Anya Berkut / Getty Images
Password managers are one of the most effective ways internet users keep their online lives in order. Many popular services include 1Password, LastPass, and NordPass, which can be used for storing and generating passwords, and recalling login credentials.
However, while you may think your passwords are secure with these platforms, cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated with their methods of hacking password managers and getting access to your digital information.
A recent report by cybersecurity firm Picus Security indicates cyberattacks on password managers were three times more likely to occur in 2024 than in the year prior.
The research, detailed in the firm’s Red Report 2025 also noted that of the one million malware variants studied, 25% of them targeted password managers or some method of other password storage, such as web browsers that allow for saving login credentials.
“For the first time ever, stealing credentials from password stores is in the top 10 techniques listed in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework,” Picus Security said in a press release. “The report reveals that these top 10 techniques accounted for 93% of all malicious actions in 2024.”
The firm uses its MITRE ATT&CK Framework to classify cyberattacks. Picus has determined that hackers have developed a multi-stage method of cyberattack it’s calling “SneakThief,” which entails “increased stealth, persistence, and automation.” Hackers perform over a “dozen malicious actions” to collect data without detection. Picus calls the method “the perfect heist.”
“Threat actors are leveraging sophisticated extraction methods, including memory scraping, registry harvesting, and compromising local and cloud-based password stores, to obtain credentials that give attackers the keys to the kingdom,” Picus Security co-founder and VP of Picus Labs, Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan said in a statement.
Ozarslan recommends that password manager users utilize multi-factor authentication alongside the primary password-storing method. Additionally, he suggests never reusing passwords, particularly if they are being stored in a password manager.
While artificial intelligence is a quickly growing trend in today’s cybersecurity space, Red Report noted no significant increase in cybercriminals using AI-driven malware in 2024.
Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends. She covers a range of topics in the computing space, including…
This is the best password manager for Windows
Picking the best password manager for Windows is tricky. There is a lot of competition out there and many of the options offer unique features to try to stand out from the pack. Which one is right for you depends on what kind of password manager experience you’re looking for, but there’s one password manager we think that stands above the rest.
The best password manager for Windows is 1Password, but I’ve offered one alternative as well.
Why 1Password is the best
Read more
This is the one password manager I recommend using over 1Password
The best password managers simplify sign-ins while keeping your account information secure. Two of the best solutions come from Keeper and 1Password.
I recently reviewed both solutions, comparing login organization and sharing features, support responsiveness, and overall ease of use to find out which offers the best value for you.
Tiers and pricing
Prices for Keeper and 1Password are shown above in a split-screen view. Digital Trends
Read more
5 password managers you should use instead of LastPass
When it comes to securing your passwords, LastPass has been one of the top contenders as the best password manager. However, a recent set of high-profile security incidents has made a lot of people a lot less willing to trust it.
If you’re looking for an alternative to LastPass, you’re in the right place. We’ve found five superb password managers that can keep you safe online without the hassle.
1Password
Read more
