Nearly every web page someone visits, will insist that a user profile is created. This profile, will then require you to create a unique password for that account. 

Different sites have different requirements when it comes to the structure of the password but over the years this structure has become standardised across most platforms. 

Due to the sheer number of user-profiles being created everyday. It’s virtually impossible for the human mind to create and remember several unique passwords.

One of two approaches are adopted here:

1. The simplest password is created. 

2. A highly complex and random password is created and then used across all platforms. 

No matter which approach the individual chooses, both are easy for criminals to steal

If all this sounds too familiar for your business, then  it’s time to consider a password manager. 

Here’s why:

Password managers are a great way to ensure your employees don’t have to remember complex and unique passwords for every website and application they access.

Here’s what you need to know about password managers:

In most cases, the typical password manager will  require you to install a browser plug-in, this will allow the tool to capture and replay your password when required. 

The tool does this by storing your login information for all your websites which can be used to help log into pages automatically. 

Password managers encrypt your password database with a master password. Therefore the only password that needs remembering is the master password. 

Your employees and no doubt your IT department will be glad about this.

It’s not uncommon for people to save multiple logins for a single site, if this is the case, the password manager will know this and offer multiple account login options. 

Most entry-level password tools offer a toolbar that’s built into the web browser which will house all the saved logins. This allows you to gain direct access to every saved site and automatically log you in. 

Some products can even detect if a user has changed their password. Once a password change event is detected, the tool then asks the user if they want to update their existing records. 

How easy is it to transition to a new password manager?

Those that make use of a password manager are under the misconception that there are barriers when looking to change to other products on the market. 

I’m here to break some of those misconceptions. 

Most password managers allow for the transfer of saved data to be used when changing to other products on the market. 

Once the successful transitioning to another password manager takes place. It is recommended that you review your current passwords saved. If you have identified any weak or duplicated passwords, we advise that you replace them with harder more complex passwords. Based on the password manager that you have chosen to use, the software sometimes flags weak and duplicate passwords and may offer some advice on how you should go about updating them. Based on your requirements, if you are wanting to make use of more than one authentication method. Do research to find out which products offer two-factor authentication such as biometric, SMS-based and Google Authenticator to name a few.

READ: 3 Ways Multi-Factor Authentication can reduce security breaches 

What about some of those advanced features?

Most password management products on the market perform the tasks as mentioned above, but there are products that offer greater features which could meet your more advanced requirements. 

These advanced products allow you to manage passwords for applications as well as automating the process of changing your passwords.

Premium products have the functionality to allow you to sync your secure passwords across all connected devices. Built-in mechanisms allow users to securely share passwords with other users using the software as well as being able to revoke the share if need be. A risk to sharing passwords, the recipient will be able to change the original password once accepting the share.

Automatically populating forms:

Most password managers can auto-fill stored username and passwords when required. Higher rated products take autofill to the next level, can automatically fill in the user’s personal data such as first and last name, email address and phone number. 

These products can remember these credentials so when visiting multiple sites that ask for the same information, it can be a huge time-saver. Some products ask for your permission before they populate the required fields, where other products do it automatically.

 

Are you looking for a robust security system that doesn’t compromise the user experience? Why not download our eBook to help you