Passphrasemanagers

Passphrasemanagers are software tools designed to securely store, generate, organize and autofill passphrases and passwords used for digital accounts and services. They keep sensitive credentials in an encrypted vault, unlocked by a master key or other strong authentication.

Common features include encrypted vaults, cross-device synchronization, browser extensions, and the ability to generate long, memorable passphrases or passwords. Most provide a search interface, tagging, and secure sharing, while some support offline mode or local-only vaults.

Security models often rely on zero-knowledge design, where the provider cannot read the master key. Master credentials are derived locally using strong algorithms such as Argon2 or scrypt, and data is encrypted with AES-256. Multi-factor authentication adds protection against account takeover.

Typical use cases include storing credentials for websites, encryption passphrases for disk or containers, and long SSH or GPG passphrases. By encouraging unique, high-entropy passphrases, these tools help reduce reuse and improve resilience to credential leaks.

When selecting a passphrasemanager, users should consider open-source provenance, independent security audits, and the availability of local-only or cloud-based options. Enable MFA, choose a strong master key, back up vault data securely, and avoid exporting sensitive data in unencrypted form.

Limitations include the risk of device compromise, potential vendor outages, and dependence on software updates. Regularly review stored entries, rotate master credentials periodically, and keep backups offline or encrypted to mitigate data loss.