Dashlane Review 2024

Dashlane Encryption and Infrastructure

Dashlane encrypts all your data using 256-bit AES encryption. It also uses zero-knowledge architecture, which means that not even Dashlane has access to your passwords and other sensitive information stored in your vaults.

Furthermore, your data is encrypted on your device, meaning your data and sensitive information are already encrypted before they reach Dashlane’s servers. This adds that extra security.

Dashlane Password Generator

Like most password managers, Dashlane provides an easy-to-use password generator. With it, you can generate random passwords using letters, numbers, and symbols, creating passwords between 4 and 40 characters long.

Alternatively, competitors like RoboForm allow you to create up to 512 characters long passwords.

One notable Dashlane feature is its Generator History. If you’ve generated a strong password but have forgotten to save it, you can use this feature to go back and manually copy the password you are looking for. This is a unique feature that not many password managers offer.

Form Filling

Form filling is a standard feature offered by all reputable password managers. Dashlane can help you save time by automatically filling out forms with the relevant data needed to sign up for something or enter payment data when purchasing something online.

Dashlane Secure Notes

The secure notes feature enables you to safely store important information. These notes can be anything from Wi-Fii passwords to credit card details and software keys.

You can also lock these notes, which means if you want to access them, you’ll need to enter your master password, which only the account holder should know.

Furthermore, you can store sensitive documents in this vault. It has 1GB of storage space, and the uploaded file can be up to 15 MB. Importantly, you can share any secure notes if they have a document attached to them.

Password Sharing

Like sharing secure notes, you can also share passwords with trusted people. The recipient should also have a Dashlane account to receive any shared information, and it can be done through the web or mobile Dashlane app.

Recipients will then receive an email and a notification in the Dashlanes Sharing Center. Administrators can also create sharing groups. This is a great feature for businesses, as groups can be created based on departments. It creates an organized environment for sensitive information to be shared, and it also saves time, as items are shared just once.

Dashlane Passkeys

Passkeys are an authentication method for logging in to websites without using a password. Interestingly, due to their convenience, passkeys may replace passwords as the main way to access your accounts in the future.

When you create a passkey, you essentially create two keys that connect you to a site. These keys are connected in a complex mathematical relationship and consist of long strings of numbers. The first key is private and stored in your Dashlane account, and the second key is public.

It’s considered safe because the public key is useless without the private key. These keys act as an authentication barrier and only allow access if both keys are compatible. This is a form of asymmetric encryption.

Phishing Alerts

An attempt to steal sensitive information like usernames and passwords is called phishing. Cybercriminals posing as legitimate companies often do this via email. To prevent this, Dashlane sends you an alert when someone is trying to steal your data.

Dashlane offers two types of phishing alerts:

1. The first alert will warn you if you visit a website posing as a legitimate Dashlane website.
2. Now, the second will warn you if you enter your password to access an untrusted website.

Dashlane VPN

Hotspot Shield VPN is a simplistic virtual private network offered by Dashlane. While the virtual private network is on a more basic level, it’s still a very nice add-on included with all Dashlane plans.

For example, there are no extra features like split tunneling or a kill switch; however, it does provide an extra layer of security while browsing the internet. Alternatively, if you are interested in a secure and reliable VPN, take a look at the best VPN services.

Dashlane Reports and Dark Web Monitoring

Dashlane comes with dark web monitoring and a password health tool. The live dark web monitoring will scan the dark web for personal data related to your email address. If it finds anything, it generates a report and alerts you to change your credentials.

The password health tool will examine your passwords and alert you to any reused or weak passwords. Any compromised passwords will also appear in a report so you know which passwords need fixing.

Dashlane Desktop App

Dashlane is a fully web-based application. It used to provide a desktop version for Windows and iOS; however, in 2022, it announced discontinuing such an option. Regardless, you can create a desktop shortcut to easily access the Dashlane web app without having to log in via the extension.

You can do this by navigating to Dashlane in your browser and selecting the 3-dot menu at the top right of your screen. Then, select ‘More tools’ and ‘Create shortcut’, save it as ‘Dashlane’, and tick the box next to ‘Open as window’. You can then pin it to your taskbar for easy access.

Dashlane Mobile App

Dashlane’s mobile app is available for iOS and Android. It gives you access to everything Dashlane offers, including the password generator, password sharing, password health monitoring, VPN, and dark web monitoring.

The iOS version isn’t as feature-rich as its Android counterpart. For example, you can’t import any passwords; however, you’ll still get access to important features to keep your passwords secure.

Interestingly, you can use Dashlane’s mobile app as an authenticator to bypass additional third-party apps like Microsoft Authenticator to access websites that use 2FA.

Dashlane Browser Extensions

The browser extension is equipped with many useful tools and is extremely user-friendly. It allows you to access your saved passwords and generate new ones. You can also use its auto-fill feature for easy access, changing various settings, and navigating to different websites.

However, if you want access to features like your secure notes, payment details, and saved ID information, you’ll need to hop over to the web app. Furthermore, while Dashlane allows you to import passwords from other platforms, it’s quite tricky, as it requires you to download a .csv file from your browser or another password manager.