Password managers make life so much easier, and we are big fans of the ease that they offer. However, we also understand that not every password manager is the same.
If you’re going to trust these programs with such sensitive information, you want to make sure that they will keep it secure. When testing every password manager, we carefully analyze and review each of the features, with a focus on the following categories:
Safety
Privacy
Usability
Each of these categories is tested in a particular way, as described below.
Safety
The cornerstone of our review process for password managers is safety. We thoroughly analyze each password manager’s security architecture, focusing on features like end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge protocols, which ensure that even the service providers can’t access your data.
We conduct vulnerability assessments to check for potential security flaws, such as susceptibility to brute force attacks or security loopholes.
Additionally, we evaluate the strength of the password generator and the inclusion of multi-factor authentication options, which add extra layers of security. Factors such as connectors for generating one-time passcodes are key factors that lead to better scores.
Privacy
When evaluating the privacy features of any password manager, our team reviews how each password manager handles and protects user data. We check their privacy policies to understand what data is collected, how it’s used, and whether it’s shared with third parties.
We understand and accept our responsibility to protect Service Data and Secure Data. We use strict access control mechanisms, network isolation, and encryption to ensure that Secure and Service Data is only available to authorized personnel. Additionally, Secure Data cannot be decrypted even by those who do have access to it.
1Password
Privacy Policy Excerpt
We also evaluate the transparency of the password managers, as well as their compliance with global data protection regulations like GDPR.
Another aspect of our review is the examination of features like secure data sharing, which should allow users to share credentials without exposing the actual data.
Finally, a key factor that we take into account when evaluating the privacy of a password manager is how password managers secure user data. There have been numerous cases where password managers have been breached and sensitive credentials leaked, which we also factor into our reviews.
Usability
The usability of a password manager is critical to its effectiveness. We assess the user interface for intuitiveness and ease of navigation.
This includes evaluating the ease of storing, retrieving, and managing passwords, as well as the smoothness of integrating with browsers and mobile devices.
We also test convenience features like automatic form-filling and the ability to import and export passwords.
Additionally, we consider the availability and responsiveness of customer support and the quality of user guides or help resources.
Other Writing and Reviewing Processes
On VPNOverview, we review everything from password managers to VPNs. You can read more about our writing guidelines and how we test other tools down below:
Priscilla is VPNOverview’s chief editor and has several years of experience in VPNs and product reviews. She helps coordinate the team and ensures that all content on our website is honest and accessible.
