NordPass is a proprietary password manager launched in 2019. It allows its users to organize their passwords and secure notes by keeping them in a single encrypted vault.[1] NordPass, which operates on a freemium business model,[2] was developed by the VPN service NordVPN.[3]

NordPass
Nordpass.png
TypePassword management service
Launch date2019; 5 years ago (2019)
Platform(s)
Operating system(s)
StatusActive
Websitenordpass.com

NordPass is available natively on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as via browser extensions for all major internet browsers.[4]

Security features

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  • NordPass is built with the XChaCha variant of the ChaCha20 encryption algorithm.[5]
  • NordPass has zero-knowledge architecture,[6] meaning that passwords are encrypted on the user's device and only then stored in the cloud. This way, NordPass cannot view, edit, or in any other way manage users’ passwords.[7]
  • NordPass provides two-factor authentication[8] via authentication apps, including Google Authenticator, Duo, and Authy.
  • In its latest release it includes FIDO U2F support. This means that it will now work with YubiKey and other third party security keys.[9] Though this protection is embedded at the service login instead of the app which is a weakness.
  • NordPass provides a Secure Password Sharing Feature which allows for the secure sharing of passwords between NordPass users.[10]
  • NordPass can scan data breaches for password leaks.[11]
  • NordPass can identify weak, reused, or old passwords which it divides into Weak, Reused, and Old.[12]

An independent cybersecurity firm, Cure53, in February 2020 conducted an audit and confirmed the security of NordPass password manager.[13]

Reception

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At launch in 2019, NordPass received mixed reviews with some tech review sites pointing out the absence of certain features. PCMag, for instance, noted that "it offers very few advanced features such as form-filling, folders, security monitoring, or 2FA key support".[14]

As NordPass and its features evolved over time, it started to be regarded more positively by users and critics, including influential tech websites such as Wired, Forbes, Business Insider, and TechRadar, and was nominated for several awards.[15][16][17][18][19]

References

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  1. ^ "What Is a Password Vault? - Definition from Techopedia". Techopedia.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  2. ^ "NordPass Review | NordVPN's fully featured entry into the password manager world". ProPrivacy.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  3. ^ "NordVPN Officially Releases Its New Password Manager NordPass". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  4. ^ "Browsers, which support NordPass". NordPass. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  5. ^ "XChaCha20 Encryption". NordPass. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  6. ^ "Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Extra Password Safety". nordpass.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  7. ^ "NordPass Review | NordVPN's fully featured entry into the password manager world". ProPrivacy.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  8. ^ "What you need to know about 2FA". nordpass.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  9. ^ "Security Key". NordPass. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  10. ^ "Secure Password Sharing". NordPass. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  11. ^ "Password Breach Report". NordPass. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  12. ^ "Password Health Report". NordPass. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  13. ^ Knowles, Catherine (2020-03-12). "NordPass releases new features on the back of extensive audit". SecurityBrief New Zealand. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  14. ^ Fearn, Nicholas (2020-10-12). "10 billion records, including personal details, exposed by unsecured databases". tom's guide.
  15. ^ Gilbertson, Scott. "The Best Password Managers to Secure Your Digital Life". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  16. ^ "NordPass Review: Features, Pros & Cons – Forbes Advisor". www.forbes.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  17. ^ "Updated NordPass feature enables instant alerts and quick responses to threats". markets.businessinsider.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  18. ^ Jennings, Mike (2021-11-10). "NordPass Review: Is it safe?". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  19. ^ "Digital.com Names Top 20 Password Manager Software of 2020". PRWeb. Retrieved 2024-02-19.