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Password Managers

As long as we have passwords, using a password manager will be an important step in staying secure online.

A good password manager will:

  • Create strong, unique passwords for every account
  • Provide them for you when you visit the related website
  • Sync passwords between devices
  • Compare your passwords to lists of known compromised passwords
  • Protect your passwords with strong encryption- so only you have access

1Password For Harvard

The Information Security and Data Privacy Office has selected 1Password as the preferred password manager for use at the University.  Harvard provides faculty and staff with a 1Password business and family account free of charge.  

Click here to get started

See also: Use Strong Passwords, Guides

What are Password Managers?

Password problems solved

Everyone knows you should use strong passwords and not reuse them more than once, but with so many accounts how do you keep track? Security professionals recommend using a password manager to create, store, and manage strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

One password

With a password manager, you can use one strong password to protect the passwords of all your other accounts.  Let your password manager create long, complex passwords for personal services like Facebook or Amazon. You don't have to remember them all, just remember your primary password and let the password manager remember the rest.

One location

From work, from home, or through an app- no matter where you access your password manager you'll have access to all your passwords.

Safe and secure

Password managers use strong encryption to make sure that the only way to access your passwords is to use the primary password.

How Do They Work?

Access all your passwords from any device

Most password managers have apps and plugins for major browsers. Install these everywhere you plan to use your password manager. It will synchronize to all your devices and browsers. Make a change on your computer and you'll see that change on your phone.

Create stronger passwords

Password managers create passwords that will meet any complexity. Some even create strong passphrases which are useful for typing on difficult interfaces like TV remotes or printer interfaces.

Easier and more secure

If you're using a browser plugin, most password managers will auto-populate your passwords for you if you're on the correct website. Some websites may not support this feature, but you can always copy passwords directly from your password manager and paste it into the field.

What Makes Password Managers Safer?

End password reuse

No more using the same password for all sites. No more writing down passwords on little pieces of paper. No more emailing yourself when you forget your password.

Stop storing passwords in your browser

Storing passwords in your browser makes it easier for attackers to steal your unencrypted passwords if you pick up a virus or malware.

Only you can see your passwords

A password manager's vault is protected by the primary password you use to unlock it. Some password managers have hidden unique passwords for each device as well. Others allow you to manage the location of your vault directly, so you always know where it is and who can access it. In any case, your passwords are private. Neither Harvard nor any reputable password manager vendor can see your unencrypted passwords.