When it comes to business security, passwords are often the first line of defence. Yet, as essential as passwords are, they’ve also become one of the most significant vulnerabilities in the digital world. With hackers constantly innovating, it’s no surprise that companies are increasingly turning to password managers for better protection. But what’s behind this need, and why should businesses make the switch to password managers now?
Believe it or not, the first recorded use of passwords dates back to the 1960s. The concept of digital authentication was birthed in the early days of computing when MIT’s Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) used passwords to secure user accounts. Back then, passwords were short and relatively simple, think “1234” or “admin.” And while they kept data relatively secure, they weren’t exactly Fort Knox.
Fast forward to the late 1990s, and the password world had exploded. As the internet and online accounts multiplied, so did the demand for stronger and more complex passwords. The advent of online banking, social media, and shopping sites made creating unique passwords a necessity. However, keeping track of all these different logins became a challenge. So, users started adopting rudimentary solutions like sticky notes, spreadsheets, and the ever-popular “password = mydog123” approach.
Fast-forward even further to today, and the situation is even more complicated. We’re expected to have strong, unique passwords for every account, from email to cloud storage to work-related apps. But here’s the problem: Humans are creatures of habit. The average person has between 70-80 online accounts, and must remember the credentials for each of these accounts? Well, that’s where we run into issues.
Let’s take a look at some statistics that underscore the need for better password management:
Enter the humble password manager, the modern solution to an age-old problem. But what exactly is a password manager, and why should businesses adopt one?
A password manager is a software tool that securely stores and manages all your passwords in an encrypted vault. Instead of trying to remember a million passwords or using a simple (insecure) approach, password managers can generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account and fill them in automatically when you log in. This eliminates the need to reuse passwords or rely on insecure methods of keeping track of them.
So, why should businesses embrace password managers?
Password managers generate strong, complex passwords that are nearly impossible to crack. These typically include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making them far more secure than anything we could dream up on our own. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), passwords should be at least 12-14 characters long, and a password manager can easily meet this requirement.
As mentioned earlier, 65% of people reuse passwords. But password managers can help stop this practice by creating unique passwords for every account. With a password manager in place, there’s no excuse for reusing the same password across multiple platforms. If one account gets compromised, your other accounts remain safe.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a critical part of keeping accounts secure. Many password managers support 2FA integration, making it easier for businesses to enable this extra layer of protection on accounts without causing unnecessary friction for employees. Password managers can automatically fill in authentication codes, allowing businesses to enjoy the benefits of 2FA without slowing down their workflows.
But here’s the thing: While multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, it’s not foolproof. Imagine you’ve locked your front door, but you’ve left the back door wide open. This is essentially what happens when you rely solely on MFA but overlook the importance of strong passwords. Hackers are increasingly bypassing MFA using methods like social engineering, SIM swapping, and phishing attacks. If your password is weak or has been stolen, MFA can still be circumvented. It’s great to have a second layer, but what’s the point of locking one door if another remains wide open?
Phishing attacks are on the rise, and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in tricking employees into revealing sensitive information. Password managers help mitigate the risks of phishing by only auto-filling credentials on legitimate websites. If a phishing site tries to trick employees into logging in, the password manager won’t recognise the site and won’t fill in the username or password, giving employees a chance to realise something’s not right.
For businesses, password managers offer centralised management, where an IT admin can control which employees have access to which accounts. You can grant or revoke access to specific accounts without having to reset passwords every time an employee leaves or changes roles. You can also set up automated password updates, ensuring your passwords remain strong and secure.
A password manager’s vault is encrypted, meaning even if hackers somehow gain access to your vault, they would need a master password or additional authentication to access the data. The encryption makes it far harder for criminals to steal valuable information.
Many password managers come with built-in auditing tools that help monitor password strength and compliance across an organisation. This helps businesses ensure that their employees are following best practices when it comes to password security. Plus, you can generate reports to track which accounts are vulnerable or which employees might be using weak passwords.
It’s not just about security, password managers can actually save time and increase productivity. By eliminating the need to remember or look up passwords constantly, employees can spend less time logging into apps and more time doing what they’re supposed to be doing. And since the password manager takes care of generating and storing passwords, employees don’t need to be security experts.
As businesses move further into the digital age, the importance of secure password management cannot be overstated. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and relying on outdated password practices is a recipe for disaster. By implementing a password manager, businesses can ensure that their employees are protected against the growing risks of password-related breaches.
Password managers provide strong, encrypted password storage, generate unique passwords, and allow businesses to monitor and manage credentials with ease. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, a password manager is the cybersecurity tool you didn’t know you needed—but certainly do now.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to make the switch. Your business’s security depends on it. After all, you wouldn’t leave the front door unlocked just because the back door is locked, don’t leave your business vulnerable by neglecting password security either.
