Keeping track of passwords to the various sites you need just to do your job can be a hassle for any business owner or office worker, for that matter; especially for those in roles that don’t have a single designated work computer or travel frequently away from their usual work computer or desk. Password management is vital to being able to access all of your accounts and keep work moving seamlessly despite the circumstances be it travel, working from home or simply forgetting one of the fifty passwords needed to do your job. Here are a few password management solutions you may find helpful.
1Password
1Password is best used for an enterprise setting where 1 account holder can pay for the account and many users can be added to the vault of passwords communally. Communal password vaults are where 1Password really shines; being able to access passwords to client social media accounts if your social team is more than one person or being able to share FTP access with one team dedicated to a project. 1Password also will store your personal passwords in a vault that is protected under very strong encryption. With a handy app and browser extension, 1Password is a great option for your team to keep every password safe and in place.
LastPass
LastPass is a free-to-start password management system that works as an app or browser extension that allows for some basic functionality and protection of passwords for free and other features that can be unlocked after paying for the full version of the program. LastPass is great for single users and those on the go.
The Default Browser Option
Most internet browsers now have an extension or option to keep your passwords; common browsers like Chrome and Firefox have a built in password manager that’s great for home users and single machine users who need functionality that is more in line with keeping all passwords in one place and the ability to have those passwords automatically filled in for various websites rather than for those who need high levels of encryption and security features to protect their data and sensitive information. For those who use their phones or tablets like a computer: many phone operated systems be it Apple or Android do have an option to sync and store passwords across apps; additionally if you are logged into your default browser of choice on your phone, that browser will also keep you logged in and synced up across devices.
The Old Fashioned Way
It’s always good to keep an old-fashioned, non-digital way to store your passwords in case of emergency, power failure or electromagnetic pulse from the Sun. There are now plenty of sleek notebook options that can be kept in a safe or lock-box for protection and can be invaluable in situations where computers are damaged but files still need to be accessed. Whether you use a simple notebook or a designated password journal; pen and paper is still a solid way to keep track of passwords so long as it isn’t the only way you keep your passwords and have a way to keep prying eyes away from such important information.
Password management is now a tool that can be managed by users and not just overworked IT admins and while many of these tools are best used in conjunction with each other; many of these solutions will help keep you working smoothly and logged in properly.