Password Managers: Why Use Them and Which Are Best

Introduction

If you use the same password for everything, or if you write your passwords in a text file or on paper, you’re in danger. A password manager is the solution: it generates strong passwords, stores them securely and fills them in automatically when you need them.

In this article you’ll see why you need one and which are the best.

Why you need a password manager

The password problem

• You use the same one on several sites. If one is hacked, they attack your other accounts.
• They’re weak. “password123” or your dog’s name aren’t secure passwords.
• You write them in insecure places. Text files, phone notes, post-its.
• You forget them. And then use “forgot password” every time.

The solution: a password manager

A password manager:

• Generates strong passwords automatically (random, long, with symbols).
• Stores them encrypted in a secure vault.
• Fills them in automatically when you enter a website.
• Syncs between your devices (phone, computer, tablet).
• You only need to remember one password (the master).

With a manager, you can have 200 different and strong passwords, and only remember one.

How it works

1. Install the manager in your browser or phone.
2. Create an account with a master password (the only one you must remember).
3. When you enter a website, the manager saves the password.
4. When you return, the manager fills it in automatically.
5. For new accounts, the manager generates a strong password for you.

The master password is the only one you must remember. Make it long and strong: a phrase with numbers and symbols.

Best password managers

Bitwarden (free, recommended)

• Price: free (premium version for $10/year).
• Open source.
• Sync between devices.
• Extensions for all browsers.
• Apps for iOS and Android.

Bitwarden is the best free option. It’s open source, secure and with all essential features.

1Password (paid, very complete)

• Price: about €3/month.
• Very easy to use.
• Advanced features (breach monitoring, travel, shared vaults).
• Ideal for families and teams.

LastPass (freemium)

• Price: free (with limitations) or premium.
• Very popular.
• The free version no longer syncs between mobile and computer.

KeePass (free, local)

• Price: free.
• Not in the cloud: stores passwords in a local file.
• Maximum privacy, but less convenient (doesn’t sync on its own).

Dashlane (freemium)

• Price: free (up to 50 passwords) or premium.
• Very polished interface.
• Extra features like VPN.

Useful tips

• The master password must be the strongest of all. A long phrase with uppercase, numbers and symbols.
• Enable 2FA on the manager. Double protection.
• Change old passwords gradually. You don’t need to do it all at once.
• Don’t use the same password for the manager and for other things.
• Check if your passwords are in breaches. Managers warn you if a password appears in a security breach.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to store all my passwords in a manager?

Yes, safer than using the same one everywhere or writing them in a file. Managers encrypt passwords with strong algorithms.

What if I forget the master password?

You lose it. There’s no way to recover it (it’s part of the security). That’s why you must remember it well or store it in a secure physical place.

Are free managers secure?

Yes, especially open source ones like Bitwarden. The code is audited by the community.

Can I use the manager on mobile?

Yes, all managers have apps for iOS and Android, and integrate with mobile autofill.

Does my miHosting hosting need a manager?

It’s not mandatory, but recommended. If you manage several accounts (cPanel, WordPress, FTP, databases), a manager saves you time and improves security.

Password managers: security without effort

A password manager is one of the tools that most improves your security with less effort. You generate strong passwords, store them encrypted and only remember one. It’s the foundation of digital hygiene.

If you need security advice for your website or hosting, at miHosting we help. Open a ticket from your client panel.