The new technology which creates a secure eco-system to manage passwords

Technology may be transforming at an astonishing pace but the password continues to play a cornerstone role in business security operations.

However, as businesses consider their post-pandemic development, robust and flexible digital security is the foundation upon which their new digital enterprises will be built.

As mass remote working becomes the norm and hybrid business spaces develop, the password remains the most convenient security protocol.

What is missing is a system that can manage passwords to ensure they are strong and connect multiple channels and access points into a security ecosystem fit for businesses moving into long term hybrid and remote working models.

In 2004, Bill Gates said: “There is no doubt that over time, people are going to rely less and less on passwords. People use the same password on different systems, they write them down and they just don’t meet the challenge for anything you really want to secure.”

Even with the continued development of biometric identification, the password remains the foundation upon which robust and flexible digital security is based.

When implemented correctly, the password has proven to be a strong defence against increasing and diversifying threats.

The adoption of MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and a shift to zero tolerance security stances have further bolstered the importance of passwords. However, even with these new forms of identification and authentication, comprehensive password policies are still essential.

And while passwords have proliferated, security has often been eroded. According to Verizon, 80% of hacking incidents are caused by stolen and reused login information including passwords. And Keeper Security found that 31% of workers use their child’s birthday as their password, with 41% of workers reusing passwords according to TechRepublic. Clearly, in this scenario, some form of password management system becomes essential.

Password policy

Generating, updating, and deleting passwords must be efficient. Onboarding, internal staff changes and resignations all require a seamless password management system that is itself secure and able to grow as the business evolves.

The password may be in some cases a potential fissure in an enterprise’s digital security protocols. It’s vital that companies educate their workforces to instil in them good password security behaviour and management. This education must be coupled with an intuitive password manager that removes the risk of creating insecure passwords, and ensures passwords are not forgotten, shared or lost.

The secure environment that Passwork creates connects to any existing authentication system. In addition, Passwork installation offers SSO (Single Sign-On) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for Active Directory. Passwork can also map LDAP roles and groups, making integration fast, efficient, and secure. The practical advantages for everyone across a business is that they don’t have to manage the multiple passwords they need to access services and systems.

Securing the future

Passwork is hosted on an enterprise’s own servers using AES-256 encryption. IT managers have complete control of the password management environment. This is particularly important for hybrid working models. As a result, no matter where an employee works, they can securely access Passwork to manage their password environment – all within the overall security landscape that IT operates.

It is essential to remove the barriers that often prevent strong passwords from being created and then easily managed. First Contact found that 57% of employees find password management stops them from doing their jobs. Passwork has resolved this issue.

Passwork creates a series of vaults where passwords are securely stored. Vaults can be tailored to specific users such as administrators or particular groups of users such as the marketing or finance team. It is also possible for users to create private vaults that only they have access to. And new robust passwords can be created with a single click. The intuitive interface is laid out clearly, making it fast and efficient to use.

Also, Passwork is hosted in-house but also has a browser extension and a mobile app. No matter how a worker wants to interact with Passwork, it is instantly available on each digital touchpoint. This removes the friction often associated with legacy password managers.

As the password will continue to be the core of every business’s security for the foreseeable future, it’s critical to ensure passwords can be efficiently managed. Passwork is designed to make password security efficient and intuitive. In addition, as the cybersecurity threat landscape expands, businesses should rapidly evolve their cybersecurity.