Symantec has just launched the beta version of their password manager, Norton Identity Safe. Password management is a tricky business, particularly for people with both a computer and a smartphone. These needs have so far been addressed by a limited number of services, such as LastPass. Now security giant Symantec is getting in on the action with its beta version of Norton Identify Safe.
The concept behind ID safe is simple. You install the software on your PC and set up a master password for your “vault” of passwords. When you enter a password for the first time, you’ll be given the option to save that password, after which it will be automatically entered for you whenever you return. In addition to Identity Safe, installing this software installs Norton Safe Web, a tool which rates websites based on potential security threats and alerts users when they’re accessing an unsafe website.
Support is included for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome. There’s also support for cross-platform management with iOS and Android devices. Once you’ve installed the software on your PC, you can download the app.
However, the mobile version (at least on Android) appears to function as its own browser independent other browsers installed on the Android device. In other words, if you want to enjoy mobile password management you have to access a site through the Identity Safe app. I also ran into crash issues. Perhaps this is a beta release that’s worthy of the title.
I think the service still needs some work on the mobile end, but the PC version of the software is smooth and easy to use. It’s free (for now, at least) so give it a whirl if you don’t have a password manager.
Source: Android Guys
