What is a password manager?

A password manager is a software that helps you store, share, and manage passwords securely.

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Last updated date : 28 Aug 2024

Password managers help you securely generate, vault, retrieve, share, and manage complex passwords across your organization. These could be passwords for various accounts, devices, and more, eliminating the need to remember each password individually.

How does a password manager work?

Password managers store your passwords in an encrypted database, usually accessible only with a master password. Most password managers add an additional layer of security like MFA in addition to the master password. When the user requires a password for an account or a device, the password manager automatically fetches the password from the database and fills it where required with a single-click.

Password managers can also help administrators securely share access to sensitive resources and accounts without exposing the password to the end-user. In such scenarios, although access to the entity is granted to the user and they can fulfil their requirements with the click of a button, they cannot view or modify the password, preventing password exposure and abuse.

How can a password manager help you?

  • 01

    Enhance password security

    By using a password manager, you can significantly reduce the chance of password exposure and improve the overall security posture of your organization. A password manager encourages the use of unique, strong passwords for each of your devices and accounts, reducing the risk of password reuse, abuse, and exposure, which further reduce the chances of password brute-force attacks.

  • 02

    Provision of secure access

    Enterprise password managers provide administrators with the ability to share access to accounts, servers, websites, and more without sharing passwords in plain-text formats to the end user. This eliminates unnecessary standing privileges and limits the chance of password exposure.

  • 03

    Improve overall efficiency

    Using a password manager can help you vault and manage all your passwords in a single central console, allowing you to log in to your accounts and devices effortlessly without compromising on security. This eliminates the need for users to choose between remembering multiple complex passwords and storing them in plain-text formats, which could lead to password exposure. Instead, IT administrators can share and retrieve passwords securely with a single-click through a password manager.

  • 04

    Generate complex passwords

    Using a password manager with password generation capabilities, you can generate complex passwords that are difficult to breach and based on password best practices, ensuring better protection for your accounts and devices.

What are the types of password managers?

There are various types of password managers available for different requirements:

01. Cloud-based password managers

Cloud-based password managers are password managers that store your encrypted passwords on the cloud provider's servers. They offer you the convenience of syncing your passwords across multiple devices, making the passwords accessible from anywhere, as long as you are connected to the internet. Examples include Zoho Vault, LastPass, or KeePass.

02. On-premise password managers

An on-premise password manager securely stores your passwords on your device/IT environment rather than in the cloud. This can be a more secure option as it reduces the risk of your passwords being compromised in a cloud-server breach.

03. Enterprise password managers

Enterprise password managers are designed for businesses and organizations, offering advanced password management features that would help at an enterprise level, such as group sharing, role-based access controls, and real-time monitoring. They help comply with local and global compliance standards and enforce security policies. Example: Password Manager Pro.

What are some key features to look for in a password manager?

When picking a password manager, keep an eye on these features:

  • 01

    Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

    Choose password managers with strong encryption standards (such as AES-256), 2FA capabilities, and regular security audits.

  • 02

    User-friendly interface

    A good password manager should not only offer the best-in-class security features but must also be easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface that makes managing passwords hassle-free.

  • 03

    Cross-platform compatibility

    Ensure the password manager that you are choosing supports all your devices and operating systems, including Windows, Linux/Unix, iOS, and Android.

  • 04

    Complex password generation

    Choose a password manager that can generate strong and unique passwords with customizable password generation options.

  • 05

    Autofill and browser integration

    Autofill capabilities and seamless integration with your web browser can help you save time and enhance your browsing experience.

  • 06

    Backup and recovery

    Check if the password manager offers secure backup and recovery options to protect your data in case of device loss or failure.

Are you looking for a password manager for your enterprise?

Try ManageEngine Password Manager Pro‐a proven, secure, on‐premises enterprise password manager that helps users safely vault and manage passwords, secrets, and other digital identities. From secure remote access and real-time monitoring to compliance readiness, Password Manager Pro has everything you need for the complete enterprise password management experience.

Further, Password Manager Pro does not have a cap on the number of users that can be added to the platform; therefore, as your organization scales, you can seamlessly grow.