It’s not about the name – it’s about functionality

Apple recently made headlines with the launch of Apple Passwords, a new password management app currently in beta for iOS 18 users. Although this is significant news, this isn’t the first time a major tech player has ventured into password management. Microsoft introduced its Windows Credential Manager with Windows XP back in 2001, and it has been a part of every version of Windows since then, continuously updated.

When a big name like Apple releases a new product, there’s always a buzz about it aiming to be the best in its category. However, a big brand name doesn’t always guarantee the best option available—though it doesn’t mean the product is bad either.

So, when it comes to choosing the right password manager, it’s important to look beyond the brand and focus on functionality. To help with that, let’s compare the features of these OS-specific password managers with NordPass and highlight the elements that stand out.

OS-specific password managers vs. NordPass

When comparing NordPass to platform-specific password managers, two key factors to consider are security and ease of use. Let’s dive into these aspects in detail:

Security

Although the core function of all password managers is to keep all passwords safe in one place, it is not that all password managers provide the same level of protection.

Password storage

Microsoft Credential Manager stores passwords locally on your device and encrypts them using the Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI). This setup is convenient for Windows users, but it relies on the security of the Windows operating system itself. Apple Passwords, in contrast, stores passwords in the iCloud Keychain, allowing secure access across all Apple devices.

NordPass takes a slightly different approach by keeping all passwords and other sensitive data in an encrypted cloud vault that can be accessed from any device. Moreover, NordPass uses XChaCha20, an encryption standard known for its exceptional security and performance, to encrypt the data before it is uploaded to the cloud. This ensures that all the information stored in the vault remains fully secure.

The zero-knowledge architecture

The term “zero-knowledge architecture” describes a design where a product is built so that the provider cannot access the user’s data stored in the system or service. Microsoft Credential Manager doesn’t fully follow this approach. Although it encrypts passwords, the encryption keys and processes are managed by Windows, which means Windows itself could potentially decrypt the data.

Apple Passwords uses a version of zero-knowledge with end-to-end encryption. This setup ensures that Apple can’t access your passwords because only your device holds the decryption keys.

NordPass goes all in with zero-knowledge architecture, with encryption and decryption occurring only on the user’s device to ensure that no one—including the NordPass team—can access their passwords.

Safe credential sharing

Microsoft Credential Manager doesn’t offer a built-in way to share passwords, so you have to do it manually, which can be quite risky. Apple Passwords makes sharing easier and more secure by using AirDrop and iCloud, with encryption to protect your credentials during transfer. NordPass, however, offers secure password-sharing features directly in the app, allowing you to share passwords with trusted contacts through encrypted channels.

Ease of use

The ease of use for password managers largely depends on their compatibility with your devices and how simple it is to use and manage your stored passwords. Let’s look at how these aspects compare among the OS-specific solutions and NordPass.

Compatibility

Windows Credential Manager is well-integrated with the Windows system but is limited to Microsoft environments. It only supports browser extensions for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, which might be inconvenient for users who prefer other browsers.

The Apple Passwords app works seamlessly across Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and integrates well with various Apple services. It also offers browser extensions for Safari, providing a smooth experience for users within the Apple ecosystem. However, its support for non-Apple platforms and browsers is highly limited.

NordPass offers broad compatibility across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also provides extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of the platform or browser you’re using.

Login experience

Microsoft Credential Manager does a decent job with autofill and autosave for Windows apps, but it’s quite basic compared to other options. Apple Passwords excels at autofill and autosave features within the Apple ecosystem. It automatically fills in login details and saves new passwords across Safari and other supported apps, making it easy for users to manage their credentials on Apple devices.

NordPass offers robust autofill and autosave features across various browsers and applications. It ensures that your credentials are automatically filled in and saved as you browse, making password management effortless. NordPass also provides seamless integration with its mobile and desktop apps, enhancing the overall user experience.

Additional features

Some modern password managers do more than just help you manage your passwords – they offer extra features that can boost your cybersecurity and make navigating the online world somewhat easier. However, this isn’t true for all of them.

OS-specific solutions

Microsoft Credential Manager mainly focuses on handling credentials without offering much beyond that. Its key extra feature is support for Windows Hello, which allows you to log in using biometric authentication.

Apple Passwords, on the other hand, provides a wider range of features. It can detect weak, reused, and compromised passwords, generate strong new ones, and sync credentials across Apple devices. It also integrates with two-factor authentication, generating and autofilling verification codes for supported accounts. These features make Apple Passwords a more optimal choice for Apple customers.

NordPass

NordPass includes the features of Apple Passwords, such as password health checks, secure credential sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA), password generation, and data breach alerts. But it also offers some additional benefits:

• Email Masking: This feature lets users create temporary email addresses for signing up for services or newsletters so that they don’t have to share their real email addresses.

• Activity Log: With NordPass, businesses can keep an eye on all account access activity across their organizations, making sure that only the right people are getting into the right resources.

• Data Breach Scanner: Apple Passwords can alert you if your passwords are compromised, and so can NordPass. But NordPass goes a step further with its advanced data breach monitoring tool for businesses. It scans the dark web for any mentions of a company’s credentials and sends instant alerts if its business information is at risk.

• Company-Wide Settings: NordPass also lets organizations set and enforce a strong password policy for all employees. This ensures everyone uses secure passwords, enhancing overall security.

Additionally, by making it easy to onboard and offboard members, and featuring a user-friendly design that’s easy to navigate, NordPass provides a comprehensive solution that covers a lot of cybersecurity ground. This allows both individual users and organizations to protect themselves more effectively and enjoy greater freedom online.

What are the risks associated with using an OS-specific password manager?

First off, using a password manager tied to a specific OS, like Apple Passwords, can cause issues if you want to sync or access your passwords across different devices, unless they’re all from Apple. This could lock you into one vendor’s ecosystem and make it difficult to switch platforms later without losing access to your passwords. There are also potential security risks if the OS updates, which could affect how the password manager works and lead to compatibility issues or vulnerabilities.

For companies, the problems can be even bigger. Employees on different operating systems might face inefficiencies because there’s no unified solution, leading to downtime and decreased productivity. IT departments would need to manage multiple systems, which can be more complex and require more time to support and maintain. This might also mean extra training, which adds to the costs.

Additionally, since it’s uncommon for all employees to use the same brand of device, enforcing consistent security policies for multiple password managers becomes challenging. This can create security gaps and make it harder to meet some industry standards and data privacy regulations.

Give NordPass a try and form your own opinion

We could go on to explain the differences between NordPass and OS-specific password managers, and point out how we think NordPass excels in terms of security and usability. However, it’s always better to feel the difference rather than just hear about it.

Therefore, we encourage you to try our 14-day free trial for the Business plan (30 days for Premium) and see for yourself how NordPass offers an enhanced password management experience beyond what you might expect from similar tools. We’d be interested to hear your thoughts!

Why reset your Instagram password? 

Most people don’t think about changing their login details unless they forget them, but there are several reasons why you should know how to reset your Instagram password.

The primary concern when you’re online is security. For most users, Instagram’s private messenger is now one of its main appeals. Many also depend on the app to promote their business, which makes maintaining security even more essential.

Hackers are always looking for new ways to steal data, and social media accounts are tempting targets. These days, Instagram scams are rampant. Bad actors are increasingly becoming more sophisticated in the way they act. One of the best ways to combat this threat is by changing your password regularly or using a password manager.

Using the same details for multiple sites increases the risk of password cracking. The hack could spread if one account is compromised unless you can quickly change passwords elsewhere.

What happens if your Instagram is hacked?

We usually worry about attackers spying on emails or stealing banking information, but a hacked Instagram account can also be a real problem. Once a malicious actor takes control of the profile, they can change the password and lock the user out.

For many of us, Instagram is one of our main messaging services, through which we share personal photos, talk to our friends, and keep in touch with family. Would you want a stranger to access your inbox?

As we mentioned before, for many businesses and entrepreneurs, Instagram provides an essential platform for promotion and direct sales. Losing control of that account could mean a disruption in revenue and, even worse, the loss of a critical marketing channel.

Being able to change your login details is a must. You can reset Instagram passwords through a web browser if you don’t have access to your phone or directly through the app on your device.

How to change your Instagram password on the app

The process of resetting your Instagram passwords is essentially the same whether you use an iOS or Android device. Here are the steps that you should follow:

1. Open your Instagram app.

2. Click the account icon in the lower-right corner.

3. Click the three horizontal lines at the top right of the screen.

4. Click “Settings.”

5. Click “Security.”

6. On the Security page, click “Password.”

7. Input your current password.

8. Input your new password and click “Save” or the checkmark.

How to change your Instagram password on the desktop website

1. Navigate to the Instagram site on your web browser.

2. Click the account button in the top-right of the window and click “Profile.”

3. Click the “gear” button to the right of Edit Profile.

4. Click “Change Password.”

5. Input your current password.

6. Input your new password and click “Change Password.”

How to reset a forgotten Instagram password

You can reset a forgotten password through a browser or directly through the app.

1. Navigate to the login page, either in-app or through a browser.

2. Click “Forgot password?” or “Get help logging in.”

3. Input your username or email address. Depending on how you’ve set up your account, you may also be able to use your phone number.

4. Instagram will send instructions to your associated email address, which you can follow to confirm your identity and reset the password.

How to reset your password using your Facebook account

If your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook profile, you can use your Facebook account to reset your Instagram password. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Click on “Forgot password?” on the login interface.

3. Select “Log in with Facebook.” This will take you to a Facebook login screen if you’re not already logged in to Facebook on your device.

4. Log in to Facebook.

5. Follow the instructions provided to reset your Instagram password.

Additionally, if you need instructions on how to reset your Facebook password, check out our blog on the subject.

Password protection

Changing your login credentials regularly is an integral part of password best practice. To secure your accounts online, a password manager will ensure that you never get locked out of your Instagram account again.

NordPass generates complex passwords that hackers will struggle to crack, storing them in encrypted vaults. The service auto-fills forms and login interfaces, so you don’t need to worry about remembering your details.

It’s a simple solution that will strengthen your data security and make accessing social media the stress-free experience it should be.

Welcome to the passwordless era

Passwords are on the brink of retirement. They have served us well as an authentication method for a long time, no doubt about that. But like all technologies, they are being replaced by the next best thing. Right now, that thing is password-free authentication, already adopted by companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple to allow their customers to log in to their services quickly and securely without passwords.

Other organizations are expected to follow in the footsteps of the big players, especially since they can use free tools like Authopia by NordPass to effortlessly add a passkey-based login option to their website or service. The term “passkey-based” is pivotal here. What exactly are passkeys, and why are they considered the successor to passwords? Let’s dive in and find out.

What are passkeys?

Simply put, passkeys are a new authentication method that allows users to log in to their accounts on websites or services without using passwords. It relies on cryptography to provide secure authentication—sets of cryptographic keys, to be exact. One key, known as the “public” key, is stored on a server, while the other, the “private” key, remains on the user’s device. During the login process, the key from the user’s device is verified against the key stored on the server. If the two keys match, the user is granted access to the account.

Since the keys are generated by the system, there’s no need to remember them, which makes the technology much more user-friendly compared to passwords. Moreover, because encryption is used, passkeys offer greater security than even the longest and most complex passwords can provide.

How to enable Amazon passkeys

Setting up passkeys on your Amazon account is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. However, the steps vary slightly depending on whether you are using a desktop or a mobile device. Let’s now review the setup process for both options.

Setting up passkeys via the Amazon website (desktop)

1. Open your web browser and go to amazon.com.

2. Access your account settings and scroll down to the “Login & Security” section.

3. Find the option for “Amazon Passkeys” or “Two-Step Verification.”

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your passkey settings.

5. Confirm the setup by scanning a QR code displayed on your computer screen with your mobile device, and authenticate using your mobile device’s biometric features.

6. To verify that everything is set up correctly, log out and log back in using your newly set passkeys.

Setting up passkeys via the Amazon app (mobile)

1. Launch the Amazon app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

2. Tap the menu icon and navigate to “Account.”

3. Select “Login & Security.”

4. Click on “Set Up” next to the “Passkey” option.

5. Follow the prompts on your device to authenticate using your fingerprint or facial recognition.

How to sign in with an Amazon passkey

Once enabled, using passkeys to log into your Amazon account is super easy. All you have to do is:

1. Visit the Amazon website and open the account login form.

2. Enter your email or mobile number.

3. Instead of entering your password, click on “Sign in with Amazon passkey.”

4. Enter your passkey, for example, by using a biometrics scanner on your device.

5. You’re securely logged in!

How to delete your Amazon passkey

If for some reason you would like to delete your Amazon passkey, you need to go back to your account settings and navigate to the “Login & Security” section. Once there, select the active passkey and click on “Delete.” When you confirm your choice, your passkey will be removed and your account will revert to the traditional password login option.

Can you use Amazon passkeys on multiple devices?

As a matter of fact, yes, Amazon passkeys can be used on multiple devices. Once you enable a passkey, it’s stored in your cloud service account, so you can use it across all linked devices. Therefore, when you access Amazon from another device using the same cloud service account, the passkey should automatically appear as a login option.

Effectively store and manage your passkeys with NordPass

If you want to be passwordless and start using passkeys to log in to your Amazon and other accounts, you need a solution that will allow you to store and manage your passkeys effectively. One such solution is NordPass.

Although primarily known as a password manager, NordPass fully supports passkeys and was one of the first tools of its kind to do so. This means you can now use it to create, store, and manage your passkeys with ease, significantly improving your login experience in terms of both security and convenience.

In other words, NordPass allows you to keep all your passkeys in an encrypted vault accessible only to you. And since NordPass is available on Android and Apple devices, you can quickly access your passkeys anytime, from any device.

So, if you’re ready to move away from traditional passwords and embrace the latest passwordless technology, NordPass can help you get started. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.

What are passkeys?

Essentially, passkeys are a new, phishing-resistant, and convenient way to sign up for and access apps and websites. At its core, a passkey is a digital login credential that uses your device—be it a phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop—to authenticate you instead of a traditional username and password combination. Cybersecurity experts tout passkeys as the authentication technology set to replace passwords.

Tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google are working on passkeys and aiming to make their platforms and accounts password-free. The decision is also expected to be taken up by other members of the FIDO Alliance, which is the driver behind passkey technology, and other companies around the globe.

When passkeys become the dominant authentication method, you will be able to sign up and access online services the same way you unlock your phone — via biometrics. No longer will you need to create, remember, and type out passwords.

Sounds awesome? Well, because passkeys are seriously awesome. Let’s have a peek at how to use passkeys in the real world.

Sign-up experience

Say you need to sign-up for a new online service that supports passkeys. All you need to do is add your email or username and confirm the prompt to create a passkey. Here’s how the sign-up process works with passkeys: