Watch our video on Password Managers, and keep these notes handy as a recap. 

If we’re doing the right thing by having a different password for every device and login, it’s impossible to remember them all.  

How do Password Managers work?

Password Managers allow you to use just one very strong password every time you log in to your computer, and then it in turn unlocks access to everything you need. When you click on a particular website, for example, your password manager will fill in your username and password so you’ll go straight into the useful elements of the site that you need to use. 

There are a number of Password Managers available, all with similar types of features – they allow password generation, creating random complex passwords that will then auto-fill.  

You will save time, increase cybersecurity, and benefit from a more enjoyable experience. And because most Password Managers are cloud-based they can be accessed from any device you’re using. 

Your single master password needs to be complex, but also memorable. So if you’re not sure how to remember a complex password, take a look at our video on creating memorable passwords. 

Password Managers need to be easy to use and part of your day-to-day workflow. Within your business they should to be part of standard processes that staff are familiar and confident with. 

Other measures to help stay safe

Use Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). As we’ve mentioned before, cybersecurity needs to be mulit-layered, and you need to make life as difficult as possible for cybercriminals. 

IP restrictions add an additional layer. For example, they will ensure that you can only logon from a UK IP address, ruling out cybercriminals that are based around the world. It’s not foolproof, but it definitely helps. 

Should I use the built-in password manager?

We don’t recommend that you use the built-in password managers supplied by your internet browser. For starters they are the first place a Hacker will look. Also, they don’t necessarily migrate if you switch computers. You could end up having to reset passwords across devices which can be annoying, stressful and time consuming. 

How much do they cost?

There are free versions, but we wouldn’t recommend these. Investing just a small amount per user per month will actually save you money by increasing productivity. Imagine just logging in once in the morning using your Password Manager and MFA. You’ve spent two minutes… and that’s it… for the rest of the day! 

Sharing passwords!

We don’t normally encourage the sharing of passwords, but Password Managers allow safer sharing. For example, limit the accounts that certain members can use, making sure they have access to everything they need to do their job, but no more. You’re also able to quickly remove access if a staff member leaves your business, for example. 

Visibility 

Password Managers give you visibility of who has been using what by providing an audit log. This can be used for training and monitoring, but also to reduce risks of a disgruntled employee causing mayhem. 

Costs 

The costs of security breaches can run into thousands of pounds. Reinforcing cyber hygiene around passwords will significantly reduce the risk of attack. 

Not sure where to start?

Reach out to your IT Support Team, whether internal within your business, or external providers such as Net Primates. Get a Password Manager installed by experts so that you can be as secure as possible. Don’t want to do that? Then try a free Password Manager – better that than none at all. And do something TODAY! Don’t delay! 

In our experience the people within a business most targetted are those most likely to be slack with password management. So lead by example, and demonstrate how much easier it is to work with a Password Manager in place. 

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