A password manager is an application that creates, stores and fills in passwords for a user's accounts. The user remembers one strong master password, or uses a passkey or biometric, and the manager handles the rest, so every account can have a long, unique password.
The stored passwords are encrypted. Business versions add shared vaults for team logins, admin controls, activity logs and the ability to revoke access when staff leave. Most also fill logins in browsers and apps, and warn when a password appears in a known breach.
Retail and hospitality teams use them for shared accounts such as supplier portals, social media, delivery platforms, the Google Business Profile and software back offices. They replace sticky notes, shared spreadsheets and the habit of reusing the same password everywhere. Some also generate one-time codes and store secure notes, such as Wi-Fi details or licence keys, in the same encrypted vault.
Pitfalls include a weak master password, no multi-factor authentication on the vault, and sharing logins by email or chat. Use shared vaults with named users where possible. Reused passwords are a common route for account takeover, so the manager only helps if everyone actually uses it.
It is one of the cheapest practical security improvements available and complements multi-factor authentication.