LastPass is a cloud-based password manager that stores users’ login information online in a secure database and allows users to generate unique passwords for each site they visit. In addition, LastPass stores all user’s passwords and enables them to log into their accounts with ease. It’s available on all major platforms, including mobile devices, computers, and browser extensions.
LastPass creates a unique, random password for each site a user visits. It stores users’ usernames and passwords in one location so they can easily find, share, and sync them automatically across all the LastPass-connected devices they use. With LastPass’s automatic password generation feature, users no longer have to remember dozens of complex logins for different sites.
The password manager saves those passwords in an encrypted vault so users can quickly log into their desired sites without remembering or typing their passwords again. This makes it easy and secure for users to access all their information on any LastPass-synced device.
LastPass users no longer have to rely on weak, easily hacked passwords just because it’s too hard to remember or re-create passwords every time they switch devices. One master password keeps all users’ accounts secure; there’s no need to copy and paste login information or type it manually with a built-in browser extension. Instead, users can just click “Log In” with LastPass, and it will take care of the rest.
With LastPass, users can use strong, unique passwords everywhere, and their data will be protected with bank-level security through AES-256 bit encryption with PBKDF2 SHA-256 and salted hashes.
LastPass provides users with many features, including password imports from other programs and browsers; password synchronization across multiple computers, smartphones, and tablets; password generation; one-click password updates; and integration into most web browsers.
The following are LastPass’s core features:
The autofill feature allows users to enter usernames and passwords on websites that support it automatically. This functionality can be used for either single logins (i.e., logging in once) or continuous logins (i.e., staying logged in). LastPass also fills credit card information for online shopping sites, although it does not store payment information.
A user’s login credentials are stored securely in a vault protected by one master password. When a user visits a website they have already saved credentials for, LastPass will fill their username and password into an input field on their behalf.
LastPass works as a digital wallet to store passwords and credit card details. Once users save their login information in LastPass, they do not need to remember them again. All they need to do is click on a button, and their details are filled in automatically.
LastPass generates, manages, and remembers strong passwords for every account. Users no longer have to worry about remembering dozens of passwords for different accounts.
Because cybercriminals often sell stolen personal information on darknet marketplaces, LastPass monitors these sites daily, looking for leaked credentials. If the password manager finds anything suspicious, LastPass sends out an alert to let the user know their details were found on a dark website and then advises them to change their password immediately.
Users can add more security with the LastPass authenticator app. The app provides two-factor authentication (2FA) using time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), which means that even if someone gets hold of a user password, they still won’t be able to access the user’s account without additional authentication. The app also uses push notifications for alerts and alarms, allowing users to stay up-to-date with LastPass activity, even when away from their computer.
LastPass allows organizations to give employees a family password manager called LastPass Families. Employees can add up to six total licenses for their family members—the employee controls who in their family group has access to LastPass. As a result, families can share passwords, bank accounts, and credit cards with high levels of control over who sees what.
LastPass is a password manager and form filler. It can help users manage their passwords, but it does much more. Below are five benefits of LastPass:
LastPass supports several operating systems and platforms, including:
Remembering a vast array of passwords and login details for different websites can be time-consuming, if not downright impossible. It’s much easier to remember a single master password than dozens of different ones, which makes online password managers an attractive solution.
The information stored in these apps can be encrypted using several advanced encryption algorithms. Two well-known options are the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA). Both are considered unbreakable by today’s encryption standards, and LastPass uses both.
In addition to using strong 256-bit AES encryption, LastPass uses PBKDF2 and salt hashing to protect its user data. This means that even if a hacker could access stored information, it would be useless unless they also knew the user’s master password.
LastPass operates on a zero-knowledge security model, which means that sensitive data stored in LastPass is encrypted at the device level with AES-256 encryption before syncing with Transport Layer Security (TLS) to protect from on-path attackers. If users forget their master password, they won’t be able to access any of their saved logins or notes. LastPass allows users to create multiple vaults that operate independently, so users could have one vault dedicated to professional logins and another dedicated to personal logins.
1Password is similar to LastPass in that it uses a cloud-based system for storing users’ passwords. Like LastPass, users can create strong, unique passwords for every one of their accounts, and 1Password will remember them for the user.
Unlike LastPass, which offers a free version, 1Password requires users to pay for its service after a 14-day free trial. In addition to password management, 1Password also has a security audit feature that lets users see if their online accounts have been compromised or have weak security settings.
Learn about other top password managers and their benefits here.