AT&T has quietly added new features to its ActiveArmor mobile security app, including a built-in password manager. It’s a bit weird to get your password manager from your carrier, but hey, now you can.
ActiveArmor now includes a password manager for better digital security, letting users create, save, and access secure login details. This feature also comes with a handy browser extension for Chrome, Safari, and Edge, making sure passwords sync smoothly between phones and computers. You can find the app on the AT&T website.
Additionally, a social media identity protection feature scans connected social media accounts for unauthorized activity, suspicious links, and harmful content, warning users about possible risks before they become serious.
The new password manager includes basic features like generating, storing, and retrieving passwords securely. It also comes with a browser extension that works with Chrome, Safari, and Edge, making it easy to sync passwords across devices. While this is helpful for users who don’t already have a password manager or who use unsafe methods to store passwords, it doesn’t offer much to people who already use services like Bitwarden, LastPass, or 1Password.
This doesn’t seem like a great add-on for AT&T customers. The usefulness and overall appeal of bundling these features together is questionable in terms of whether users will actually adopt them. The market is already filled with strong standalone password managers. Many smartphones also have built-in password managers, and most web browsers offer similar features.
This update also includes lost wallet recovery, identity restoration services, and social media identity protection. This was already a useful tool for stopping unwanted calls and harmful websites—it blocks over 2 billion robocalls every month.
The most important new features include a strong lost wallet recovery service. If users misplace their credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks, or driver’s licenses, the app gives them direct access to recovery specialists, making it easier to replace lost items. Alongside this is an identity restoration service, which helps users who have had their identity stolen. This service works directly with credit bureaus, reaches out to creditors to dispute fraudulent charges, and even helps file identity theft paperwork with the IRS.
These upgraded features are part of ActiveArmor Advanced, a premium version included at no extra cost for customers on certain AT&T wireless plans. For users on other plans, the service costs a small fee of $3.99 per month. The basic ActiveArmor app, which still includes call and text blocking, stays free for all AT&T customers.
These featuers sound like they’re mostly for people who like simplicity and convenience, because they don’t do that much to warrant $4 a month. It is likely beneficial for users who aren’t familiar with dedicated password managers, but probably won’t attract users who already rely on well-established password managers. This may be especially true for those who want more control and advanced options that AT&T’s version doesn’t offer.
AT&T’s password manager may be unnecessary for those already using standalone password managers or their device’s built-in options. It’s up to you, but if you already use a password manager you trust, skip out on this one.
Source: AT&T, The Mobile Report
