What is a password manager?

A password manager is a software application that provides users with the flexibility to generate, store, and securely manage all their passwords from a browser extension and/or mobile app. Users gain access to their password manager through a single primary account password (often a long passphrase), and can set up multi-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security.

Why use a password manager?

Reused passwords offer cybercriminals a path of least resistance and are the most exploited method used to crack into a victim’s online accounts. Unfortunately, the practice of using the same password across multiple accounts, despite well-known security risks, is on the rise. Individuals have increasingly more online logins to keep up with and thus greater exposure over time. Because of this, it can be tempting to store your passwords in an Excel spreadsheet file or Word document. Criminals are keenly aware of this behavior and search for those types of documents to exploit.

What about Keeper password manager?

Security experts recommend the use of a reputable password manager to eliminate the possibility of reused passwords while strengthening those used for every account. The official enterprise solution, approved and licensed for university use is Keeper, a password manager tool that provides users and businesses the ability to track, store, protect, share and manage login credentials for applications and online services.

To gain access to Keeper, simply log in to MyApps with your W&L credentials and click “Add Apps” on the left. You can use Keeper to easily manage all your work-related logins. You can also use Keeper separately and securely to manage your non-university personal accounts as well. To learn more about how to use Keeper for business and/or personal accounts, view our How To page here.

For additional password manager options, check out Wired magazine’s recommendations for 2024.

What about student use?

The Business Level Keeper account is recommended for W&L faculty and staff to secure their university business logins. For students planning to use Keeper to manage personal passwords (e.g., bank accounts, social media, Gmail, etc.), we recommend that you set up the free “Keeper Family License for Personal Use.” Doing so will ensure that W&L has no administrative access to your personal Keeper vault. In addition, the transition at graduation for those who continue to use Keeper will be much easier.

Should you have any questions about selecting a password manager, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at X4357 or help@wlu.edu. In addition, Keeper training is available and can be scheduled by sending a request to help@wlu.edu.