Password manager

A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store and manage their passwords[1] for local applications or online services such as web applications, online shops or social media.[2] A web browser generally has a built in version of a password manager. These have been criticized frequently as many have stored the passwords in plaintext, allowing hacking attempts.

Password managers can generate passwords[3] and fill online forms.[2] Password managers may exist as a mix of: computer applications, mobile applications, or as web browser extensions.[4]

A password manager may assist in generating passwords, storing passwords,[1][5][6] usually in an encrypted database.[7][8] Aside from passwords, these applications may also store data such as credit card information, addresses, and frequent flyer information.[3]

The main purpose of password managers is to alleviate a cyber-security phenomenon known as password fatigue, where an end-user can become overwhelmed from remembering multiple passwords for multiple services and which password is used for what service.[3]

Password managers typically require a user to create and remember one "master" password to unlock and access all information stored in the application.[9] Password managers may choose to integrate multi-factor authentication[9] through fingerprints, or through facial recognition software.[10] Although, this is not required to use the application/browser extension.

  1. ^ a b Waschke, Marvin (2017). Personal cybersecurity : how to avoid and recover from cybercrime. Bellingham, Washington: Apress. p. 198. doi:10.1007/978-1-4842-2430-4. ISBN 978-1-4842-2430-4. OCLC 968706017.
  2. ^ a b "What is a Password Manager? - Definition from Techopedia". Techopedia.com. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  3. ^ a b c "What is a Password Manager? 2022 Explainer Guide". Tech.co. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  4. ^ "Definition of password manager". PCMAG. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  5. ^ Seitz, Tobias (2018). Supporting users in password authentication with persuasive design (PDF) (Thesis). Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. doi:10.5282/edoc.22619.
  6. ^ "Password Managers - Information Security Office - Computing Services". Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  7. ^ Price, Rob (2017-02-22). "Password managers are an essential way to protect yourself from hackers – here's how they work". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 2017-02-27. Retrieved 2017-04-29.
  8. ^ Mohammadinodoushan, Mohammad; Cambou, Bertrand; Philabaum, Christopher Robert; Duan, Nan (2021). "Resilient Password Manager Using Physical Unclonable Functions". IEEE Access. 9: 17060–17070. doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3053307. ISSN 2169-3536.
  9. ^ a b "Best Password Managers for Mac - Security". Tech.co. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  10. ^ "Best Password Manager for iPhone 2022". Tech.co. Retrieved 2022-12-14.