Whether you run an online shop, develop websites for clients or manage a non-profit organisation, you use countless online services every day. Think of your WordPress website, hosting environment, analytics, e-mail or plug-ins. For all these platforms, you need login credentials, and that means: passwords. Often, these are reused or stored locally somewhere - which is not only impractical, but also insecure. A password manager helps you manage all that data securely, centrally and clearly.
What is a password manager?
A password manager is a digital safe that:
- Store all your passwords securely encrypted
- Automatically generates strong, unique passwords
- Passwords before you enter them when logging in to websites and apps
- Sometimes also stores other data, such as hosting settings, backup codes or API keys
For WordPress users, this is useful when managing multiple websites, working in teams or securely sharing logins with clients.
The benefits at a glance
1. Safety
Each service gets a unique, strong password. You prevent reuse and reduce the risk in the event of a data breach.
2. Overview and convenience
You never have to search for a password again. Everything is centralised, securely stored and quickly accessible.
3. Automatic completion
Most password managers fill in your login details automatically, including with the WordPress dashboard or other management tools.
4. Access management for teams
Do you work with colleagues or customers? Then you can securely share passwords without actually making them visible.
How do you use a password manager in practice?
Most password managers work through a browser extension, desktop app and mobile app. After installation, you log in once with your master password. From then on:
- Are login details automatically saved when you log in somewhere
- Enter passwords at websites and web shops with a single click
- Can you generate passwords when creating a new account
- Access your data on different devices (laptop, smartphone, tablet)
Synchronisation between devices
Password managers synchronise your data via the cloud. As a result, you always have access to your data, no matter which device you use. For example, do you use your desktop for development and your smartphone for communication? Then you can access the same secure passwords in both places.
Working offline or self-hosted?
Some tools, such as Bitwarden, also offer a self-hosted option. This allows you to store your passwords on your own server instead of in the cloud. Useful for those who want maximum control over their data.
Autofill and two-step verification
Most tools allow you to store 2FA codes (such as Google Authenticator) in addition to passwords. This makes it extra secure and even faster to use.
Commonly used password managers
Bitwarden
Open-source, secure and both free and business-friendly. Suitable for those who want to keep control, even with self-hosting.
1Password
Popular with agencies and teams. Offers a user-friendly interface and options for secure sharing.
Dashlane
Complete package including data breach alerts and a clear dashboard.
LastPass
Widely known and user-friendly, especially among individual users. With some security incidents in the past, though.
Apple iCloud Keychain
Built into macOS, iOS and Safari. Easy to use, syncs automatically via iCloud and supports two-step verification. Ideal for users working entirely in the Apple ecosystem.
Google Password Manager
Built into Chrome and Android. Provides automatic storage and completion of passwords, data breach alerts and synchronisation via your Google account. Useful for those who mainly work with Google services.
In conclusion
A password manager is not a luxury, but an essential part of working securely online. Especially if you work with multiple WordPress websites, client accounts or tools, it provides peace of mind, structure and better security.
While we at Surver do not support specific password managers, we are happy to share this kind of knowledge with you. Because a secure working environment starts with good management - and passwords are an important first step.
