As we continue to increase the number of online accounts we own, managing passwords becomes a daunting task. Fortunately, Apple has a built-in solution to help us handle that in the Keychain. Keychain is secure and encrypted storage that contains passwords, certificates, and even credit card information. This system is perhaps the most secure way of storing your passwords on your macOS or iPhone device. Enabling Keychain is quick and easy, and there is no need to pay for third-party password managers.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Password Management
Life is easier when we only have one password to remember, but that is not practical. According to a recent survey, the average user has at least 70 accounts that require passwords. It is, therefore, unsurprising that many people use one password for multiple accounts. Password reuse is a severe security risk as accounts with shared passwords will get compromised, and hackers will have access to all accounts. The volume of accounts alone, combined with the need to have unique passwords, makes password management a challenge.
Things You Need to Prepare
To use the Keychain on your macOS, you need to have an iCloud account. You will also need to have a passcode enabled on your iOS device. Ensure that you also have an active internet connection to save and manage your login information.
Method 1: Set Up Keychain on Your Mac
Keychain comes pre-installed on your macOS system, and enabling it is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Click the Apple symbol in the top-left corner of the screen, and select ‘System Preferences> Apple ID’ from the drop-down menu.
2. In the ‘Apple ID’ menu, select ‘iCloud.’
3. Check the ‘Keychain’ box.
4. Keychain will ask you to confirm your Apple ID and enter your passcode.
5. Once you have confirmed your details, Keychain will be active, and you can start saving your login credentials.
Method 2: Saving a Login in Keychain
Now that you have Keychain enabled let’s save data so we can log in to autofill all saved values in the future.
1. Visit the website you are trying to log into.
2. After providing your username and password, a prompt should pop up, asking if you want to save the information to the Keychain.
3. Click ‘Save’ to save the login information.
4. After that, every time you visit that site, your details will automatically fill the fields.
Method 3: Managing Multiple Passwords on Keychain
One of the unique features of Keychain is that it can store and manage multiple passwords for the same website. This feature is essential for websites that require different passwords for different sections.
1. Select ‘Applications> Utilities’ on your Mac and launch ‘Keychain Access.’
2. In the ‘Keychain Access’ menu, select the passwords that you want to manage.
3. Click the ‘Edit’ button and select the ‘Attributes’ tab.
4. Change the ‘Account’ field to reflect the username associated with the password.
5. Click ‘Save Changes’ to apply the changes.
Why Can’t I Use Third-Party Password Managers?
There is no reason why you can’t use third-party password managers but think twice. Third-party password managers can store and manage passwords across all operating systems and devices in one place. However, third-party password managers are susceptible to threats such as hacking and data breaches.
Having all your passwords in one place also means if the manager gets hacked, a hacker will have access to all your accounts. Moreover, third-party password managers require that you disclose your credentials, and there is no guarantee that they will protect the data or refrain from sharing it with third parties.
FAQs
Q. Can I store credit card information on Keychain?
A. Yes, Keychain can store your credit card information securely. To add a credit card, open Safari and visit a site where you want to make a purchase. Enter your details in the checkout form, and you will see the option to save your card information in the Keychain.
Q. Can I access my Keychain passwords on my iPhone?
A. Yes, you can access your Keychain on all Apple devices. As long as you have Keychain enabled on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad that use the same iCloud account, your passwords are synced automatically.
Q. How do I change the password on Keychain?
A. First, launch ‘Keychain Access’ on your Mac. Next, click the ‘Keychain Access’ menu and select ‘Preferences.’ Under the ‘General’ tab, select ‘Change Password.’ Once you have changed your password, you will need to update it on all devices connected to that account.
Q. Can I share passwords saved in Keychain?
A. Yes, you can share your Keychain passwords with other people. However, ensure that you trust the recipient because sharing access to your Keychain means they can access every password contained within. To share a password, select the credential in ‘Keychain Access’ and click the ‘Share’ button.
Q. Can I export my Keychain passwords?
A. Yes, you can export your Keychain passwords. Launch ‘Keychain Access’ and search for the credentials you want to export. Next, click the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Export Items.’ The saved file is a .txt format that can be imported to other devices or password managers. Keep in mind that exporting is a security risk and should be performed with caution.
Conclusion
Managing passwords is a difficult task, but with Keychain on macOs, we can reduce the burden. Keychain offers a secure and easy-to-use solution for storing and managing passwords, credit card information, and security certificates. With integration with iCloud, your login credentials will remain synced across all your Apple devices. Ensure that you enable the feature on all your devices and use unique passwords for every account. Remember, our society continues to become more and more vulnerable to cybersecurity risks, so let’s be proactive in protecting ourselves.