Firefox Password Manager—How Safe Is It?
With technological advances, cybercriminals have begun using more sophisticated hacking methods, leading to an increase in data breaches and stolen credentials. According to a recent study by Forbes Advisor, about 46% of surveyed Americans had their passwords stolen in 2023[1]. To mitigate such risks, individuals have adopted different security measures, including using password managers to safeguard their passwords and other sensitive information.
Firefox Password Manager, a solution developed by Mozilla for its Firefox browser, is one of the available options. This review will explore its features, user-friendliness, and effectiveness in promoting online security. We'll also present a way to protect financial information when transacting online.
Disclaimer: The features mentioned in this article are accurate as of July 2024 and may change with time. For up-to-date information, refer to Mozilla's website.
A Breakdown of Firefox Password Manager's Offerings
To help you determine whether Firefox Password Manager suits your needs, we'll focus on three categories:
- Security measures
- Password and file management features
- Device compatibility and customer support
Security Measures
Firefox Password Manager provides basic security features to protect users' online credentials. Notable security measures include:
- Encryption—The password manager uses simple cryptography[2] for locally stored data, while data stored on Mozilla's servers for synchronization is secured with AES-256 encryption[3].
- Primary Password—This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring a master password to unlock the password manager, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Primary Passwords must be activated by the user—if the Primary Password isn't enabled, anyone who can access the device can view the saved passwords[4].
- Device Sign-in—Provides support for device-based biometric or PIN authentication using Windows Hello on Windows and Touch ID on macOS. Users must authenticate before they can view, edit, or use passwords[5].
- Windows Single Sign-on (SSO)—Allows users to log in to Microsoft, work, and school accounts using Windows 10 or 11 credentials[6].
Password and File Management Features
Firefox Password Manager doesn't limit the number of passwords users can store. To make password management seamless, it offers several essential features, including:
Device Compatibility and Customer Support
Firefox Password Manager is compatible with several operating systems[9][10], including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
As long as a user has a Firefox account, they can manage their credentials on any device that has the password manager installed, ensuring robust cross-platform support.
Firefox Password Manager offers a simple user interface. Users can access the password manager directly from the toolbar or through the menu icon in the top right-hand corner of the Firefox browser.
The main interface displays the website name, username, and an option to reveal the password if needed. Users can easily view, edit, and delete saved passwords, and the search functionality allows them to quickly locate specific passwords.
In terms of customer support, Firefox Password Manager benefits from Mozilla's extensive support resources[11]. Users can access help articles, FAQs, and community forums to find answers to common questions or troubleshoot issues. Mozilla's commitment to open-source development also means that users can contribute to improving the password manager through community feedback and participation.
Best Password Managers for Firefox
Users looking for robust security and advanced features can consider third-party password managers with Firefox browser extensions. Five notable options are:
- 1Password
- Keeper
- Bitwarden
- ProtonPass
- Dashlane
1Password
1Password offers end-to-end encryption to secure user data across multiple devices and operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.
The browser manager supports biometric logins and includes a password generator that helps create strong passwords. 1Password also allows for secure password sharing and comes with a Watchtower feature that monitors passwords for vulnerabilities and compromises in data breaches.
Keeper
Keeper is designed with zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring only users can access their stored credentials. It provides two-factor authentication to bolster security and includes a password generator that lets users create complex passwords with a click of a button. Users can also leverage the password manager's One-Time Share feature to share sensitive data with others, ensuring access is revoked after a specified duration.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that emphasizes transparency. The company uses AES-CBC 256 encryption for user data, and PBKDF2 SHA or Argon2 to generate the encryption key. Data is encrypted on the local device before being sent to the service provider's servers, bolstering privacy.
The password manager supports self-hosting, giving users complete control over their data. It also provides secure sharing and a two-step login.
Proton Pass
Proton Pass offers end-to-end encryption for all stored passwords and two-factor authentication to boost Proton account security. The tool offers a password generator and Pass Monitor, an advanced feature that notifies users about compromised, weak, and reused passwords. It also notifies users when they may need to activate 2FA, and it can generate 2FA codes.
Dashlane
Dashlane offers a comprehensive security suite with features like dark web monitoring, which alerts users if their passwords appear in breached databases, and an integrated VPN for private browsing.
Dashlane also comes with a Password Health report, a feature that notifies users about weak and reused passwords.
Are Password Managers Enough To Keep You Safe Online?
Password managers offer a secure and convenient way of storing and managing your passwords. However, hackers often go after more than your login credentials—your payment card numbers are also prime targets.
Even if you have a robust password manager that can store your payment details securely, your financial information could be vulnerable to potential exposure once you've shared it with a merchant during an online transaction.
To bolster the security of your financial data, consider using virtual cards. They work like regular payment cards when making online purchases, and they add a layer of security that protects your actual bank or payment card details.
For industry-grade security and robust card management features, consider specialized virtual card providers like Privacy.
Shield Your Sensitive Information With Privacy Virtual Cards
When you connect your debit card or bank account to Privacy, you can generate virtual cards that include unique card numbers with corresponding expiration dates and CVVs. You can use Privacy Virtual Cards for different online transactions instead of your actual payment cards, reducing the risk of your financial details getting exposed in a merchant data breach.
Privacy uses robust security methods to protect your financial information, including:
- Military-grade encryption—All sensitive data is encrypted using the robust AES-256 encryption protocol, boosting data confidentiality and integrity.
- Real-time transaction alerts—Privacy will notify you about every transaction made or attempted with your Privacy Cards, making it easier to spot and report unusual activity.
- Regular system audits—As a PCI-DSS-compliant company, Privacy undergoes regular audits by reputable third-party organizations to ensure it maintains the highest security standards.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
Privacy lets you set spending limits for each card, and any payment that exceeds the limit will be declined. This feature helps protect your account from hidden fees and double charges.
You can also close or pause the cards at any time, and Privacy will block further transactions. This mechanism can help limit accidental charges, such as those that may occur during or after canceling subscription services.
Additional Convenience Features
As a BBB-accredited company, Privacy is dedicated to providing high-quality service that is easy to use. Features that make Privacy user-friendly include:
- 1Password integration—Seamlessly manage and autofill Privacy Virtual Cards and your passwords within 1Password's browser extension.
- Mobile app—Available on both Android and iOS devices, the Privacy App allows you to create, manage, and monitor your virtual cards anytime, anywhere.
- Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension—available on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Safari for iOS—offers quick access to your virtual cards, streamlining the online checkout process.
- Card Notes—Keep detailed track of card usage in case you need to refer back to any purchase details later. This feature can help you stay organized and manage your spending more effectively.
- Shared Cards—Share virtual cards with family or friends, providing controlled access to your financial resources while maintaining security.
How To Get a Privacy Card
To join Privacy, follow four steps:
- Create an account on the Privacy website
- Complete the identity verification process
- Link your bank account or debit card to fund your Privacy Virtual Cards
- Request and generate your first Privacy Card
Privacy has four monthly plans:
- Personal (free for domestic transactions)—This plan allows you to create up to 12 new Merchant-Locked and Single-Use Cards per month. You can set spending limits, pause, or close cards as needed. The Personal plan also grants access to the web app, mobile app, and browser extension.
- Plus ($5 per month)—The Plus plan includes all features of the Personal plan. It allows you to create up to 24 virtual cards per month. You can use Category-Locked Cards, the Shared Cards feature, and make custom card notes. The Plus plan also includes Priority support and Live Chat, which is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
- Pro ($10 per month)—The Pro plan offers everything in Plus and allows you to create up to 36 virtual cards per month. It offers 1% cashback on eligible purchases, up to $4,500 per month, and zero foreign transaction fees.
- Premium ($25 per month)—Tailored for power users, the Premium plan includes all features of the Pro plan and allows you to generate up to 60 virtual cards per month.
References
[1] Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/american-password-habits/, Sourced August 16, 2024
[2] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-firefox-securely-saves-passwords, Sourced August 16, 2024
[3] Mozilla Hacks. https://hacks.mozilla.org/2018/11/firefox-sync-privacy/, Sourced August 16, 2024
[4] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/use-primary-password-protect-stored-logins, Sourced August 16, 2024
[5] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-password-authentification-prompt, sourced August 16, 2024
[6] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/windows-sso, sourced August 16, 2024
[7] Mozilla. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/features/password-manager/, Sourced August 16, 2024
[8] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/relay-integration, Sourced August 16, 2024
[9] Mozilla. https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/system-requirements, Sourced August 16, 2024
[10] Mozilla. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/will-firefox-work-my-mobile-device, Sourced August 16, 2024
[11] Mozilla. support.mozilla.org/en-US/, Sourced August 16, 2024
