What if I forget my master password?

You cannot recover forgotten master password - this is by design for security. Password manager companies don't have access to your master password. This is why it's critical to: 1) Choose memorable master password, 2) Write it down initially, 3) Practice entering it daily until memorized. Some managers offer account recovery through emergency contacts, but this takes days/weeks.

Can password managers be hacked?

Password managers use military-grade encryption (AES-256) that would take millions of years to crack. Even if company's servers are breached, your data remains encrypted and useless without master password. LastPass was breached in 2022, but properly encrypted user data wasn't compromised. Choose reputable managers (1Password, Bitwarden) that are regularly audited.

What happens if the password manager company goes out of business?

Your passwords remain accessible in local apps even if company shuts down. Both 1Password and Bitwarden allow exporting all passwords to CSV file anytime. Best practice: export passwords annually as backup. Store encrypted export file in safe location. This gives you peace of mind regardless of company status.

Should I store my password manager master password in a safe?

Initially, yes - write it down and store securely while memorizing. After memorization, destroy the written copy. Never store digitally. For emergency access, use password manager's emergency contact feature rather than written passwords. This lets trusted person access your vault if something happens to you.

Can I use the same password manager on work and personal devices?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Work devices may have monitoring software that could capture master password. Better approach: use separate vault for work passwords, or use work's mandated password manager for work accounts. Keep personal password manager only on personal devices.

How do I switch from one password manager to another?

Export passwords from old manager as CSV, import into new manager. Process: 1) Export from old manager (Settings > Export), 2) Sign up for new manager, 3) Import CSV file, 4) Verify all passwords transferred correctly, 5) Delete CSV file, 6) Cancel old subscription. Takes 15-30 minutes. Both 1Password and Bitwarden support imports from competitors.

Are password managers better than browser password saving?

Yes, significantly. Browser password managers lack: 2FA support, cross-browser syncing, breach monitoring, secure sharing, password generation, password health checks, and emergency access. Dedicated password managers offer military-grade encryption and are designed specifically for security. Browser managers are convenience features, not security tools.

What about keeping passwords in a spreadsheet?

Terrible idea - unencrypted spreadsheets are easily accessed by malware, hackers, or anyone with device access. Even password-protected spreadsheets use weak encryption. Never store passwords in: spreadsheets, Word docs, text files, Notes app, or emails. Always use dedicated encrypted password manager.

Can I use fingerprint instead of master password?

On mobile devices, yes - after initial setup with master password. Face ID/Touch ID/fingerprint unlock is convenient for daily use. However, you still need master password for: signing in on new devices, changing settings, and recovery. Biometric unlock is convenience feature, not replacement for master password.

How much does a password manager cost in Australia?

Individual plans: 1Password $5/month, Bitwarden free (or $1.50/month premium), Dashlane $6/month. Family plans: 1Password $8/month for 5 people, Bitwarden $5/month for 6 people. All accept Australian credit cards and charge in AUD. Compare to cost of identity theft recovery ($1000s), password managers are excellent value.

Password Manager Setup Guide for Australians: Complete Tutorial

Step-by-step guide to setting up a password manager. Choose between 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane, import passwords, and secure your accounts.

Why You Need a Password Manager

The problem: Average Australian has 100+ online accounts. Using same password for everything is dangerous - when one site is breached, hackers try that password everywhere.

The solution: Password manager generates and stores unique strong passwords for every account. You only remember one master password.

Benefits:

Security: Unique 20+ character passwords for every site
Convenience: Auto-fill passwords on any device
Safety: Password managers detect phishing sites
Sharing: Securely share passwords with family
Alerts: Notified when your passwords appear in breaches

Choosing Your Password Manager

Password manager comparison for Australians
Provider	Rating	Speed	Price	Features
1Password	4.7	$5/month	• Easiest to use • Australian hosting • Family sharing	Try it →
Bitwarden	4.5	Free / $1.50/month	• Open source • Unlimited passwords • Self-hosting option	Try it →
Dashlane	4.3	$6/month	• VPN included • Dark web monitoring • Password changer	Try it →

Our recommendation:

Beginners: 1Password ($5/month) - easiest to learn
Budget: Bitwarden (free) - excellent features at no cost
Families: 1Password Families ($8/month for 5 people)

Complete Setup Tutorial

Setting Up 1Password (30 Minutes)

Create account and choose plan

Visit 1password.com and click 'Get Started'. Choose Individual ($5/month) or Family ($8/month for 5 people). Enter email address and create account. 1Password offers 14-day free trial.

Create your master password

This is the ONLY password you'll need to remember. Make it strong but memorable. Use 4-5 random words (correcthorsebatterystaple) or a passphrase. Write it down and store in secure location until memorized. DO NOT store digitally.

Download apps on all devices

Install 1Password on: computer (Mac/Windows), phone (iOS/Android), and browser extension (Chrome/Firefox/Safari). Sign in with your master password on each device.

Import existing passwords

1Password can import from Chrome, Safari, Firefox, LastPass, or CSV file. Click Settings > Import, select source, follow prompts. Most users have 50-200 passwords imported automatically in under 2 minutes.

Enable two-factor authentication

Go to 1Password account settings and enable 2FA using authenticator app (Authy or Google Authenticator). This requires second code when signing in on new devices. Critical security step.

Set up browser extension

Browser extension auto-fills passwords on websites. Click extension icon, sign in, grant permissions. Test by visiting a saved login - should auto-fill automatically.

Add emergency contact

1Password lets you designate trusted person who can access your vault if something happens to you. Go to Settings > Family/Emergency Access and add trusted contact.

Start using for new accounts

When creating new account, let 1Password generate random 20-character password. Save to vault. Never reuse passwords across sites.

Master Password Best Practices

Your master password is the only password you need to remember. Make it strong:

Good examples:

CorrectHorseBatteryStaple (4 random words)
Sydney-2025-Coffee-Beach (memorable phrase)
MyDog!Ate3Kangaroos@Home (personal story)

Bad examples:

password123 (too common)
JohnSmith1980 (personal info)
qwerty (keyboard pattern)

Requirements:

At least 12 characters (20+ better)
Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
Not found in dictionary
Not reused from other accounts

Memory tip: Write it down on paper and keep in wallet for first week. Once memorized, destroy the paper.

Importing Passwords from Browsers

From Google Chrome

Open Chrome, go to chrome://settings/passwords
Click three dots next to "Saved Passwords"
Select "Export passwords" and save CSV file
In 1Password: Settings > Import > Chrome CSV
Select downloaded file, click Import
Delete CSV file after import

From Safari (Mac)

Open Safari, go to Preferences > Passwords
Select all passwords, click Export
Save CSV file (requires Mac password)
In 1Password: Settings > Import > Safari CSV
Delete CSV file after import

From Firefox

Open Firefox, go to about:logins
Click three dots menu, select "Export Logins"
Save CSV file
In 1Password: Settings > Import > Firefox CSV
Delete CSV file

Security note: CSV files contain unencrypted passwords. Delete immediately after import and empty trash.

Securing Your Password Manager

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Why: Even if someone steals your master password, they can't access account without 2FA code.

How to set up:

Download authenticator app (Authy or Google Authenticator)
In 1Password settings, enable 2FA
Scan QR code with authenticator app
Save backup codes in safe place (not in 1Password itself)

Important: Store backup codes on paper or separate device. If you lose phone, backup codes are only way to regain access.

Use Security Key (Advanced)

What: Physical USB device (like YubiKey) required to sign in

Advantages:

Strongest security (phishing-proof)
No codes to type
Works offline

Cost: $25-50 for YubiKey

Setup: 1Password settings > Two-Factor Auth > Security Key

Set Up Travel Mode

What: Temporarily remove sensitive vaults from devices before crossing borders

Why: Some countries (US, Australia) can demand device access at borders. Travel Mode lets you hide sensitive passwords.

How:

Mark vaults as "Safe for Travel"
Enable Travel Mode before trip
At border, only travel-safe vaults visible
Disable after clearing customs

Enable Watchtower

What: Monitors your passwords for security issues

Alerts you when:

Password appears in data breach
Website has security vulnerability
Password is reused across sites
Password is weak
2FA available but not enabled

How: Built into 1Password, check Settings > Watchtower

Using Password Manager Daily

Auto-Fill on Websites

Desktop:

Visit website login page
Click password field
1Password icon appears
Click icon, select account, auto-fills

Mobile:

Tap password field
Keyboard shows "Passwords" option
Unlock with Face ID/fingerprint
Select account, auto-fills

Generating New Passwords

When creating new account:

Enter username/email
Click password field
1Password offers to generate password
Accept suggested password (20 characters, random)
Save new login to vault

Never create your own passwords - let password manager generate random ones.

Sharing Passwords with Family

1Password Families: Create shared vault, add family members, they get access

Use cases:

Netflix password with household
WiFi password with visitors
Emergency contacts with spouse

Security: Only share with trusted people. Can revoke access anytime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Weak Master Password

Mistake: Using password123 as master password

Fix: Use 4+ random words or memorable passphrase with 15+ characters

2. Storing Master Password Digitally

Mistake: Saving master password in Notes app or email

Fix: Write on paper, keep secure, memorize, then destroy paper

3. Not Enabling 2FA

Mistake: Relying only on master password

Fix: Enable 2FA immediately after setup

4. Reusing Passwords

Mistake: Still using same password for some accounts

Fix: Let password manager generate unique password for every site

5. Ignoring Breach Alerts

Mistake: Dismissing Watchtower notifications about compromised passwords

Fix: Change compromised passwords immediately when alerted

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Setting up a password manager is one of the most important security steps you can take. The 30-minute investment protects you from:

Data breaches
Identity theft
Account hacking
Phishing attacks
Password reuse vulnerabilities

Next steps:

Choose password manager (1Password for ease, Bitwarden for budget)
Create strong master password
Import existing passwords
Enable 2FA
Start using for all new accounts

Within a month, you'll have unique strong passwords for every account and wonder how you ever managed without a password manager.

Need help choosing? Read our complete password manager comparison or email hello@auprivacykit.com