Apple Key Chain Access vs Other Password Managers

[ryan101]

Hi, I have always used Roboform. I am thinking about changing Password Manager software. However, I realised that Apple Key Chain can probably do everything I need.

Does anyone else use all the features in the Apple Key Chain as a Password Manager. I would like to hear people who have used it and what you think?

Also, what do you guys think of the security when it comes to Apple Key Chain Access?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Alrescha]

I have always just used Keychain Access. In its preferences there is a check box which puts an icon up in the menu bar for easy access. I also use it for encrypted notes. I trust it as much (if not more) than any other such software.

A.

 

[ryan101]

I have always just used Keychain Access. In its preferences there is a check box which puts an icon up in the menu bar for easy access. I also use it for encrypted notes. I trust it as much (if not more) than any other such software.

A.

I assume you don't use any other Key Chain Manager software.

 

[Alrescha]

I assume you don't use any other Key Chain Manager software.

No, apart from evaluation I have not used any other software on an ongoing basis. With the addition of Keychain in iCloud my needs are pretty much covered.

A.

 

[glenthompson]

I use 1Password and have been very happy with it. If needed I can sync to a Windows machine in addition to all my idevices. I find the organization better than keychain and it provides better security assessment tools.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Keychain is great if you're only logging into websites, and reasonably secure. You cannot export data in it to other apps.

I use DataVault. Liked it so much I went to work for the company. You can safely store websites, banking information, frequent flyer stuff, library cards, non-internet passwords, and anything else you can think of. Sync to all your devices, regardless of platform.

 

[Weaselboy]

Does anyone else use all the features in the Apple Key Chain as a Password Manager. I would like to hear people who have used it and what you think?

I have always only used the built in Keychain and it meets all my needs.

I have tested both 1Password and Lastpass and I just don't see either as an improvement over what I can do with Keychain.

No offense to current users of those apps, but I just don't understand all the hype. I guess ask yourself what it is you want to do that cannot be done free with Keychain?

As far as security, I have never seen any evidence of anybody being able to break into Keychain.

 

[flynz4]

I find comparing keychain vs a modern password program to be about the same as comparing TextEdit to Word.

I personally would not be concerned about the security of keychain... but for sure the interface is just plain crappy. I also would not want my passwords automatically unlocked with my login... although you can set an independent password for keychain, I think few people actually do that. I have personally never met one.

I really like the advanced features of a good password program. I keep all of my software keys in there, identities, credit cards, airline/hotel cards, etc. IMHO, the keychain interface to perform similar functions would be downright horrible.

Finally... new features like 1Passwords "watchtower" makes 1Password worth much more than I ever paid for the programs.

/Jim

 

[SaSaSushi]

I am a longtime user of 1Password. The most important thing it can do that Keychain cannot is sync my passwords cross-platform between my Mac, Windows machines, iOS devices and even Linux (using 1PasswordAnywhere). I realize there are other cross-platform password managers, some cheaper, but 1Password has always been the one for me. They have awesome customer support as well.

I guess that for Mac/iOS-only users, Keychain is a fine, if much less customizable and feature-rich option for maintaining your passwords.