If you have to keep track of so many passwords you forget your own name, these free password managers will throw you a bone.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to clean up and simplify my online presence – and as we all know, you have to create a mess in order to clean one up. This is especially true of our passwords: many of us either use the same password for everything, or use super-easy passwords such as “password” or “1234”, leaving ourselves vulnerable to hackers.

Here are 5 free password managers to help you not only organize your web presence, but make it more secure:

1. PasswordSafe

PasswordSafe is a free online service that works on all browsers and operating systems. It’s essentially an online encrypted safe that stores your passwords, software keys, website logins, pin numbers, the whole nine. A desktop version is available for both Windows and Mac.

2. LastPass

LastPass is one of the most hassle-free password managers around. It takes minutes to download and set up, and once your account’s activated, LastPass will prompt you to save new passwords as you browse. Not only will you never lose another password, but the only password you’ll have to remember is the one for your LastPass account. It’s a free service, but if you upgrade to their premium account (which is only $12/year), you’ll also have access on all of your mobile devices. Cha. Ching.

3. KeePass

KeePass is one of the most popular password managers around. Best of all, it’s open-source, free, and can be used on multiple platforms – including your mobile devices.

4. Clipperz

Clipperz stores your passwords, credit card numbers and other confidential information. It’s a 100 percent online service, so you’ll be able to access your info from anywhere. The thought of storing your most prized information completely online might sound nerve wracking, but not to worry: Clipperz uses an encryption method where not even the company knows your data, which is perfect if you need to access your information from multiple computers.

5. Google Docs

If the above password managers don’t do the trick for you, you can always create a spreadsheet of your usernames and passwords and upload it to Google Docs. It’s a simple way to cover all three of your primary concerns: Forgetting your passwords, accessing them from anywhere, and password-protecting the spreadsheet so you’re the only one who can access it.

Have you jumped on the password managers bandwagon yet?

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Image: Ervins Strauhmanis

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