Latest news with #passwordmanager
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
Proton Pass takes on Google Wallet with an extra privacy twist
TL;DR Proton Pass now supports storing more than just passwords, including medical records and passport numbers. You can create fully custom entries or use 14 new templates, with file attachments up to 10GB. Unlike Google Wallet, Proton Pass applies end-to-end encryption to everything you save and share. As you move more of your life into the digital world, Google and Apple are gaining more competition for Wallet apps. Proton Pass is the privacy-focused password manager from the makers of Proton Mail, and it just took a big step beyond logins. It now lets you securely save almost anything, from passport numbers to medical records. In a new blog post, Proton announced a major update that transforms Proton Pass into what it calls an 'everything manager.' The service now supports 14 new item types, including Wi-Fi credentials, pet microchip numbers, driver's licenses, and Bitcoin wallet logins. You can even build fully custom items, choosing your own fields and sections, or attach files up to 10 GB. The idea is to make the app flexible enough to handle all the personal data that doesn't neatly fit under login info, much like how people use Google Wallet to store digital IDs and tickets. However, unlike Google Wallet, which applies true end-to-end encryption only to certain passes like government IDs, Proton Pass uses end-to-end encryption across everything you save. According to Proton, items on your device are encrypted and stay that way even when shared with someone else. The secure sharing feature works regardless of whether the recipient uses Proton Pass, making it a privacy option for families or teams that need to exchange sensitive info. The update also brings handy features like version history and pinning for custom items, matching the existing functionality for saved passwords and payment cards. And because everything syncs across your devices, Proton Pass aims to be a single, secure place to store the stuff you don't want floating around your Notes app or inbox. The upgrade is available now on all paid Proton Pass plans and will roll out gradually to browser extensions. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Best password managers 2025: Free and paid apps and extensions, tried and tested
Password manager FAQs Where are my passwords stored? Password managers keep passwords stored in a 'vault' that can only be opened using the combination of secret key and master password the first time you log in from a new device. It can then be opened using only the master password on subsequent attempts on the device. Many password managers also feature a companion app for iPhones or Android devices, using biometric information such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition services to quickly log in to other apps. When logging in to a social media site, the password manager will pop up and ask for your face or fingerprint – log in, and it will automatically fill your name, password and any other necessary information. Some premium password managers offer different 'vaults' for family or businesses, meaning you can keep certain passwords private while sharing others safely with those who need them. How do I switch password managers? Many password managers have a tool that enables you to export data for use on another site. This usually means downloading the data as a CSV file – a type of spreadsheet file – and importing it into another service. Are password managers safe? As well as the aforementioned master password and the secret key – a long string of information unique to your account and very difficult to copy – password manager services keep your information encrypted using high-measure protocols, so, if a malicious individual accessed the company servers, the only data they would be able to gain would be unintelligible to them. Moreover, while these hackers have a range of tools at their disposal to try and get your personal information, companies can add behind-the-scenes prevention methods, such as phishing nets, to stop you unintentionally giving away personal data, and keylogger prevention that stops software from tracking your keystrokes and working out your password from that. Hackers have also been known to recreate browsers to deceive users, so these companies can also block their auto-filling service on websites that have not been digitally signed by the correct developer – something that hackers would struggle to recreate The verdict: Password managers If you're just starting out, Bitwarden is the best free password manager. It's open source, works across all your devices, and supports passkeys too. For most people, the free tier is more than enough, but you can always upgrade for extras like file storage and secure sharing. Willing to pay? 1Password is the best overall. It's secure and packed with loads of useful features like travel mode, breach alerts and shared vaults. If you prefer something more privacy-focused, Proton Pass is a close second, with open-source credentials, built-in 2FA and unlimited email aliases for hiding your identity online.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Microsoft Authenticator is Losing Password Autofill—Here's What To Use Instead
Microsoft Authenticator, a popular app for generating 2FA codes and storing passwords, has supported password autofill for years. However, that is all going by the wayside. Here's how to save your passwords, and what you can use instead. Microsoft isn't just removing autheticator's ability to autofill passwords, it is completely removing its ability to even store them. Starting in August, passwords previously saved to Authenticator will only be accessible via your Microsoft account. If you used Authenticator to generate passwords, that generation history will be completely erased. If those passwords aren't backed up somewhere, either in Authenticator, your Microsoft account, or elsewhere, they'll be lost permanently in August 2025. Microsoft Authenticator will also be deleting any saved payment methods you have. As inconvenient as that may be, it is probably a good thing—leaving a bunch of sensitive data sitting around in a deprecated service is never a good thing for your security. Authenticator provided four big services all in one convenient package: A password manager A 2FA code generator A way to save your payment methods A password generator In searching for a replacement, I wanted a solution (or combination of solutions) that neatly provides all of those too. I use BitWarden as a password manager, since it works so well on all of my devices (Android, Windows, and Linux), and luckily, BitWarden can also do 2FA. The regular BitWarden app also includes a password and passkey generator, and supports credit cards. There is really only one small downside: the free 2FA and password manager apps are separate. If you want them integrated, you'll need to pay 10 dollars annually. I'm all in on BitWarden these days, plus I like the company and the open-source approach, so that is what I went for. Google's password manager is integrated into every Android phone by default, which makes it an obvious choice for many. Because it is integrated into Android, it tends to have the fewest problems with autofill. On the other hand, it doesn't work on Windows or Linux unless you use Google Chrome. 1Password is an extremely popular password manager that ticks all of my boxes, and will probably meet the needs of almost any user. Like Microsoft Authenticator and BitWarden, it works on all major operating systems, can store and generate passwords and passkeys, can handle 2FA codes, and can save payment methods. The personal plan for 1Password costs $2.99 per month if you pay annually, or 3.99 per month if you pay on a month-by-month basis. I gave the trial of 1Password a try and actually quite liked it, but I stick to FOSS software whenever I can. Once you've decided which password manager app you want to use, you need to export your passwords from Authenticator. The process will be pretty similar regardless of which password manager you choose. Authenticator lets you export your saved passwords as a CSV file, but BitWarden on mobile can't directly import that. It is easier to use the desktop instead. First, open up Authenticator and make sure that your passwords are backed up to your Microsoft account. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner, then go to Settings. Scroll down until you see the toggle next to "Cloud Backup." Now, go to any PC and launch Microsoft Edge. Once Edge has been launched, log in to the same Microsoft account that you used for your Authenticator backup. Click the address bar, then paste or type edge://wallet/passwords in the address bar. Click the three-dot icon, then the "Export Password" button. Edge will take you through a few confirmation steps before giving you a CSV file that contains your passwords. Now, install the BitWarden desktop app on your device, and click File > Import Data. Select "Edge (CSV)" from the File Format drop-down menu, then click "Import" and select the file you exported from Microsoft Edge previously. All of your passwords that were previously saved in Authenticator will be moved over into BitWarden and synchronized between all of your devices. If none of those options are appealing, there are other password managers you could try out instead. Just remember: a piece of paper stuffed in your desk drawer is neither secure nor reliable enough to be trusted with your important passwords.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
What the Tech: Perfect passwords
How fast can your password be hacked? For many, it's a matter of seconds. While password managers and two-factor authentication are valuable tools, there's a simple, yet incredibly effective way to create strong passwords that are both secure and memorable. Forget paying for extra apps or services. I've discovered a clever technique to generate unique, robust passwords for every single account you have, using something you already love: your favorite music. Creating a genuinely strong password can seem daunting. Cybersecurity experts recommend at least 14 characters, a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and a unique password for each account. But how do you manage all that without getting overwhelmed or resorting to weak, easily guessable passwords? Here's the trick: start with the titles of two of your favorite songs. Let's say you're a fan of Bruce Springsteen and choose 'Racing in the Streets' and 'Darkness on the Edge of Town.' Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the titles. This gives you 'DOTEOTRITS.' Next, add a symbol somewhere within this sequence and change the function words (like 'on,' 'in,' 'the') to lowercase. Now, let's incorporate numbers by substituting the letter 'O's' with zeros. This modified string is already a strong password, but we're going to make it even better. To make this password unique to each account, add the first letter of the account name to the beginning and the last letter to the end. For Facebook, it would become 'FDOTE0n the EdgE0f Racing in The StreetS.' For Google, it would be 'GE.' For LinkedIn, it's 'LN.' You can apply this same method to your bank account, email, or any other online service. The beauty of this method is its simplicity and memorability. All you need to recall are the two song titles. After a short while, you won't even have to think about it; the pattern will become ingrained. This type of password can take a standard computer 31 years to crack. Adding just one number to the beginning could extend that cracking time to centuries! You can bypass the expense of a password manager and easily remember your passwords even if you haven't accessed an account in years. It's a simple yet powerful way to enhance your online security. Want to test the strength of your current passwords? Visit to see how they fare against common hacking methods. Take control of your security today with this easy and effective password strategy! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Guardian
21-05-2025
- The Guardian
What to do if you can't get into your Facebook or Instagram account
Your Facebook or Instagram account can be your link to friends, a profile for your work or a key to other services, so losing access can be very worrying. Here's what to do if the worst happens. If you have access to the phone number or email account associated with your Facebook or Instagram account, try to reset your password by clicking on the 'Forgot password?' link on the main Facebook or Instagram login screen. Follow the instructions in the email or text message you receive. If you no longer have access to the email account linked to your Facebook account, use a device with which you have previously logged into Facebook and go to Enter any email address or phone number you might have associated with your account, or find your username which is the string of characters after on your page. Click on 'No longer have access to these?', 'Forgotten account?' or 'Recover' and follow the instructions to prove your identity and reset your password. If your account was hacked, visit or on a device you have previously used to log in and follow the instructions. Visit the help with a hacked account page for Facebook or Instagram. Change the password to something strong, long and unique, such as a combination of random words or a memorable lyric or quote. Avoid simple or guessable combinations. Use a password manager to help you remember it and other important details. Turn on two-step verification in the 'password and security' section of the Accounts Centre. Use an authentication app or security key for this, not SMS codes. Save your recovery codes somewhere safe in case you lose access to your two-step authentication method. Turn on 'unrecognised login' alerts in the 'password and security' section of the Accounts Centre, which will alert you to any suspicious login activity. Remove any suspicious 'friends' from your account – these could be fake accounts or scammers. If you are eligible, turn on 'advanced protection for Facebook' in the 'password and security' section of the Accounts Centre.
