Passwords can be extremely tricky at times. If it’s too simple, you are at the risk of a breach, and if too complex, you may forget it. Moreover, reused passwords across apps are like an open invitation for hackers to access your email, bank, and other important accounts. A simple solution to this common and genuine issue is to install one of these best password managers for Mac.
Ever forgotten an online password? Then you know how frustrating it is to reset the password. Imagine the chaos that can ensue if you forgot your note password. And what about the passwords of your Apple ID, Internet banking, cryptocurrency wallet, or mail? To curb any such calamity from happening, download one of these apps.
Best Mac Password Manager Apps in 2020
Syncs passwords across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod; Generates unique, strong passwords, including one-time passwords for services that support two-factor authentication; Allows imports of passwords and information from CSV files and popular apps and services, including 1Password, LastPass, and RapidoSerial. Other Popular Password Managers for Mac. Keychain Access sure does offer lots of significant benefits to average Mac users, but sometimes, there’s just too many passwords to manage. Fortunately, some apps are designed to resolve this issue, as they help Mac users organize and store passwords. These apps are called password managers. The Keychain Access app is like a one-stop-shop for all the passwords on your Mac. It stores app passwords, the ones you use for Wi-Fi networks. In addition, you can find Safari passwords there too. Protect safely and securely your most private videos/photos with Best Secret Folder. Simply add the video from your library or record directly thru the app. The app is password protected so no one will be able to access your videos/photos! On the Mac or on Windows, you'll need the official Dropbox app. This app will create a Dropbox folder in which you should either store your existing safe or find the safe you created or moved in iOS. Either way, syncing with Dropbox is fully transparent to the pwSafe Mac app or the free Password Safe for Windows app. Free Folder Password Lock is data encryption software. It allows you to lock and hide folders and files including Text, Photos, Videos, Documents, Archive files, audio files to avoid modify.
Security experts recommend that you use a different, randomly generated password for every account that you create. But how can we manage all of them? Password managers are kind of vaults that keep your passwords and other sensitive data secure. Only you can access the vault and retrieve the information.
Thanks to a unique zero-knowledge security feature, these apps could not access your data even if they want. Apart from safeguarding your valuable password, a password manager can auto-fill your login details or forms.
Folder Password App
You might have used a similar feature from your default browsers such as Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. While convenient, they are not the safest of option, so I suggest you use a password vault for sure.
# 1. iCloud Keychain
Moreover, reused passwords across apps are like an open invitation for hackers to access your email, bank, and other important accounts. A simple solution to this common and genuine issue is to install one of these best password managers for Mac. Ever forgotten an online password? Then you know how frustrating it is to reset the password.
Apple’s in-built and free password management app for Mac OS, Keychain Access, is a great option. The best part is that you can access the passwords across the ecosystem, thanks to iCloud sync.
You can store website log-ins, credit card information, wallet passwords, addresses, and much more. Integrated with Safari, the app makes filing usernames, passwords, and forms easier and automated.
Since it’s free and inbuilt, no harm in trying; however, it becomes restrictive when you are not using Safari or use non-Apple devices.
Price: Free
#2. Dashlane
A password manager that does more than just securing and storing your password; it sports features such as automatic password generation, easy reset, password health monitoring, two-factor authentication, security breach alerts, and VPN.
Moreover, you are also privy to a quarterly Security Roundup report from the developers. With the basic plan, you can save up to 50 passwords, whereas the premium subscription supports unlimited passwords. The best part is that Dashlane is accessed by a single master password that never gets recorded or transmitted.
Price: Free (In-App Purchases)
Download
#3. 1Password 7
As the name suggests, all you have to do is remember one password i.e., for this app. With some fantastic features, the app readily takes care of your password needs – from detecting weak or duplicate passwords to security alerts in the event of data breaches.
The app also includes a smart travel mode that hides/removes sensitive data while you travel. You can use Touch ID on Mac and Face ID on iOS to unlock the app. A perfect app for family and team members as each user gets their vault and can share passwords.
There’s one negative though; 1Password 7 does not offer any basic free plan and comes with a subscription pricing. However, you can take a free 30-day trial before signing on the deed.
Price: Free (Monthly Subscription starts from $3.99)
Download
#4. Keeper
Quite like cloud storage, Keeper can store your passwords, photos, video, and confidential files. However, unlike the cloud, your data is stored in an encrypted vault. While encrypted documents can be accessed from any device, it can be decrypted only by you.
Biometric fingerprint and facial recognition can work as a password alternative for accessing Keeper. An audit feature regularly checks for outdated or weak passwords. In case of an emergency or unfortunate event, a unique feature allows account access to five trusted individuals.
Price: Free (In-App Purchases)
Download
#5. LastPass
Undoubtedly, one of the best free password managers for Mac. With others, you usually get access to one device in the free version; LastPass lets you access across all your devices, including phones and tablets.
The encrypted vault secures photos, notes, PDFs, memberships, IDs, software keys, & other sensitive data. With extensions for Safari and Chrome form filling and auto-logins gets as easy as possible. LastPass also supports emergency contact features in premium and family plans; you can choose to accept or decline Emergency Access requests to your vault.
Price: Free (LastPass Premium One Year – $35.99)
Download
#6. KeePassXC
It is an open-source software that encrypts your passwords and other sensitive information and saves them on your Mac itself. Endorsed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, this one is a completely free application.
The interface is not the most user-friendly and looks outdated as well. You can manually move your database to the cloud to access the files on other devices. With dedicated extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, and Chromium, you are free to choose your preferred browser.
Price: Free
Download
#7. Secrets
A digital wallet that securely stores all your passwords, credit cards, bank details, and other private information in one place. The app uses iCloud and syncs your ‘secrets’ across the ecosystem.
If you have been using other Mac password managers such as 1Password or LastPass, simply import the details via a generic CSV file. It also uses an intelligent search interface that lets you find data quickly.
With Secrets, you can generate one-time login passwords for the apps that employ two-factor authentication. There is one demerit though, Secrets has a 10 item cap in the free usage.
Price: Free (In-App Purchaces)
Download
#8. Bitwarden
Similar to KeePassXC, this one also a 100% open-source software; GitHub hosts the source code for Bitwarden. The app conveniently syncs your logins across all your devices.
Since they are safe in an encrypted vault, only you can access the said data. Bitwarden seals the data with AES-256 bit encryption, salted hashing, and PBKDF2 SHA-256. Even the Bitwarden team doesn’t have access to read your data, thanks to smart and robust encryption.
Price: Free (In-App Purchaces)
Download
#9. RememBear
From the makers of one of the best VPN for your iPhone come, a remarkable password vault, RememBear. Well, it is undoubtedly the cutest and quirkiest app on our listing, thanks to the bear artwork. Remember, it is engineered so that you, and only you, can see your sensitive data.
In terms of data, the app can secure logins, credit cards, and notes. Set a great password and earn an applaud from the app; these achievements teach best practices. When you place or change password regularly, the app awards your achievements.
Price: Free (In-App Purchases)
Download
#10. Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a well-known brand in the security business, therefore, you can expect good amount of sincerity, protection, and encryption from this app as well. Whether it is passwords, personal files, photos, or credit card details, this vault can store all your sensitive data.
You only need to remember a master password to access the vault. Active sync ensures all your devices have the data when you need it. Sort relevant documents into folders and tag them as “Favorites” to save time and energy. An intelligent auto-fill enables faster logins.
Price: Free (In-App Purchases)
Download
Let your data be safe and sound always!!
The websites and apps we regularly use can be under the risk of attacks. Things like security breaches and data leaks are no more unusual. This is why keeping your data safe is an utmost priority. Whether you do it by two-factor authentication or by these best password manager apps for Mac is all up to you.
Here are some more tips to secure your valuable data:
I hope our listing could help you secure your sensitive data. In case you need more information, feel free to shoot us a question in the comment section below.
Nikhil runs iGB’s official YouTube channel. He is the official lensman of iGB and GB’s small studio is Nikhil’s playground, where he does all wonders with his remarkable signature. When Nikhil is not in his studio, you may spot him in a gourmet restaurant, chomping his way through some delicious food. He is a great traveler, who can go for long drives in search of good food.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/nikhil/How to Manage Website Settings in iOS 13 Safari on iPhone and iPad
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/nikhil/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/nikhil/How to Fix 'iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message' Issue
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/nikhil/
This articles explains how you can password protect your folders and files on your Mac. You can assign passwords for files and folders. Everyone must enter to open the file or folder because the contents of your locked files or folders will be hidden.
Important note: Although password protecting requires different steps for different file and folder types, it is common for most of them the that there’s no way to recover your password if you forget it.
This article has two parts: (1) how to lock a folder (2) how to lock a file
See also: Slow iCloud Keychain?
1. Password Protect Folders
By following the steps below, you will create a password protected disk image (DMG) folder on a Mac. If you want to password protect files certain files like images etc, you may place them in password protected folders.
In this tutorial, we are password protecting a folder called macReports.
1. Open Disk Utility (Applications / Utilities / Disk Utility).
2. In Disk Utility, go to File > New Image > Image from Folder…
3. Now, select the folder you want to password protect. In our example, it is the macReports folder, and click Choose
4. You can save this new folder as anything you want. Select where you want to save this folder. You can name it anything you wish. Encryption, select “128-bit AES Encryption (Recommended)” and image format, select “read/write”. When you select the encryption, you will be asked to enter a password. Enter your desired password and click Choose.
5. And after that, click Save. Disk Utility will say ” Creating folder disk image “macReports.dmg”. It may take several seconds, when it is completed, click Done. Now, you may wan to delete the original folder.
2. Password Protect Files
You can also password protect individual files, if you prefer. But the process is different for different file types. here is how:
Password Protect your Notes
See also: How to create text files
Please note that the Notes app uses a one (single) password to lock all notes. Here is how:
1. Open the Notes app on your Mac
2. Create or select an existing note to lock
Free Password App
3. Click the padlock icon and select Lock Note
4. You will be asked to enter your password. It is also recommended that you enter a password hint. The hint will be displayed after you entered a wrong password three times. All of your other Apple devices (iOS, iPhone or iPad and macOS) will use this password if they are using the same iCloud account.
5. Click Set Password
To remove a Notes password, again click the padlock icon and and select Remove Lock.
Password Protect PDF Files in Preview
You can password protect PDF files in the Preview app (PDF won’t open?). Here is how:
1. Open the PDF file you wish to password protect in Preview
2. Go to File > Export
3. Select the “Encrypt” box, enter your password and click Save.
4. Next time you want to open this file you will need to enter its password.
Note that you can password protect other file types using this method. You can simply convert your files to PDF files in Preview by going to File > Export as PDF.
Password protect Pages documents, Keynote presentations and Numbers files
Password Protect Folder Mac Apple
In this article, we are further showing how you can password-protect a Pages document. The steps are identical for Keynote and Numbers as well. Here is how:
Folder Password Lock
1. Open the Pages, Numbers or Keynote file you wish to password protect and go to File > Set Password
2. A new window (require a password to open this document) will appear. Enter your password. You may want to enter a hint also. If you are using the Keychain app, you may want to check the “Remember this password in my keychain” box so that you can add the password to your keychain.
Apple App Password
As stated above, you can use the same steps to password protect Keynote presentations and Numbers files.
Folder Password Software Download
You can also change or remove your password protected Pages, Keynote and Numbers files by going to Choose File > Change Password. And enter your password, after that you can change or remove the password.