I used to be really unorganised with passwords. I had tried various password management apps in the past including some that were paid or part of an anti-virus subscription. The short story being that while I recorded passwords, they were often also the same for numerous websites.
Another issue that I faced was that passwords were sometimes recorded multiple times with loads of incorrect and old password entries, all stored for backup in various locations (I had two password apps at one point).
Thankfully as an Apple account user, overtime I have made sure that my passwords and passkeys* are stored to iCloud. When I updated to IOS 18 this year for iPhone, I noticed a brand new passwords app. An app that I can access via not only my iPhone but my Mac for easy password retrieval (instead of via Apple settings).
Finally my passwords are all accessed via one secure location with the app accessible to retrieve passwords when logging into sites.
As the app also raises security concerns, it flagged that I had used the same password multiple times.
To carry out the task of cleaning up my passwords, I discovered that I had some passwords for sites I no longer used or recall. After deleting these, the app also alerted me of additional security threats. This was handy as every app with a security concern was flagged. Reasons for being flagged varies from password not secure, appears online in a possible breach, too easy/short etc.
With many of my passwords previously using the same email address and password, this was always a risk that if compromised, in theory the details could be used to access many different accounts. This task took near enough 5 hours while watching TV. Resetting login passwords with new long and secure passwords. All unique and difficult. By the time I finished, I had about 200 left after starting with 400. The app does of course generate and provide new long passwords to use.
Function wise in this new app, I like the ability to use the apple passkeys* when supported by a site. Much easier to use and you also have the option to use additional verification codes if needed or supported by a website.
WiFi codes can also be saved and accessed on the app. The only thing you cannot seem to store at least in this app and view is bank cards. That still needs to happen via Apple account settings.
One last feature worth mentioning is groups. You can now set up a shared group/folder in the app if you wish to share a login with another person/family member. I set that up as could be handy.
After the tidy up I no longer have security alerts flagged. Moving forward, this new app should now make life easier for me. If I get any security alerts or discover that a company has leaked data, I can now just swiftly update the details for that sole credential.
A simple app to use and as a user of a mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, this should make life a lot easier. The only job left is to perhaps upgrade some of my passwords to passkeys* if and when I find the option is available. I have already upgraded a few passwords to passkeys as well.
Overall, a simple tool that allows quick retrieval of logins and will assist with management of passwords. Ideal for anyone who has an Apple product.
*Passkeys
A digital credential that replaces passwords and can be stored on devices like smartphones and computers, or on physical security keys. Passkeys are cryptographic key pairs that are specific to a website. One half of the key pair is shared with the website, and the other half is stored on your device or in your password manager. Passkeys are resistant to phishing and are always strong.
