NordPass is a proprietary password manager launched in 2019. It allows its users to organize their passwords and secure notes by keeping them in a single encrypted vault.[1] NordPass, which operates on a freemium business model,[2] was developed by the VPN service NordVPN.[3]
NordPass is available natively on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as via browser extensions for web browsers.[4]
History
In 2022, NordPass introduced the data breach scanner, that allow users to check if their data had been compromised in a breach.[5]
The same year, NordPass announced NordPass for Business, a solution with teams, business, and enterprise tiers designed to help businesses and organizations strengthen their password management and overall cybersecurity posture.[6]
In 2023, NordPass introduced passkey support, enabling passwordless authentication.[7]
In 2024, NordPass launched email masking, a feature that hides users’ real email addresses when signing up for online services to reduce spam and phishing.[8]
Security features
NordPass utilizes the XChaCha variant of the ChaCha20 encryption algorithm,[9] which is regarded as faster and more secure than the AES-256 algorithm.[10]
The service operates on a zero-knowledge architecture,[11] meaning that passwords are encrypted on the user's device before being stored in the cloud. As a result, NordPass cannot access, modify, or manage users' passwords.[12]
Two-factor authentication is available through authentication apps such as Google Authenticator, Duo, and Authy.[13] NordPass also supports FIDO U2F, which works with YubiKey and other third-party security keys.[14] This protection is integrated into the service's login process rather than the app. The Data Breach Scanner feature automatically scans compromised databases and compares them with items stored in the user's vault, such as passwords and credit card information, to identify any potential breaches.[15] Additionally, NordPass offers a Secure Password Sharing feature that allows users to share passwords securely with other NordPass users.[16]
The platform also scans for password leaks[17] and identifies weak, reused, or outdated passwords, categorizing them into groups such as Weak, Reused, and Old.[18]
NordPass enables users to create an unlimited number of email aliases to protect their real email addresses.[19]
NordPass Business is ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified and complies with HIPAA standards.[20] It also includes a built-in authenticator for generating time-based, one-time passwords for two-factor authentication.[21]
The Email Masking feature allows users to conceal their real email address when signing up for online services.[22]
Furthermore, NordPass provides an Activity Log, Password Policy, and company-wide security settings to help manage and monitor access to company resources.[23]
Other features include Google Workspace SSO, Security Dashboard, MS ADFS, and support for Okta User and Group Provisioning.[24]An independent cybersecurity firm, Cure53, in February 2020 conducted an audit and confirmed the security of NordPass password manager.[25]
The service currently supports passkey storage, allowing users to authenticate without passwords. NordPass was one of the first password managers to implement passkey support.[26]
NordPass also provides a tool called Authopia, a passwordless authentication solution for businesses that enables the integration of passkey login options into their web domains.[27]
Reception
At launch in 2019, NordPass received mixed reviews with some tech review sites pointing out the absence of certain features. PCMag, for instance, noted that "it offers very few advanced features such as form-filling, folders, security monitoring, or 2FA key support".[28]
As NordPass and its features evolved over time, it started to be regarded more positively by users and critics, including influential tech websites such as Wired, Forbes, Business Insider, and TechRadar, and was nominated for several awards.[29][30][31][32][33]
NordPass has made a name for itself by publishing its Top 200 Most Common Passwords report. Now in its sixth edition, the annual list is compiled from a 2.5TB dataset of compromised credentials sourced from various breaches, including those found on the dark web, where stolen logins are frequently traded by cybercriminals.[34]
Awards
NordPass was recognized with PCMag’s Editors' Choice award for paid password managers and received a 4.5 out of 5 rating in their 2025 review, highlighting its strong security features and user-friendly experience.[35]
Recognized for its balance of security and ease of use, NordPass received a Silver GLOBEE® Award in the 2024 Password Management category.[36]
In 2024, NordPass received a Silver GLOBEE® Award in the Passwordless category, recognizing its advancements in secure, password-free authentication solutions.[37]
References
- ^ "What Is a Password Vault? - Definition from Techopedia". Techopedia.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "NordPass Review | NordVPN's fully featured entry into the password manager world". ProPrivacy.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "NordVPN Officially Releases Its New Password Manager NordPass". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Browsers, which support NordPass". NordPass. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ CIO, Influence News Desk (2022-09-16). "NordPass Introduces Real-time Breach Monitoring And A Secure Data Sharing Solution". CIO Influence.
- ^ "The Best Business Password Managers for 2025". PCMAG. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ Espósito, Filipe (2023-03-17). "NordPass now lets users store and manage passkeys". 9to5Mac. Archived from the original on 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ published, Lewis Maddison (2024-01-16). "NordPass wants to protect your email accounts from spam and scams". TechRadar. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "XChaCha20 encryption". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "XChaCha20 encryption vs. AES-256: What's the difference?". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Zero-knowledge architecture: Improved data security". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "NordPass Review | Featured Packed Password Manager From NordVPN". ProPrivacy.com. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "What you need to know about 2FA". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Add a USB security key to protect your vault". nordpass.com. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "The best password managers of 2025: Expert tested". ZDNET. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Secure Password Sharing". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Data Breach Scanner: Check your email and credit card details safety". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Password Health: Check your password security". NordPass. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "NordPass Review". PCMAG. 2025-01-27. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "NordPass-1662576528841001Foue". RSA Conference. 2020-11-02. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "NordPass Authenticator". nordpass.com. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ GlobeNewswire (2024-04-03). "NordPass' Email Masking allows companies to hide business credentials - AI-Tech Park". Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ GlobeNewswire (2024-04-03). "NordPass' Email Masking allows companies to hide business credentials - AI-Tech Park". Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "The best password managers of 2025: Expert tested". ZDNET. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ Knowles, Catherine (2020-03-12). "NordPass releases new features on the back of extensive audit". SecurityBrief New Zealand. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ Espósito, Filipe (2023-03-17). "NordPass now lets users store and manage passkeys". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ published, Benedict Collins (2024-08-14). "NordPass unveils Authopia passwordless authentication tool for businesses". TechRadar. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ Fearn, Nicholas (2020-10-12). "10 billion records, including personal details, exposed by unsecured databases". tom's guide.
- ^ Gilbertson, Scott. "The Best Password Managers to Secure Your Digital Life". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "NordPass Review: Features, Pros & Cons – Forbes Advisor". www.forbes.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Updated NordPass feature enables instant alerts and quick responses to threats". markets.businessinsider.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ Jennings, Mike (2021-11-10). "NordPass Review: Is it safe?". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Digital.com Names Top 20 Password Manager Software of 2020". PRWeb. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Here Are 2024's Most Used (and Worst) Passwords: Is Yours on the List?". PCMAG. 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "NordPass Review". PCMAG. 2025-01-27. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Winners | Cybersecurity". Globee® Business Awards. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Winners | Cybersecurity". Globee® Business Awards. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
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