Password manager
Software that stores passwords encrypted and autofills them into login fields – one master password unlocks all of them.
A password manager stores your passwords encrypted in a vault that can only be opened with a master password. At login your credentials are autofilled – you only need to memorise one strong password.
NCSC lists password managers as the single most important step for secure passwords. Picks: password-manager comparison.
Why this matters in 2026
Password-manager adoption grew to around 35% of Swiss adults in 2026 (Comparis estimate). The LastPass incidents of 2022 and the KeePass CVE of 2023 briefly dented trust, but NCSC, BAKOM and consumer-protection groups still recommend the tools unconditionally – with the caveat: master password must be 14+ characters and 2FA enabled.
How to protect yourself
Master password: 14+ characters, unique (not reused anywhere), ideally a passphrase of 5+ words. Enable 2FA on the password manager (mandatory!). Print the recovery code during setup and store it offline securely (bank safety-deposit box or home safe). Backup strategy: quarterly or half-yearly export, kept encrypted offline.