If you’re running a small business, it’s likely that your team has a lot of online accounts to manage. From email and social media to invoicing and project management tools, each of these accounts requires a unique login and password. But how do you keep track of all these credentials? Are you using an Excel spreadsheet or – gasp – sending passwords via email?!? If so, it’s time to consider using a password manager.
A password manager is a software application that securely stores all your login credentials in one place. Instead of having to remember dozens of different usernames and passwords, you only need to remember one strong master password to access your password manager. This can save your team a lot of time and frustration, while also improving security.
Here are some reasons why your team needs a password manager:
- Improved Security
Password managers generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, which makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your sensitive data. Most password managers also use encryption to protect your login credentials, which means that even if a hacker were to gain access to your password manager, they wouldn’t be able to read your passwords.
- Convenience
A password manager can automatically fill in your login credentials with just one click, which saves your team a lot of time and frustration, especially if you’re managing a lot of different accounts. Most password managers integrate with your web browser, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between applications. Most browsers and mobile devices support password managers to quickly fill in your login credentials on websites and apps.
- Collaboration
If you’re working with a team, a password manager can help you collaborate more effectively. You can share login credentials with team members without having to reveal the passwords themselves. This can help you maintain control over your accounts while still giving your team access to the tools they need to get their work done. When a password changes, you don’t have to alert anyone – everyone has access to the new password automatically.
- Simplify Team Member Turnover
When a team member leaves your organization, it can be a headache to manage all the login credentials associated with their accounts. A password manager simplifies this process by allowing you to revoke access to a team member’s account without having to change the password for every single account associated with that team member. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you have a large team or a high turnover rate. Additionally, a password manager makes it easier to onboard new team members by giving them access to the login credentials they need without having to manually share passwords or risk exposing sensitive information.
- Cross-Platform Support
Password managers work across multiple platforms and devices, which means you can access your login credentials from anywhere. This is especially useful if you have team members who work remotely or if you’re working on different devices throughout the day. With a password manager, you can access your passwords on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and easily switch between them without having to manually enter your login credentials every time. This can save your team a lot of time and make the login process much more seamless.
What about integrated iOS or Chrome password managers?
While built-in password managers like Apple’s iCloud Keychain and Google Chrome’s password manager can be convenient for personal use, they may not be the best option for teams. One reason is that these built-in password managers often lack the collaboration features that a third-party password manager can offer. Additionally, third-party password managers provide more advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication and password strength analysis, that can help protect your team’s sensitive information. Overall, while built-in password managers are a great starting point, they may don’t offer the level of collaboration and security that teams require.