Business

• Why password managers matter and how they work
• Why a password manager is essential for security
• Password manager pricing and what to expect
• Getting started with a password manager
• Different types of password managers
• Essential features of a reliable password manager
• Stay safe and secure your data with a password manager

Why password managers matter and how they work

Password managers are a game-changer when it comes to security, convenience and efficiency. If you're new to them, you might be wondering what is the purpose of a password manager? The answer lies in avoiding the risks that come with weak or reused passwords. Managing passwords securely can be a real challenge. Cyber threats like identity theft, data breaches and more are all too real. The safest way to store passwords is with a personal password keeper.

Think of it as a simple password vault for all your login credentials. Rather than relying on your memory or insecure methods like writing them down, the safest place to keep passwords is using a password manager ensuring that all your credentials are stored in an encrypted database, accessible only through a master password. With a password manager, you can secure your password and create strong, unique passwords — no more worrying about remembering them all.

What do password managers do? They securely store passwords, and many also help in automatically filling in your credentials on websites, reducing the risk of phishing attacks. They also help with keeping passwords securely across all your devices — that means your credentials are safe wherever you access them.

Why a password manager is essential for security

The human factor in digital security

The more digital we become — the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly accelerated that — the more online accounts we have. And with that comes more passwords to keep track of. Unfortunately, human error is a leading cause of data breaches. People still use weak passwords or reuse the same credentials across multiple sites. That makes it far too easy for cybercriminals to get in. Password manangers enhance your password practices to prevent vulnerabilities.

Phishing attacks have become incredibly common, and weak password practices expose businesses to risks. Is it safe to use password managers? Yes, a password manager eliminates the risk of human error and keeps your credentials safe by storing them in an encrypted database. It can automatically fill in your credentials only when a legitimate site is detected. That stops you from unknowingly entering passwords on phishing sites. And because it eliminates the risk of human error, protecting your passwords becomes much easier.

Security audits

Security audits are a key part of any business's security strategy. Weak, outdated, or compromised credentials can lead to security vulnerabilities. Businesses that fail to enforce strong password policies risk non-compliance with industry regulations.

One of the key benefits of password managers is that it can automatically alert users when passwords need updating. It also provides an audit trail, making it easier to track and manage password changes efficiently. Additionally, password managers ensure quick password rotation when an employee leaves the company, minimizing the risk of data leaks — this proactive security measure helps companies comply with industry standards and pass audits with ease.

Managing absences and staff changes

Temporary absences and staff turnover can disrupt business workflows. A business password manager ensures employees with the necessary permissions can access credentials securely. That prevents bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

For example, if a key team member is on vacation or out sick, other employees may need access to shared accounts. With a password manager, authorized team members can securely retrieve credentials without compromising security.

Disaster recovery is another critical aspect. In the unfortunate event of an emergency where key personnel are unavailable, having a secure and structured password management system ensures continuity. Companies can avoid business disruptions by ensuring authorized personnel can access critical information without compromising security policies.

Seamless access across devices and browsers

A key advantage of password managers is that they work seamlessly across multiple browsers and devices. Solutions like Passwork are where flexibility really shines. Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, or smartphone, you can securely store your passwords and access them anywhere. That's especially useful for remote teams, who need smooth and secure login experiences.

Browser extensions fill in credentials automatically, cutting down on login friction. You can use Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge — your choice. Many password managers support cross-platform synchronization, changes made on one device are instantly available on another.

Password manager pricing and what to expect

Password managers come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the costs. You can get a basic version for free, with the essentials, while premium plans offer advanced security features like two-factor authentication, encrypted password sharing and audit logs. Choosing an easy to use password manager is essential for keeping things simple and secure. Business solutions often include features for multiple users, ensuring secure credential management across the board.

While a free password manager may be sufficient for individuals, businesses should consider paid options to benefit from enterprise-grade security and administrative controls. Scalable plans that grow with your organization's needs can be a cost-effective way to manage security. And the cost of investing in a password manager is often much lower than the financial and reputational damage caused by a data breach.

Organizations that proactively invest in password security mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of costly security incidents. When you're shopping for the best way to store passwords, consider what matters most to you: encryption, ease of use, and the ability to store passwords securely across different platforms. Look for features like two-factor authentication and secure password sharing for optimal protection.

Getting started with a password manager

How to use a password manager? It’s pretty straightforward — choose a password manager that fits your needs. Consider factors such as encryption strength, compatibility with devices, and business-oriented features if you need them.

• Install the software or use a web-based version for cloud-based access
• Create a strong master password that will grant access to all your stored credentials
• Start storing passwords securely by importing existing credentials or generating new, strong passwords
• Enable auto-fill and auto-change to save time and reduce the risk of phishing attacks
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security layer against unauthorized access

Password managers also allow users to categorize passwords into folders or groups, making it easier to manage credentials efficiently. Businesses can take advantage of role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure employees only have access to the passwords relevant to their job responsibilities.

Different types of password managers

Cloud-based

Cloud-based solutions store encrypted passwords on remote servers, allowing you to access your credentials from any device. They offer convenience and accessibility, but you have to trust the provider's security measures. Passwork Cloud ensures high-level encryption and secure access, giving businesses full control over their password management while maintaining ease of use.

Self-hosted

Self-hosted solutions store passwords on a company servers rather than the cloud. While they reduce the risk of cloud-based attacks. Self-hosted password managers provide organizations with complete data control, allowing them to implement their own security policies and compliance measures. This makes them ideal for companies that prioritize on-premises data security.

Browser-based

Many web browsers offer built-in password management tools, but they often lack the advanced security features of dedicated solutions. Web browser password manager is better suited for casual users rather than businesses handling sensitive data. These managers may also be vulnerable to browser-based threats or device compromises. A standalone password manager is a more robust choice for organizations that require enterprise-grade security.

Essential features of a reliable password manager

Strong encryption

A secure password manager should use AES-256 encryption to protect stored credentials from cyber threats. This ensures that even if your data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized users.

Auto-fill and auto-change

These features simplify login processes and improve password security by automatically updating passwords when needed. Auto-change is particularly useful for regularly updating credentials without manual effort.

Two-factor authentication

Adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a master password is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented. Many password managers support biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for added protection.

Intuitive and user-friendly interface

A password manager should be easy to navigate, making it simple for users to store, retrieve, and manage credentials effectively.

Stay safe and secure your data with a password manager

Secure password management is a must. If you haven't started using a password manager yet, now is the time to take control of your online security. If you use a password manager what do you as the user need to remember is just a single master password — that's it. Protect your passwords with the help of a password manager and keep them safe from cyber threats.

Passwork is where security and convenience meet-the necessities for businesses that are serious about staying ahead. That means more than just a password manager. It means a robust security system that reduces the risk of human error. By automating password management and giving you secure, centralized access to sensitive data Passwork helps you protect your business in real-time.

Whatever your company size, investing in secure password management just makes sense. Don't wait for a data breach to happen. Take the next step now with Passwork and start protecting what matters most.

8 Things You Should Consider Before Selecting A Corporate Password Manager

A couple of guesses... your mother’s maiden name, your date of birth, your pet’s name. And Bam! It’s stolen. Password theft has become increasingly common.

Passwork BlogIliya Garakh, CTO

Four ways to make users love password security

Four ways to make users love password security

Passwork BlogIliya Garakh, CTO

The future of password security

Whenever the word ‘cybersecurity’ appears, the word ‘password’ springs to mind in parallel. People use them everywhere, from mobile phone locks to the protection of personal and state data stored on individual devices or websites. Everyone knows that a strong and secure password is able to save our sensitive information,

Passwork BlogIliya Garakh, CTO

Positioning is an important aspect

Positioning is so important that, if this stage is skipped, all other efforts of promotion of the product could be ruined. Good positioning should be short, clear, and understandable. Therefore, it is often described in one sentence or is made to fit in a tweet. Positioning should be directly related to the main problem that the product will solve for the users.

The difficulty is that many a-times, the product generally solves various problems for different users. For example, an online accounting system providing the same capabilities solves different problems for the entrepreneur and accountant. As to the question «Who are you?», different answers may be given, depending on who is posing the question. Positioning is closely related to the target audience segmentation. Often, I have heard startups saying that their product is made for all users of the Internet, or something like that, which is definitely an outlandish type of segmentation.

Begin to break your users into segments. Try implementing any different characteristics like gender, age, income level, interests, etc. The task to break all users into segments is performed in such a way that all were uniform within a single segment. That is, from the perspective of the product, all users of one segment are like twins and are indistinguishable to a significant extent.

Take one segment user and tell him about the product. Then afterward, take any other user of the same segment, and their stories about the product should be similar. Begin to divide users from the largest to smallest. Specify what problem your product solves for each segment. If more than one problem is obtained from a single segment, the segment shall be divided into further sub-segments.

As a result, you should get:

1. The segment and its characteristics (feature set)
2. The problem is solved by the users of that segment
3. Positioning for this segment. In this case, the product can be position in a single sentence.

From this scheme, you automatically get ready-made advertising campaigns for Yandex, VKontakte, Google, Twitter. And you can understand where to look for leads and what attraction channels to use based on segment performance. By looking at the segments tree, you can go in the opposite direction, summarize a number of problems, and get the main product positioning. And a detailed list will be a good start for the development of the Landing page.

Take, for example, the development of websites, the likes of ‘heavily worked-on websites, will soon be performed using innate abilities.

For whom?

1. For all the sites which may need this? — Well, yes.
2. For business? — Yeah right!
3. For business owners that have heard something about the Internet, interested in finding customers? — Getting Warmer
4. Does this business have a site?
5. Is this a recently established business?
6. Volumes (for example, how many employees)
7. Lines of business

Eventually, we obtain a segment such as the following:

1. Recently established company (6-12 months old)
2. with a small staff (10-20 people).
3. Recently launched, no site at the moment hasn’t met targets as yet, and the like,
4. are not willing to devote a lot of money on the development of the site
5. On the question of whether or not a site is needed, the most likely answer is, «Well, of course, it is needed»
6. Does not plan to actively attract customers via the Internet.

The situation is one of those «websites needed, well so that we owned one.» The problem is that this is not represented on the Internet Positioning: «We are setting up a website for business start-ups on the Internet for 1 week and for so many rubles.» This is not ideal, but the point is clear. Offering affordable, or perhaps typical or conventional solutions, Landing pages, with minimal customization, cheap but good and fast. It is worth noting that in the site-building world, young companies just need to be positioned and well-niched. Sites solve many problems and are needed for numerous problems to be solved, so cramming the site under a one-size-fits-all does not work.

So, in summary:

1. Divide your customers into segments as per the problems that your product solves. The better the homogeneity of the segment, the better the result (but without fanaticism)

2. Check № 1 — segment should easily explain what you have to offer. Without any "and"s and "or"s.

3. Checking № 2 — product positioning for the segment, tagline, the main message, are all to be contained within the tweet.

4. Segmentation and positioning are closely linked. One may be used to create the others, and vice versa.

5. Segmentation and positioning give insight into what customers to look for, how to look, where to look for them, and what particular offer to give them. You can write a statement for Sales.

6. Structuring allows you to identify the main problems to be solved by the product, and a host of other artifacts that can be used, for example, for setting up a Landing page.

After initializing their first releases or MVP (first minimal product-release), startups are faced with the challenge of promoting and marketing on the Internet. If they do this through Yandex or Google AdWords, a single click designed to attract customers can cost $1 or more, and the cost of publishing a single article onto a popular media site can be more than $ 1,000 per campaign. New startups, even when heavily propped-up investment-wise, and enjoying huge financial backing, cannot afford to walk on such a grand and costly scale.

Or they can, but here is a well-established fact: all funds are consolidated only after a couple of months; whether there were any sales or not, and they ran out of money for further product development.

Very often, startup beginners say: "We do not know how much we need for marketing. How do we evaluate this?", or: "We need ten million on marketing, hmm, no, let's make it twenty ...".

Then, they quickly start buying ads and spending money in vain, and slowly begin to realize that marketing is one hell of a very expensive endeavor. You may have a great product, everyone may like it, everyone may be dying to use it, but then, it is necessary to spend a lot of money on advertising. Well, afterwards, they start looking for an investment specifically for marketing.

So, rounding up: marketing and promotion of IT-startups on the Internet proves to be expensive, unclear and unpredictable.

Familiar?

In fact, the promotion of start-ups is actually understandable and predictable. Whether it will be costly or not depends on each particular situation.

It is really quite possible to promote IT-startups using only little or no financial investment at all. In this case, impressive and surprising results can be achieved.

In the open world, these techniques are called growth hacking

And, just a small faq on explosive promotions:

1. Wow, is it really possible for any project to be able to directly unleash a host of ads without money, and without doing anything at all?
− No, not any project. A lot of work still has to be done. But for many projects, not a lot of money is spent.

2. So, if not ANY project, then which ones?
− First of all, IT-startups or projects that are well-integrated on the internet. But in general, the general principles apply everywhere.

3. So, purchasing advertising space will be a thing of the past?
− Yes and no. Advertising will always be a great help if you can afford it, and sometimes, may be the only option.

4. Do I still have to learn about marketing or hire a marketer?
- You needs to know the fundamentals. Growth hacking and marketing are related, but not deeply. This a kind of side-approach, where your brains, simple logic, entrepreneurial skills; all really matter. Certainly not misgivings.

How growth hacking works

The basic idea of the explosive product is very simple and logical. If your product is good, its users will talk about it themselves. They only need help to do that. Practically almost all the techniques can be reduced to one single aim: to increase virality without any cash expenditures.

The obvious pre-condition is that your product really needs to solve user problems, should be necessary, useful and convenient. You must have a high-quality product. I am sure that all startups find their desired product, but this is not always the case.

Explosive advertising works well for IT-startups, because users can easily talk about it and attract other users, the internet is there to help. In addition, explosive advertising is a pack of little tricks that helps you get close to your audience; motivate, talk about the product, test ideas, increase conversion, and so on.

In summary,

1. "Standard way" - more money into advertising, greater audience reach, more new users.

2. Explosive advertising - users themselves are involved together with their friends. Avalanche exponential growth. Quality product needed.

3. Divide all your customers into particular segments according to the problems that your product solves. The more homogeneous the segment, the better (but without fanaticism)

4. Check №1 - It is very easy to explain what you have to offer if this is done segment by segment. Without any "and" and "or".

5. Checking №2 - Product positioning for the segment, tagline, the main message should all be contained within the tweet.

6. Segmentation and positioning are closely linked. One can lead to the other, and vice versa.

7. Segmentation and Positioning give insight into what customers are looking for, how to look, where to look for that particular offer. You can write a statement for sales.

8. Structuring allows you to identify the main problems to be solved by the product, and a host of other artifacts that can be used, for example, to create a Landing.

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3. Detectify

Detectify is a web security service that simulates automated hacker attacks on your website, detecting critical security issues before real hackers do. We provide you with descriptive reports of the results so that you can continue to build safe products.

4. StopTheHacker

Everything you need to protect your website and online reputation StopTheHacker’s comprehensive suite of website healthcare services that safeguard your website, helping you prevent, detect and recover from a hacker attack. We catch more malware than anyone else, using Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.

5. SiteLock

SiteLock is the global leader in website security solutions. We are the only provider to offer complete, cloud-based website protection that finds and automatically fixes threats, prevents future attacks, accelerates website speed, and meets PCI compliance standards — all with 24/7 U.S. based phone support. See below for the complete list of the SiteLock family of products and services.

6. Pentest Tools

Pentest-Tools.com is a collection of ethical hacking tools which enables you to test the security of websites and network infrastructures from a remote location. You need to verify the behavior of a service from a different IP address. Your (company) firewall does not allow you to access some ports on the target system. The target system has blacklisted your IP address. You want to validate your tools findings using a different toolset. You do not have the tools from our website on your local machine.

7. Acunetix

Acunetix is the leading web vulnerability scanner used by serious fortune 500 companies and widely acclaimed to include the most advanced SQL injection and XSS black box scanning technology. It automatically crawls your websites and performs black box AND grey box hacking techniques which finds dangerous vulnerabilities that can compromise your website and data. Acunetix tests for SQL Injection, XSS, XXE, SSRF, Host Header Injection and over 3000 other web vulnerabilities. It has the most advanced scanning techniques generating the least false positives possible. Inbuilt vulnerability management helps you prioritize and manage vulnerability resolution. Acunetix is available on premise and online. Get a free online account featuring one year of free network security scans or download the scanner itself!

8. Private Communications Corporation

Public WiFi signals in hotels, coffee shops, and airports are not secure. Anyone using the same hotspot can intercept and hack your communications. Your usernames, passwords, and other private information can be stolen out of the thin air. Private WiFi protects your identity and personal information by encrypting your WiFi signal. Everything you do online is protected with bank-level security, so you can surf, share, shop, and bank with confidence.

9. Mailfence

Mailfence protects you against a variety of security and privacy issues: eavesdropping on your Internet communication, government surveillance programs, unauthorized content analysis, email and identity forgery.

10. MsgSafe

Instantly create as many email addresses as you need - each associated with their own group of contacts. All email stored at MsgSafe.io is encrypted. Protect your entire family or organization by managing all virtual mailboxes and email addresses with the domain you already own. We are dedicated to actively improving privacy protection with innovative technology.

11. Hush Communications Canada Inc

Enhanced email security to keep your data safe. Hushmail is like your current email service – you can read and compose your email on the web, smartphone, and everywhere you work – but we’ve added important security features to help keep your data safe.

12. Sendinc

Sendinc ensures your messages are encrypted to the highest standards. There is no software required for you or your recipients, and you can use your existing email address. Most importantly - because Sendinc does not store encryption keys - only your recipients have the ability to decrypt your messages.

13. Virtru Corporation

Virtru is your data privacy force field, wrapping and protecting emails and files wherever they’re shared. It’s easy-to-use data security software that ensures audit and control

14. Beyond Security

Test for malware, SQL injection, XSS and other vulnerabilities. Nothing to download or install, no interruption of your visitors. No password access is required.

15. SSL Labs

This free online service performs a deep analysis of the configuration of any SSL web server on the public Internet. Please note that the information you submit here is used only to provide you the service. We don't use the domain names or the test results, and we never will.

16. Sucuri Inc

Website Malware Cleanup Got Malware? Not sure how to clean it up? Sucuri specializes in hands-on remediation. We offer professional malware clean up without the hassle. No need for extra burden on your resources, we do it all for you Website Malware Scanning — sucuri scanners use the latest in fingerprinting technology allowing you to determine if your web applications are out of date, exploited with malware, or even blacklisted. Our Scanner also monitors your DNS, SSL certs & WhoIs records. Website Malware Monitoring — be at ease knowing you have Sucuri monitoring your site. We can identify if your site has been hit with the latest malware attack and alert you to take action. Receive alerts anytime anything changes via Email, Twitter, or RSS Website Malware Cleanup — Want the flexibility to schedule site integrity checks? You got it! Schedule scans of your sites to ensure your minimizing your security risks. You can also filter specific items on your site that change often, the power is yours.

17. Quttera

Get malware detection, blacklisting check, site clean-up services, and other essential tools for the safe and trusted website.

18. UpGuard

UpGuard discovers the configuration state of every information asset connected to your infrastructure, with or without an agent. Understand the baseline state of your infrastructure for complete awareness of even the most complex enterprise environments. Whether on-premises or in the cloud, configuration monitoring has never been this easy or scalable.

19. Skybox Security

With Skybox on your team, you have total visibility of your attack surface to contain cyberattacks immediately. Gain the advantage over threats with comprehensive vulnerability intelligence. Zoom in on security control gaps with cutting-edge cybersecurity analytics.

20. Akamai Technologies

In a faster forward world, innovation doesn't wait for technology. Akamai is the global leader in Content Delivery Network (CDN) services, making the Internet fast, reliable and secure for its customers. The company's advanced web performance, mobile performance, cloud security and media delivery solutions are revolutionizing how businesses optimize consumer, enterprise and entertainment experiences for any device, anywhere.

21. Cloudflare

Online threats range from nuisances like comment spam and excessive bot crawling to malicious attacks like SQL injection and denial of service (DOS) attacks. Cloudflare provides protection against all of these types of threats and more to keep your website safe.

22. Trustwave

ModSecurity is a toolkit for real-time web application monitoring, logging, and access control. I like to think about it as an enabler: there are no hard rules telling you what to do; instead, it is up to you to choose your own path through the available features. That's why the title of this section asks what ModSecurity can do, not what it does.

23. Zscaler

Zscaler is an exciting, high-growth technology company. As the most innovative firm in the $35 billion security market, the company is focused on bringing cloud computing to internet security. Just as Salesforce transformed the CRM market, Zscaler is revolutionizing the world of internet security.

24. StackPath

StackPath is the intelligent web services platform for security, speed and scale. It is the first platform to unify enterprise security solutions by leveraging collaborative intelligence that makes each service smarter and more secure with every threat detected, in addition to vastly improving the customer experience. More than 30,000 customers, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to early stage startups already use StackPath technology. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, StackPath has offices across the U.S. and internationally.

25. FireEye

FireEye understands cyber attacks and the threat actors responsible for them better than anyone else. FireEye learned that technology alone isn’t enough to combat cyber attackers, which is why our solution takes a three-pronged approach that combines innovative security technologies, world-renowned expertise, and deep threat intelligence capabilities. Unlike other solutions, we address the entire security operations lifecycle — every critical issue before, during and after an attack.

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You trust your systems and procedures and the people on your team every day to deliver shareholder value and keep your customers happy. That trust is what gives you peace of mind. At Integrity360 we have earned the trust of over 300 of Europe’s leading companies from telecoms to banking, e-commerce to semi-states, education to healthcare and retail.

27. IPV Security

At the core of our methodology lies the focus on the customer’s business assets — i.e. analyzing the assets that are crucial to the business needs of the corporation and integrating them with a technical model of the IT systems and applications. The outcome is a holistic view of the Information Security Risks in the organization that is focused and prioritized on the immediate actions that need to be done in order to close and mitigate the critical security gaps. The services are offered on a continuous basis or as a one-time audit.

28. EthicalHat

Maintaining an Information Security System can be a lot of work, which is why many businesses employ Chief Information Security Officers to take charge of this responsibility. Unfortunately, hiring a full-time CISO can be very expensive, which may make it a less-than-optimal choice for small or new companies that are already overburdened with the many expenses and worries of maintaining a successful business.

29. FRSecure LLC

FRSecure is a full service information security consulting and management company. If you need anything security related, from assessments to social engineering to security training to policy development etc., give our team of experts a call and find out how to get our experience working for you.

A couple of guesses — your mother's maiden name, your date of birth, your pet's name. And Bam! Your password is stolen.

Password theft is becoming more common every day. While one of the most notorious incidents was the 2014 Russian hacker incident that compromised more than 1.2 billion passwords, this is far from an isolated event. There are news stories about password-related breaches almost every day. And yet, many people continue to use weak, easily guessable passwords.

Why? Because they’re easy to remember. But as simple as these passwords are for you, they’re even easier for hackers to crack. This is a serious concern for businesses, where cybersecurity is paramount.

Why security policies alone aren't enough

Large enterprises often implement password policies requiring employees to use strong passwords. However, since it's easier to remember short passwords, many employees disregard the policies and choose weak passwords. A policy alone isn’t much help here.

The solution? A corporate password manager that ensures strong, unguessable passwords are used across the company. By using the right technology, you can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach.

While a corporate password manager can choose passwords for you, how do you choose the right one for your business? Here are some tips to help you find the best software for your enterprise.

Tip #1: Choose the right solution for your company

Password management solutions typically come in two forms: SaaS (cloud-based) or on-premise. Both have their advantages, depending on your company’s needs.

• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): This option is managed by the provider, and you typically pay a subscription fee based on the number of users or the level of service. SaaS solutions are great for small- to mid-sized businesses, as they offer flexibility, scalability, and minimal setup costs.
• On-Premise: With an on-premise solution, the software is hosted on your company’s own servers. While there’s a higher upfront cost for hardware and software licenses, this option is ideal for larger enterprises that require full control over their data for compliance or security reasons.

Both options have their merits, so choose a vendor that offers both SaaS and on-premise solutions. This way, you can make a decision based on your company’s specific needs, ensuring you have the right balance between cost, security, and scalability.

Tip #2: Identify potential vulnerabilities

A critical feature of any corporate password manager is its ability to safeguard your data against vulnerabilities. Before committing to a solution, take the time to identify any weak points in the software.

Here’s a quick test: Sign in to the password manager and press F12 to open the browser’s developer console. In the “Network” tab, check for any external requests, like analytics scripts or third-party integrations. A secure password manager should not allow external third-party scripts that could expose you to cross-site scripting (XSS) or other attacks.

When third parties are allowed to call into the system, they can make the system vulnerable. Whether you prefer a SaaS password manager or an on-premise password manager, it should hold all sensitive information in such a way that external applications cannot access them.

Tip #3: Verify encryption standards

The password manager should store all passwords in an encrypted form. To verify this, use the browser’s developer tools again (F12 → Network tab). Now open any website where you need to sign in. Save the password in the password manager. Check whether the password appears as plain text or in encrypted form.

If it’s stored in plain text, the system is vulnerable to hacks. Strong encryption is essential. Look for password managers that use AES-256 encryption combined with an RSA handshake, which is the gold standard for secure data encryption.

Different password managers have different encryption standards. The highest cipher is AES-256 with an RSA handshake. This is military-grade encryption and is virtually unhackable. If your corporate password manager provides this level of encryption and owns its own servers, you don’t have to worry about the security of your information.

Tip #4: Choose a vendor with transparent policies

When selecting a password manager, transparency is key. Check the vendor’s website for whitepapers and documentation on the algorithms and cryptography they use. Vendors with open-source or auditable code are preferable, as they demonstrate a commitment to transparency and security.

Zero-knowledge encryption is another critical feature. This means that the vendor has no access to your master password or any of your sensitive data. For instance, Passwork ensures all passwords are stored in encrypted vaults using a 256-bit cipher, making them accessible only to the user.

Opting for an open-source solution is a smart move, as it allows you to inspect the code and confirm that the cryptography being used is reliable and secure.

Tip #5: Ensure auditability

If you opt for an on-premise solution, auditability is important. You should be able to inspect and audit the internal code to verify that it meets your company’s security standards.

Regular password audits are also essential for maintaining a secure system. A good password manager will automatically notify you when passwords need to be updated due to age or reuse across multiple services. This feature helps maintain optimal security across your entire organization.

If the code is open-source, you may even have the ability to customize it. However, be cautious, as making changes to the code can introduce instability. Always consult with the vendor before making any significant modifications.

Tip #6: Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)

A reliable corporate password manager should support strong two-factor authentication (2FA) options to enhance security. Passwords alone aren’t always enough to safeguard sensitive data, as they can be stolen or cracked. 2FA ensures that even if a password is compromised, an additional authentication factor—such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app—protects your accounts.

When selecting a password manager, ensure it integrates with a variety of 2FA methods, such as time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) or SMS codes. Implementing 2FA will greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your corporate accounts, making it an essential security measure for any business.

Tip #7: Test the SSL security

Advanced corporate password management tools use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The SSL transfers data securely between the client and the server. Passwork uses SSL along with AES-256 bit encryption and RSA handshake to ensure your data is encrypted according to the highest standards.

There are several online tools to check if there are any potential issues with the SSL quality of the password manager. With tools such as SSL Labs and SSL Checker, you can find out if the SSL certificates of the password manager are valid.

Tip #8: Look for flexibility across platforms

A good corporate password manager should work seamlessly across all platforms and devices your employees use. Whether it’s desktop or mobile, macOS, Windows, iOS, or Android, the solution should offer compatibility with all major operating systems.

Additionally, ensure the password manager offers browser extensions for popular web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Syncing across devices is another crucial feature. If an employee saves a password on their desktop browser, it should automatically be available when they log in on their mobile device.

The bottom line

There are several corporate password managers available, but make sure you choose the best one. Your password manager should not only be secure but also adaptable to your company’s needs. If you find a password manager that meets all the criteria listed above and is affordable, choose it to safeguard your passwords.

Remember, security isn’t an area where you can afford to cut corners. Your enterprise passwords are extremely important so don’t compromise on quality. Choose password manager that meets all your security requirements, including strong encryption, transparency, auditability, and two-factor authentication.

As the saying goes, “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” Make the right choice by selecting software that keeps your company’s details safe. It not only simplifies things for your employees but also ensures your valuable information remains secure from prying eyes.