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How Safe Is the Apple Password Manager?

Ashley Ferraro, Product
Sep 9, 2024
 • 
10
 Min Read
Protect Your Payments

With cybercriminals becoming more relentless, robust online security methods have become essential for protecting personal information. As an established industry leader, Apple employs various strategies, including hardware architecture, system security measures, and encryption, to protect its users and their data[1].

Apple's password manager, iCloud Keychain, provides a cohesive solution designed to enhance the convenience and security of managing credentials and important information such as payment card numbers[2]

This review of Apple Password Manager will explore the app's security and password management features. We'll also describe a way to safeguard your sensitive details when transacting online for a more comprehensive approach to digital security.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of July 2024. Apple Password Manager's features may change after the publication of this article. For up-to-date information, visit Apple's website.

A Breakdown of Apple Password Manager's Offerings

To evaluate the functionality and reliability of Apple Password Manager, we'll explore three essential areas: 

  1. Security measures
  2. Password management features
  3. Device compatibility

Security Measures

A photo of a smartphone, computer monitor, and tablet, all showing a login screen with fields for username, password, and a 'Sign in' button
Source: geralt

iCloud Keychain employs end-to-end encryption to ensure that no one can read stored credentials except the user[3]. It encrypts user data with AES-256-GCM[4], a highly secure encryption standard that combines the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) to ensure confidentiality and data integrity for stored passwords.

Apple Password Manager users also benefit from the following essential security measures:

  • Access control—Apple lets developers set accessibility and authentication requirements, such as biometric or device passcode authentication, to provide an additional layer of security[4]
  • Secure Enclave—Apple uses a special subsystem with a dedicated processor to perform tasks related to encryption and biometric authentication[5]. The isolation ensures that security-sensitive processes cannot be affected in case of primary system compromise. 
  • Two-factor authentication(2FA)—Users who log into third-party accounts using their Apple ID must use 2FA to authenticate their credentials[6]
  • Password monitoring—Users' passwords are compared against a continually updated list of credentials exposed in data breaches[7].

Password Management Features

Apple's password manager also comes with features that simplify password management, including:

  • Keychain syncing—Allows users to access their passwords on multiple devices[8]
  • Password AutoFill—Eliminates the need for users to enter their credentials manually[9] 
  • Password generator—Generates strong passwords using a combination of letters, cases, hyphens, and numbers[10]
  • Password security recommendations—Notifies users about reused and weak passwords[11]
  • Password sharing—Allows users to send their credentials to other users or devices using the AirDrop feature[12]
  • Password import—Allows users to import, but not export, passwords using Keychain Access[13]

Device Compatibility 

Apple Password Manager functions seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, offering consistent performance across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs[2]. Apple also allows users to set up iCloud on Windows and benefit from the autofill feature at no cost. However, users must first set up iCloud Keychain on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and use their Apple device to authenticate and complete the process[14]

Users looking for password managers with comparable features and support for various operating systems should consider the following three browser password managers:

  1. Firefox Password Manager—Available on operating systems that support the Firefox browser, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
  2. Google Password Manager—Available on systems that support Google Chrome, including Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, MacOS
  3. Edge Password Manager—Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS

Dedicated Password Managers for Broader Compatibility and Features

Although Apple's password manager offers several security and convenience features, it's incompatible with some operating systems. Individuals looking for seamless password syncing across different operating systems may consider dedicated services. Here's a breakdown of some of the specialized password managers Apple users can explore:

Password Manager Supported Operating Systems/Devices Features
1Password
  • Windows

  • Linux

  • macOS

  • iOS

  • Android

  • Web browsers

  • Travel Mode—Removes sensitive data when traveling

  • Watchtower—Monitors for compromised passwords

  • Family Sharing—Shared vaults for family members

Keeper
  • Windows

  • macOS

  • Linux

  • Android

  • iOS

  • Web browsers 

  • BreachWatch (Add-On)—Scans the dark web for exposed credentials

  • Emergency Access—Grants trusted contacts access to vaults in emergencies

  • Secure file storage—Allows users to store different types of files in their vaults

Proton Pass
  • Windows

  • macOS

  • iOS

  • Linux

  • Android

  • Web browsers

  • End-to-end encryption—Data is inaccessible even to Proton

  • Secure sharing—Share passwords and payment information with others

  • Pass Monitor—Scans the web for breached credentials and alerts users

NordPass
  • macOS

  • Linux

  • Windows

  • iOS

  • Android

  • Web browsers

  • Zero-knowledge architecture—Encrypts passwords on the device

  • Password Health —Analyzes password strength and suggests improvements

  • XChaCha20 encryption—Boosts resilience against brute-force attacks

Dashlane
  • Mac

  • Android

  • iOS

  • Web browsers 

  • Dark Web Insights—Alerts if user data is found in breaches

  • VPN Integration (Add-On)—Secure browsing with a built-in VPN

  • Password Health score—Provides detailed insights into weak, reused, and compromised passwords

An image of a login screen on a computer display with fields for user credentials and a "Sign in" button, with a blurred image of a person typing on a laptop keyboard in the background
Source: geralt

Can Apple Password Manager Protect Financial Information?

Even though Apple Password Manager uses robust security measures to store password and payment information, it only offers protection within the iCloud Keychain ecosystem. For example, once you autofill your payment details and submit them to a merchant, their safety depends on the security measures employed by the vendor. If the merchant's servers get compromised, your financial details could be at risk.

To further safeguard your sensitive financial information, consider additional protective measures. For example, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Urban VPN, to create an encrypted tunnel when browsing the internet, reducing the risk of your data being intercepted by cybercriminals. 

For enhanced protection against the risk of your bank details getting stolen in merchant data breaches, consider using virtual cards for online transactions. These cards come with a unique card number you can use at checkout, so your actual credit card details are never exposed to potential hackers. If you're looking for advanced security and spending controls, consider a dedicated card provider like Privacy.

A cropped photo of a person using a laptop while holding a blue credit card
Source: Anna Shvets

Privacy Cards Can Help Protect Sensitive Information

If you have a bank account or debit card, you can connect it to a Privacy account and generate virtual cards for your online transactions. Each card comes with a unique 16-digit number, CVV, and expiration date. Your actual financial data remains securely stored on Privacy's servers, reducing the risk of data exposure.

As a BBB-accredited company, Privacy employs stringent security measures to safeguard your sensitive details. For instance, Privacy undergoes regular external audits to ensure it complies with stringent security standards for data protection, including PCI-DSS. It also encrypts data using industry-grade methods, safeguarding against the risk of unauthorized access.

Privacy also offers:

  • Transaction alerts—Sends real-time notifications each time your cards are used or declined, helping you spot and respond to unusual activity
  • Two-factor authentication—Requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or email
  • Fraud investigation—Investigates disputed transactions and files a chargeback against the vendor on your behalf, the same way your bank would

Privacy Card Types and Features

With Privacy, you can create three types of virtual cards:

Card Type
Description
Single-Use Cards Single-Use Cards are meant for one transaction only. They close shortly after the first purchase, preventing future use. These cards are perfect for transacting with unfamiliar vendors.
Merchant-Locked Cards After the first use, Merchant-Locked Cards "lock" to the merchant and become unusable with other vendors. These cards are ideal for recurring payments, such as bills and subscriptions.
Category-Locked Cards Category-Locked Cards are designed to be used only within specific spending categories, such as groceries or entertainment. They are ideal for budgeting.

Privacy allows you to set spending limits on your virtual cards, declining transactions that exceed the maximum amount. This feature can help protect you from hidden fees and price hikes you weren't notified about. You can also pause or close Privacy Cards, and Privacy will block further transactions, reducing the risk of unexpected charges.

Additional Convenience Features

Privacy offers numerous features designed to make online transactions more secure and convenient:

  • 1Password integration—This feature allows for streamlined access to payment details within the 1Password browser extension, providing a secure and efficient way to handle both passwords and payment information in one place.
  • Mobile app—The Privacy App is available for iOS and Android. It enables you to control your virtual cards from your smartphone. This app allows you to create new cards, manage existing ones, and track your spending.
  • Browser extension—Available for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS, the Privacy Browser Extension lets you generate and autofill virtual card details during online shopping, simplifying online transactions.
  • Shared Cards—Privacy's Shared Cards feature allows you to share virtual cards with family members, making it ideal for giving a gift to a loved one.
A cropped photo of a person seated on a wooden floor holding a credit card in one hand and a tablet in the other
Source: Mikhail Nilov

How To Join Privacy

Obtaining a Privacy Card is easy—Follow these four steps to get started:

  1. Sign up on the Privacy website
  2. Complete Identity Verification
  3. Link your bank account or debit card to your Privacy account
  4. Request and generate your first Privacy Card

Privacy offers four plans—Check the table below for more details about them:

Plan Price Features and Benefits
Personal Free for domestic purchases
  • Up to 12 new virtual cards per month

  • Secure Merchant-Locked & Single-Use Cards

  • All card spending controls

  • Access to the mobile app and browser extension

Plus $5 per month 
  • All Personal plan features

  • Up to 24 new cards per month

  • Priority support and Live Chat (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)

  • Category-Locked Cards

  • Card Notes

  • Shared Cards

Pro  $10 per month 
  • All Plus plan features

  • Up to 36 new cards per month

  • 1% cashback on eligible purchases (up to $4,500 per month)

  • No foreign transaction fees

Premium  $25 per month
  • All Pro plan features

  • 60 new cards per month

References

[1] Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-ke/guide/security/welcome/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[2] Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016, Sourced July 23, 2024
[3] Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102651, Sourced July 23, 2024
[4] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/keychain-data-protection-secb0694df1a/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[5] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/secure-enclave-sec59b0b31ff/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[6] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/sign-in-with-apple-security-secda721bdd7/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[7] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/password-monitoring-sec78e79fc3b/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[8] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/secure-keychain-syncing-sec0a319b35f/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[9] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/password-autofill-security-sec7aefe77c3/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[10] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/automatic-strong-passwords-secc84c811c4/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[11] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/password-security-recommendations-sec7f0432063/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[12] Apple. https://support.apple.com/guide/security/sending-passwords-sec8839a8de2/web, Sourced July 23, 2024
[13] Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-ke/guide/keychain-access/kyca35961/mac, Sourced July 23, 2024
[14] Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-us/guide/icloud-windows/icwee190673a/1.0/icloud/1.0, Sourced July 23, 2024

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