Password Managers Explained: Why You Need One Now

Store passwords safely in one place. 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden, and how to get started.

A password manager stores and fills in your passwords

Instead of reusing passwords or writing them down, a password manager keeps them encrypted. You remember one master password; it handles the rest.

Why use a password manager

  • Strong, unique passwords — Each site gets a different password. If one is leaked, others stay safe.
  • No more forgetting — You don’t need to remember dozens of passwords.
  • Auto-fill — It fills in usernames and passwords when you log in.

Popular password managers

  • 1Password — Easy to use, good for families.
  • LastPass — Free tier available.
  • Bitwarden — Open source, free option.
  • Built-in — iCloud Keychain (Apple) and Google Password Manager are free and work well.

Getting started

  1. Choose a password manager and create an account.
  2. Create a strong master password — this is the one you must remember.
  3. Add your existing passwords or let it save new ones as you log in.
  4. Install the browser extension or app on your phone.

Quick tips

  • Never share your master password with anyone.
  • Write down your master password and store it somewhere safe (e.g. a locked drawer).
  • Turn on two-factor authentication for the password manager itself.