Using a password manager

good evening


switched from pc to Mac a few years


used LastPass but switched to KeyChain because I use a Mac now


question: would I need an outside password manager like 1Password?


thank you for reading


kevin



Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jan 15, 2023 7:17 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 16, 2023 3:50 AM

If you are in the Apple ecosystem, Keychain is your best choice. All passwords are synced via iCloud and you have the option to add 2FA codes and notes.


For other items such as individual passwords, documents, software licenses, and others you can use Apple Secure Notes which are encrypted end-to-end.


Keep in mind that Keychain uses the same password as your device, this means that if an attacker knows your code (for example a simple 4-digit pin of your iPhone) then they will also have access to all your passwords.

So I would use a 6 digit code or better still an alphanumeric password for your mobile devices like iPhone and iPad.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 16, 2023 3:50 AM in response to kpc2000

If you are in the Apple ecosystem, Keychain is your best choice. All passwords are synced via iCloud and you have the option to add 2FA codes and notes.


For other items such as individual passwords, documents, software licenses, and others you can use Apple Secure Notes which are encrypted end-to-end.


Keep in mind that Keychain uses the same password as your device, this means that if an attacker knows your code (for example a simple 4-digit pin of your iPhone) then they will also have access to all your passwords.

So I would use a 6 digit code or better still an alphanumeric password for your mobile devices like iPhone and iPad.

Jan 16, 2023 7:36 AM in response to kpc2000

Of course!

Touch ID and Face ID allow you to unlock your device more easily and securely.

When you set up one of these you will also need to add a code (the ones we mentioned, a 4 or 6 digit code or an alphanumeric password) to your device which will be asked every time you restart your device or when Touch ID or Face ID fails to recognize you.

Surely a 6-digit code is better than a 4-digit one.

For 2-factor authentication you're doing great, always enable it on any service that implements it!


Last two tips:

1. If you have a Mac (Mac mini, Macbook, iMac, etc) enable automatic backup via Time Machine to an external drive. The backup will also include all the passwords that you have already synchronized with the other devices. It's always best to have an emergency backup in case something should happen.


2. I read that you used LastPass, I assume you are sadly part of the group of many people who are involved in the last LastPass incident. My advice is to switch to Keychain and change all, but really all passwords. I know it's time-consuming and boring but in the end, you will feel relief from this job. Double-check that LastPass has exported all the data (passwords, documents, licenses, and more), and then ask for your LastPass account to be closed.


I hope these tips help, let me know if you need anything else! 😀

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Using a password manager

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.