Given the current specifics of the Internet, even the most unpretentious users are forced to use certain programs to store passwords.

Even with a very limited number of visited sites, for almost every person actively using the capabilities of the World Wide Web, there are several dozen accounts on various resources.

It is almost impossible to remember such a large number of passwords.

For many people, such a loss can cause serious damage in the form of leakage of personal correspondence or loss of access to an electronic wallet.

Therefore, a reliable program that stores all passwords in one place and at the same time protects them using an encryption algorithm is an essential tool on a computer.

However, there are dozens of products in this field that have different reputations and technical features, and it is very difficult to choose the right one among them.

This task is especially complicated for inexperienced users who have little idea of ​​what encryption methods, trusted connection, dictionary search, etc. are.

This review is focused on them, but it will also be able to find a lot of useful information for those who consider themselves savvy in matters of Internet technologies.

No. 1. KeePass - OpenSource with a human face

Its main advantage is a free license, which allows you to use all the functions of the software for free.

Despite its spartan interface, this software has a wide range of features that are quite conveniently organized, which is not typical for OpenSource software.

Getting started with KeePass is easy, just follow a few simple steps:

• After installing the distribution kit, for further convenience, you can organize work with software in Russian.
  To do this, you need to download the localization file in the appropriate section of the official website and place it in the directory with the program files. Then select the View-Change Language function and select the desired item.

Advice! On this moment two branches of the program, versions 1.XX and 2.XX, are supported, and the second one is backward compatible with the first one. We recommend choosing version 2, as it has an improved encryption system and advanced data export capabilities.

• Next, you need to create new base passwords. To do this, use the File-New command on the toolbar. Here we enter the invented master password and remember it, as it will be required every time you start KeePass.
  Also in this window, you can select such additional protection measures as Key File or Windows Account.

• The working interface of KeePass is quite intuitive. You can create a new entry using the key icon with a green arrow on the toolbar or using Edit-Create Entry. Menu new record looks like that:

Advice! KeePass supports an autodial feature that can be activated using the hotkey Ctrl +Alt +A . When you press this combination, the account login fields will be filled in automatically. You can correctly configure this function in the menu of each entry by going to the Autodial tab.

• By selecting the Service-Settings function, you can customize the software for yourself. All options are described quite carefully and clearly, so if you do not take into account the complex technical issues associated with the encryption procedure, then everyone can figure it out.

Many network security professionals believe that the best program is an open source program, and the author of this review fully shares this opinion.

But for the sake of objectivity, other options for such specific software should be considered, since some options can also become not a bad decision.

No. 2. LastPass - modern design and usability

The LastPass developers approached the issue of porting to various systems: the main product is distributed as a browser add-on, which can be downloaded from the application store or from the official website.

There is a demon paid version, but it has significant limitations, in particular, it does not support synchronization on multiple devices.

To get started, you need to create a LastPass account, which will be the basis for protecting your password database.

The main advantage of this product is its visual appeal and a well-thought-out interface that captivates many users.

After installing the add-on and registering an account, you must enter your login and password in the appropriate field.

You can manage your passwords both through the web interface and through the add-on menu. This article will consider the second option, as the most popular.

Working with passwords through this manager is very convenient: when entering data in the corresponding authorization fields, the user will be prompted to make an entry in the database.

Also, special buttons will be attached to the login and password fields, giving access to some functions.

Advice! Despite the fact that the version in Russian is, as it were, present, the quality of the translation leaves much to be desired. Some menu items are translated inaccurately, and some are signed only in English. Therefore, if you want to fully understand the functionality of the program, at least superficial knowledge in English will be very helpful.

Other features of the LastPass plugin include the ability to create secure notes, templates for new entries, and generate passwords with given parameters.

These functions may seem quite useful to someone, but, according to the author of the article, they are added only to create the effect of a wide variety of tools.

The program settings, as in the previous case, are quite clear. But most of them in LastPass are related to usability and interface improvements.

It is these features that are the main reason for the popularity of this application.

Not to mention, LastPass servers were hacked in 2015, leaving hundreds of thousands of accounts in the wrong hands.

However, this incident caused only reputational losses to the developers, since in user agreement it is stated that the company does not bear any responsibility for the data provided by them.

Therefore, if you decide to give preference to this password manager, be sure to analyze other similar products, which may turn out to be at least as good.

No. 3. Dashlane is a multifunctional commercial solution

A feature of this password manager is its focus on organizing secure Internet payments.

The basic version can be downloaded for free on the official website, but like LastPass, it has significant limitations.

A commercial subscription will cost $40 per year, which may be too high a price for many users.

Cross-platform is also quite successfully implemented, allowing you to import given repository for Android, Windows, iOS and Mac.

The approach to working with Dashlane can be called unique: the software is a comprehensive solution consisting of a desktop client and an add-on for any of the popular browsers.

But often both of these components copy the functionality of each other, and only the version on the computer has some advanced features.

The working area of ​​the main program is organized quite standardly: the top toolbar, the sidebar with the most necessary functions and the workspace that occupies most of the window.

Advice! There is no Russian localization, so if you are not comfortable with the most popular languages ​​such as English, German or Spanish, then Dashlane is not for you.

The best place to start is by exporting passwords from previously used managers.

The program has wide opportunities, allowing you to losslessly move records from many different clients, including KeePass and LastPass, for which you need to use the File-Import Passwords function.

To create new entries, you must use the Password functions in the sidebar, after which they will be displayed in the Security Dashboard.

The settings (accessed via Tools-Preferences) allow you to organize the synchronization procedure, change the master password and tweak the usability and security features a bit - nothing out of the ordinary.

The browser add-on serves only as a kind of remote control. remote control and gives access to basic functions such as generating passwords, viewing and using entries, as well as the most necessary settings.

In general, this product is very similar to LastPass: for beautiful cover hiding a lot of tinsel and a lack of necessary functions.

And all this is complemented by a paid subscription, which must be renewed annually.

There are other solutions in this area, such as StickyPassword, Roboform, Password, but they are noticeably inferior to the products described in this article.

At the same time, KeePass remains the only cross-platform OpenSource solution, the reliability of which can be verified by everyone.

Video footage:

KeePass Password Safe password manager (program overview)

Overview and use of a free and convenient manager KeePass passwords Password Safe is portable.

Where to store passwords. Overview

Where to store passwords? This question is no longer relevant for me, since I store my passwords in the LatPass vault.

For security reasons, it is recommended that you create an original password each time you new registration, because otherwise an attacker, having obtained illegal access to one account, will be able to easily hack others. Remembering a lot of different logins and passwords is difficult, writing it down in a notepad is unsafe, so the most the best option offload memory looks like using special programs to store passwords. It is enough to remember just one, the main password, to gain access to all the others.

Price: Free

LastPass- famous cloud service for storing passwords, developed by the company of the same name and available on computer operating systems Linux, Windows, OS X, in stores Google Apps Play, AppStore, Store, as well as in the form of plug-ins for major browsers, for example, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. This program not only remembers identification data, but also manages them: it helps the owner generate a new password, changes the data if it notices a hacking attempt, analyzes the complexity and strength of passwords, makes sure that passwords from two different accounts weren't the same.

Key Benefits LastPass:

LastPass counts free program to store passwords, however, to use the mobile version, you need to purchase a premium account.

1Password

Price: Free+

Users 1 Password they note the simplicity of its use, as well as a very friendly and pleasant interface as important advantages of the program. However, these advantages of a program for remembering passwords entered on a computer 1 Password are not exhausted - there are others:

• Cross-platform. The program works on Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, and is also built into the most popular browsers like Opera and Firefox. However, this broad integrability is more the norm for password managers than a hallmark.
• Synchronization. Through dropbox And iCloud you can open access to the password vault to unauthorized users.
• Reliability. The database is protected by the AES-128 cipher adopted as a standard by the US Government. Data leakage is prevented by a built-in keylogger- a device that registers user actions.
• Password generation. If you need to create a new password, the password generation program does not just generate a random set of numbers and letters, but forms a combination corresponding to the parameters previously specified by the user. Such parameters are the number of characters, the presence of numbers, and even the pronunciation of the combination.
• Ability to audit security. The program will check the database for duplicate and weak passwords.

1 Password has the highest rating among analogues in the AppStore (4 stars out of 5), however, this software is not without flaws. Compared to analogues, 1 Password a rather expensive program, and for the owners to install full version have to part with a decent amount. However, even after paying this money, the user will not be able to edit the database from a mobile device.

Dashlane

Price: Free

Password manager released in 2012 Dashlane immediately gained worldwide popularity due to a simple high-quality interface, high security and the ability to automatically fill out forms on web pages. By 2016, there were several updates, and the program managed to “acquire” additional functions. What is different Dashlane?

• Two-factor authentication- a sign of the attentive attitude of developers to the reliability of their offspring.
• Purchase tracking and integration with e-wallets simplify the process of shopping through online stores.
• Availability for any device. This program for saving passwords entered on a computer works with both desktop and mobile OS, has a plugin even for Internet Explorer. Cloud synchronization of multiple devices on different platforms is possible, but only with the purchase of the Pro version.

Basic application functions Dashlane are available for free, but to access advanced features you will have to purchase a paid version. Despite the availability of a Pro version, the application has not yet been translated into Russian - this is the main reason why Dashlane not as popular among domestic users as, say, LastPass.

RoboForm

Price: Free+

RoboForm- "pioneer" and "long-liver" among password managers. The development of this program began in 1999, however, to this day, the application continues to improve and increase functionality. Those who believe that the use RoboForm now, in the presence of many worthy competitors - a sign of unhealthy conservatism, they are mistaken, because the program can really offer the user a lot of unique advantages:

• Versatility. The fact that the password manager works with all major and current operating systems will not surprise anyone. However, how many programs are known that are supported on Symbian, Palm OS, OS and even Windows 2003 ? RoboForm – one of those.
• Mobility. Not required to install RoboForm on a computer or gadget , to use it - thanks to the function RoboForm2 Go, the program can be installed on a USB flash drive and run on public computers.
• Reliability. Base RoboForm encrypted according to the AES-256 standard, which is traditionally used in banking.
• Ability to create multiple profiles. One program can be used by different people - each of the password-protected profiles will store individual information. This allows you to save money and purchase the paid version of the application "pooling up".

The manager can be downloaded for free, but then it will not be possible to store more than 10 logins / passwords. To store an unlimited amount of data, as well as cloud synchronization, you will have to purchase a paid version RoboForm Everywhere.

The average user spends a lot of time entering logins and passwords and filling out all sorts of web forms. In order not to get confused in dozens and hundreds of passwords and 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 rest will be under reliable cryptographic protection and always at hand.

The best password managers

KeePass Password Safe

Undoubtedly the best utility to date

The KeePass manager consistently ranks at the top of the rankings. Encryption is performed by the traditional AES-256 algorithm for such programs, however, it is easy to strengthen cryptoprotection with a multi-pass key conversion. Hacking KeePass using the brute-force method is almost impossible. Considering the outstanding capabilities of the utility, it is not surprising that it has a lot of followers: a number of programs use KeePass databases and fragments program code, some - copy the functionality.

Help: KeePass ver. 1.x only works under OS Windows families. Ver 2.x - multi-platform, works through the .NET Framework with Windows, Linux, MacOS X. Password databases are not backwards compatible, but there is the possibility of export / import.

• encryption algorithm: AES-256;
• multi-pass key encryption function (additional protection against brute-force);
• access by master password;
• 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).

Row third party programs uses KeePass password databases (for example, KeePass X under Linux and MacOS X). KyPass (iOS) can work with KeePass databases directly via the cloud (Dropbox).

Flaws:

• There is no backward compatibility of bases of versions 2.x with 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, moreover, free for individuals

Web form filler and password manager. Despite the fact that the password storage function is secondary, the utility is considered one of the best password managers. It has been developed since 1999 by the private company Siber Systems (USA). There is a paid version, but additional functions available free of charge (Freemium license) to individuals.

Key Features, Benefits:

• access by master password;
• encryption by the client module (without the participation of the server);
• 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;
• the ability to run from a "flash drive";
• backup;
• data can be stored online in secure RoboForm Online storage;
• supported platforms: Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Android.

Cost: Free (under Freemium license)

Official site: roboform.com/ru

eWallet

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

The first paid password manager and another 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 perfectly. 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:

• data storage in the "cloud" is not provided, only on local media;
• synchronization between two PCs only manually*.

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

Cost: platform dependent (Windows and MacOS: starting at $9.99)

Official site: iliumsoft.com/ewallet

LastPass

Compared to competing applications, it is quite large in size

As in most other managers, access is carried out using a master password. Despite the advanced functionality, the program is free, although there is also a paid premium version. Convenient storage passwords and form data, the use of cloud technologies, works with PC and mobile devices (with the latter - through 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 possibility of maintaining 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);
• sharing access to the database of passwords and Internet forms data.

Flaws:

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

Cost: Free, premium version available (from $2/month) and business version

Official site: lastpass.com/ru

1Password

The most expensive app 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. Virtual storage is protected by a master password, like most other password managers.

Key information and benefits:

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

Flaws:

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

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

Dashlane

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

Password manager + automatic filling of forms 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 stored in a 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 combinations detector;
• the function of changing all passwords simultaneously in one click;
• multilingual support;
• it is possible to work with several accounts at the same time;
• secure backup/restore/sync;
• synchronization of an unlimited number of devices on different platforms;
• two-level authentication.

Flaws:

• on Lenovo Yoga Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro may experience font rendering issues.

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

A 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 of operation;
• browser support: IE, Maxthon, Avant Browser, Netscape, Net Captor;
• customizable password generator;
• virtual keyboard support for protection against keyloggers;
• no installation required when running from a flash drive;
• minimized to tray with the ability to simultaneously disable automatic filling;
• intuitive interface;
• quick data view function;
• automatic customized backup;
• there is a Russian version (including Russian-language localization of the official website).

Flaws:

• fewer opportunities than the leaders of the rating.

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

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

Other programs

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

• Password Boss: The level of protection of this manager is comparable to the data protection of government and banking structures. Solid cryptographic protection is complemented by two-level authentication and authorization with SMS confirmation.
• Sticky Password: A handy password keeper with biometric authentication (mobile only).
• Personal Passworder: Russian-language utility with 448-bit BlowFish encryption.
• True Key: A 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 additional functionality of most of them.

If you actively use Internet banking, conduct confidential business correspondence, keep important information V cloud storage- you need to make sure that everything is securely protected. Password managers will help you solve this problem.

One of the common features of modern operating systems and user applications is the ability to save credentials for access to certain resources. Thus, when re-accessing such a resource, the user needs to re-enter the name account and password. Naturally, given function not very good from a security point of view, but from a user point of view it is very convenient. Therefore, the most common opinion is that it is better not to save passwords for security-critical resources, financial systems and systems with personal data, etc.

In the event that you still want to store credentials for accessing network resources on the local network, be aware that Windows 7 has a special manager Credential manager. This manager allows you to store authorization data for accessing servers, network folders and drives, sites, etc. Also in this password manager, user passwords are saved when they are saved by the command

In order to get acquainted with the list of users for whom the system already stores names and passwords in Windows 7, you need to open: control panel>All Control Panel Items > Credential Manager.

You will see a list of network resources for which access data is stored in your system.

You can expand each of the stored records and get acquainted with detailed information.

You can also change your username/password from here.

Or delete the saved information.

The password manager also allows you to back up and restore saved credentials (buttons Back up vault And Restore Vault).

In the event that access to the password manager is closed (this can be done by the administrator through group policy), Credential Manager can be opened from the command line (works on both Windows XP and Windows 7).

For this in command line type:

Rundll32.exe keymgr.dll, KRShowKeyMgr

In the Stored User Names and Passwords window that appears, you can perform all the same procedures for managing stored passwords.

When a person uses the Internet, over time, accounts appear on social networks, registrations on forums, online stores, online banks. Along with them, the number of accounts on different resources is also increasing, in order to remember all the passwords and came up with a password manager. The simplest version of this program is the notepad program, some put it in an archive with a password, so the text file with passwords is relatively safe, but the archive is easy enough to crack, and the text file will not be difficult to read, and if online banking passwords To securely store passwords from prying eyes developed specialized password managers.

All of them work according to a similar algorithm, there is a database in which passwords are stored, most often in a hashed form, and a shell is connected to the database in the form of a convenient interface, such an algorithm can be organized locally, that is, on one computer, or over a network, the database is located on the server, and the user connects through a web form or a client program installed on the computer.

Password manager for computer

Consider the password manager "KeePass". This manager is the so-called "open source", that is, open source, and free. Since the source code is open, anyone can participate in its modification and testing, including hacking resistance. Thanks to this, "KeePass" has gained great popularity among users.

The program is installed on a computer running Windows XP-10, Linux-like OS (Debian/Ubuntu and the like), Mac OS X, Android (there are portable versions for Windows).

After installation, download the localization of the Russian language, copy it to the folder with the program and run "KeePass". In the program, select "view-change laguage",

We choose the Russian language,

Then "file-new ..." in the window that appears, write the name of the password store and the path in which it will be created. Then the wizard for creating a password vault will appear, in it we select the type of encryption and additional settings, enter the password to access the vault and click done.

After the above actions in the groups located in the left part of the program window, select the group and in the main window click on the "add record" button.

In the window that appears, enter the login - the password that must be saved, the site and the comment are filled in as necessary. Also, the advantages of this program include a large number of plugins, extensions.

Download KeePass— http://keepass.info/download.html
Localizations—http://keepass.info/translations.html

This manager works only on the web, there is an extension for the main browsers - Opera, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, IE. There are also clients for mobile platforms - iPhone, iPad, Android, Symbian OS, BlackBerry. It is possible to install a client on Windows, download the database through it and work offline, but synchronization with the cloud database should still occur, this main feature is to organize access to personal passwords from anywhere where there is Internet.

The resource has paid subscription, and the possibility of free use with some non-critical restrictions, the interface is very friendly, you need to register on the developer's website to work, then the wizard will guide you through the main steps of creating a password database.

Download LastPass— https://www.lastpass.com/

Corporate password manager. A database is created on a separate PC (server) and server software for remote connection of clients is installed. Clients using client software or a browser can log into pre-created accounts and work with them, in fact, this is a password manager, chat, corporate mail. For a business where security is more important than ever, this is a good solution to the task.

Download Passwork— https://ru.passwork.me/