Banking. Social media. Your email. All of them need a strong password. If they don’t have one, your account is going to be way easier for a hacker to break into. And trust us, when that happens, it’s not much fun. It’s stressful and takes ages to sort out. Luckily, we’re here to help you lock down your accounts and avoid that happening entirely.
But managing loads of different passwords for different sites can get overwhelming quick. So, you need a way to make this nice and simple. Which is exactly where built-in password managers come in. In this guide, we’re going to cover some of the best options out there for iOS and Android, along with a few general tips and pointers that you don’t want to miss. Let’s get started…
Password manager apps.
- Apple Passwords (iOS) – Apple’s built-in password manager securely stores, syncs, and auto-fills your login details across all your Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It also generates strong passwords for you and alerts you if any saved credentials have been compromised. Plus, with iCloud Keychain integration, your passwords stay up to date across your devices. No need to download anything extra—it’s already part of iOS.
- Google Password Manager (Android) – Google’s password manager works across your Google services and Chrome, storing and auto-filling login credentials whenever needed. If you’re a Samsung user, it even supports biometric authentication for added security.
- 1Password – A feature-rich password manager that lets you store logins, credit card details, and secure notes. It supports biometric authentication and cross-platform syncing, making it great for those using multiple devices across different ecosystems.
Download for iOS / Download for Android
- Dashlane – Known for its sleek interface and robust security features, Dashlane offers password storage, dark web monitoring, and a built-in VPN for added privacy. It also provides an easy-to-use password-sharing feature.
Download for iOS / Download for Android
Best password management tips.
- Use a unique, complex password for each account – It might sound obvious, but don’t use the word ‘password’. And don’t use the year you were born either. Your password should ideally be a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Throw in a really random combination and it’ll be even harder to guess.
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) – This’ll add another layer of security to your accounts, making them a tougher nut to crack – even if someone manages to get hold of your password. With 2FA, you’ll need to provide a second way to verify yourself, like a code that’s sent to your phone (to go alongside your password) before you can login.
- Update your passwords (and avoid reusing old ones) – If you change up your passwords regularly, you’ll keep any potential hackers on their toes. Aim to update them every few months and make sure they’re completely fresh each time. Try not to use an old one as well. If it’s been compromised in the past (which can happen if it was too basic), using it again will put that account at risk.
Extra security hints.
- Don’t write down your passwords or save them in unsecure spots – Let’s say you write them down in your notebook and accidentally leave it in the café. You’re basically giving hackers the key to your front door. Instead, pop your passwords in a password manager and store them securely for when you need them. It’s the done thing nowadays.
- Be wary of phishing attacks – Lot’s of people fall for these hook, line and sinker. It’s easy to see why though. A phishing attack is where someone tries to steal your personal info by tricking you into giving it out. So, think twice when you get an email, text or website asking for your login details. And always verify the source before you type them in and look out for signs of phishing. Whether that’s a dodgy URL or an unexpected message completely out of the blue.
- Store backup recovery codes safely – If you ever lose access to an account, having backup recovery codes can be a life saver. Save them in a secure location – like a password protected file - or if you want to go to full Fort Knox mode, a physical safe works too. That way, they won’t be stolen without a struggle.
By following this advice you’ll be able to simplify any password management – hooray for less admin - and dodge any digital threats too. Got any great password management tips we haven’t mentioned though? Tell us about them in the comments down below!
