It has been rumoured that Apple will be releasing a new password manager this week, and with that being said, it might be important to touch on why password managers are even necessary, especially if you’re a startup or business.
Why Use A Password Manager?
Passwords obviously are there there to protect your data, but hackers are getting better by the day at identifying people’s passwords.
A study by Hive Systems showed that an 8-character random password can be cracked in 39 minutes. Passwords need to be unqiue, long and completely random… So avoid using your first name and “12345”, going forward!
Password managers come with password generators that make complex passwords for you. Some can now also create unique usernames. These tools store passwords in an encrypted vault, so you don’t have to remember them. They also protect against phishing by not autofilling credentials on unverified sites.
Are There Disadvantages?
There are some downsides to using password managers. First, there may be a cost involved. While some offer free versions, full features usually need a subscription and these are ideally what your startup should be looking at.
Password managers can also be targets for hackers. To reduce this risk, use a strong master password and make sure you have turn on multifactor authentication.
Other than that, for the most part, password managers keep your info quite safe.
Practical Advantages
Password managers make life easier by saving time and working across devices. They protect your identity, notify you of phishing sites, and alert you if a password is compromised.
They use encryption to secure all logins, making it very hard for hackers to decode them. MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification before access is granted.
Benefits For Your Startup
For businesses, password managers have a few advantages:
Cross-Platform Efficiency: They allow password sharing among users, frequent password changes, and management across multiple platforms.
Strengthened Security: They store encrypted passwords, control access, track usage, and enforce password policies to meet compliance requirements.
More Control With Everything Stored In One Place: Passwords are kept in a secure vault, can be reset remotely, and accessed from anywhere, improving productivity with uninterrupted access to passwords, quick recovery of lost passwords, and reduced workload for IT and support departments.
How To Get Started
To start using a password manager, choose one that fits your needs. Businesses can partner with providers to set up licenses and maintenance schedules. Compare features from different systems or consider options from major providers like these below:
1. Dashlane
Dashlane offers an intuitive way to manage passwords for individuals and organisations. It ensures fast, secure access with features like autofill and SSO integration. Dashlane’s Password Health score and continuous monitoring help keep users safe from breaches.
Real-time phishing alerts and dark web monitoring provide additional layers of security. Dashlane employs a zero-knowledge architecture paired with strong encryption to protect against credential threats.
Recognised for its robust security standards and ease of use, Dashlane is trusted by over 23,000 organisations. It supports compliance with certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II, offering a reliable password management solution.
2. NordPass
NordPass is a user-friendly password manager designed for businesses. It uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture to ensure privacy and security. NordPass stands out with its use of the XChaCha20 encryption algorithm and machine learning for autofill.
It integrates two-factor authentication, combining biometric, possession, and knowledge factors for secure access. NordPass helps businesses comply with global cybersecurity standards and offers features like a breach scanner and password health monitoring. Recognised for its effectiveness and ease of use, NordPass is a cost-effective solution that simplifies password management and reduces cyber risks.
3. Kaspersky Password Manager
Kaspersky Password Manager simplifies managing passwords and secures your personal information. It encrypts and safely stores all your passwords, addresses, bank card details, and key photos. This manager synchronises data across your devices, requiring you to remember just one master password. It offers a password generator for creating strong passwords and notifies you of weak or duplicate ones.
The tool autofills your credentials for quick logins and performs security checks on websites before filling in bank card details. It also stores important documents like passports and driver’s licenses in an encrypted vault. Features include tagging favourites, organising documents, and importing/exporting login details. Kaspersky follows Zero-Knowledge Security, ensuring only you have access to your data, which is not stored in cloud storage.
4. Google Password Manager
A popular one; Google Password Manager provides an easy way to use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. It saves passwords to your Google Account, allowing automatic password filling on sites and apps. The manager suggests strong passwords and alerts you if they are compromised.
It supports syncing passwords across devices via Chrome and secures them with encryption. Additional security features include adding recovery info and enabling 2-Step Verification. Google Password Manager helps identify security issues with Password Checkup and allows easy import of passwords from other managers. It ensures secure storage and access to passwords, providing a seamless sign-in experience on any device using Chrome or Android .
5. 1Password
1Password helps individuals and businesses manage passwords securely and effortlessly. It stores passwords, banking information, credit cards, and software licenses in one place, accessible via a single master password. The platform offers shared vaults for families and teams, ensuring easy and secure access to shared information.
It monitors for data breaches and integrates with security tools, allowing seamless activity logging and closing security gaps. Adding a Secret Key to the account provides an extra layer of security. Regular third-party audits and a bug bounty program help maintain high security standards. With over 100,000 businesses trusting 1Password, it’s a reliable solution for password management across various scales.
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6. LastPass
LastPass simplifies password management with an easy-to-use interface and strong security measures. It saves and autofills passwords across devices and provides a password generator to create strong passwords. LastPass protects your data with best-in-class encryption, only decrypting information on your device.
It also has dark web monitoring to alert users of potential security breaches. Multifactor authentication adds another layer of security. LastPass supports both personal and business use, offering scalable solutions that include passwordless login options. With compliance certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC2 Type II, LastPass ensures high security standards for over 100,000 businesses worldwide.
7. ManageEngine Password Manager Pro
ManageEngine Password Manager Pro offers a secure, on-premises solution for managing passwords and digital identities. It stores and organises credentials in a centralised vault, supporting over 80 resource types. The platform enforces strict access controls with request-release workflows and automatic password rotation.
It manages non-human identities like service accounts and SSH keys. Secure remote sessions can be launched without plugins, recording all actions for auditing purposes. Integration with Active Directory and other tools streamlines password management across different apps. The solution supports high availability and compliance with standards like PCI DSS and GDPR, making it a trusted choice for many enterprises.
8. Zoho Vault
Zoho Vault provides secure password management for personal use, teams, and enterprises. It stores passwords, cards, and certificates securely, offering fine-grained sharing and access control. Users can organise passwords into folders and use single sign-on for cloud apps. Zoho Vault includes robust audit trails and visual reports for monitoring password activities.
It integrates with popular tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. The platform offers a free personal plan with extensive features, while paid plans allow for scaling as needed. Zoho Vault’s strong security, excellent customer support, and affordable pricing make it a popular choice among businesses and individuals.
9. Samsung Pass
Samsung Pass allows you to save your account information to the Samsung Wallet app and access it using biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or PIN. This service provides secure access and simplifies login processes by skipping traditional verification steps.
Samsung Pass uses Samsung Knox to safeguard stored data and supports web autofill for sign-in information and private details. It also offers Passkey, a passwordless login solution encrypted by biometrics and screen locks, compatible with apps and websites that support passkeys. Samsung Pass ensures a consistent autofill experience across mobile, TV, and PC by synchronising data across devices.
10. Keeper
Keeper is a cybersecurity platform designed to prevent data breaches. It helps individuals and your startup, manage, protect, and share passwords securely. Keeper offers features like generating strong passwords, secure sharing among users, and managing infrastructure secrets such as API keys and database credentials.
It provides a remote access solution for managing multi-cloud environments without a VPN. Keeper’s platform allows administrators to control access levels, track user activity, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
It supports delegated administration, customisable audit logs, and integration with IAM and SIEM solutions. Keeper’s zero-trust and zero-knowledge security model ensures that only authorised users have access to critical data .
