What Is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a solution that helps users securely store, manage and share their login credentials. Some password managers also aid in securely storing additional data such as passkeys, documents, files and images. You may be familiar with browser-based password managers, which are the ones built into your browser. Or if you’re an iPhone user, you may be more familiar with the password manager built into your phone called iCloud Keychain. 

Continue reading to learn more about the different types of password managers and how they work.

The different types of password managers

There are three main types of password managers: browser-based, standalone and ones built into devices like iCloud Keychain.

Standalone password managers

Standalone password managers are software applications that help with creating strong passwords, as well as securely storing, autofilling and sharing them. Many standalone password managers can store more than just passwords including passkeys, 2FA codes, images, files and documents. Standalone password managers also offer a lot more security since they require a master password, which essentially acts as a key to enter your digital password vault. They also give users the option to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to provide their vault with an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, standalone password manager applications can be downloaded on multiple devices and have browser extensions you can download on various web browsers. Some standalone password managers include Keeper®, Dashlane and 1Password.

Browser-based password managers

Browser-based password managers are the ones that come built into browsers. For example, Chrome Password Manager is the one included in the Google Chrome browser. Browser-based password managers aid users with creating, storing and autofilling passwords. While storing your passwords in a browser is convenient, it’s not nearly as secure as using a standalone password manager. This is because people tend to leave their browsers logged in, meaning if someone were to access your device they could easily open your browser and have access to all of your stored passwords. Additionally, if your browser were to become compromised due to a malware infection, cybercriminals would be able to see anything stored in your browser. One thing to note about browser-based password managers is that you can only access your stored passwords from that browser. For example, if you wanted to log in to an account from a different browser like Safari, you won’t be able to autofill your passwords if you’re storing them in Chrome.

iCloud Keychain

iCloud Keychain is Apple’s version of a password manager, which is only available on Apple devices such as iPhones and Macs. Just like browser-based and standalone password managers, it aids users with creating passwords, storing them, autofilling them and securely sharing them with other Apple users using the Airdrop feature. Apart from storing passwords, iCloud Keychain also stores passkeys, 2FA codes, credit card information and shipping addresses. Anything stored in iCloud Keychain can only be accessed through devices a part of Apple’s ecosystem. 

Why you should use a standalone password manager

You should use a standalone password manager because it offers stronger security; is compatible with any device, browser or operating system; enables secure sharing and can store additional data. 

Security

Standalone password managers offer stronger security than other types of password managers since they require a master password to access all of your stored data. Additionally, the best password managers are zero trust and zero knowledge and offer end-to-end encryption to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized access. With a zero-knowledge password manager, not even the password management company has access to your stored data. Browser-based password managers and iCloud Keychain don’t offer this same level of security. 

Cross-compatible

Unlike browser-based password managers or iCloud Keychain, standalone password managers are cross-compatible. This means you can access your stored data from anywhere and on any device as long as you have the app or browser extension installed. Some password managers also have a web vault where you can sign in by simply going to the password manager’s login portal online. 

Secure sharing

Sometimes it’s necessary to share login credentials with friends and family; however, it’s important to share those credentials securely. The best standalone password managers come with a secure sharing feature that ensures your data is encrypted while it’s being sent to the recipient. For example, Keeper Password Manager offers secure vault-to-vault sharing with other Keeper® users along with a One-Time Share feature, which allows you to securely share data with anyone – even if they’re not a Keeper user themselves. One-Time Share also allows you to set the length of time you want to share the data. Once the time expires, the recipient will no longer have access to it. For extra security, One-Time Share is device-locked, meaning once the recipient opens the One-Time Share link, the link won’t work on another device. 

Store additional data

Most standalone password managers can securely store more than just passwords such as passkeys, 2FA codes, bank account statements, healthcare records, tax documents, images and videos, home addresses, passports and more. Most browser password managers can only store your login credentials and iCloud Keychain can only store login credentials, 2FA codes, home addresses and credit card details. 

Best practices to follow when using a password manager

When using a standalone password manager, here are a few best practices we recommend following. 

• Create a strong master password: The master password for your vault should be both strong and memorable. The best way to create a strong master password you’ll remember is by creating a strong passphrase, which is a string of words that is at least 16 characters long and doesn’t contain any personal information. If you’re struggling to create a passphrase, a passphrase generator can help.

• Enable MFA: In addition to having a strong master password, you should also enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your vault. 

• Audit your passwords: After setting up your password manager, you should audit your passwords and change weak and reused ones. Your password manager will help you identify these passwords by flagging them for you and then assist with generating and saving new ones. 

Protect your sensitive data with a password manager

A password manager can help you keep your most sensitive data protected against cybercriminals. Keeper offers a variety of password management plans to fit the needs of any individual, family or organization. With zero-trust and zero-knowledge security and end-to-end encryption, Keeper ensures your data is always protected.

Ready to get started with a password manager today? See which password manager plan is right for you.