Bitdefender Password Manager—A Concise Review
Founded in 2001, Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader in delivering online threat prevention, detection, and remediation solutions to over 500 million users worldwide[1]. The company's portfolio includes award-winning antivirus software, a VPN, internet security suites, and endpoint security solutions for home and business users.
A password manager is one of the tools Bitdefender offers, designed to help users securely manage and store their passwords. This Bitdefender Password Manager review will explore the tool's security measures, password management features, and device compatibility. You'll also read about virtual cards, another piece of online security toolkit that can help you protect your financial information when shopping online.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of September 2024. Bitdefender's security measures and features may change over time due to updates and changes made by the provider.
Bitdefender Password Manager Review—Security, Features, and More
To examine Bitdefender Password Manager, we'll discuss four key areas:
- Security measures
- Password and data management features
- Device compatibility
- Customer support
Security Measures
Bitdefender employs some of the strongest data security protocols, such as AES-256-CCM, SHA512, BCRYPT, HTTPS, and WSS[2], to protect user data in transit and storage. Bitdefender never stores its users' master passwords[3], following the zero-knowledge principle for enhanced vault security.
Other security measures include:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)[4]—Enables users to strengthen their Bitdefender Central (the main control panel) account security by requiring a second form of authentication
- Biometric authentication[5]—Supports biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, as a method of unlocking the app on compatible mobile devices
- Auto-lock[2]—Automatically locks the password vault with a PIN or logs the user out after a period of inactivity, preventing unauthorized access
- Password leak automatic alert[2]—Monitors breaches and alerts users when their usernames, e-mails, passwords, or credit card details are found in a data leak, prompting them to change their credentials
- Secure Me feature[2]—Allows users to log out of Bitdefender Password Manager and websites remotely or clear the browser history on their computer, phone, or tablet, reducing the risk of unauthorized access
- Account recovery[2]—Enables users to recover their account and password data by using a recovery code or email verification
Password and Data Management Features
Bitdefender Password Manager has a robust built-in password generator[2] that creates secure, complex, and unique passwords for each account. Its intelligent password autofill[2] populates sign-in information on visited websites, so users don't have to remember and type passwords manually.
Other notable features include:
- Password quality check and warning[2]—Evaluates the strength of existing passwords and notifies users of duplicate, weak, or leaked passwords, prompting them to take immediate corrective action
- Secure notes[2]—Allows users to store sensitive information such as addresses, licenses, and WiFi passwords in a secure, encrypted vault and access them from a single location
- Credit card management[2]—Enables users to save their credit card details for smooth online shopping experiences
- Hide/unhide passwords[2]—Prevents potential thieves from viewing users' passwords while they are being typed in
- Offline mode[2]—Lets users access their password vault even without an internet connection
- Import/export feature[2]—Enables transfer of passwords and sensitive information from other password managers
- Two-factor authentication support[6]—Adds an extra layer of security to the user account, preventing unauthorized access
Bitdefender doesn't allow users to securely share passwords or designate contacts for access in case of an emergency. Users looking for those features might consider other providers such as LastPass and Bitwarden—or 1Password if they only need secure sharing.
Device Compatibility
Bitdefender Password Manager is multiplatform-enabled, with support for[2]:
- Desktops—Windows and macOS (via browser extensions)
- Browsers—Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari
- Mobile devices—iOS and Android
Since Bitdefender doesn't support Linux, users who need a password manager for that operating system may opt for solutions such as Keeper, RoboForm, and NordPass.
Customer Support
To address customers' concerns, Bitdefender offers multi-channel customer support through chat, email, and phone[7]. Other support resources include:
- Support Center[8]—Comprehensive and easy-to-navigate knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and FAQs to guide users through common issues
- Community Forum[9]—An active community of users sharing their experiences, solutions, and tips for using Bitdefender Password Manager
How Much Is Bitdefender Password Manager?
Bitdefender Password Manager offers two plans—Individual and Shared[2]. The Individual plan costs $1.67 per month, is charged yearly, and supports a single user. The Shared plan costs $3.34 per month and allows up to four accounts.
Both plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee[2], allowing users to try the product risk-free. Bitdefender also offers a 30-day free trial[2] for potential customers to test the features and functionality before committing to a purchase.
Individuals who love bundling services can get Bitdefender Password Manager with Bitdefender Premium Security[10]. Besides the password manager, they can also benefit from antivirus and VPN solutions, data breach protection, and scam prevention and detection for $6.67 per month on up to 5 devices.
Users looking for free password managers with robust security and comprehensive features can opt for solutions like Norton Password Manager and Microsoft Authenticator. Other password managers like ProtonPass offer a strong free plan that comes with password health checking, passkey support, and email aliases.
Is Bitdefender Password Manager Safe?
Even though Bitdefender Password Manager offers a secure way to create and manage credentials and store payment card details, it can only protect the information inside its vault.
Once you provide your card numbers at checkout, their security relies on the safeguards the merchant employs. If the store's servers are hacked, cybercriminals could steal and use your financial details for fraudulent activities.
One way to complement what a password manager offers is by using virtual cards for online transactions. Virtual card numbers act as a stand-in for your real payment card details, safeguarding them from potential hackers.
While banks like Capital One® and American Express® offer virtual cards for secure online payments, independent card providers like Privacy provide robust security and enhanced control over spending.
Privacy Cards—Safeguard Your Financial Details Against Online Threats
When you link your debit card or bank account with Privacy, you can generate virtual cards with a unique 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code. These cards work just like your regular payment cards when shopping online, and they keep your actual bank or card details private and secure on Privacy's servers.
As a PCI-DSS-compliant service provider, Privacy employs strict security protocols to safeguard your financial information. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and TLS to protect your data. Privacy's systems are also regularly audited by independent third-party companies to ensure compliance with the highest security standards.
Other security measures Privacy employs include:
- Server security—Privacy servers are protected by firewalls and regularly updated to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your stored data.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Your account is protected with 2FA, which requires you to log in with an additional authentication method along with your password.
- Fraud investigation—In case of a wrongful charge, Privacy conducts a thorough investigation and initiates a chargeback claim if it finds grounds for it.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy sends real-time notifications whenever your virtual cards are used or declined, helping you to stay on top of your card usage and spot potentially unusual activity.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
Privacy also offers card control features for additional security:
- Card pausing/closing—You can pause or permanently close your Privacy Cards anytime, blocking further charges. This feature helps protect your account against unwelcome charges that might occur when stopping subscriptions such as QuickBooks Online, Scribd, or Brainly.
- Spending limits—Privacy allows you to set a spending limit on your cards. It automatically declines all charges above the set limit, helping you avoid excessive or hidden fees.
Additional Convenience Features
Privacy offers several features to streamline virtual card management and facilitate smoother transactions. Thanks to its integration with 1Password, you can manage your virtual cards and passwords within 1Password's browser extension. The Privacy App, available for Android and iOS devices, lets you monitor card activity on the go, create or close cards, and set card limits.
Other convenience features include:
- Privacy Browser Extension—Available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari (both desktop and Safari for iOS), the browser extension automatically fills in your virtual card details during checkout, eliminating the need to memorize and manually enter card numbers each time you shop online.
- Shared Cards—You can share virtual cards with trusted contacts without disclosing your actual card information. You can use this feature for joint expenses and budgeting.
- Card Notes—Add notes to each virtual card for better expense tracking. For example, you can note when your subscription is due for renewal.
How To Join Privacy
To join Privacy and start generating virtual cards, follow four quick steps:
- Create an account
- Verify your identity
- Link your debit card or bank account to fund your virtual cards
- Request and generate your first virtual card
Privacy offers four monthly plans to accommodate different users' needs:
References
[1] Bitdefender. https://download.bitdefender.com/resources/media/materials/bbs/en/Bitdefender-NGZ-BusinessSecurity.pdf, sourced September 16, 2024
[2] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/password-manager, sourced September 16, 2024
[3] Bitdefender.https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2700/, sourced September 16, 2024
[4] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/1581/, sourced September 16, 2024
[5] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2700/?srsltid=AfmBOoqzDZmQjD9AJf3SprJRElrCSt0DG8whxlXItwU8_WHWMMNhf3rN, sourced September 16, 2024
[6] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.co.uk/consumer/support/answer/97145/#:~:text=Bitdefender%20Password%20Manager%20includes%20a,TOTP)%20for%20your%20online%20accounts., sourced September 16, 2024
[7] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/help/, sourced September 16, 2024
[8] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/, sourced September 16, 2024
[9] Bitdefender. https://community.bitdefender.com/en/, sourced September 16, 2024
[10] Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/premium-security, sourced September 16, 2024
