Password 
Google Password Manager is a built-in feature of Google accounts that helps you manage, store and autofill passwords across devices using Chrome and Android. It offers
5 min read
Published on July 18, 2025
A password manager protects your online accounts by storing all your passwords in one place, making it easier to use strong, unique passwords for every account without having to remember them all. Many password managers also support passkeys, which make logging in even safer and easier as an alternative to traditional passwords. When choosing a password manager, the main features you should look for include zero-trust security, biometric authentication, secure file sharing, cross-platform access and breach monitoring.
Continue reading to learn the eight features you should prioritize when choosing a password manager.
1. Zero-knowledge security
A password manager with zero-knowledge security does not have access to your master password or the data stored in your vault. Keeper® uses a zero-knowledge architecture, so everything stored in your vault is encrypted on your device, and only you can access it. Since even the service provider can’t see what’s in your vault, you maintain full control over your passwords and other sensitive data.
2. Biometric login and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) support
A strong password manager should be both secure and easy to use, which can be achieved with biometric login. Unlock your vault with features like fingerprint scanning or Face ID, making it faster to log in while keeping your data safe. In addition, a password manager should have support for multiple Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) options to add extra layers of security. Look for password managers that work with authentication apps like Microsoft Authenticator and also support hardware security keys like YubiKey. With Keeper Password Manager, you can even use Keeper as an authenticator app to seamlessly log in to your online accounts. These MFA options ensure it’s really you trying to log in, even if someone else has your password.
3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) code storage
Managing your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes in a separate app, like Google Authenticator, can become frustrating when you need to log in quickly. Keeper simplifies this process by securely storing your Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs) alongside your login credentials. When you retrieve a password from your password manager, you should also be able to access the 2FA code from the same place. Password managers that offer 2FA code storage make it easier for you to log in without compromising security.
4. Secure credential and file sharing
A reliable password manager lets you share passwords, passkeys and important files with others, whether for personal or professional use. End-to-end encrypted sharing ensures that only the sender and the recipient can see what’s being shared. Keeper allows you to share credentials and files securely without requiring the other person to have their own Keeper account, through its One-Time Share feature.
It’s also important to have customizable access controls so you can decide whether someone can view the information, edit it and how long they can access it. That way, you stay in control of your shared credentials and files, protecting your data no matter who receives it.
5. Cross-platform access
Your passwords should be accessible wherever you go, no matter what device you’re using. A good password manager, like Keeper, works seamlessly across iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices, and also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and other web browsers. Whether you’re on your phone, laptop or desktop, you should be able to easily access your password vault without hassle. Keeper lets you switch between devices smoothly, so you’re never locked out of your accounts when you need access to them.
6. Emergency access
In the event of an emergency – whether it’s a medical crisis or life-threatening accident – someone you trust should be able to access your important accounts. Emergency access lets you grant a trusted contact the ability to unlock your password vault if something happens to you. The best password managers let you set up emergency access in advance, with customizable wait times and approval settings. That way, your digital legacy can be managed or passed on to trusted contacts when it matters, without jeopardizing your security.
7. Secure file and document storage
A password manager should do more than just store your login credentials. Some password managers, like Keeper, offer secure, encrypted storage for sensitive data like passports, tax documents, medical records and legal files. Instead of having these files scattered across your devices or in unprotected folders, a password manager with built-in file storage keeps everything in one encrypted place.
8. Breach monitoring and alerts
Many people don’t realize when their login credentials have been compromised in a data breach. If you reuse passwords across multiple accounts, that can lead to account takeovers. Using a strong password manager helps you act quickly with built-in dark web monitoring tools. Keeper offers BreachWatch®, which constantly scans for compromised credentials connected to your records and alerts you if any of your logins are found on the dark web. With real-time monitoring and dark web alerts, a strong password manager allows you to update affected passwords immediately and stay one step ahead of potential cyber threats.
What to avoid when choosing a password manager
Although using a password manager is better than having none, not all password managers are created equal. Picking the wrong one can jeopardize your data, especially if it has any of these red flags:
- Free tools without encryption or privacy guarantees: If a password manager doesn’t explicitly state how it encrypts your data or protects your privacy, steer clear. Without strong encryption, your data could be vulnerable to security breaches and could appear on the dark web.
- No support for biometrics or MFA: A password manager that doesn’t support fingerprint, Face ID or MFA is lacking essential, modern security features. Supporting biometrics and/or MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making your data harder to compromise.
- Lack of transparency or security audits: If the company doesn’t publish a clear privacy policy or hasn’t undergone independent security audits, you have no insight into how your data is handled behind the scenes. Transparency is crucial when trusting a service with your most sensitive data.
- History of security breaches or poor incident response: Some password managers, like LastPass, have been hacked in the past. While no system is perfect, how a company responds to a breach matters. Avoid services with a pattern of security incidents or those that failed to notify users quickly when something was wrong.
- Limited device syncing: If a password manager restricts how many devices you can sync, it can become frustrating to use. A reliable password manager should give you access to your data anytime, anywhere.
- Outdated or overly complex user interface: If the interface is hard to navigate or hasn’t been updated in a while, you’re more likely to make mistakes – or stop using the tool entirely. A poor user experience can lead to bad habits like reusing passwords, therefore reducing your overall security.
Protect your login credentials with a secure password manager
Selecting the right password manager sets the tone for your online security. With your personal and professional lives connected to online accounts, using a secure password manager is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your data. From zero-knowledge encryption and biometric login to secure sharing and dark web monitoring, Keeper simplifies managing your passwords and passkeys as a transparent and reliable solution.
Keeper Password Manager helps you secure your online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Start a free trial today to see how Keeper makes it easy to generate, store, manage and share your passwords and passkeys.
