A credential manager is a system feature that stores sign-in data and helps apps use it securely across devices. It can keep passwords, passkeys, and other authentication material in an encrypted form, then autofill or present them when a user signs in.
In cyber security, credential managers matter because they reduce password reuse and make stronger login methods easier to adopt. Instead of typing secrets into many apps, users can rely on one protected store tied to device lock, biometrics, or account recovery. That lowers exposure to phishing, keylogging, and accidental disclosure. For passkeys, a credential manager often handles creation, storage, syncing, and selection of the right credential for each service.
Defenders value credential managers because they support safer authentication with less user friction. Attackers target them because compromise can expose multiple accounts at once, so the security of the device and its recovery controls is critical.