Most password managers today offer more than just a secure storage space for passwords. Most come with options to generate secure passwords, automatically fill out sign in forms on the Internet, or to record notes and other related information.
The core purpose of a password manager however is the secure storage of passwords. With password managers, users can select secure and unique passwords for their online and offline accounts, without fear of forgetting the password at a later time.
Users without password managers often select easy to remember passwords like qwerty, abc123 or password. The problem with those passwords is that they are also easy to guess. Complex passwords like qmBU2tTW3oAC0rRJ4h are hard to remember even when no special symbols are used. Imagine having to remember dozens of strong passwords for your online accounts.
Kaspersky Password Manager is a commercial program for the Windows operating system that leaves little to be desired in this regard.
Users on first run need to select a master password to protect the database from unauthorized access. They can furthermore select a different authorization method, using USB devices or Bluetooth devices, if they so desire.
Passwords can be imported from the web browsers Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox, the email client Thunderbird, AI Roboform and KeePass. Kaspersky Password Manager connects with Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. This does not mean however that users with other browsers cannot use the password manager, as it is still possible to access the program’s functionality on the desktop. Only automatic sign ins and recognition of account creations is limited to those browsers.
You can select the supported browsers that you want to connect the password manager with. Connecting offers several advantages. The application will notice sign ups and sign ins on websites automatically, and offers to add them to the password database.
Accounts can also be added manually or by importing from other password managers. All user accounts that have been added to the program become then available for one-click selection. Chrome users for instance see a Kaspersky Password Manager icon in their address bar by default that displays a list of all web passwords for fast access.
It takes two clicks to log in to any service this way. The same option is offered by the program’s system tray icon. A right-click on the icon displays a context menu with options to log in to any service saved in the password manager.
Another interesting option is that Kaspersky keeps track of frequently used passwords. These accounts are displayed prominently in both context menus (in the browser and system tray) for direct access.
The right-click context menu links to the built-in password manager as well. Here it is possible to generate secure passwords according to specifications. You can for instance create a 20 character password with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and selected special symbols. Generate passwords are automatically copied to the clipboard.
Web addresses can be added to the list of ignored urls. This basically prevents the password manager from interacting with those websites.
The program ships with an option to create a portable version of the password manager. That’s ideal for users who want to access their passwords on the go.
The identity manager makes form filling on the Internet a pleasant experience. Instead of having to enter the same data over and over again, it allows to create identities that contain pre-filled information that can be automatically filled out when needed.
Verdict
Especially Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer users benefit from Kaspersky’s Password Manager as it integrates directly into those browsers. The program ships with everything one would expect from a password manager, from secure storage over password generation and identity management.
The program has no option to synchronize passwords over the Internet. One option to overcome this is to use a service such as Dropbox for that.
Giveaway
We have seven Kaspersky Password Manager licenses for this giveaway. Leave a comment telling us about your current password management setup.
© Martin Brinkmann for gHacks Technology News | Latest Tech News, Software And Tutorials, 2011. | Permalink |
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