A Journey Through Computing History: The IBM PC and XT
A Journey Through Computing History: The IBM PC Having a computer at home might seem ordinary now, but it wasn’t
If your business hasn’t yet explored the use of a password manager, it’s time to start thinking about it. However, the challenge often lies in selecting the right solution—whether it’s for personal use, business security, or a combination of both.
We’ll be providing an honest review of four top options, but first, let’s discuss why relying solely on “ecosystem-exclusive” password managers might not be the best approach, especially for businesses.
If you primarily use Apple devices or Google Chrome, you’ve likely come across what we call “ecosystem-specific” password managers. For example, both Safari (Apple’s web browser) and Chrome can alert you if any of your passwords have been compromised in a data breach. This reinforces why reusing passwords is risky, as we’ve previously discussed.
These browsers may even suggest creating a strong, unique password for you. The generated passwords are saved either in your Apple Keychain or your Google/Chrome account, and they can autofill the next time you need them—so long as you’re using a compatible device.
However, there’s a notable limitation: Most of us don’t use only Apple or Google products exclusively. For instance, if your work computer needs a password created by your iPhone, retrieving and typing it out manually can be a hassle. Similarly, Chrome’s password manager only works within the browser, leaving you unsupported when logging into non-browser applications.
For more comprehensive solutions that work across multiple platforms, the following options are worth considering.
A well-known name in the world of password managers, LastPass gained popularity as a consumer product but has developed a robust offering for businesses. With LastPass Business, each user gets a personal password vault, and administrators benefit from over 100 customizable policies.
LastPass also allows secure credential sharing, such as granting vendors temporary access to systems. Additionally, it supports various modern authentication methods, including multifactor authentication (MFA), passwordless options, and single sign-on (SSO).
One drawback is that the pricing for business plans isn’t transparent and requires a quote, but we can assist with that process.
Dashlane offers a solution that is both simple to use and packed with security features, ensuring compliance with standards such as CCPA, GDPR, and AICPA SOC 2. Its Team plan starts at $5 per user per month, offering secure password management, group sharing, and policy controls. Additionally, it integrates with Active Directory and supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
For businesses that need single sign-on (SSO) or SCIM provisioning, the Business plan starts at $8 per user per month. A unique perk is that each paid user receives a free family plan, which can be a great benefit to offer employees.
Keeper is designed with small to medium-sized businesses in mind, offering an easy-to-implement, cost-effective solution at just $3.75 per user per month. Despite its affordability, Keeper still includes advanced security features like zero-trust architecture and provides free family plans for paid users.
While Keeper’s business plan might not have the full range of features that LastPass or Dashlane offer—such as SSO or compliance reporting—its enterprise plan does provide these if needed.
1Password is a powerful password manager designed for businesses of all sizes, although its features clearly appeal to larger enterprises. It integrates with popular platforms like Azure Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Slack, and offers features such as secure password storage, encrypted sharing, and free family accounts.
Unique to 1Password is its ability to store not just passwords but also secure notes, SSH keys, and sensitive documents. Pricing starts at $7.99 per user per month, though most contracts are custom-quoted, which may result in higher costs.
It’s worth noting that while 1Password offers SSO support, it’s currently in beta. If SSO is critical to your operations, this may be a limitation for now.
Investing in a password manager is a smart move for any business. If you need help choosing the right option for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance.
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