Managing your passwords sure may be easy to handle. But what if the method you’re using to do it isn’t secure enough to protect them from hackers? Perhaps the scammers? Or any form of suspicious activity, for that matter?
A password manager is a good idea if you are worried about your personal and sensitive information being stolen by bad guys. There are many password management software programs available today. Some may be expensive, while others are free.
In this review, however, we’ll be talking about 1Password, one of the best password managers utilized by millions of users worldwide. 1Password is the best option for advanced online security features starting at $2.99
For those of you who prefer a more visual experience, here is a video review from Modern Tech Guides’s YouTube channel. Do check out our article below, however, because it has a comprehensive overview of 1Password.
An Overview of 1Password 1Password Before 8
1Password, a password manager, has a great organization system, data breach tools and a multi-factor authentication. It comes with a variety of management tools, and an intuitive user interface that can help you protect sensitive data and information against online criminal activity.
1Password is a password manager that’s both easy to use for personal and small business users. It is currently available on all major platforms – Windows and Mac computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Linux, Chrome OS, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD!
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Pros:
- Easy-to-navigate password organization and management
- Works on all devices, from computers to mobile phones
- Dark web management will let you know if there are any malicious users infiltrating your data
- Emergency kit features help prevent you from getting your account locked
- 1GB worth of encrypted storage
- Multi-factored authentication supported
Cons:
- There are no password inheritance features
- There is no free plan
- No one-click password updates
- Support is not available via phone or chat.
The Key Features
Let’s now look at some key features 1Password offers!
Multiple Storage Vaults
1Password allows you to easily manage sensitive data by using multiple vaults or storage folders. The password manager allows you to utilize this standout filing system from your profile by storing different sets of log-in, password, and other related information and organizing them into separate categories. For instance, you can create a distinct vault where you get to store all data related to your work, and a different one for personal credentials. Other useful documents, such as your driver’s licence and social security numbers, can be added. 1Password Before 8
As you log in to your 1Password account, you will be instantly rewarded with 1GB worth of storage space for your passwords and other sensitive details. In the case of Families and Business plans, you will gain access to the shared vault on top of the personal one. It is worth noting that you can share certain information from your vault with other 1Password users using a generated key. To ensure that you are in good hands, the access key is linked with the user’s email address. You can even share with others who don’t even use 1Password through Psst!, which stands for “Password Secure Sharing Tool.”
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Travel Mode
If you’re an avid traveler and want to protect your data on the go, 1Password’s Travel Mode feature comes in handy. This is a great tool for whenever you want to hide sensitive parts of your information from customs officials while crossing borders. There are many countries that have different immigration procedures. Some officials might require access to your devices. You can choose which vault you want to access through Travel Mode.
As you turn on Travel Mode from your web account, only the vaults marked as ‘safe for travel’ will be visible. The feature will not be disabled if vaults aren’t marked. Travel Mode can be accessed on all plans; for business plans, however, the administrative user may opt to control it on their employees’ accounts through their dashboard.
Watchtower
1Password’s Watchtower feature notifies you with alerts if the password you’re currently using is weak, reused, vulnerable to cyber attacks, or compromised in a data breach. You have the tools to remind yourself if your password should be changed, but this feature is not exclusive to 1Password. Many password managers also have similar features.
Watchtower’s ability to notify you of the expiration dates on your credit cards and government documents, such as your passport, is what makes it unique. Apart from expiration notifications, Watchtower also includes multi-factor authentication monitoring. 1P assword will let you know right away which log-in offers MFA for an associated website.
1Password X
1PasswordX is 1Password’s web browser version on PCs. It includes a browser extension that can access 1Password through Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge. It’s interface and design are simpler than other password management extensions. It also makes it easy to use for auto-filing or saving log-in credentials.
When you auto-file your Facebook log-in, for instance, all you need is to click the 1Password icon on the log-in field and select any of your saved details to gain access to your account. Through 1Password X’s browser extension, you can select between your recorded identities as well as credit card credentials and apply them whenever and wherever necessary. It also allows you to create a new password right on the spot.
Password Generator
The extension’s integrated password generator allows you to create an optimized, strong password with just one click. With it, you have the option to generate a Smart Password designed to strengthen the security of your account. A Smart Password usually consists of 20 characters, with a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols in between.
There are two options: a Random Password or a Memorable Password. You may use the former if you wish to have your generated password a little longer and more secure from suspicious activities. The latter is better if you need to make it easier to remember. A Memorable Password may consist of a mix of English words separated by hyphens, spaces, periods, underscores, or even numbers. It may also consist of a PIN of up to 12 numbers.
Privacy cards
1Password can be integrated with Privacy, a third-party payment app. This allows you to create what are called Privacy Cards. Privacy Cards are essentially virtual payment cards that store and protect your debit card details whenever you purchase an item or service online. What they usually do whenever you make a purchase is to replace your actual debit card number with a different set of generated numbers. A combination of advanced payment security measures ensures that your card information will not be compromised in the event of a data breach.
Privacy cards are easy to use and flexible. Each card can be given a unique nickname to personalize it. You can utilize the single-use option, and also set a spending limit on one of your cards – this feature, in particular, may come in very handy if you’re signing up for a free trial without worrying about canceling auto-renewal. Privacy Cards can be useful for managing online payments. However, this tool is only available to 1Password and Privacy users within the U.S. They do not accept credit cards. 1Password Before 8
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Other Notable Features
Apart from the key features we’ve just covered, there are other notable ones that you may want to explore upon using 1Password to protect your data. One of those is the clipboard clearing feature, which allows you to set a timer for the software to automatically erase contents from your clipboard, including your passwords. This is to ensure that they’re not leaked out to potential scammers and hackers.
You should also be aware of 1Password’s built in phishing protection. This notifies you immediately if the site you are visiting is engaging in suspicious activities. It also provides a security breach alert to let you know if your password was compromised. Keylogger protection prevents hackers using keyloggers, which keep track of all your keystrokes, to steal your sensitive data.
Pricing Plans
1Password offers four pricing plans, with two of them suitable for personal and family use and the other half geared towards small and established businesses. Each plan includes unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, mobile platform access, security tools, Travel Mode protection and 1GB of file storage per user.
The 1Password Personal plan costs $2.99 per month and includes essential password management features such as two-factor authentication and access to a history of deleted passwords. Although there is no Emergency Key feature in this tier, it is sufficient for individual users.
1Password Family is a better choice for friends and families. At $4.99/month, it includes all the features from the Personal plan, plus an allowance of up to five users and five guest accounts, a shared vault, permission controls, and account recovery through the emergency key function.
Aside from the home-use tiers, 1Password’s other two plans contain business-optimized security and management tools for business-minded groups and establishments. The 1Password Business package, costing $7.99 every month, includes an upgraded 5GB of file storage per person, activity reports, VIP support, and an allowance of up to 20 guest accounts.
1Password Teams offers advanced features at a very affordable $19.95. Although it may seem expensive, this tier is highly suitable for business teams of up to 10 people. This tier is packed with all the tools found in all of 1Password’s previous plans, plus administrative controls over employees, integrations with Duo for a much more advanced two-factor authentication, and unlimited shared vaults and item storage. Each member automatically receives a 1Password Families account. 1Password Before 8
Ease of Use
1Password makes password management simple. It secures your passwords and personal information and syncs them across all devices, including your phone and desktop. You can also use all of the other features that you would expect from most password management software.
1Password makes it easier to import password and log-in data. You have the option to import some from other 1Password accounts, or from external password managers like LastPass and Dashlane. However, this process requires you to use a CSV file, which, in retrospect, appears to be less secure as it comes in plain text, which may be easier to copy.
It would have been nicer, though, if 1Password provides its users a wider range of safer import options to transfer data from other password managers. It’s simple to enter your password data in the same way that you export them. All data is encrypted using AES256-bit encryption so that you are protected from unwanted activity. You can also use 1Password’s multifactor authentication features to protect your access.
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Setting Up with 1Password
You will need a master password in order to access all of your passwords stored online. Take note that, when crafting a master password, it must be both easy for you to remember and hard for others to get through. After you have logged in, you will receive a Secret Key. This Secret Key will also be used to add a browser extension or device to your account.
The link to your Emergency Kit will also be sent to you: Apart from the Secret Key, the PDF file contains details such as your e-mail address, master password, the 1Password support e-mail address, and a QR code for a quicker account set-up with new devices. You should keep your Emergency Kit safe and in a place that only you can remember. The copy can be printed to keep in secret storage, or saved digitally on a separate USB drive or hard drive.
Compatibility with Devices
1Password is compatible with many platforms and devices. Each platform and device has an intuitive interface, seamless navigation through its security features and a remarkable overall experience.
It is impossible to overstate the excellent performance of 1Password on all its compatible devices. Windows, for example, supports passwords that have been obtained using the Windows Hello biometric system. This makes it easier to open the user’s computer. You can also unlock your vault on macOS with the help Face ID, which you can access from your iPhone, or your Apple Watch.
1Password’s wide range of password management tools will make your life easier, no matter where you live or what device you use.
1Password Mobile App
The 1Password mobile app gives you access to all of your log-ins and saved data across your owned devices whenever you’re on the go. The manager supports alternative password options, such as Touch ID or Face ID for iOS, fingerprint authentication, pin codes or patterns on Android.
The app setup is easy and quick. You’ll only need to scan the QR code found in the Emergency Kit PDF and the My Profile section of the website. 1Password Before 8
Like its desktop software equivalent, the 1Password app’s user interface is easy to use, flexible, and customizable. Similar to the former, you can also enable time-based one-time passwords and utilize the Watchtower feature to let you know if you have weak or reused passwords in the palm of your hand.
Customer Support
1Password allows users to approach its customer support and resources team in times of need. When it comes to contacting 1Password, you have the option of choosing from the following options: 1Password Support forum, Twitter account or e-mail support. These three options make for a reliable and decent service. The e-mail support, for instance, gives you helpful responses to any of your queries with a friendly tone, while the support forum is the most active among the three, being capable of answering more than a hundred questions of concern in a day.
You can expect a response from 1Password’s customer service team within 2 to 4 hours if you have a question about 1Password’s tools and features. Although the customer support hotline for password manager software is not equipped to provide live chat support or phone support, it is responsive and easy to use. 1Password users also have access to valuable learning resources. These include a quick guide to getting started and a list of informative articles and videos. The full manual, which covers everything about 1Password, is also available.
The Bottom Line
Is 1Password the best option? You may feel differently about it. However, we think it is a great choice if you are ready to set up a password manager.
Overall, 1Password’s slew of features are remarkably well-organized, all of which focus strongly on security for the user against any suspicious online activity. They also happen to work exactly as promised! Sure, it may not offer a few tools that may have otherwise been worthy additions, such as extra import options and live chat support, but it’s easy to use – an important factor a perfect password manager should have. 1Password Before 8
1Password offers a variety of pricing plans. Each plan is perfect for any occasion. There are many packages available, so there is sure to be one that suits your needs.
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FAQ 1Password Before 8
Does 1Password have a free plan available?
1Password currently does not offer a free version. However, if you want to try out its services for free, you may sign up for a limited 14-day free trial that applies to all plans but the Enterprise package, the password manager’s most advanced yet. You will still need to enter your credit card information.
If I forget my Master Password and/or Secret Key, can I retrieve my 1Password Account?
1Password doesn’t store your master password or Safety Key details. This means that if you forget or lose those information, 1Password will not allow you to retrieve your account. But if you’re enrolled in a Families, Teams, Business, or Enterprise plan, there’s a chance that your account may be retrieved by the administrator user.
Is 1Password vulnerable to hacking?
There might be a possibility for a security breach on a massive scale to occur within 1Password. Although the password manager cannot be guaranteed to be secure, it is designed to prevent attacks. Nevertheless, rest assured that all your sensitive information stored in your 1Password account is kept safe with the best online security measures it has to offer.
Why do I need a password manager?
1Password, or any password manager, for that matter, helps store and organize all your passwords and log-in details without the added hassles as you only need to access them with a master password. If you happen to be forgetful or use the same password iteration across different accounts, a password manager may be the best solution. 1Password Before 8