Difference between revisions of "Password Management"

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===List of Technologies and Tools That a User Might Consider===
 
===List of Technologies and Tools That a User Might Consider===
Below are three popular password manager tools that an end user might consider for use. In
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Below are two popular password manager tools that an end user might consider for use. Users should evaluate which tool works best for their  
addition, some vendors provide enterprise versions, which allow centralized control of all
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accounts within the organization. Users should evaluate which tool works best for their own
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unique purposes. Neither EDUCAUSE nor HEISC (or Evergreen) recommends a particular tool; users employ
 
unique purposes. Neither EDUCAUSE nor HEISC (or Evergreen) recommends a particular tool; users employ
these tools at their own risk.
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these at their own risk.
*'''[https://www.lastpass.com/ LastPass]''' is easy to use, supports most popular browsers and mobile devices, offers multifactor
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authentication options for the master password and notifications for hacked sites, does not
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share the encryption key with LastPass, provides a password strength indicator, and performs
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additional password tests such as ensuring you’re not using the same password across multiple
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sites. The ease of use requires that the password database is stored in the cloud, however it is stored in an encrypted zero knowledge format which means the contents are not visible to LastPass employees.
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Additionally, as a web-based tool, your password database is available to anyone with an
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Internet connection and your master password. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that
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you use multifactor authentication.
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* '''[https://keepass.info/ KeePass]''' does not share encryption keys with KeePass, but it provides a password
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strength indicator. The password database is not stored in the cloud. Use across multiple
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devices is a little more complex, as the user needs to maintain access to the private password
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database manually.
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* '''[https://1password.com/ 1password]''' does not share encryption keys with 1Password, but it provides a password strength
 
* '''[https://1password.com/ 1password]''' does not share encryption keys with 1Password, but it provides a password strength
 
indicator. The password database can be stored in Apple’s iCloud, through Dropbox, or locally
 
indicator. The password database can be stored in Apple’s iCloud, through Dropbox, or locally
 
on personal devices. Use across multiple devices is simple if stored in the cloud but more secure
 
on personal devices. Use across multiple devices is simple if stored in the cloud but more secure
 
if stored locally. The iOS version can be configured to support Touch ID on compatible devices.
 
if stored locally. The iOS version can be configured to support Touch ID on compatible devices.
 +
 +
* '''[https://keepass.info/ KeePass]''' does not share encryption keys with KeePass, but it provides a password
 +
strength indicator. The password database is not stored in the cloud. Use across multiple
 +
devices is a little more complex, as the user needs to maintain access to the private password
 +
database manually.
  
 
===Higher Education Reference Pages===
 
===Higher Education Reference Pages===

Latest revision as of 12:49, 3 September 2024

What Is a Password Manager Tool?

A password manager tool is software that helps users encrypt, store, and manage passwords. The tool also helps users create secure passwords and automatically log in to websites.

Who Might Use a Password Manager Tool, and Why?

Users should employ unique passwords for each website or system to help minimize the impact from the breach of one website or system; however, most users cannot remember a separate password for many sites and tend to use the same password or write them on a sticky note attached to their computer. Additionally, organizations may have passwords that need to be shared across teams and want a secure method to do so. Password manager tools allow users to more securely manage many distinct passwords and automatically log them in to websites.

The Benefits of Using a Password Manager Tool

Password manager tools enable users to create and securely maintain unique passwords for websites and other systems without having to memorize or write them down.

Risks to Consider When Using a Password Manager Tool

Special care should be taken to secure the password tool, as it will grant access to all passwords. The “master” password that grants access to the tool should be very strong and unique, and multifactor authentication should be used if possible. Additional considerations include whether you want your password management tool to store the passwords locally or in the cloud.

List of Technologies and Tools That a User Might Consider

Below are two popular password manager tools that an end user might consider for use. Users should evaluate which tool works best for their unique purposes. Neither EDUCAUSE nor HEISC (or Evergreen) recommends a particular tool; users employ these at their own risk.

  • 1password does not share encryption keys with 1Password, but it provides a password strength

indicator. The password database can be stored in Apple’s iCloud, through Dropbox, or locally on personal devices. Use across multiple devices is simple if stored in the cloud but more secure if stored locally. The iOS version can be configured to support Touch ID on compatible devices.

  • KeePass does not share encryption keys with KeePass, but it provides a password

strength indicator. The password database is not stored in the cloud. Use across multiple devices is a little more complex, as the user needs to maintain access to the private password database manually.

Higher Education Reference Pages


Source: Educause / HEISC