In today’s digital era, we are constantly managing numerous online accounts, each requiring a unique and secure password. The increasing number of accounts and the need for strong, distinct passwords for each makes password management more difficult than ever. As a result, password managers have emerged as essential tools, helping users maintain strong, secure, and easily accessible passwords. One of the leading password managers in the market is Keeper.
Keeper was founded in 2009 with the mission to provide individuals and organizations with a secure and simple way to manage their passwords, sensitive information, and digital files. Over the years, Keeper has evolved into a powerful password management tool trusted by millions of users worldwide, including individuals, teams, and enterprises. This guide will explore Keeper in detail, including its key features, pros and cons, benefits, pricing, and more.
Key Features of Keeper
- Password Storage and Vault
Keeper provides a secure, encrypted vault for storing all your passwords and other sensitive information. The vault is protected by a master password, which is known only to you. All stored data is encrypted using zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that Keeper doesn’t have access to your stored data and cannot decrypt it. This ensures your passwords are private and secure from hackers or unauthorized access.
In addition to passwords, Keeper allows you to store other sensitive data such as credit card details, personal identification information, and secure notes, all in an encrypted format.
- Password Generator
One of the key features of Keeper is its built-in password generator, which allows users to create strong and unique passwords for each of their online accounts. The generator creates complex passwords that are difficult to crack, helping to ensure that your accounts remain protected.
You can customize the password length, complexity, and character types (e.g., uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters) to create passwords that meet your specific security needs.
- Autofill and Auto-login
Keeper provides browser extensions that allow you to easily autofill your login credentials and perform auto-login to websites. Once you’ve saved your login information in your Keeper vault, you can quickly and securely log into websites without having to manually enter your credentials. This eliminates the risk of typing errors and the temptation to reuse weak passwords.
The autofill feature is available for various browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, making it convenient to access your passwords across multiple devices and platforms.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Keeper offers two-factor authentication (2FA) as an additional layer of security. With 2FA enabled, even if someone manages to steal your master password, they won’t be able to access your vault without the second form of verification (usually a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app).
Keeper supports 2FA via authenticator apps, as well as hardware security keys such as YubiKey, ensuring your account remains as secure as possible.
- Encrypted File Storage
Keeper’s encrypted file storage feature allows users to securely store files and documents, such as identification documents, contracts, and images, alongside their passwords. These files are stored in an encrypted format, and only you can access them with your master password.
This feature is especially useful for individuals or businesses who need to store sensitive information beyond passwords but want to keep it protected in one secure place.
- Sharing Vault Items Securely
Keeper allows you to securely share passwords, notes, and other vault items with trusted individuals, including family members, friends, or colleagues. Instead of sending passwords via insecure methods like email or text, Keeper ensures that the shared data is encrypted and only accessible by the recipient.
You can also set permissions for the shared items, such as viewing or editing privileges, ensuring you have control over how your data is accessed and used.
- KeeperChat – Encrypted Messaging
One of the standout features of Keeper is KeeperChat, which allows users to send encrypted messages to each other, ensuring that sensitive conversations are protected from prying eyes. Whether you’re discussing private information or sharing files, KeeperChat ensures your communications are securely encrypted end-to-end.
This feature is useful for individuals or businesses that need to send private messages without worrying about eavesdropping or interception.
- Dark Web Monitoring
Keeper offers dark web monitoring to help you stay informed if your personal information, such as your email address or password, appears on the dark web. If your data is compromised and found on the dark web, Keeper will send you an alert so you can take immediate action, such as changing your passwords or securing your accounts.
This proactive feature adds a layer of protection, helping you to prevent identity theft and other security issues.
- Security Audits and Reports
Keeper provides security audit tools that allow you to assess the strength of your passwords and monitor your overall password health. These reports show you weak, reused, or compromised passwords, as well as provide suggestions for improving your password security.
Keeper also helps you identify passwords that require updates, ensuring that you always maintain strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
- Enterprise Features (for Business Plans)
For businesses, Keeper offers a range of enterprise-level features, including role-based access control, centralized admin management, and advanced reporting tools. This allows organizations to securely manage employee passwords, enforce strong password policies, and maintain overall cybersecurity hygiene.
Pros and Cons of Using Keeper
Pros
- Robust Security Features: Keeper offers industry-leading encryption with zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that your data remains secure.
- User-Friendly Interface: The interface is easy to navigate and allows both beginners and experienced users to manage their passwords effectively.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Keeper is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and popular browsers, ensuring that your passwords are accessible from anywhere.
- Two-Factor Authentication: The ability to enable 2FA adds an extra layer of protection, making your vault more secure.
- Encrypted File Storage: You can store files and documents securely in Keeper, adding value to the service beyond password management.
- Enterprise Features: For businesses, Keeper offers role-based access control and advanced reporting, making it an excellent choice for teams and enterprises.
- Proactive Dark Web Monitoring: This feature alerts you if your data is found on the dark web, enabling you to take action immediately.
Cons
- Price: Keeper is relatively more expensive compared to some other password managers, especially for individual users who only need basic features.
- Limited Free Version: While Keeper offers a free version, it has limited features, such as only storing passwords on one device.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some advanced features, such as file storage and team management tools, may take time for new users to fully understand.
Benefits of Using Keeper
- Enhanced Security: Keeper’s use of zero-knowledge encryption and two-factor authentication ensures that your passwords and sensitive data are protected from cyber threats.
- Convenience: With autofill, password generation, and secure file storage, Keeper makes it easy to manage your passwords and other sensitive information.
- Peace of Mind: Keeper’s dark web monitoring and security audits give you proactive insights into your account security, allowing you to take action before any damage is done.
- Collaborative Features: The ability to securely share passwords and files with trusted individuals makes Keeper an excellent tool for families, teams, and businesses.
- Compliance: For businesses, Keeper’s enterprise features ensure that password management is compliant with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and others.
Pricing and Plans
Keeper offers several pricing tiers depending on the user’s needs:
1. Personal Plan
- Cost: $2.92 per month (billed annually)
- Features: Unlimited password storage, password generator, 2FA, secure file storage, dark web monitoring, and more.
2. Family Plan
- Cost: $6.25 per month (for up to 5 members)
- Features: All the features of the individual plan for up to 5 members, plus family management tools.
3. Business Plan
- Business Starter Password Manager– Cost: $2.00 per user / month, for 5-10 users.
- Business Password Manager– Cost: $3.75 per user/month (billed annually), minimum 10 users
- Features: Admin controls, role-based access, team reporting, secure sharing, and more. Ideal for businesses with multiple users.
4. Enterprise Password Manager
- Cost: Custom pricing based on the organization’s needs.
- Features: Advanced enterprise features such as compliance tools, custom reporting, and advanced security controls.
5. Privileged Access Manager
- Customized bundles, curated pricing and ELAs available
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up and Use Keeper
This guide will walk you through the setup process and key features of Keeper.
Step 1: Sign Up for Keeper
- Visit Keeper’s Website
Go to Keeper’s website and click on “Get Started” or “Sign Up.” - Create an Account
Enter your email address and create a strong master password. Your master password is essential to accessing your vault, so make sure it’s unique and difficult to guess. - Choose a Plan
Keeper offers several plans: Individual, Family, and Business. Choose the plan that best fits your needs. For personal use, the Individual plan is a great option, while businesses can opt for the Business plan with additional team features. - Complete the Sign-Up Process
After selecting your plan, you will receive a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account and complete the setup.
Step 2: Install Keeper on Your Devices
- Download the Keeper App
Keeper is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Download the appropriate version for your device from the App Store (for iOS devices), the Google Play Store (for Android), or Keeper’s website for desktop versions. - Install the App
Follow the installation instructions to set up Keeper on your device. Once installed, open the app. - Log In
Open Keeper on your device and log in using your email address and master password. - Enable Biometric Authentication (Optional)
To make logging in faster and more secure, enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face ID) on supported devices. This will allow you to quickly access your vault without entering your master password each time.
Step 3: Add Passwords and Sensitive Information
- Manually Add Passwords
After logging in, you can start adding passwords to Keeper. Click on the “Add Password” button, then enter the website name, username, and password for each account you want to store. You can categorize your passwords into folders for easier organization (e.g., “Work,” “Social Media,” “Finance”). - Use the Password Generator
Keeper includes a built-in password generator that creates strong and unique passwords for your accounts. To use it, click on the “Generate” button, customize the password length and complexity, and use it for new accounts. - Import Passwords from Other Sources
If you’ve been using another password manager or your browser’s built-in password manager, you can import your existing passwords into Keeper. In the settings, select the “Import” option to transfer your password data from another service. - Store Other Sensitive Information
Keeper lets you store more than just passwords. You can store secure notes, credit card information, bank account details, and documents. To add this information, click the “Add Item” button and choose the type of data you wish to store.
Step 4: Organize Your Vault
- Create Folders
Keeper allows you to organize your passwords and data into folders. For example, you can create folders like “Personal,” “Business,” or “Banking” to keep your vault well-organized and easy to navigate. - Tag Items
In addition to folders, you can tag items with keywords for even better organization. Tags help you quickly find items across different folders.
Step 5: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Activate 2FA
For added security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Keeper account. Go to the settings, select “Two-Factor Authentication,” and follow the steps to set it up. This will require you to provide a second form of verification, such as an authentication app or SMS, in addition to your master password. - Set Up 2FA for Other Accounts
You can also use Keeper to store 2FA codes for websites that support it. When you enable 2FA on those websites, Keeper can generate the authentication code for you, simplifying the login process.
Step 6: Use Keeper’s Browser Extension
- Install the Browser Extension
Keeper offers browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Install the extension from the browser’s extension store. - Autofill Passwords
Once the extension is installed, it will automatically fill in your stored passwords when you visit websites. You’ll also be prompted to save new passwords the next time you log into a site. - Password Alerts
Keeper’s extension will notify you if any of your passwords are weak, reused, or compromised. This allows you to quickly update your passwords and maintain strong security.
Step 7: Share Passwords Securely (Premium Feature)
- Secure Password Sharing
Keeper allows you to securely share passwords with trusted individuals. To do this, select the password you want to share and click on the “Share” option. You can share passwords directly with other Keeper users without compromising security. - Create Shared Folders
For businesses or families, Keeper lets you create shared folders. This is useful for managing shared accounts like utilities, subscriptions, or office tools. To share a folder, select the folder and click “Share.”
Step 8: Monitor Your Security
- Breached Password Alerts
Keeper includes a feature that monitors the dark web for compromised accounts. If your email address or personal information is found in a data breach, Keeper will notify you so you can change your passwords and take action to protect your accounts. - Password Health Check
Keeper regularly checks your stored passwords to ensure they are strong and secure. It will flag weak or reused passwords and offer suggestions for improvement, such as generating strong passwords or enabling 2FA.
Step 9: Sync Across Devices
- Enable Syncing
Keeper automatically syncs your vault across all devices where you’re logged in. This ensures that your passwords and other sensitive data are always up to date, whether you’re using your phone, tablet, or desktop. - Access Your Vault Anywhere
With syncing enabled, you can access your Keeper vault from any device. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, your data is always available and secure.
Conclusion
Keeper is a comprehensive password management solution that offers exceptional security, user-friendly design, and a suite of features that cater to both individual and business needs. With its strong encryption, password generation, secure file storage, and enterprise-level tools, Keeper is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their digital security.
While its pricing is slightly higher than some other password managers, the robust feature set and emphasis on security make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re an individual looking for a secure place to store your passwords or a business in need of a comprehensive password management solution, Keeper provides everything you need to keep your sensitive data safe.
Ready to enhance your digital security? Start using Keeper today and take control of your passwords and sensitive data. For businesses seeking expert guidance and support in implementing Keeper, visit Mavenwit for tailored solutions and professional advice to protect your organization’s online security.
FAQs
- Does Keeper offer a free version? Yes, Keeper offers a free version with limited features, such as storing passwords on one device.
- How does Keeper protect my passwords? Keeper uses zero-knowledge encryption to ensure that only you have access to your stored data. Your passwords are encrypted before being stored on Keeper’s servers, keeping them safe from unauthorized access.
- Can I share passwords securely with others? Yes, Keeper allows you to securely share passwords and other vault items with trusted individuals, maintaining strong encryption throughout the process.
- Does Keeper offer two-factor authentication? Yes, Keeper supports two-factor authentication (2FA) via an authenticator app or hardware security keys, providing an extra layer of security.
- How much does Keeper cost? Keeper’s pricing starts at $2.92 per month for individuals, with family and business plans available at different price points.