Get rid of password stress! How to use 1Password perfectly

1Password is a password manager that encrypts all your logins in one vault, so you only need to remember a single master password while it autofills and generates strong, unique passwords for every site. Most of us have accounts on dozens to hundreds of sites, and many sites now require long passwords mixing special characters and upper- and lower-case letters, so setting a different password for each one is beyond human memory. The usual fallbacks, writing passwords down somewhere or reusing the same one, put your security at risk.

What is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a personal safe program that encrypts and stores all of a user's account information and passwords. You only need to remember one Master Password to open the safe.

Once the safe is open, whenever you need to log in through a web browser or smartphone app, the password manager automatically fills in the right ID and complex password for that site. No more typing passwords on the keyboard, or forgetting them and pressing 'Forgot Password'.

Why choose 1Password over other password managers?

1Password stands out for its zero-knowledge security, smooth autofill, and built-in password generator. There are many free and paid password managers on the market, and these three strengths explain why 1Password is a popular choice among businesses and professionals.

1. Absolute security and reliability

1Password uses bank-grade AES-256 bit encryption. More importantly, it is designed on a ‘Zero-Knowledge’ architecture: only encrypted data is stored on 1Password's servers, and the key to unlock that data exists only on the user's device. Even if 1Password's servers were hacked, a hacker would have no way to see your passwords. The service has gone several years without a single serious security incident.

2. Smooth and flawless auto-completion functionality

No matter how good the security, a tool that is inconvenient won't get used. 1Password provides a nearly seamless autofill experience across desktop (Windows, Mac) and mobile (iOS, Android). Hover your cursor over a website's login field, the 1Password icon appears, and one click (or fingerprint/face recognition) logs you in instantly. Its browser extensions work with almost all web browsers, including Chrome and Safari.

3. Strong random number password generator

When you sign up for a new site, 1Password generates a long, complex, random password that no human would guess, such as g&R7*pW2!qL9$mX, with the click of a button. Generated passwords are saved straight to your vault, so you never have to memorize them. Using the generator on every site gives you different, strong passwords and protects you from credential stuffing attacks (a hacking technique that tries an ID/password stolen from one site on other sites).

What else can 1Password do besides storing passwords?

1Password can also store payment cards, sensitive documents and one-time codes, and it audits your passwords for weaknesses.

Secure credit card and payment information storage

Taking out your card and typing the card number and CVC every time you shop online is a hassle. If you register your card in the 1Password vault, the card details are entered automatically and securely with a single click in the payment window.

Management of important documents and authentication codes (OTP)

1Password is also good for encrypting and storing notes or files that should not be seen by others, such as software license keys, passport numbers, and security card scans. Two-factor authentication (2FA, OTP) codes, now widely used, can also be set up inside 1Password and entered automatically, saving you from opening the Google OTP app on your smartphone to check the number every time you log in.

Check vulnerabilities with the Watchtower function

1Password's ‘Watchtower’ feature acts as a security assistant. It warns you if any saved password is too easy (e.g. password123) or is reused across multiple sites. It also compares your vault against databases of passwords leaked on the dark web and elsewhere, and tells you to change any password found to have been leaked.

Is 1Password worth paying for?

1Password is a paid service with a monthly subscription fee, so it is natural to ask, “Why spend money just to store passwords?” In my view, the convenience and safety it adds can make a big difference to the quality of your digital life, but whether the subscription is worth it depends on your own needs and budget. A 14-day free trial is available, so if you want to escape password stress, you can try it before deciding.