Also known as a password manager, a password vault is an application that digitally stores passwords in a secure location and provides the user access to all the other passwords contained in it. All the other passwords are accessed by using just one master password. For added security, even the storage itself is encrypted which makes the password vault a reliable and secure software program.
The invention of the password vault technology came about because of the user’s need to have several passwords for accessing different portals and applications. For one, it really isn’t safe to use only one password for many different sites because of the danger that it posed. If and when in the unfortunate event that one password gets hacked, information on all the other sites of that password will be compromised.
Additionally, you really can’t rely on memory alone to even try to remember all of your passwords. Eventually, you’d have to store it somewhere secure. The password vault takes care of all of that, and even more.
What are the Types of Password Vaults?
Locally installed on desktop or on-premises
On website portals or in the cloud
Browser-Based
Token-Based access by the use of hardware such USB as key
Password Vaults for Enterprise/B2B
Password managers or vaults for enterprise activate security controls to protect against external and internal threats. It protects credentials, tokens, secrets, and other keys that allow access to sensitive and critical data. Nowadays, password vaults are generally located in the cloud, in which physical servers are heavily guarded and encrypted. It is equipped with redundant environmental and physical security measures as well.
Why is an Enterprise Password Vault Essential for an Organization?
Time has proven that on enterprise-level strong passwords aren’t as nearly enough to prevent a breach. Hackers will use all and any kind of hacking technique, such as brute force attacks, social engineering, and just about any other trick that would get them inside the system. There is even a method that they call ‘pass-the-hash*. wherein all they need is to steal the authentication token.
By using that token, they will have the ability to try and break into several systems all at once and all at the same time. They can do this without even having to use many different passwords for each different system. It goes to show that any enterprise password vault must always have the necessary added peripherals for the security of your data.
Protecting Your Privileged Accounts in B2B Category
One specific function of a vault is storing passwords of privileged accounts. Privileged, meaning accounts that can alter, modify, and even uninstall other programs within the system.
Other passwords remain static and stored. And of course, they too are regarded with the same critical importance just like the master password or the privileged component
Automation
The backbone of enterprise password vault is automation. Automation makes it possible for the system and the user to keep control and maintain oversight in the pacing and changes in the organization. Individual password managers do not have the level of automation that a business enterprise password vault has. Only the enterprise vault has the right tools and the ability to scale and adapt.
To keep company passwords safe and secure, you can’t just keep them on a consumer-level password vault. The owner or administrator must know and manage as to who gets access and how. Remarkably, the system automatically keeps itself up-to-date about any recent changes.
As people leave the company and as the hierarchy changes, the enterprise password manager gives the user the capability to change passwords in real-time. This is especially true with shared passwords.
What are the Features and the Benefits of High-level Enterprise Password Vault Technology?
Security Principles
Integrity
A secure password vault takes into account that data must never be altered or tampered with and by unauthorized users. Every change is logged to the smallest detail. It is then cross-checked and revalidated.
Confidentiality
Only the true owners get to share their data. Nothing can be viewed or edited without the permission of the owner/user.
Availability
The system and data on a working password vault must always be available for users when and where they need it. Mostly, the location is in the cloud. So anywhere with a secure internet connection will be a good place to access.
End to End Encryption
Encryption keys are created locally and are made and managed by the users in their devices. The cloud does not record nor keep any unrelated information whatsoever about your data versus the company data it stores.
Benefits
The threat of privileged account abuse, which has become the primary tactic for hackers, is actually composing 62% of recent large data breaches. This was all because of insecure and shared passwords. An enterprise password vault with all its added safety peripherals drastically reduces that risk.
This vault will also increase administrative productivity as it makes it simple to monitor, assign, rotate, revoke, and even audit enterprise passwords. These are just a few of the operational benefits other than the ones mentioned above.
The enterprise-level password vault goes beyond internal employee protection wherein even partners and external contractors are shielded from potential brute force attacks. They too need security as they traverse the company data architecture and its systems. An enterprise-level password vault has the ability to take care of all of that as well.
Other Key Features of an Enterprise Password Vault
Management of passwords
Removal of direct access in all systems
Complete Control and Monitoring of Credentials
Quick and streamlined deployment with no interruptions on current access.
Conclusion:
Enterprise password vault as of today is continuously evolving to provide more security and protection in a cyberworld that is increasingly becoming sophisticated and critical. More and more businesses rely on digital information for mobility and agility in the market. It would be wise for any and all small and big business owners to make that investment in making sure that their data on the net is safe.
