Password Managers are critical for all individuals or organizations. But for some, it’s non-negotiable, including remote teams or hybrid work cultures. Personally, it’s been a few years since I started using a password manager. Currently, I have 261 entries in my Bitwarden Vault, comprising 246 passwords and 15 secure notes. And I’m so glad about my decision. It’s lifesaving, and my passwords are now as secure as something like Fort Knox. However, as a business (especially self-funded startups), people always try to cut corners. And why subscribe to another tool when you can share passwords ‘easily’ through Slack, right? Wrong! Sharing passwords via chatting applications or with spreadsheets carries unforeseen risks. In addition, this isn’t convenient at all. But before diving a little deep, it’ll be best to start with the benefits of using it.
Benefits of Using Password Managers
Typically, such software comprises a few mini-tools, including a password generator, auto-fill, sharing, etc. Besides, one can save additional information such as credit card numbers, ID cards, notes, and passphrases. On top of it, most industry-leading password managers encrypt their vaults with something powerful like AES-256-bit encryption. This is the same security powering modern banks. Put simply, it would take millions of years for the best supercomputers to break such robust encryption algorithms. Moreover, using password managers for remote teams has these below-mentioned perks as well.
#1. Minimum Risk
There is much at stake when we share a password through a chat window. First, the security greatly varies based on what application you use. Second, it could be shared with people who are not in the best interest of your organization or are no longer working with you. However, using a password management utility takes away these pains. You can keep tabs on who has access to the passwords and the access logs indicating their use.
#2. Excellent Collaboration
The biggest merit of password managers besides security is seamless collaboration. Most such tools allow you to make groups and share passwords with a click. You can easily grant or revoke access. Moreover, role-based permissions make password management quick and efficient.
#3. Effortless Accessibility
Finally, cross-platform availability is the most day-to-day advantage of such utilities. One can install browser extensions or take benefit from native applications. This helps us to fill passwords on the go, eliminating the tedious and risky practice of copy paste. So now you know how these tools can be helpful, join me in exploring a few password managers best for your business.
Passwork
Passwork is a password manager primarily aimed at businesses. You can either go for its self-hosted version or cloud-based, as per your infrastructure requirements. Passwork comes with industry-standard security features. Besides, it presents an intuitive and easy-to-handle interface without any unnecessary clutter. Features:
AES-256-Bit encryption Role-based permission Auditable source code Two-factor authentication Password vault risk assessment API-integration Access logs SAML SSO compatible LDAP/AD support Video training, etc.
In addition to this, you will have dedicated support for troubleshooting, installation, and integration. Moreover, a self-hosted license allows five separate instances, so you’re covered for multiple sub-offices within one parent company. If this interests you, I suggest jumping on our Passwork review to glimpse its user interface, vault creation, sharing, and more.
1Password
1Password is a well-known premium password manager with reputed clientele, including IBM, Slack, Shopify, and GitLab. The strength of 1Password, besides robust security, is the cross-platform availability with native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Moreover, you can use it as a web application or from the command line. Features:
AES-256-bit encryption Access control Breach alert Vault health check Usage monitoring Single sign-on (Beta) Unlimited shared vaults Two-factor authentication Duo-compatible AD support, etc.
Additionally, 1Password also gifts five family accounts to each team member. Notably, as of this writing, 1Password is cloud-only without self-hosting capabilities. Lastly, there is so much to it you can explore with the free 14-day trial.
Keeper Security
Keeper brings a business password manager each employee can use on unlimited devices for 360-degree security. In addition, the plans are very economical in the entire industry. Features:
AES-256-bit encryption Role-based permissions Two-factor authentication SAML & SCIM support Vault security audit AD/LDAP Compatibility API-integration Activity reports, etc.
Like 1Password, Keeper offers a complimentary free family account for your entire team. Besides, Keeper is restricted to the cloud with no on-premises options. Currently, Keeper is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Interestingly, Keeper also has useful add-ons like BreachWatch (hack alert), secure cloud vault (file storage), Keeper Chat (encrypted business communication), etc. Finally, try Keeper Password Manager with its 14-day free trial to see if it fits your bill.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden can be easily crowned the people’s champion among all password managers. I can personally attest to its unbreakability and decent features as an individual user. For starters, it’s an open-source offering you can also self-host (Enterprise plans) for complete peace of mind. Besides, you’ll have cutting-edge functionality at an extremely affordable price point. Features:
AES 256-bit encryption Unlimited device sync API-integration Audit logs SCIM support Single Sign On Access control Advanced 2FA Encrypted attachments, etc.
Continuing the trend, Bitwarden extends free family accounts (Enterprise plan) to your workforce. Bitwarden maintains an excellent library of native applications for major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc. Moreover, you can deploy its command line interface or use its web application. You can try Bitwarden with its 7-day free trial.
Wrapping Up!
Switching to password managers might be a significant leap for some, but you’ll feel it’s worth it shortly after taking it. Besides, most business plans have trials you can take to gauge their impact on your work culture. However, the options aren’t limited to these. In fact, we have this comprehensive list of team password managers you can check to pick the best one for you.
