Are password apps safe?

Although password apps – both web and mobile – are highly secure and often recommended to use, the level of security each user gets partially depends on the user himself. So are password apps safe and how should you use one effectively?

Password managers are built to protect sensitive data with the most advanced cybersecurity technologies; and they do the job well. However, with increasing user demand for more convenience, password apps creators had to provide users more options, while helping users understand that improving convenience could decrease the level of password app security.

Security – a non-questionable priority

Most password apps today are designed primarily focusing on security ( PassCamp is one of them). These apps protect users data with end-to-end encryption, that ensures only the owner of the data can access it; zero-knowledge proof, a method that verifies your data without revealing it to anyone, not even to password manager creators; as well as other additional security features that provide a pleasant and secure experience.

For instance, most password apps support two-factor authentication – an additional verification step where a user proves that it is him or her who tries to access the data, not the intruder. However, it’s up to each user to choose to use it, or not.

Optional choices lead to more convenience, but less security

People often ask ‘are password apps safe?’. And there is no better answer than ‘it depends on how you use it’. When it comes to optional choices in password apps, it is the user’s own preference what to pick – maximum security, maximum convenience or a mix of these. For example, browser extensions are very convenient to use (they autofill and auto save your data for you) but are slightly less secure due to their potential vulnerabilities.

Similarly, if you use a password app on your mobile phone, the app itself is as secure as they come. What can pose a significant risk, however, are the third party apps that have access to your data. These can be keyboard apps that access your clipboard, or even notes that for some reason ask access to scan all files on your phone.

Are password apps safe? Your choices play an important role

Even if you use a secure password manager, the general cybersecurity literacy applies. There are no arguments against using a password extension if you deliberately choose the benefit of convenience (keeping the possible risks in mind). It is also fine to use a third party app on your mobile phone if you are familiar with the data it can access, and you’re okay with it. The decision is yours. And you can always choose security.

However, when selecting a password manager for your personal or work usage, always make sure to check the mandatory and optional features it has – some password managers do not leave you any choice but to use a convenience-focused browser extension, you want it or not. And this often creates security risks that you might not even know about (e.g. mandatory use of extension).

We hope that the question ‘are password apps safe’ is now clear and you’re ready to put this knowledge into action.

Still in doubt which secure password app to pick so it would let you choose?

Look no further than PassCamp and try it for free today.