Kaspersky Password Manager Review 2023 Edition – Is That Safe?

Kaspersky is an established brand offering an advanced portfolio of security solutions and services. Millions of people around the globe trust its antivirus and total security solution. But, with time, Kaspersky is working on expanding its product line. Among their several products, the Kaspersky password manager is quite famous. The password manager is easy-to-use and offers various impressive features, such as:

Features	Description
Auto-fill	It automatically fills out the login details and online forms.
Document Vault	It stores important documents, photos, and medical records in an encrypted vault that the end user only accesses.
Management tools	It organizes data, imports passwords, and helps users find any document easily.
Zero-Knowledge	It guarantees that users’ data is not stored on the servers and nobody has any idea about it.
Password Leak Detection	It gives a report about the current status of existing strong passwords and helps spot passwords vulnerable to online attacks.
File Compressor	It compresses image files to a larger size.

But, the password manager does have some shortcomings. Kaspersky was  exposed to brute force attacks. This has somewhat shattered the trust users had on its service. 

Additionally, it operates from Russia, where the companies store the users' private data. Reddit users often worry about how the Russia and Ukraine war might impact the product's performance. People also question the company's privacy policy. A couple of years back, the company handed users' data to the Russian government. 

Amidst this, the best way to find out the truth about Kaspersky password manager's performance and security is to review it. Thus, this detailed Kaspersky password manager review explores all the features and determines if it's honest with its claims. 

Managing Kaspersky Password Manager Settings 

The Kaspersky setup process is simple, like any other casual password manager. It's compatible with Android, Mac, iOS, and Windows. Also, it offers dedicated apps that provide a smooth downloading experience. Download the password manager on any compatible device by visiting its official site. 

Here's how users can setup Kaspersky password manager on different devices: 

On Windows:

The Kaspersky password manager stores and protects passwords efficiently on Windows platform. To install the password manager first install the Kaspersky Small Office Security. Once done, follow the steps as below:  

1. Open the main window application of Kaspersky Small Office Security. 
2. Tap on the Password Manager button. 
3. A pop-up window appears. Click on the option that says the Run Kaspersky Password Manager.

After installing the password manager, connect the application to My Kaspersky under the intended user account. And then you can start using the password manager as per your use. 

On Mac

To install Kaspersky Password Manager on a Mac computer, follow the following steps:

1. Download the installation package from the My Kaspersky portal. 
2. Open the package (.dmg file) once the download is complete. 
3. A pop-up window appears; click on the Install Kaspersky Password Manager button.
4. In the next window, tap on the Download and Install button. 
5. Read the End User Licence Agreement. If you agree with the terms and conditions, click on the Accept and Install button. 
6. A new window prompts that asks for the administrator account credentials. Type in the computer administrator's name and password. Now, again confirm to install the password manager. 
7. Wait a few minutes to complete the installation process, and then click on the Done button.
8. A master password entry window appears. Enter the master password and click on the Continue button.
9. A window shows the browsers on which you can install the password manager's extension. Choose the browsers on which you want to use the extension and tap on the Continue button. 

Once the extension downloads, click on the Continue option and start using the password manager. 

On iOS

Kaspersky also allows iOS users to download the password manager on iPhones and iPad. Take the following actions to install the password manager on any iOS-supported device:

1. Download and install the Kaspersky Password Manager app from the Apple App Store. 
2. Click on the Open button when the installation is complete. 
3. A welcome window shows up; click on the Next button. 
4. Read and Accept the End User License Agreement. 
5. Tap on the Sign in button in the My Kaspersky window. 
6. Users must type email addresses and passwords on the My Kaspersky portal, then tap on the Sign in button. 
7. Enter the master password and click on the Continue button. 

Now, use the Kaspersky password manager on your iOS devices. 

On Android

Android users can also use the Kaspersky password manager and protect their passwords and other sensitive data. Here are the steps to download and install it:

1. Download and install the Kaspersky Password Manager app from the Google Play Store. 
2. A window containing the permission list appears; click on the Accept button. 
3. Tap on the Open button when the installation is complete. 
4. A welcome window appears; click on the Next button.
5. Read and Accept the End User License Agreement. 
6. Click on the Sign in option in the My Kaspersky portal window. 
7. Enter your email address and password, and tap on the sign-in button again. 
8. In the initial configuration window, click on the Continue option. 
9. Choose a master password for your account. 

Users can also use the free password manager version on their Android phones. But remember that it will restrict their access to certain features and services.

Security of Kaspersky Password Manager

On the upfront, Kaspersky is a secure and reliable password manager. It automatically updates the devices' data and enables users to access the data from anywhere via the My Kaspersky portal. It uses the industry's highest AES-256-bit encryption to protect everything stored in the vault that Reddit users appreciate. With such high encryption standards, the hackers can’t successfully break into the main vault and access the data. The data stored in the vault includes passwords, photos, files, documents, credit cards, and secure notes. 

The password managers requires users to create the main password while setting up an account. As soon as the user enters the master password, all the data becomes encrypted. Kaspersky doesn’t stores or shares the master password anywhere in the cloud or on the device. Hence, if it's lost, there’s no way to recover it. In other words, it means that users will also lose access to the data if they lost the password. 

Kaspersky password manager maintains security by blocking access to the vault after a period of inactivity. It also happens when the screen saver turns on. To access the vault, users need to enter the password again. This way, all sensitive information remains safe; even if someone tries to steal it, they won't. 

Besides this, Kaspersky uses a key derivation function (PBKDF2) to authenticate users' accounts. It also uses the zero-knowledge model, which guarantees that the password manager doesn't store any of the user data. 

But, it does lack other helpful features like the two-factor authentication feature, which concerns the users. It might look like a basic security feature, but it adds an extra security layer to the main vault. This way, even if hackers have the vault's password, they won't be able to access it. 

Ease Of Use And Interface 

Kaspersky password manager is one of the most straightforward password managers to use. It has a clean, intuitive user interface that's attractive and easy to use. Thus, Kaspersky password managers are the perfect option for newbies. 

All the apps are lightweight, fast, and deliver excellent performance. It's easy to download and install the password manager on all supported devices. A clean and simple interface pop-up on the screen when users log into their accounts. It includes all the options that the users might need.

 If you download the password manager on Windows, then the interface looks like this:

A search bar is also available that makes it easy to search a file, image, or document if the user is in a hurry. Users can also create a backup copy and import and export the data by navigating the settings menu.

Moreover, there's a general setting menu bar as well. Users can change their main vault password and enable the auto-fill and sync feature. 

The main homepage allows installing the browser extension to enjoy a more user-friendly experience.

Users can create new entries and passwords and add documents, credit cards, and more with a Click option. 

Despite offering a good user experience, Windows's downloading process was a bit slow. The users have to wait at least 10-20 minutes until the download finishes. 

Compatible Apps and Extensions

The Kaspersky password manager works on all major devices and operating systems. Users can download and install the password managers on the following devices:

• Android
• Mac
• iOS
• Windows

Users can download the password managers apps from their respective app stores. All the apps are similar in design and usability, but there's one extra leak protection feature in the Windows app. 

Another amazing feature of Kaspersky is its browser extension. It allows users to install the password manager on their browser with a click. Kaspersky offers easy-to-use extensions for the following mainstream browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Edge-based on Chromium

The browser extensions increase convenience as users use the password managers directly in their browsers. Upon prompts, it autofill the users' details. They help in creating a random and strong password. The browser stores and fills out the users' account name and password when they visit websites. Also, as long as they use the same browser, it automatically syncs all the account details. 

However, the password managers' browser extensions are not entirely safe to use. Hence, don't rely on them completely. They encrypt the password but can't analyze if it needs more strengthening or not. Besides this, they can't detect whether the passwords are reused or leaked. Hence, it's better to use the stand–alone password manager. 

Features Overview

Kaspersky password manager doesn't offer any advanced features. But it includes all the basic password management features. These features add more value to your user experience. Here's a brief overview of these features:

Auto-Fill

Kaspersky's autofill feature saves information when users fill out an online form. Turn on the autosave and autofill feature for addresses, bank cards, payment info, accounts, and login credentials. 

Document Vault

The Kaspersky password manager vault is an encrypted file manager that contains all important documents, notes, photos, and other personal data. It organizes the data and makes it easy to  access them.

Password Generator

Password Generator is another impressive Kaspersky feature that allows users to create strong and unique passwords for all their online accounts. Users can assess the strength of the existing user passwords. 

Besides this, it lets users replace weaker passwords with new ones. Doing so boosts their account security and prevents password security issues. Also, it alerts users using weak or duplicate passwords and encourages them to generate strong ones. 

Leak Detection

The leak detection feature is another great password security-boosting feature. It warns users about any leaked passwords so they can take an early action. But the password leak detection option is only available on the Windows platform. 

Kaspersky Customer Support 

One impressive thing about the Kaspersky password manager is its customer support. It offers various means to resolve users' issues, including community help and online resources.

Kaspersky offers a range of security solutions, so each product shares a central website support centre. Contacting the support team directly is a bit difficult. Users can email customer support by submitting a ticket but don't expect to receive a reply soon as the waiting time is 24 hours. The password manager doesn't offer a 24/7 live chat feature. It is a great disappointment and prevents users from getting an instant solution for their problems. 

The Kaspersky online forums are an active platform for helping out users. It's challenging to use, but every page there is worth reading so anyone looking for expert advice must consider using it. Also, a separate support page provides knowledge resources to the users. This includes FAQs, setup guides, how-to-videos, and a knowledge base. 

A significant drawback of Kaspersky customer support is that users need an account to request technical support. They might also need an activation code, and it's only available to paid users. Hence, starters must first go through the FAQs and guide pages. 

Kaspersky Pricing Plans 

The Kaspersky password manager offers a free and premium version. If you don't have a budget, you can opt to use the free plan. But Kaspersky's free version won't allow using most of its features and services. The free plan only allows one user to create an account on unlimited devices. In addition, users can add only fifteen entries including passwords and other important documents. 

Thus, it's better to save some bucks every month and subscribe to the premium plan of Kaspersky password manager.

The paid plan is available for personal and business purposes. It costs $14.99 per year for one user account. Users can pay via the traditional credit card or bank/Wire transfer method. 

All Kaspersky products come with a 30-day refund policy. Users can request a refund within the 30-days when they bought the subscription. Hence, if the password manager doesn't meet the standard after the subscription, there’s a way to get the money back.

Final Thoughts

Kaspersky is an easy-to-use password manager with an impressive interface and design. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and PBKDF2 to protect the data. Also, it provides basic security features such as, built-in password check, auto-fill, document vault, and backup features. 

The password manager doesn't record any user data and is safe to use. The passwords are only known to the users, and only they can access the vault. Users can use the Kaspersky password manager on all popular devices and browsers. But to enjoy a better experience, it’s better to invest in the paid plan.