. 7. Password Manager - SmartWho Keeper

8. Keepass2Android - 4.7

A very popular program, perhaps the most popular in this TOP. But its rating does not allow us to put Keepass2Android in the first position of the rating.

This application even has its own file format - kdbx. The user can write all his data into such files, and then store them in some separate place or on storage media (flash drive, disk, cloud, and so on).

With kdbx you can import and export data from one device to another. Keepass2Android has access to cloud storage.

There is also Keepass2Android Offline, which works without an Internet connection. If this option suits you better, and it is, of course, more reliable, use it.

9. Password Saver - Store passwords simply and securely - 4.7

This is a more "toy" application. Of course, it performs all the stated functions and is extremely easy to use, but its interface looks somewhat cartoonish, childish. It seems that the development was carried out by novice developers who did not involve designers in the work. But this is a subjective opinion. In any case, all passwords are stored in a very secure place.

The AES algorithm is also used for encryption, fingerprint support is supported, there is a password generator and a backup function. The latter can be saved in cloud storage.

Rice. No. 9. Password Saver - Store passwords simply and securely

The only program on the list that has a rating of 5. And this five is very solid!

Yes, the application appeared quite recently and some will rightly note that it needs to be tested at a distance, that is, wait a while. But PasswordKeeper has such functions and features that make you think that even in a year the rating will not become much lower.

For example, you can generate a password of 100 characters. It is simply impossible to find such a combination - the chances of guessing or choosing such a combination are too low.

It also supports fingerprinting and uses AES 256 encryption. After closing the program, the RAM is cleared so that even if an attacker picks up your device, he will not be able to obtain data from PasswordKeeper.

The average user spends a lot of time entering logins and passwords and filling out various web forms. In order not to get confused in dozens and hundreds of passwords and to save time on authorizations and entering personal information on different sites, it is convenient to use a password manager. When working with such programs, you will have to remember one master password, and all the others will be under reliable cryptographic protection and always at hand.

Best Password Managers

KeepPass Password Safe

Undoubtedly the best utility to date

KeePass manager consistently ranks first in ratings. Encryption is performed using the AES-256 algorithm, traditional for such programs, however, it is easy to strengthen the cryptographic protection by multi-pass key conversion. It is almost impossible to hack KeePass using the brute-force method. Considering the extraordinary capabilities of the utility, it is not surprising that it has many followers: a number of programs use KeePass databases and program code fragments, some copy the functionality.

Help: KeePass ver. 1.x only works under Windows operating systems. Ver 2.x - multi-platform, works via the .NET Framework with Windows, Linux, MacOS X. Password databases are not backward compatible, but it is possible to export/import.

  • encryption algorithm: AES-256;
  • multi-pass key encryption function (additional brute-force protection);
  • master password access;
  • open source (GPL 2.0);
  • platforms: Windows, Linux, MacOS X, portable;
  • database synchronization (local media, including flash drives, Dropbox and others).

There are KeePass clients for many other platforms: iOS, Blackberry, WM Classic, J2ME, Android, Windows Phone 7 (for a complete list, see the KeePass website).

A number of third-party programs use KeePass password databases (for example, KeePass X for Linux and MacOS X). KyPass (iOS) can work with KeePass databases directly via the cloud (Dropbox).

Flaws:

  • There is no backward compatibility between database versions 2.x and 1.x (however, it is possible to import/export from one version to another).

Cost: free

Official website: keepass.info

RoboForm

A very serious tool, and also free for individuals.

A program for automatically filling out forms on web pages and a password manager. Despite the fact that the password storage function is secondary, the utility is considered one of the best password managers. Developed since 1999 by the private company Siber Systems (USA). There is a paid version, but additional features are available free of charge (Freemium license) for individuals.

Key features, advantages:

  • master password access;
  • encryption by the client module (without server participation);
  • cryptographic algorithms: AES-256 + PBKDF2, DES/3-DES, RC6, Blowfish;
  • synchronization via the cloud;
  • automatic filling of electronic forms;
  • integration with all popular browsers: IE, Opera, Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Safari, SeaMonkey, Flock;
  • ability to run from a flash drive;
  • backup;
  • data can be stored online in RoboForm Online secure storage;
  • supported platforms: Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Android.

Cost: free (under Freemium license)

Official website: roboform.com/ru

eWallet

eWallet is very convenient for users of online banking services, but the application is paid

The first paid manager of passwords and other confidential information from our rating. There are desktop versions for Mac and Windows, as well as clients for a number of mobile platforms (for Android - in development, current version: view only). Despite some shortcomings, it copes with the password storage function “excellently”. Convenient for payments via the Internet and other online banking operations.

Key information, benefits:

  • developer: Ilium Software;
  • encryption: AES-256;
  • optimization for online banking;
  • supported platforms: Windows, MacOS, a number of mobile platforms (iOS, BlackBerry and others).

Flaws:

  • there is no provision for storing data in the cloud, only on local media;
  • synchronization between two PCs only manually*.

*Synchronization Mac OS X -> iOS via WiFi and iTunes; Win -> WM Classic: via ActiveSync; Win -> BlackBerry: via BlackBerry Desktop.

Cost: depends on the platform (Windows and MacOS: from $9.99)

Official website: iliumsoft.com/ewallet

LastPass

Compared to competing applications, it is quite large in size

As with most other managers, access is provided using a master password. Despite its advanced functionality, the program is free, although there is a paid premium version. Convenient storage of passwords and form data, use of cloud technologies, works with PCs and mobile devices (the latter via a browser).

  • developer: Joseph Siegrist, LastPass company;
  • cryptography: AES-256;
  • plugins for major browsers (IE, Safari, Maxthon, Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Microsoft Edge) and a java-script bookmarklet for other browsers;
  • mobile access via browser;
  • the ability to maintain a digital archive;
  • convenient synchronization between devices and browsers;
  • quick access to passwords and other account data;
  • flexible settings of functionality and graphical interface;
  • use of the “cloud” (LastPass storage);
  • shared access to a database of passwords and online form data.

Flaws:

  • not the smallest size compared to competing software (about 16 MB);
  • potential threat to privacy when stored in the cloud.

Cost: free, there is a premium version (from $2/month) and a business version

Official website: lastpass.com/ru

1Password

The most expensive application presented in the review

One of the best, but quite expensive password and other confidential information manager for Mac, Windows PC and mobile devices. Data can be stored in the cloud and locally. The virtual vault is protected by a master password, like most other password managers.

Key information and benefits:

  • developer: AgileBits;
  • cryptography: PBKDF2, AES-256;
  • language: multi-language support;
  • supported platforms: MacOS (from Sierra), Windows (from Windows 7), cross-platform solution (browser plugins), iOS (from 11), Android (from 5.0);
  • synchronization: Dropbox (all versions of 1Password), WiFi (MacOS/iOS), iCloud (iOS).

Flaws:

  • not supported by Windows up to Windows 7 (in this case you should use a browser extension);
  • high cost.

Cost: 30-day trial, paid version: from $39.99 (Windows) and from $59.99 (MacOS)

DashLane

Not the most famous program in the Russian segment of the Internet

Password manager + automatic form filling on websites + secure digital wallet. Not the most famous program of this class in Runet, but quite popular in the English-speaking segment of the network. All user data is automatically saved in secure online storage. It works, like most similar programs, with a master password.

Key information and benefits:

  • developer: DashLane company;
  • encryption: AES-256;
  • supported platforms: MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS;
  • automatic authorization and filling out forms on web pages;
  • password generator + weak combination detector;
  • function of changing all passwords simultaneously in one click;
  • multilingual support;
  • it is possible to work from several accounts simultaneously;
  • secure backup/restore/synchronization;
  • synchronization of an unlimited number of devices on different platforms;
  • two-level authentication.

Flaws:

  • Lenovo Yoga Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro may have problems displaying fonts.

License: proprietary

Official website: dashlane.com/

Scarabey

Password manager with the most simplified interface and the ability to run from a flash drive without installation

Compact password manager with a simple interface. Fills out web forms with login and password in one click. Allows you to enter data by simply dragging and dropping into any fields. Can work from a flash drive without installation.

Key information and benefits:

  • developer: Alnichas;
  • cryptography: AES-256;
  • supported platforms: Windows, browser integration;
  • support for multi-user mode;
  • Browser support: IE, Maxthon, Avant Browser, Netscape, Net Captor;
  • customizable password generator;
  • support for virtual keyboard to protect against keyloggers;
  • no installation required when running from a flash drive;
  • minimizes to tray with the ability to simultaneously disable automatic filling;
  • intuitive interface;
  • quick data viewing function;
  • automatic custom backup;
  • There is a Russian version (including Russian-language localization of the official website).

Flaws:

  • less opportunities than those of the ranking leaders.

Cost: free + paid version from 695 rubles/1 license

Download from the official website: alnichas.info/download_ru.html

Other programs

It is physically impossible to list all noteworthy password managers in one review. We talked about several of the most popular ones, but many analogues are in no way inferior to them. If you don’t like any of the options described, pay attention to the following programs:

  • Password Boss: The level of protection of this manager is comparable to the protection of government and banking data. Solid cryptographic protection is complemented by two-level authentication and authorization with SMS confirmation.
  • Sticky Password: A convenient password keeper with biometric authentication (mobile devices only).
  • Personal Passworder: Russian-language utility with 448-bit encryption using BlowFish technology.
  • True Key: password manager from Intel with biometric facial authentication.

Please note that although all programs from the main list can be downloaded for free, you will have to pay extra for the additional functionality of most of them.

If you actively use Internet banking, conduct confidential business correspondence, store important information in cloud storage, you need all this to be reliably protected. Password managers will help you solve this problem.

How to store passwords for countless services without going crazy?

Once you have proven to your mother that using the same password when registering on different sites is not secure, the question arises, where to store all the login passwords? And this is where password managers come to the rescue. These are special programs for securely storing passwords and access codes. We propose to consider the rating of password managers, their disadvantages and advantages.

LastPass

LastPass can be used to store credit card numbers, bank accounts, and passwords. Additionally, access to information is possible for persons who have permission to do so. The ability to control passwords of employees of organizations or members of the same family has been implemented. Software and hardware multi-factor authentication is supported. Convenient password database management via the web interface on the LastPass website. Encryption is based on the AES-256 algorithm.

The program provides simple and convenient cross-platform access to passwords from any browser. The application really works everywhere: Windows, Linux, Mac, a mobile version has been developed for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry.

Pros

  • Security check to find the most secure passwords
  • Search for unprotected objects on a PC
  • Automatic synchronization

Cons

  • Partially Russified interface
  • Mobile applications are implemented only on a paid basis
  • In general, the program is free, but you have to pay for additional features

Price

  • free version on one device
  • from $2 per user per month allows you to synchronize work with all gadgets

Kaspersky Password Manager

A password manager capable of storing a variety of personal and digital information. In addition to passwords, it saves passport data, information about accounts and bank cards. Supports various platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS, all data is synchronized.

Intended for individual use. Imports all passwords previously saved in browsers. The program has a convenient search system.

Pros

  • Automatic password strength check
  • Password generator
  • Autofill and autologin

Cons

  • No corporate offers
  • No import from other password managers
  • No two-factor authentication

Price

  • free test mode on one device with the ability to store up to 15 passwords
  • from $14.99 per year, unlimited number of devices

Dashlane Password Manager

One of the leaders in password managers monitors and changes passwords in one click. After installation, the program finds security weaknesses and prompts you to change passwords from time to time for better data security. When hacked sites are detected, it warns the user about the need to change the password. The password change procedure itself takes just a couple of clicks. The program stores credit card numbers, bank accounts, and even purchase receipts from online stores, and details expenses.

The program has an emergency communication function. Performs two-factor authentication. Allows you to change passwords on 160 of the most popular network resources (Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Lindekln, etc.). It is possible to share your password with another user.

Pros

  • Ease of changing passwords
  • Security Risk Notice

Cons

  • Inability to use the program for Apple products
  • Lack of Russian language in the interface
  • Automatic replacement of some entered characters in passwords

Price

  • free plan for one device (includes 30 days of premium plan)
  • from $3.33 per month for one user for all devices

1Password

A convenient manager for working with passwords. Supported by various shells: iOS, Mac, Windows, Android. The system is supported by all major browsers. The form is automatically filled out. Synchronizes via wifi, icloud or even dropbox. The system monitors hacking attempts, tracks and reports the need to update the password.

You can divide passwords into categories. Implemented the ability to share a folder with passwords for a third party without worrying that an unauthorized user will see all the other passwords. The program has a mobile version. Encryption is carried out using the AES-256 algorithm. Passwords are not stored in the cloud, but on storage media. The clipboard is cleared at certain intervals.

Pros

  • Simplicity and convenience of the interface
  • No cloud storage
  • Complex password generator
  • Cross-platform

Cons

  • High cost
  • Lack of Russian-language interface

Price

  • 30 days of free use, and then payment
  • from $2.99 ​​per month per user

RoboForm

One of the oldest password managers. It differs from the others in that it allows users to log in to several sites at the same time. Supported by all browsers.

Data storage is possible in the cloud or locally on one PC. In the second case, the ability to access the password manager from mobile devices or other computers disappears. The database is encrypted using the AES-256 standard. When using cloud technology, synchronization with other devices is possible. Each entry has additional protection. A master password is required to retrieve all data. The portable version of the program can be stored on a flash drive.

Pros

  • Password generator
  • Availability of backups
  • Filling long forms in one click

Cons

  • No free version
  • The presence of many small bugs

Price

  • free plan
  • from 895 rubles per month for one user
  • There are discounts if you pay for several months
  • There are family and business rates

KeepPass

One of the first free password managers. It is open source. Compatible with almost all browsers and operating systems. Perfect for individual use. Encryption using AES-256 algorithm. Used to store and generate passwords. It has a number of ready-made plugins: for encryption, synchronization, generation of easy-to-remember passwords.

Multi-pass key transformation is used. This is a reliable resource for storing passwords. Syncs using Dropbox. All records are copied, distributed into categories, and searches by records are possible.

Pros

  • Reliability
  • Automatic data entry
  • Lock button

Cons

  • Outdated and complex interface
  • Lack of versatility

Price

KeePass is a free program

When choosing the best password manager, you can rely on the opinions of other people, or you can try everything yourself. Everyone decides this issue for themselves. The main thing is not to forget about the protection of information and personal data. You can find a list of other password managers.

If you are reading this magazine, you are probably aware of the basic rules of Internet safety and follow them. You come up with a separate password for each account and try to use the most complex combinations. I'm sure you've been working with some kind of password manager for a long time. But even this is not enough - after all, you most likely have a bunch of computers, browsers and mobile devices. And after every loud hack, you rush to change everything you can. How can you make your life a little easier?

A modern password manager is no longer just a program for storing passwords in encrypted form. Such a program requires support for mobile platforms, browser plugins, methods for secure synchronization of user data, and much more. The most advanced programs can, for example, warn the user that something has been hacked somewhere and he needs to change his password. In general, the space for the imagination of developers is enormous, and it is not surprising that some of the managers presented in the review are successfully sold for tens of dollars.

The password database is encrypted using symmetric AES-256, and the master password is hashed with SHA-256. For synchronization, they usually use either a good old flash drive or one of the cloud services, such as Dropbox. Some mobile clients, by the way, can work with Dropbox storage automatically.

KeePass has a bunch of plugins and additional tools: utilities for importing/exporting passwords from the database, browser plugins that allow you to automatically fill out login forms, and additional backup and synchronization tools. All this is collected on a separate page.

Unfortunately, such a zoo of clients also has its downsides. Currently there are two versions (1 and 2) of the database in use, which are incompatible with each other. However, there are clients that support only one of the versions. Despite the fact that the main application is free, there are also paid clients, for example for iOS. As often happens with such projects, the interface for some clients leaves much to be desired.

  • Windows, Mac
  • Android, iOS

This client from AgileBits has already earned popularity among many users. The first thing you encounter when working with it is an incredibly thoughtful and user-friendly interface. When adding a new web service, the program automatically downloads its icon and takes a screenshot of the main page.

The application also comes with the ability to install browser clients. They allow you to automatically add new passwords to the database (similar to the password memory functions built into the browser), as well as auto-fill login forms.

The database, starting this year, is now encrypted with AES-256. There are two options available for synchronization: Dropbox and iCloud. Both the app and the plugins also include a handy secure password generator.

Since the developer came from the world of Apple, there are some nuances. For example, high price: a desktop application costs about $50.

Under Linux there is no client at all, and on Android 1Password can only view passwords, and not edit them or add new ones.

Strip

  • Mac,Win
  • Android, iOS

Strip is another interesting password manager from Zetetic. Simple and lightweight, it does everything you need from a password manager, but nothing more. Supports Windows and OS X platforms. The list of mobile platforms includes: Android and iOS.

The password database is stored in SQLite and is encrypted with AES-256 using the SQLCipher add-on. Synchronization between clients occurs either through cloud storage (your choice: Google Drive or Dropbox) or via Wi-Fi. The application's clients are paid, but the price (unlike 1Password, for example) is quite reasonable: mobile clients cost $5, desktop clients cost $10.

Among the obvious disadvantages, it can be noted that at the moment there is no possibility of integrating Strip with browsers for automatic password entry - a very useful functionality and protection against keyloggers. However, the authors report that work on additions is in full swing, so after a while we can expect a fully functional password manager.

Also on the developer forum it was mentioned about plans to launch a Linux application.

  • Mac,Win
  • Android, iOS

Dashlane is a fairly young password manager with an active desire to be the best and most secure among its kind. Indeed, it has a very nice interface, support for various operating systems (unfortunately, Linux is also out of date here) and an adequate price.

Passwords in the database are stored encrypted with AES-256. It is possible to synchronize through your own Dashlane cloud. One of the coolest features is the ability to use two-factor authentication via Google Authenticator, which allows you to increase data security. There are also all sorts of nice little things, such as a security dashboard that displays summary information on passwords, or rather strict requirements for the master password (different case, numbers, at least eight characters). There is also the possibility of web access to passwords.

The standard package also includes browser plugins that work in the usual way - allowing you to automatically fill out known forms and save the results of entered passwords.

The company's pricing policy is also interesting. Firstly, all installed applications are free, but services for using the service are paid for. Secondly, there is a free tariff plan (without synchronization, backups and web access), and there is a premium plan that costs a reasonable $20 per year.

The disadvantages include the lack of a full-fledged client for Linux and a slightly annoying logo in each input field, which is added by the browser plugin.

  • Mac, Win, Linux
  • Android, iOS, Win Phone

LastPass is a fairly old password manager. It is noteworthy that it essentially does not have a client application. All password management functionality is implemented through a web application and browser plugins. But despite this, the service is quite powerful in terms of functionality. The ability to exchange passwords with friends is available.

The password database is encrypted using AES-256 and is synchronized between the plugin storage and the LastPass server. There are also portable versions, both browser plugins and a standalone application for Windows.

It is also worth noting that native applications are available for any mobile platform (including webOS or Symbian). Moreover, for example, for Android there is both a separate application and a plugin for the Dolphin browser.

In terms of cost, everything is simple, there is the possibility of free use, and there are additional paid functions. A premium account costs a dollar per month or $12 per year.

In general, the service remains controversial. On the one hand, it is quite widespread and it is possible to use it on all imaginable and inconceivable platforms. On the other hand, the service was developed quite a long time ago and today there is no sense of gloss inherent in younger password managers.

  • Mac, Win, Linux
  • Android, iOS, Win Phone

My1login is a startup somewhat similar to Lastpass, but with an eye toward password sharing. It is based on a web application with the ability to edit passwords, and there is a JavaScript bookmarklet to save them from forms and automatically enter them. The main killer feature of a password manager is group work with passwords: it is possible to create several accounts within an organization, and it is possible to control access of different persons to certain passwords. This use case is suitable primarily for small groups that have a certain database of details within them. In this case, for example, after a planned password change for a certain service, there will be no need to communicate new data to each user. It's still a little safer than storing the list somewhere on the wiki. It is also worth noting the interesting two-step authorization.

Unfortunately, this project does not have the extensive infrastructure inherent in “adult” password managers. There are no mobile applications, there is no way to work with the password database offline. Browser plugins are also more convenient than a bookmarklet: they themselves can be updated and implement a more convenient interface.

Therefore, let's hope that My1login will find its user and be able to fill the gaps in the service.

  • Mac, Linux
  • open source codes under GPLv3 will increase trust in the manager and help form a community of developers;
  • implementation in Python, which will allow you to make a cross-platform application for desktop clients;
  • mobile applications will allow you to work with a password database without a computer at hand;
  • synchronization via P2P will avoid the cost of maintaining the “cloud” and reduce the likelihood of a massive leak of details.

All this looks very promising, if not for one “but”: so far most of the functionality is only in the plans. At the moment, there is a good implementation that works and synchronizes under Linux and OS X. The author, in the best traditions of crowdfunding, invites interested users to donate money, allowing him to devote 100% of his working time to the project. The final goal is set at $60,000 (which, it should be noted, is quite a lot). The entire project is posted on GitHub, so you can follow the progress of development. To be fair, it should be noted that the pace of development at the moment can hardly be called inspiring.

In any case, the declared functionality looks quite tasty, so it makes sense to take a closer look at this password manager.