In 2023, end users in organizations worldwide have reported over 2,170 attacks by keyloggers^[1], malicious tools cybercriminals use to capture information typed on victim's keyboards. Passwords are a common target in these attacks, making keyloggers a serious threat to cybersecurity.  

As cyber threats evolve, various tools—such as advanced security software and password managers—have been developed to mitigate risks of credential theft. Founded in 2009^[2], Dashlane has built a reputation in this field. 

This review of the Dashlane Password Manager will examine the product's security measures, customer support quality, and pricing structure. It will also introduce a method of boosting your financial security when transacting online.

What Does Dashlane Password Manager Offer?

To understand Dashlane's capabilities, we'll explore five key areas:

1. Security measures
2. Password and file management features
3. Device compatibility
4. User interface and customer support
5. Pricing

Security Measures

Dashlane Password Manager protects users' data using several advanced security methods. Customers' passwords and data are encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption and require a master password as a key. Dashlane employs zero-knowledge architecture—it doesn't have access to its users' master passwords and only stores data in encrypted form^[3]. 

Additional security measures the company uses include:

• Passwordless login—Dashlane allows users to log in using biometrics, reducing the risk of losing credentials to phishing scams^[4]. 
• Passkeys support—Dashlane offers passkeys as another login method, providing secure and convenient access across devices without the need for a traditional password^[5].
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)—The company enhances security by requiring an additional verification step during login^[6].
• Compliance with ISO 27001 requirements—The service provider adheres to internationally recognized standards for information security management^[7].
• Security audits—Dashlane conducts regular audits to maintain system integrity and security^[7].
• VPN integration—The company offers Hotspot Shield VPN as a premium feature, boosting online privacy^[8].

Password and File Management Features

Dashlane offers comprehensive tools to simplify password management, including:

• Password Generator—Allows users to adjust settings to fit various websites' unique password requirements, such as length and character types^[9]
• Autofill—Automatically fills in login credentials for websites and apps, saving time and reducing manual entry errors^[10]
• Digital Wallet—Stores payment information and addresses securely, allowing users to transact online with ease and keep track of spending^[11]
• Secure Notes—Allows users to store sensitive information beyond just passwords, such as notes and photos of personal IDs and other important documents^[12]
• Data Sharing—Enables users to share their passwords and notes with other users^[13]
• Password Health—Identifies weak, reused, and compromised passwords, and suggests improvements^[14]
• Dark Web Monitoring—Scans the dark web for compromised credentials associated with users' accounts and sends alerts for immediate action^[15]
• Real-Time Phishing Alerts—Alerts users if they're using autofill or pasting passwords into potentially risky sites or apps^[16]

Device Compatibility

Dashlane Password Manager can be used on various devices and browsers, including phones, tablets, and computers. It also extends compatibility to e-readers that run on Android 10 and above^[17]. 

Dashlane provides browser extensions for:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge
• Chromium-based browsers

The extensive compatibility allows users to access and secure their sensitive information consistently across desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, making Dashlane a versatile choice for password management. 

User Interface and Customer Support

To simplify password management and secure data storage, Dashlane offers a user-friendly interface with organized menus and a clean layout. Users can navigate between password categories, secure notes, and other stored information. They can also add, edit, and delete entries, ensuring streamlined management of their digital credentials.

When it comes to customer support, Dashlane provides comprehensive assistance in several ways^[18]:

• Help Center—It includes a robust online knowledge base and FAQ section, providing users with self-help resources to troubleshoot common issues and learn about features.
• Chatbot assistance—Dashlane's chatbot, Dashy, is available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
• Email support—For more personalized assistance, users can send a detailed message through Dashy, which opens a support ticket. 
• Premium support—Dashlane offers priority (chatbot-mediated) support for Premium and Business plan subscribers, ensuring faster response times and dedicated assistance for more complex issues.
• Community forum—The service has an active community forum on Reddit where users can engage with other customers, share tips, and discuss best practices for using the password manager effectively.
• Video Tutorials and Blog—YouTube tutorial videos guide users through various features and provide visual aids for enhanced understanding. The blog features articles on security tips and best practices for password management.

Pricing

Dashlane has three standard subscription models, each with different plans:

1. Free—Provides limited access to features^[19]
2. Personal—Comprises the Premium and Friends & Family plans^[19]
3. Business—Includes the Standard, Business, and Enterprise plans^{[20]
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Here's a breakdown of the plans' pricing:

The Free plan can be used on only one device at a time and can store 25 passwords and login details. Individuals who want the flexibility to access their data from multiple devices should opt for the paid plans. Alternatively, they can explore the Premium plan for 30 days at no cost, thanks to the free trial^[21]. It offers access to most of the Premium features, except the VPN integration.

Users considering free password vaults with unlimited password storage and access via multiple devices should consider browser password managers, such as Firefox Password Manager, Google Password Manager, or OperaGX Password Manager.

Is Dashlane the Best Password Manager?

Dashlane is a strong contender for those who prioritize robust security features as it offers AES 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), real-time phishing alerts, and VPN integration.

Users looking to try different standalone password managers with comparable security and useful features might also consider the following alternatives: 

• Keeper—This password manager is notable for its self-destruct records feature. It can erase all records after a set number of failed login attempts, providing an additional layer of security against unauthorized access.
• 1Password—It offers a distinctive Travel Mode, temporarily removing sensitive data from devices while traveling and restoring it upon arrival. It also enhances privacy through masked email addresses, providing unique emails for each login.
• Bitwarden—This product has a free version with no restrictions on password storage, making it a cost-effective solution. It also provides a self-hosting option, enabling users to run the password manager and store all the data on their own servers for increased security and control.
• NordPass—This tool features biometric login options such as fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring secure and convenient access. Its web vault feature allows password access from any device with internet connectivity.
• LastPass—This option includes an emergency access feature, allowing trusted individuals access to the vault in emergencies. It also facilitates secure password sharing, enabling the safe exchange of passwords and notes.

Use Additional Security Methods for Comprehensive Protection

Password managers can provide significant convenience by securely storing and managing passwords and payment card details. However, when it comes to storing financial information, these tools are designed to protect your data up to the point of a transaction. 

Once you share your card details with a merchant, the security of your payment information is no longer within the password manager's control. If the merchant experiences a data breach, cybercriminals may gain access to your data.

To further enhance the security of your financial details, consider using virtual cards alongside your password manager. Virtual cards help safeguard your financial information by acting as a stand-in for your actual payment card numbers during online payments. If you want advanced security, personalized features, and enhanced control over your financial transactions, opt for an independent virtual card provider like Privacy.

How Privacy Can Help Protect Your Financial Information Online

Privacy Virtual Cards connect to either your debit card or a bank account. When you purchase something with Privacy Cards, the merchant charges Privacy, which in turn debits your source of funding. This keeps your actual financial information safe as it's never shared with the merchant and cannot be stolen from their servers in case of a data breach.

As a PCI-DSS-compliant company, Privacy incorporates several robust security measures to protect your financial data:

• Military-grade encryption—Reduces the risk of cybercriminals accessing your data during transmission
• Password hashing using PBKDF2 with 100k iterations—Converts your passwords into a hashed format (a random string of characters) that is difficult for hackers to decipher
• Adherence to OWASP guidelines—Follows the Open Web Application Security Project's best practices for secure coding and application development, ensuring the platform is resilient against common security threats
• Regular audits—Conducts periodic reviews and assessments to ensure it maintains compliance with relevant security standards

Privacy Card Types and Their Features

Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:

1. Single-Use Cards—These cards close shortly after completing the first transaction, inhibiting reuse for subsequent purchases. They can be a good fit when purchasing from unfamiliar vendors.
2. Merchant-Locked Cards—Designed to "lock" to the first merchant they're used with, these cards cannot be used at any other vendor. They are ideal for purchases from trusted e-stores and for subscriptions, such as Google One, Amazon Prime, and Kindle Unlimited.
3. Category-Locked Cards—These cards are "tied" to particular categories of products or services, such as travel, dining, or fitness. If a merchant not belonging to the preset category attempts to charge your card, the transaction will be declined. They are excellent for managing expenses within specific spending categories.
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Privacy allows you to set spending limits, and it will decline any charge over the limit, protecting you against hidden fees. You can also pause and close Privacy Cards, and Privacy will stop all further charges. 

Simplified Online Transactions With Privacy

Privacy offers several convenience features to make it easier to manage your virtual cards:

• 1Password integration—You can connect 1Password with Privacy to manage your virtual cards from the 1Password browser extension.
• Privacy App—The mobile app lets you create and control virtual cards directly on Android or iOS devices, making secure shopping simple.
• Privacy Browser Extension—You can use the browser extension for Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Safari for iOS, and Google Chrome to generate virtual cards while shopping online. It also autofills your card details, speeding up the checkout process.
• Card Notes—To keep your transactions organized, you can attach notes to your virtual cards, such as purchase reminders or specific instructions.
• Shared Cards—Privacy allows you to securely share your virtual card details with trusted friends or family members, making it easy to gift individuals while maintaining control over spending.

How To Get a Privacy Card

To obtain a Privacy card, follow four quick steps:

1. Create an account on the Privacy website
2. Providing the required information to prove your identity  
3. Link a funding source, which can be your bank account or debit card 
4. Request and generate a new virtual card
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Privacy has four plans:

References

^[1] Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1462339/unique-threats-reported-end-users-by-threat-family/, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[2] Crunchbase. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/dashlane, Sourced August 9, 2024.

^[3] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/blog/how-dashlane-protects-your-data, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[4] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/passwordless, Sourced August 9, 2024.

^[5] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/passkeys, Sourced August 9, 2024

^[6] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/202625042-2-factor-authentication-2FA-in-Dashlane, Sourced August 10, 2024.

^[7] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012686840-FAQ-about-security-at-Dashlane, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[8] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/marketing/vpn, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[9] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/features/password-generator, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[10] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/personal-password-manager/autofill, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[11] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/personal-password-manager/digital-wallet, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[12] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/202699381-Add-and-manage-Secure-Notes-in-Dashlane, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[13] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/202699021-Share-your-saved-items-in-Dashlane, Sourced August 10, 2024

^[14] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/202699411-Password-Health, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[15] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/darkwebinsights, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[16] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/5291088850194-Real-time-phishing-alerts, Sourced August 10, 2024

^[17] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/202625002-Supported-devices-and-browsers, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[18] Dashlane, https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/4516905332370-Get-help-with-Dashlane

Sourced August 10, 2024

^[19] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/pricing-personal, Sourced July 12, 2024.

^[20] Dashlane. https://www.dashlane.com/pricing, Sourced August 10, 2024

^[21] Dashlane. https://support.dashlane.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001144749-Try-a-Dashlane-Free-account#trial, sourced August 10, 2024

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