Dashlane Password Manager App + Screen Lock Protection Tips

I can remember when the only password I needed to remember was the one for my AOL email account. Okay, well I don’t remember clearly since it was such a long time ago, but I definitely remember how much simpler the internet was back in 1993. I certainly didn’t have a need to write down my password for fear of forgetting it, but I’m also pretty sure it probably wasn’t as secure as it should have been. Fast forward to the present day and while I’m pretty good at remembering many of my passwords, my brain isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be, so I’ve had to start writing them down in a notebook. High tech, I know.

Have you ever stopped to think just how many different websites you visit on any given day? More importantly, have you ever thought of how many times you type a password on any given day? Between email, shopping sites, and social media I know I personally spend a great deal of time online. Not to mention banking, paying bills, and managing this blog of mine, all of which require password log-ins. Coming up with a password isn’t really all that difficult, but coming up with a secure one certainly can be and remembering a secure password that often includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and sometimes other characters is just plain too much for my brain to handle. Especially on a Monday. Okay, fine, it’s actually too much for my brain on any day of the week. Like I mentioned, I’ve got a notebook with most of my passwords written down, but I realize that simply isn’t the best way to keep track of things that are supposed to be kept top-secret. I hadn’t thought about using an app or a website to store all my passwords until I learned about a couple really great ones from my friends at U.S. Cellular. I even started to use one of them and so far I like it, but I’m still getting the hang of it and will probably keep my trusty pen and paper handy for a little while longer.

Dashlane Password Storage App

• Keeper is downloaded more than any other password management app because it’s a wonderful tool for managing passwords across different accounts. Keeper’s free app allows local password storage and accessibility on the one device of your choice. For $29.99 a year you can subscribe to their service, which offers access to several of its helpful options. Unlimited password storage, safe internet storage for pictures, videos and important documents, and usage on several devices are some of the features included with a subscription. For an added sense of security, subscribers can utilize the fingerprint login option for fast and safe access to their account.  
• I recently downloaded the Dashlane on both my laptop and my Samsung Galaxy S6 and while I’m still getting the hang of it I really think it’s a great option for storing passwords as well as other information. Dashlane is a top-rated password storage app and it’s even as Editor’s Pick in the Google Play Store.  As well as helping you create strong passwords for accounts, Dashlane also works as a digital wallet so you can make safe mobile payments. In addition, it also alerts users when there is a potential security breach in the event someone attempts to access their account. A premium subscription, which costs $39.99 per year, provides syncing across devices, Cloud backup, and online information access.
• Another great option is LastPass. It offers users a secure safe and account organization, depending on your preference. LastPass also allows users to move seamlessly between accounts on the same website and can help you organize credit card information, keep track of account passwords, and so much more. For $12 a year, benefits include a shared family folder, no-limit device syncing, and the ability to use your accounts from any computer or mobile device.

The bottom line is that these apps are all really great options to help you improve your password habits and hopefully avoid the possibility of being hacked. Along with smart password protection it’s also a good idea to take advantage of your smartphone’s lock screen capability. I personally don’t ever leave my phone unattended, but I still have a password set so that secure information on my phone cannot be accessed in the event that my phone gets into the wrong hands. Some other options might include fingerprint identification or a entering a unique PIN, so please choose the method that works best for you in order to keep all your private information totally private.

Oh, and while we’re on the topic of smart password habits and and responsible smartphone usage I should also mention that having a Cell Phone Contract with your child is a great way to keep everyone on the same page when using a mobile device.

Do you use a password management app? How about screen lock protection? Do you use a password or are you more sophisticated and utilize the fingerprint technology?

Disclosure: I’m a compensated member of U.S. Cellular’s Blogger Brigade, but all thoughts, attempts at humor, and stories are my own.