Content written by Rodney Alsup and published by the MBA News Digest.

I can think of two times when password management gets exciting interesting. First is when a key person responsible for multiple platforms and applications transitions out and the replacement discovers that not all user names and passwords were shared. The second is when a security breach occurs that compromises many users’ passwords and personal information. The latter could result from identity theft or losing a laptop or many other things. Otherwise, password management is boring and often neglected.

Why Am I Writing About Password Management?

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Recent articles suggest password management is still an issue for most of us, graduate program faculty, staff, and students included. The last thing a program manager needs is a password security breach that adversely affects his or her program’s reputation.

“No boundaries for user identities: Web trackers exploit browser login mangers”– Discusses a long-know vulnerability in browsers’ free built-in password manager and used by many graduate program managers, staff, and students.

“Get A Password Manager. No More Excuses”– Introduces two password management applications as alternatives to a browser built-in manager, 1Password and LastPass.

“Identity Fraud Hits Record Number of People”– Provides staggering identity fraud numbers for 2017, 16.7 million U.S. consumers had their identities compromised resulting in $16.8 billion in losses.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate Risk?

While all risk is difficult to eliminate, it can be mitigated. The foundation for any risk mitigation is adherence by employees to security policies and procedures. Next, adopt a password management application for the program’s staff to use for password management. The two leading password management applications have excellent training programs and support teams that can help with the adoption.

What Password Management Application Do I Use?

I use LastPass for website user name and password management and have been for over eight years. Features that attracted me to LastPass:

• Low Cost – Premium version cost $24 per year.
• Ease of Installation – Installs as a browser add on application.
• Ease of Use – User windows are intuitive and easy to use.
• One Password – Users need only remember the master password.
• Multi Browser Use – Add on is available for most browsers.
• Secure Notes – Secure note storage capability.
• Team Sharing – Sharing of passwords among team members is included. This is great for giving multiple people access to that one Twitter account.
• Access from Anywhere – Automatic sync makes passwords available from anywhere.
• Security Challenge – Analyzes passwords and makes suggestions for improving passwords.
• Two-Factor Authentication – Second login step adds extra security.
• Facilitates Employee Transitions – Instantly add and remove team members.

I am confident that either 1Password or LastPass will meet your needs. The important thing is to adopt a quality password management application and to stop using the free built-in browser password manager.

Join the Conversation!

Question: How do you manage passwords? Has your program adopted a password management application for the staff to use? Click here to share your response or email me at RGAlsup@MBANewsDigest.com if you prefer to respond without sharing.

Rodney

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