Using a Password Manager

Most people are aware of the importance of a strong password. While we've been taught to avoid using simple ones like "password123", and most services require something more complicated, many people still struggle to maintain strong password security measures. Employing a password manager at your organization could help keep your data secure. 

What is a password manager?
A password manager is an application that can securely store the passwords to all of your accounts. It can be used to autofill passwords so you do not need to remember them and can even auto-generate random, secure passwords for new or existing accounts. Password managers are available for personal use as well as business needs.

Free vs. Paid 
While your internet browser may provide a free password manager, we wouldn't recommend this for business use. Since the browser needs to be connected to an account to store and save login information, it is most likely that that account will be a personal one instead of a business one. This leaves your organization more vulnerable than using a paid, company-specific password manager. 

Rolling out to employees
Like with any new tool, it can be daunting to think of a company-wide rollout. Some employees will be resistant to change, will have trouble understanding the new process, or may ignore all advanced notices altogether, causing disruptions in the transition. Before you launch a business password manager, make sure you thoroughly explain what is happening well ahead of time, with a few reminders before rollout. Tell your team about the tool, the improved security, how it will make their daily work easier, and any new or improved password policies. 
 
Long-term benefits 
When you use a business password manager you also get the peace of mind that comes with it. If a password is forgotten, a team member unexpectedly leaves the company, or you need to securely share account access, a password manager can help you without causing stress. You can also use them to store other confidential data, like banking information, instead of relying on less secure methods. 

Tech Networks of Boston has over 27 years of experience helping nonprofit and mission-driven organizations with IT and security. If you are interested in learning more about password managers and how they can help your organization, please contact us.