Sorry if this sounds dumb, however what is the difference between using 1password and the like compared to OSX Keychain?
Appreciate if anyone can tell me!
Keychain works well, within it's limitations. Its use is limited to Safari, and it is limited to the Apple ecosystem. Its single purpose is to store passwords and recall them conveniently for log-ins. Access to the passwords is open to anyone with access to one of your device's Safari browser.
1PW is a much bigger solution. It manages passwords, of course, but it has much more robust security (256-bit encryption). It's "vault" file is stored locally and syncs (if you allow it to) to other platforms through Dropbox or Wi-Fi, or syncs to other Apple devices through iCloud. It can generate secure, long random passwords (Keychain does this also). It can store other types of data securely - credit cards, ID data, passports, reward program info, driver licenses, secure notes (with attachments) and more. 1PW works with other web browsers (through plug-ins) - Chrome and Firefox. Probably IE, too. 1 PW works across platforms with Android & Windows.
Keychain is simple, easy to use and just works. 1PW can be a simple, just-works-type of thing, or it can do much more if you learn to use its capabilities.
You can use both. For non-sensitive stuff like internet forum passwords, Keychain is fine. For bank accounts, email access passwords and other sensitive accounts, you can benefit from the added security of 1PW
