Why Employees Shouldn’t Let Browsers Save Their Passwords
Allowing browsers to save passwords is a temptation for many employees, but there is a safer and simpler way: using an independent password management app.
Imagine the following scenario. Your employee is browsing the web, and they need to create a login for a business tool they’re using. As they create an account and a new complex password, their web browser presents a popup asking if they’d like it to automatically save that credential.
Will they? The correct response would be "no way." Unfortunately, that’s not usually the case. A browser’s native password storage is suggested by default, convenient to use, and free. The major web browsers—Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari—have built-in technology for generating, storing, and autofilling credentials. The trouble is, despite its upsides, there’s one major downside: It’s not very secure.
Web browser developers have a clear incentive: Get as many users on their respective platforms as possible. Most everyday web browser users are more concerned about convenience than security, and it’s hard to blame developers for aligning their products with users’ interests. But the bad password habits of everyday users often pose a risk to company security.
The 3 S’s of password management
The truth is employees likely spend more time trying to remember passwords than considering how to protect them. Saving passwords in a browser’s default solution may appear to speed up productivity, but it’s at the cost of overall business security. Consider these three important factors where a browser's default password manager falls short:
- Security: Passwords saved in a browser’s default solution are ultimately not protected if someone gains access to the device or accesses the operating system. Here's how you can erase passwords from any browser, mobile or desktop. . Plus, employees who leave the company may also leave with passwords stored to their personal browsers.
- Sync: The shift to remote work means many now work on a variety of devices and browsers, so ultimately, it’s inconvenient and unproductive to only have passwords saved in one default browser.
- Sharing: Without a tool specifically designed to share passwords securely, employees will be tempted to share passwords in unsecure ways, like over email or Slack.
From a browser's default storage to an independent password manager
Fortunately, there is a more secure way to manage passwords across your business without slowing down your employees’ workdays: a dedicated password manager.
Purpose-built password managers like Dashlane provide more powerful security capabilities than default browser solutions for businesses. For instance, Dashlane uses a patented security architecture and AES 256-bit encryption, the strongest method available, to keep your information safe. If an employee leaves your company, their business passwords won’t end up stored in their browser which may be tied to a personal email.
In the new web-first Dashlane, the extension and web app work together to offer you the richest and most secure experience, including top-notch autofill functionality. Now you can secure all accounts and applications—both business and personal—across the company, and minimize the hassle of going secure. Onboarding and offboarding are made simple with secure, scalable tools.
A standalone password manager has capabilities that allow IT to set its own policies and manage saved passwords for any browser. Admins can ensure optimal privacy practices without the organizational headache. Businesses can simplify tactics for company security policies and track progress in real time, all while protecting passwords.
Better password protection with Dashlane
Beyond tactical password management, Dashlane helps you stay proactive in preventing breaches and hacks with personalized security alerts. Plus, access comprehensive scores for overall company security and employee password health.
Today, Dashlane also offers single sign-on (SSO), so logging in across various accounts has never been safer or easier. SSO is easy to install and makes managing your employees with Dashlane even more efficient.
To learn more about how Dashlane can help your business better secure its passwords and data, read our latest white paper, Better Together: Why You Should Integrate Password Management with SSO.
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