Password managers store and control a user's passwords through an encrypted vault downloaded to a user’s computer or mobile device or digitally through browser plugins or extensions. As an identity management software, password managers help protect personal data by securing and strengthening personal passwords. They allow users to create strong and unique passwords for every website or application they log in to while saving the user from having to memorize each password. Personal password managers are typically for individual users or small groups, but paid password managers, the kind of products listed on G2, can be used by larger businesses to maintain highly secure credentials. The products can be used to share, randomize, mandate, and monitor password changes.
Some identity management products provide password features, but software specific to password management typically provide less advanced capabilities than identity and access management (IAM) software, single sign-on (SSO) solutions, and user provisioning and governance tools.
To qualify for inclusion in the Password Manager category, a product must: