Using a password manager is smart security.
But what happens if you lose that master password?
If there’sanypassword you should be sure to remember, it’s your master password.
Here are some of the most popular, and how they handle lost master passwords.
LastPass
LastPass hasa whole guide dedicated to account recoveryif you’ve lost your master password.
and you’ll need access to the email account you use for your LastPass account.
In short,no one at Dashlane can access or grant access to your account.
it’s possible for you to’t change your master password from the mobile apps.
Doing that deletes all of the data in your account, though, so you’re starting from scratch.
This may seem draconian, but for a password manager, it’s actually a good thing.
There’s no backdoor, no password reset feature, nothing.
There’smore information on this here.
Now, you might consider trying to crack your KeePass database.
It’s probably a bad idea.
It’s an option, but we don’t recommend it.
1Password
1Password’s approach to your password vault is much like Dashlane’s.
Either way, the result is the samelost your master password?
You’re out of luck.
Most password managers require you to either back up to when you knew the password, or start over.
The best way to get into your password vault later is to prepare now.
The process is similar towhat happens if you lose your phone and you have two-factor authentication set up.
Dashlane, for example, supports emergency contacts who can access your vault if you’re unable to.
With their help, you might write down, export, or reset your other passwords.
confirm your password manager gives you that option.
If it does, export your data, and then save that file somewhere safe.
It’s just good practice to have solid backups, but most password managers store your encrypted data locally.
Of course, the best time to prepare for losing your master password is before you lose it.
Title graphic made usingIsaArt(Shutterstock).
Additional photos byjakelieferandWajahat Mahmood.
