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Concept
Password manager
Summary
A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store and manage their passwords for local applications or online services such as web applications, online shops or social media.
Password managers can generate passwords and fill online forms. Password managers may exist as a mix of: computer applications, mobile applications, or as web browser extensions.
A password manager may assist in generating passwords, storing passwords, usually in an encrypted database. Aside from passwords, these applications may also store data such as credit card information, addresses, and frequent flyer information.
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.
Password managers typically require a user to create and remember one "master" password to unlock and access all information stored in the application. Password managers may choose to integrate multi-factor authentication through fingerprints, or through facial recognition software. Although, this is not required to use the application/browser extension.
Password managers may be installed on a computer or mobile device as an application or as a browser extension.
The first password manager software designed to securely store passwords was Password Safe created by Bruce Schneier, which was released as a free utility on September 5, 1997. Designed for Microsoft Windows 95, Password Safe used Schneier's Blowfish algorithm to encrypt passwords and other sensitive data. Although Password Safe was released as a free utility, due to U.S. cryptography export restrictions in place at the time, only U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents were initially allowed to download it.
Some applications store passwords as an unencrypted file, leaving the passwords easily accessible to malware or people attempted to steal personal information.
Official source
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