Glossary

Password Manager

An app that creates, stores, and fills strong unique passwords for every site.

Definition

A password manager is the single highest-leverage security upgrade most people can make. It removes the need to memorize, reuse, or write down passwords. You memorize one strong master credential; the manager handles thousands of long, random per-site passwords.

Reputable managers encrypt your vault with a key derived from your master password and never send the unencrypted vault to their servers (zero-knowledge). They also detect reused or breached passwords and prompt you to upgrade.

Example

You sign up for a new service. Your password manager generates 'kS7pq#WzN2!fR4mL' and saves it. Next time you visit, it auto-fills. You never see, type, or remember it.

Frequently asked questions

What if I forget my master password?

Most managers can't recover it by design. Print recovery codes / a paper copy and store them safely.

Is browser autofill the same?

It's a starting point. A real manager works across browsers, supports sharing, and offers audit features.

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