

The master password protects all saved passwords for that use and, in theory, that password is only known by the user who created it. In this scenario, a password manager is the best option because this way only the rightful user can access a specific account due to the security measures incorporated in this sort of service. Removing the burden of remembering passwords is neat, but not always the best idea on shared Macs simply because other users with access to the same computer can ultimately log into your accounts without your permission.Īs a result, it is recommended that users disable Keychain Access to avoid such uncomfortable situations and force users to either remember their own passwords or use a password manager to fill that gap. If you happen to own multiple Apple devices, iCloud Keychain can be used to keep all your Safari website usernames and passwords, credit card information, and Wi-Fi network information up-to-date across all devices. Users can turn to Keychain Access to manage certificates issued by trusted organizations to validate websites, documents, or other web-based materials.ĪutoFill is turned on by default in Safari, so every time you visit a website you'll see a prompt from Keychain Access to save the password to your keychain.

The function is also used to store any credit card numbers, bank account PINs, and secure notes that have been used online. Keychain Access has a locked, encrypted container called “keychain” where the account names and passwords for apps, servers, and online accounts are stored. It stores passwords and account information, and retrieves it on demand. Keychain Access is the built-in password manager for macOS.
Mac keychain access download mac#
For this reason Keychain Access, a security feature of macOS built to streamline the workflow of Mac users, becomes a security threat on shared computers, and as such it is highly recommended that system administrators disable it.

Having your social media accounts impersonated is the last thing you want: your profile information is a goldmine for cyber criminals because it is exactly the kind of data that they are looking for to personalize their phishing scams.
