Password Managers: Safeguarding and Managing Online Credentials

Password managers are crucial for securing and managing online credentials in the face of increasing account numbers and the need for strong, unique passwords. These tools securely store passwords in an encrypted database, allowing users to employ complex and unique passwords without the risk of forgetting them. The convenience of auto-filling login credentials for websites and apps, along with browser extensions that capture and store information, saves time and ensures passwords are up to date. Password managers also generate robust passwords, virtually impossible to guess or crack, offering security, convenience, and protection against phishing, ensuring the safety of online accounts and efficient management of electronic information

Passwords are a type of cognitive function test: They require users to recall information in order to proceed through a process. That is problematic for people with cognitive limitations and memory disorders, which include a sizable percentage of older adults. Passwords can also create challenges for people who use assistive technology (AT) such as screen readers. When password entry forms have improper labels and instructions, AT users may not be able to enter the password correctly on the first attempt — and if the password field has a time limit, some AT users may not be able to log in to the website before the time limit expires.

Passkeys could fix these issues. Instead of entering a password or a two-factor authentication code, the user would simply unlock their mobile phone (or another device that stores the key).

This would also prevent bad actors from stealing personal information. While two-factor authentication is secure, it is not perfect. Passkeys use a type of cryptography that relies on device-level encryption; without getting too technical, passkeys are strongly resistant to phishing and other types of malicious attacks. Additionally, these tools contribute to accessibility, aiding users with cognitive disabilities and memory disorders.