• Paul
• On August 14, 2017

Let’s be honest. Most of us have used the same password for years, and use it for multiple services. Until recently, I was still using a password from over ten years ago. That is, until I found out one of the sites I used had been hacked, and malicious hackers now had access to the key to some of my most important accounts. My Google account, which has thousands of important and personal emails, as well as documents including sensitive company information. My Facebook account, which left me open to potentially embarrassing activity. Numerous other accounts to which I’d connected credit cards and my PayPal account.

I had to change all my passwords, and I recognized that they needed to be unique this time. And with all the requirements to make your p@sSw0rd unique, it would be impossible to remember them all.

So I got a Windows password manager to do it for me. It made managing all my accounts possible without compromising my online security. I no longer have to memorise complex combinations, or constantly have a reset sent to my email.

But there are many password managers on the market and not all are created equal. This is what you need to look out for when choosing a password manager.

Price

Although internet security is a high priority, that does not mean you should necessarily get the most expensive password manager. Some have features that you won’t need, including business features that are useless if you’re using it for personal use only. The best managers will have multiple plans that cater to different types of users.

Number of profiles

If you’re just getting the manager for your own use, you only need one profile. But this is an important factor if you’re subscribing for your family or your business.

Computer or cloud

Many password managers store information in their cloud, which is no cause for concern. They have safety measures to keep the cloud from being accessed by any malicious sources. However, some people just feel safer with their passwords stored on their computer alone. If this is a concern for you, look into this before deciding on a password manager.

Reputation (security)

Your highest priority here is security. Some password managers have a better reputation for creating strong passwords and keeping your data safe than others. It’s important to look into reviews and past occurrences to make sure you’re getting the safest option. Unfortunately, some services have been hacked in the past, putting thousands of customers at great risk. However, just because a company has been hacked does not mean it will happen again. Look into what new measures they’ve implemented, as sometimes by learning from their mistakes they emerge stronger than ever.

Ultimately, if you go for one of the top Windows password managers, your data is probably going to be secure. You’re unlikely to be put at risk. However, each manager has its own features which cater to different users. Choose whatever caters specifically to your needs, and you’ll never have to remember a password again.