Solène 
Would you recommend a password manager at all for people that are not really familiar with computers or smartphones? I was thinking at pushing Bitwarden (because I have a vaultwarden instance), but this might be too complicated... Any experience?
Mar 13 at 3:52pmWeb
Show threadpatproMar 13

@solene depends on your threat model. If the threat is more «I forget/lose my passwords» than «I have a risky behavior», then the Browser storage can do great. Once they are ok with that (few month?) migrate to Bitwarden with few rock solid arguments (works almost the same, better security, possibility to share passwords, store files like a copy of passport, no vendor lock-in, etc.).
If the threat is more «I have a risky behavior», the browser storage will end up inside a Stealer log: a pen & paper could be a solution to store passwords safely.

Pen & paper works great with low tech or older people. I failed hard pushing 1Password to my parents, but it was more complex than Bitwarden, I guess.

Show threadGabriel  Mar 13

@solene my grandma uses Bitwarden. I had to take some time to explain things but now it mostly works and she gets around with it.

I myself decided against self hosting this, in case I break anything I don’t want the responsibility of losing my family members passwords.

Show threadMaddieMar 13

@solene
Usually I hesitate. But I've been surprised, like when a less tech-oriented friend told me they were using 1Password.

Ideally, I have enough time to talk through with them about how & why they use computers, so that I can best help them be aware of the footguns and that we can do practice runs together. I've helped many friends this way, but I don't think I've really helped anyone in my family, due to their lower interest and mutual lack of time.

Show threadJensMar 13
@solene maybe they are already using two or three password managers that came with their phone or browser
Show threaddressupgeekoutMar 13
@solene In my experience, the people in my life who are not familiar with computers aggravate me so much with how little attention they pay to their own passwords. I've had to share the password to the Hulu account to the same people too many times beacuse they refuse to write it down, for whatever reason. I hesitate to bring up the idea of a password manager to them; I fear any manager would be too much.
Show threadPlasmawizMar 14
@solene Unironically most people who are not familiar with computers are probably gonna be more comfortable with a notebook. Password managers are a high-risk thing when someone doesn't know how to keep their database safe and backed up.
Show threadThe Ghost of Toots Passed6d ago

@solene
While I'd like to think that the software is easy enough and the concept is fairly understandable for many if not most folks to wrap their heads around, I've been bitten by my recommendations in the past for misbehaving web sites and browser plugins that were quirky.

Like someone else on this thread stated, I'd hesitate and ask questions before introducing the concept.