How to Manage Passwords on Mac to Keep Them Secure
Are you one of those people who always forget passwords? Well, wasting time to recover your email password while you urgently need to check your inbox is probably not a great experience.
How can you get out of that? Try a password manager and get rid of remembering and more importantly forgetting numerous passwords!
In this piece, we are going to consider the following questions:
- How to choose the best password manager for macOS?
- How to use Keychain on Mac device?
- And finally: Is Passwarden a good alternative to Keychain password manager?
Find all the answers below!
Quick comparison: Keychain password manager vs Passwarden by KeepSolid
Which password manager is the best one to keep your data safe from the prying eyes of hackers and other cybercriminals? Let’s check it out!
| Passwarden | Keychain | |
| Encryption strength | AES-256 and EC p-348 protocols, end-to-end encryption | AES 256-bit, end-to-end encryption |
| Master password | Complex password including a minimum of 8 characters | Passcode of the device |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | When signing in to Apple ID only |
| Password generator | Yes | Yes |
| Secure password sharing | Yes, across any supported platforms | Between your Apple devices only |
| Autofill feature | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | macOS, iOS, Android, Windows; Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers | macOS and iOS |
| Price | Free and paid subscriptions | Free |
Keychain password manager: general overview
So as we are on the same page, Keychain is an encrypted container that stores all your passwords, account credentials, software certificates, private keys, and secure notes.
Since the Keychain password manager is enabled by default, you may even not know that it saves your application passwords, a passcode for your WiFi network, and even the password you entered in the Safari browser once, a year ago.
Where all these passwords are stored? You can find them in Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access, or navigate to Spotlight and type Keychain in the Search field.
Two sides of a coin: Keychain Access & iCloud Keychain
- Keychain Access
Keychain Access is local storage that is located on the hard drive of your computer. To unlock this storage and decrypt saved data, you need to enter your keychain password that matches the passcode of your macOS device.
That is where a real danger lurks. If someone gets lucky to guess your device’s password, they can easily access your passwords stored in the Keychain.
- iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain automatically keeps all stored information up to date across all your macOS and iOS devices. In other words, it uploads your data to your Apple ID account and updates it each time you make any changes.
3 reasons to choose Keychain password manager
1. No applications, no extensions
Keychain is extremely easy to get started. Simply log in to your device with Apple ID on your macOS device and you’re good to go.
2. Strong password generator
When you log in to any website, Keychain shows all your passwords that match this website. It allows you to generate a new password as well.
3. Autofill feature
Remembering hundreds of complex passwords is quite challenging. Having a password manager that remembers all passwords for you is perfect.
How to manage passwords using Keychain
Launching Keychain password manager for the first time can be a little confusing. So, here is a quick guide on how to use Keychain on macOS devices.
- There are two folders at the top-left menu: Systems keychains and Default keychains, where your passwords and certificates are stored.
- At the top of the screen, you can find the Category panel that consists of 5 different categories and the All Items tab. These categories work as a filter - for instance, if you select Passwords, you’ll see only passwords stored within the Keychain.
- Passwords that most people are looking for is located in the central part of the screen. To access them, double-click the relevant item, select Show passwords, and confirm your keychain password.
Is Passwarden a good alternative to Keychain password manager
Well, Keychain is a good choice for people who value convenience over security. But for those who are not ready to compromise safety for convenience, Passwarden by KeepSolid is a perfect pick.
Passwarden is a top-notch password manager that aims to secure all your passwords and make your digital life a little bit easier. Passwarden is a part of the MonoDefense security bundle developed by KeepSolid company, which has vast expertise in cybersecurity.
3 reasons why Passwarden is the best password manager for Mac
1. Top-notch data encryption
Passwarden implements bulletproof AES-256 and ЕС р-384 encryption protocols and client-side encryption. Therefore, you won’t worry about your sensitive information’s integrity and security. Even if any unauthorized users get lucky to intercept your data, they won’t manage to decipher it, the only thing they will see is a bunch of encoded symbols.
2. Duress Mode
In this mode, all your vaults except those you’ve previously marked will be hidden from any invaders. So, if someone forces you to open your password manager, your more private and sensitive information stays secure.
3. Two-factor authentication
2FA adds an extra layer of security to your Passwarden account. Each time you enter your password, you’ll be sent a one-time authentication code. It means that even if someone guesses or brute forces your Passwarden password, your account will remain protected.
How to manage passwords using Passwarden
This password manager provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Check it out and see for yourself.
- In the top left menu, you can choose a relevant Vault or select All Vaults to look through all items you have in your Passwarden storage.
- Below you can see 4 different items’ categories and the All Items tab. Select the desired category to filter your items.
- Your passwords are in the right part of the screen. To view your password, select the relevant item and press the eye icon next to the password. That’s it!
Final Thoughts on how to manage passwords on Mac
- There are two ways to manage passwords on macOS devices: a built-in Keychain password manager or a third-party application.
- Keychain is an encrypted container that reliably stores all your passwords, account credentials, software certificates, private keys, and secure notes in both your iCloud and the local storage that is located on the hard drive of your computer.
- Passwarden is a top-notch password manager that aims to secure all your passwords and other sensitive info and make your digital life a little bit easier.
- If you are one of those people who are not ready to compromise safety for convenience, we highly recommend you to try Passwarden by KeepSolid and check how secure and reliable this password manager is.