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Searching for a password manager? Discover the best review sites

Suppose you were Stefan Thomas, a San Francisco-based German programmer who is left with two guesses to figure out a decade-old password to access his $321M fortune. In that case, you’d probably be banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why you didn’t use a password manager back then.

These days password managers are an everyday essential. Choosing the right one for you — out of all available options — can be tricky, especially if you have no experience with password managers. And that’s when we often turn to review sites.

This post is your shortcut to understanding how to use review and comparison sites to your advantage so you can make the best possible decision.

What makes a reliable password manager comparison site?

Deciding on the best business password manager for your company is a bigger task than it may seem at first. After all, you’ll entrust it with your organization’s sensitive information. So, you need to be certain that this data will be secure, uncompromised, and not at risk of suddenly vanishing.

Other key features that are essential to businesses when picking a password manager are user management capabilities that support onboarding and offboarding, secure sharing between individual users and in bulk, and the ability to easily transfer credentials.

To avoid buyer’s remorse, it’s not unusual to consider practical user experience and ask on message boards or Reddit threads about what experiences others have had with business password managers. These can act as a good starting point to get an idea of what you’re interested in before you look for more detailed analyses by tech critics and reviewers.

Transparency of evaluation and methodology

The cornerstone of any reliable review site is openness about its editorial integrity and review criteria. Such sites should be transparent about what they value in a password manager or any other app in terms of features or functionalities. This also includes being frank about their evaluation methodologies and review timelines.

Up-to-date information

Any reputable comparison site should update its reviews to reflect how a product or service has changed. The reviewers should look to include the latest features or any other disclosures that may determine the user’s choice in either buying or avoiding the product.

Disclosure of conflicts of interest

A comparison site that wants to be taken seriously or considered as trustworthy should be open about its connections and relationships with various developers. Ultimately, the site stands more to gain than lose when it comes to disclosure of conflict of interest.

Key password manager features to consider

Not all password managers are created equal. When choosing the best fit for your needs, here are the essential features you should consider.

Encryption

The foundation of any password manager worth its salt is encryption. Put simply, encryption scrambles data into a code that only the correct key can decode. Strong encryption means that the likelihood of hackers accessing your passwords in the password manager’s vault is essentially zero.

Device sync

We live in a multi-device world, where switching between smartphones, tablets, and computers is a fact of life. A password manager that is worth your buck should offer seamless sync across devices and platforms.

Password generation

Weak passwords are the leading cause of unauthorized access. It’s no secret that we—humans are terrible at password creation. Machines, on the other hand, usually excel there. When considering a password manager, look for a built-in password generator.

Extra features

Password managers come packed with a variety of advanced security features. To get the best bang for your buck, look for a password manager that offers email mask creation, allows you to add emergency contact, and notifies you if your data ever appears in a data breach.

Secure sharing

There are times when you need to share a password with a family member or colleague. There’s no way around it. So be sure to look for a password manager that provides a secure way to share passwords and other sensitive information that you might keep in its encrypted vault.

Built-in Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another feature that you might want to look for in a password manager because it adds an extra layer of security. You likely already know what MFA is, but just to recap, it’s a security method that requires users to present multiple proofs of identity. So with MFA enabled along with a master password you’d need to enter an additional code that might be sent to you via text, email, or an authentication app.

User-friendly interface

Security tools are most effective when used consistently. And so that’s exactly where a clean, intuitive user interface can make or break a product—a good user interface will not dissuade you from using the app.

Top review sites for password managers

Here, we’ve presented you with some of what we consider leading review sites. Each of them offers unique insights that can help you decide on a password manager:

  • TechRadar is known for its balanced approach, offering detailed comparisons and honest takes on products that caters to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. They focus on usability, security features, and the overall value.

  • CyberNews focuses more on cybersecurity. They tend to test encryption strength and privacy protections. It is an ideal comparison site for those who are more into the technical details of what’s going on behind the hood.

  • Forbes Advisor as the brand name suggests, blends financial and tech insights, assessing password managers through the lens of security and cost-effectiveness.

  • VPNOverview seems to emphasize user experience, ease of use, compatibility, and daily application. Their reviews offer readers straightforward, practical advice on choosing a password manager for their daily online routines.

  • All About Cookies focuses more on privacy and data protection. It also tends to explore how password managers handle and secure user data. Its reviews cater for the privacy-conscious.

  • The Wall Street Journal provides in-depth analysis of software utility with a consumer electronics spin to it. Their thorough reviews and comparisons are meant for readers seeking expert opinions.

  • How-To Geek is known for making technology accessible. They break down the features and functionalities of password managers and so many other apps into easy-to-understand reads. Their approach is perfect for those new to password manager or those looking for a down-to-earth explanation.

  • Engadget provides a variety of reviews, offering a broad overview of password managers on the market. Their generalist approach is ideal for readers starting their search and looking for a list of available options.

  • FrAndroid provides detailed reviews for the French-speaking audience, focusing on the user interface, features, and language support. Their reviews and comparisons are invaluable for French users seeking a password manager that meets their specific needs.

  • Tom’s Hardware Italia offers comprehensive coverage tailored to Italian users. Their reviews are meticulously crafted to address the unique things Italians value in password security.

Wrapping up

Choosing a password manager that’s right for you can be tricky. With so many options and opinions out there, we hope this article made it a little bit easier for you to make an informed choice on which reviews sites to consider.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Best practices for web application security

Today, as we see the costs of dealing with hacks and data breaches skyrocket, businesses are increasingly looking to ensure the complete security of their IT infrastructure. Although preventing every attack with 100% certainty is simply impossible, mitigating the risks by following web application security best practices can significantly improve the chances of staying secure. This is why, for many companies, securing web applications is no longer optional—it’s essential. Today, we’ll be looking at common vulnerabilities related to web apps and ways to boost security.

What is web application security?

Web application security comprises strategies, tools, and practices designed to protect web applications from external threats, breaches, and vulnerabilities. It’s not just about responding to attacks. Think of it as more of a proactive approach that integrates security considerations right from the developmental phase, ensuring that every facet of a web app is secure against potential threats.

With the ever-increasing volume of sensitive information being shared online every single moment, the stakes have never been higher. Cyber threats are not static. Hackers adapt and evolve. This dynamic threat landscape demands vigilance and proactive measures, including addressing vulnerable attack points like APIs and securing the entire software supply chain to prevent breaches at every stage of the development lifecycle.

Web application security, therefore, remains a critical concern, ensuring businesses and their users can operate with confidence in the digital world.

What are common web app security vulnerabilities?

While web applications add to the ease of doing business, they also become a part of the potential attack surface area for hackers to target. In most cases, vulnerabilities related to web applications are due to a lax attitude towards best web application security practices. SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and authentication flaws are the favorite attack vectors that hackers use to exploit web apps. For an in-depth look at web app security risks, please check out our website security guide.

Why is secure web development important?

The 2021 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report notes that as more businesses continue to migrate their operations to the cloud, attacks on web applications have come to represent 39% of all breaches. The numbers are alarming, and organizations relying on web apps need to realize that ensuring the security of the infrastructure is an essential part of web and software development, which pays off in the long run.

The primary purpose of web app security is to prevent cyberattacks. Suffering a cyber incident often means compromised user accounts, derailed customer trust, damaged brand reputation, loss of sensitive data, loss of revenue, and a whole lot more. A recent IBM report indicates that the average cost of a data breach in 2021 stood at an astounding $4.24 million, which for smaller businesses can threaten their very existence.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to this: if businesses want to thrive in today’s internet-based economy, focus and resources can’t be limited when it comes to security.

 

Web application security best practices

Effective website security requires all-around effort. It includes such factors as making security a part of development procedures, configuration of the web server, creating password policies, and much more. Here are a few proven ways that you can boost your web application security.

#1: Web application security testing: Maintain standards during web app development

While developing a web application, remember that the old way of developing first and testing later is no longer the way to go. Be sure to place web application security at the top of the priority list during the development phase.

Test the security of your web application by sending different types of inputs to provoke errors and see if the system behaves in unexpected ways. These are what we call “negative tests,” and they can highlight design flaws within the system.

We also highly recommend employing the use of static application security tests (SAST), dynamic application security tests (DAST), and penetration tests (PT) during the development phase. By maintaining security standards during web app development, you will save yourself precious time in the future and have an app designed to withstand a security threat.

#2: Encrypt your data

Web apps and services rely on data and its flow between the server and the end user. Whenever someone uses your web application, they share information that often is sensitive in one way or the other. Data gathered and stored from user activity on your web application should be encrypted to mitigate the risks of a breach. For those who want to have a better understanding of what encryption is, how it works, and why it is so important in today’s digital world, here’s our guide to encryption.

#3: Backup your data

Preventing anything from happening with 100% certainty is not feasible. As we already established, the same applies to cyber threats. This is why it is so important to make regular backups of your data related to your web application.

If you suffer a breach or other sort of hack that relates to data leakage or theft, backups will be crucial in reinstating the functionality of your web app services. Backups will allow you to be back up and running in no time.

#4: Implement HTTPS

SSL technology is used to ensure encrypted data flow between the server and the end users. It is a required prerequisite for any secure web application. Typically SSL encryption is enabled by using HTTPS protocol, which can protect the flow of such sensitive information as credit card numbers, login credentials, and social security numbers. Think of it this way: by using HTTPS for your web applications, you will render data flow to and from your web app incoherent for any potential eavesdroppers. Furthermore, failing to use HTTPS will more than likely result in your users being warned about potentially unsafe websites by commonly used browsers, which is not a great look, especially in the eyes of first-time visitors.

#5: Have a strong password policy in place

Passwords are the first line of defense when it comes to unauthorized access. Use them correctly and your web application’s odds of withstanding an attack increase exponentially. Use them incorrectly and you’re in trouble. It’s important to encourage your users to use passwords the right way, too.

We’ve said it over and over, and we’ll continue to repeat ourselves. It is absolutely crucial to use complex and unique passwords. During the development stage, it is a good idea to adopt a business password manager for internal use. Not only will a password manager such as NordPass create strong passwords for you automatically, but it will ensure that they can be easily accessed and won’t ever be lost. In addition to improving your overall security posture, a password manager will increase your productivity thanks to convenient little features such as autofill and autosave.

On the user side of things, it is critical to implement strong password policies to mitigate possible risks. Make sure that the minimum password length for users is eight characters. Also, requires the use of upper- and lowercase letters and special symbols. While your users may not be thrilled to fulfill these requirements, they will thank you in the long run.

#6: Don’t forget about hosting

It’s common knowledge that a large part of your web application security relies on your hosting service provider and its security practices. Choosing the right host for your web application can be tricky and time-consuming. However, it is important to realize the importance of this decision. Choose a poor provider and face the consequences of poor security or reliability.

A reputable hosting provider, such as Hostinger, has a nice track record security-wise and is praised by its users. In most instances, reliable hosting services will put in the time to update their infrastructure and adhere to the best security practices of the time. The worst mistake that you as a web app developer can make is to choose the cheapest option and disregard other aspects of the service.

#7 Perform a regular web application security audit

The purpose of a web application audit is to review an application’s codebase to determine potential vulnerabilities. Audits can also provide a look at the security of the application’s communication challenges. As you continue to build and update your web application, new vulnerabilities may sneak in without you noticing. This is where regularly performed web application security audits can prevent you from releasing a potentially vulnerable app update and in turn save you a lot of time, frustration, and revenue among other things.

#8 Embrace authentication and Access Control

Authentication functions as a foundational aspect of web app security. It is there to verify and authorize the identity of users. Authentication serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. After authentication, access control defines what a user can see and do within the application.

Robust authentication mechanisms, especially multi-factor authentication (MFA), have become essential. Concurrently, access control operates on the principle of least privilege, ensuring users are granted only the permissions necessary for their specific roles. Regularly reviewing and updating these permissions is crucial if you wish to maintain the security integrity of the web app.

#9 Make web application security awareness training a part of your security strategy

When people think about how to protect a web application, they often focus on tools and systems to prevent issues, overlooking the human element—which can be a major vulnerability. Realizing this, discussing web application security with your team and organizing dedicated training sessions becomes essential.

Web application security awareness training is designed to provide the team with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to security threats and incidents. Such training sessions explore common cyber threats, best practices in web application security, and the importance of adhering to security protocols and requirements.

By fostering a culture of security awareness, you can reduce the risk of breaches resulting from human error or oversight. Regularly updating and refreshing this training ensures that all personnel are aware of the latest threats and mitigation techniques.

#10 Follow secure coding practices

Everything can be done securely or insecurely—and coding is no different, whether it’s for an application, system, or platform. By following secure coding practices, developers can reduce the likelihood of an application will have bugs and vulnerabilities that attackers can later exploit.

So, what are some of these practices? For example, using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, implementing secure encryption, avoiding hardcoding sensitive information like passwords, and regularly reviewing code to identify and fix security issues. There are plenty more, of course, and all professional coders should not only be aware of them but also follow them consistently.

#11 Use a web application firewall

If you’re familiar with the concept of a firewall as a middle ground between your device or system and the internet—monitoring and filtering incoming HTTP traffic—then you already have an idea of what a web application firewall (WAF) does. In simple terms, it analyzes incoming requests and blocks suspicious or malicious activity, preventing SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other types of attacks to protect your application from potential risks. While it’s not a substitute for other layers of security, a web application firewall is a valuable extra defense mechanism—especially for handling new or unexpected threats.

Bottom line

As web applications become more complex and businesses’ dependency on them grows, application security should be at the top of the priority list for all businesses wishing to succeed in today’s digital economy. Moreover, experts note that the recent increase in web application attacks is only set to grow. Businesses cannot afford a lax attitude towards web application security anymore. However, with a holistic cybersecurity approach that includes following best web application security practices, organizations can significantly lower the threat risk and maintain a secure perimeter.

One such practice is using a robust IT password manager like NordPass, which helps protect access to company resources from unauthorized parties, enforce a strong password policy across the organization, and monitor the dark web for compromised company data. So, if your company is not using a password manager, give NordPass a try and see how it can improve your company’s cybersecurity.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Multi-factor authentication: the ins and outs

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication, also referred to as “multi-step authentication” by some experts, is an access management component that requires users to provide two or more authentication factors to log in and access an account. Essentially, users must provide extra proof of identity besides their username and password. Think of MFA as an extra lock on your door.

Unfortunately, misconceptions about MFA exist: they’re especially prevalent in the business world and often deter users from using it and taking advantage of its security. Organizations tend to think that mandating multi-factor authentication in the IT infrastructure for the entire company is cumbersome and could be counterproductive.

The reality of the matter is actually the opposite: with today’s security technologies, setting up MFA company-wide is quick and causes practically no interruptions. Once it’s done, the benefits that MFA brings to the table far outweigh any possible inconveniences that a company might face during the implementation.

How does MFA work?

Multi-factor authentication employs various technologies, like one-time passwords, tokens, and biometrics, to authenticate users when they try to access their accounts. First, the user enters their username or email and their password. But besides these credentials, and with MFA switched on, the user is also asked to authenticate their identity using their selected secondary verification method. Once the two factors are authenticated, the user is granted access to their account.

One of the most popular MFA factors is known as one-time passwords (OTPs). They’re security codes that can be used only once to authenticate a login attempt. A one-time password is usually 4–8 digits long and can be valid for anywhere between 15 seconds and a few hours. When a user attempts to log in, a one-time password is sent via text message or email for authentication. OTPs can also be generated using an authentication app, like NordPass’ built-in Authenticator.

As you set up multi-factor authentication, your one-time password will be generated in one of two ways: either as a time-based one-time password (TOTP) or a hash-based one-time password (HOTP). Their core difference is how frequently a new code is generated. An authentication app refreshes a TOTP at a set interval (for example, every 30 seconds), while a HOTP only refreshes upon a new login attempt.

One-time passwords rely on two factors—a seed and a moving factor. The seed is a static secret key that stays on the server side, while the moving factor is affected by the counter, which ensures the periodical generation of new passwords. The process of generating a one-time password is randomized, and the number of OTPs that can be generated is practically limitless.

The process of multi-factor authentication takes 3 steps:

  • Registration. You create an account on a website or app and, in addition to your login credentials, select a preferred method of additional authentication. You may use your phone number to receive authentication via text messages, get emails with the code, switch on biometrics, or use an authentication app. The exact method may vary depending on the platform’s permissions.

  • Authentication. As you log in to your account, you enter your login credentials first and are then prompted to enter your multi-factor authentication code. Use your selected means of authentication to access and input the code. Some apps allow you to autofill the code so that you don’t lose it before it resets.

  • Access. If the one-time code you entered matches the server request, your login attempt is authenticated and you can access your account. If you log out, you must start the process over.

how does mfa work

Types of MFA factors

Varying from platform to platform, a number of different factors are used to authenticate login attempts. The most common examples include the following.

What you know (knowledge factor)

The knowledge factor typically consists of a password, PIN, passphrase, or security questions whose answers are known only to the rightful account holder. For the knowledge factor to work correctly, the user must enter the correct information requested by the online application.

What you have (possession factor)

Before smartphones existed as MFA devices, people carried tokens to generate an OTP that would be entered as an authentication factor. These days, smartphones are the primary physical tools for generating OTPs, usually via authenticator apps. However, physical security keys are also available as a possession factor, often considered one of the most secure MFA options.

What you are (inherence factor)

Biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial features, retina scans, voice recognition, or other biometric information, can also be used for multi-factor authentication. Biometric authentication is gaining more traction by the day, as this method is frictionless when compared to other types of authentication.

Where you are (location factor)

Last but not least, location-based authentication checks the user’s IP address and geolocation. Users can whitelist certain geolocations and block others. If the login attempt comes from an unrecognized location, MFA blocks access to the account and vice versa.

inner types of mfa

Why is multi-factor authentication important?

As cybercrime continues to increase in frequency and sophistication, individuals and companies alike look for effective and simple ways to ensure the security of their online accounts. Passwords are no longer enough. In fact, considering how frequently weak passwords are the culprit of breaches and how susceptible to attacks the most common passwords in the world are, additional security measures are not just a recommendation but a necessity. Multi-factor authentication provides that extra layer of security that can make the difference between a secure account and a hacked one.

When bad actors steal passwords and usernames, they can easily gain unauthorized access to accounts and network systems. But with MFA security in place—whether it’s OTP, biometric authentication, or other means—having correct login credentials alone wouldn’t be enough to get into the account. All of that complicates things for attackers, as they would need access to smartphones or other authentication devices related to the user to execute their scheme successfully.

Given that around 68% of data breaches are related to human error in one way or another, adding MFA to your accounts can significantly improve your security. According to the 2024 Elastic Global Threat Report, brute-force techniques grew by 12%. But that’s not all. Security experts and researchers continue to see an increase in phishing attacks, which are usually at the top of the hacking funnel. As cybercrime continues to rise in prominence, MFA is quickly becoming a critical part of everyone’s security, whether it’s an individual or a large organization.

What’s the difference between MFA and two-factor authentication?

As the name suggests, the difference between two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication lies in the number of authentication factors required to authenticate a given user. Two-factor authentication requires exactly two authentication factors, whereas MFA requires two or more factors to work as intended. Essentially, you can think of multi-factor authentication as an umbrella term that includes 2FA as one of the options.

Multi-factor authentication examples

As already mentioned, multi-factor authentication involves two or more authentication factors that identify a given user. These factors include static and one-time passwords, PINs, passphrases, tokens, and biometrics like fingerprint recognition and face ID. By combining a range of these factors, you can build authentication sequences with different levels of security—but any combination can be stronger than using a single factor.

Usually, your login credentials—your username, account number, or email address and your password—are the first step in the authentication process. Once you provide this information, your login attempt is validated. However, if your login details are breached, anyone can use them to log in to the account and pretend to be you. There is no way of guaranteeing the person logging in is actually you, unless the platform checks to see if the IP matches your usual one—but this would fall under location authentication.

To truly prove it’s you logging in, you need to get the second factor in place. This can be a single-use code sent to you by text, the one-time password generated by your authentication app, or a pop-up on your phone requesting you to verify your fingerprint. For improved accessibility, you can also receive an automated call that uses text-to-speech to list the numbers of your verification code.

From here, you can take it up a notch and add another authentication method. For example, you can combine the one-time password with a biometric proof of identity. However, the principle of “less is more” still stands true—introducing too many authentication factors may negatively affect the overall user experience, making the process too burdensome. Imagine using a token as your second layer and biometrics as your third. If you forget or lose either of the two, you’re barred from accessing your account.

MFA benefits

We’re now familiar with the technical side of MFA and how it works to support data protection. Let’s take a minute to see the practical benefits of using multi-factor authentication to protect your personal and work-related credentials.

The number one advantage that MFA brings to the table is, naturally, enhanced security. Multi-factor authentication works hand in hand with strong passwords to ensure more robust account and app security. Switching on MFA makes it harder for bad actors to access accounts or system networks without accessing the authentication device.

While increased security is one of the biggest benefits of multi-factor authentication, it’s far from the only one. MFA can be crucial for regulatory compliance. Many cybersecurity policy guidelines list it as a necessity to meet appropriate data protection standards. For instance, the CIS Password Policy Guide has different standards for accounts that use a password only and those that have MFA mandated. Compliance adherence allows businesses to build stronger trust with customers as it shows they take precautions against cyber threats.

Of course, it cannot be understated that multi-factor authentication is a user-friendly and convenient solution. It may seem contrary at first, as it does require extra steps than just logging in. However, with features like autofill for one-time passwords or biometric authentication, the MFA process can take as little as a tap on the screen. Furthermore, passkeys are a type of multi-factor authentication that reduces login time by eliminating the password step altogether while maintaining a high level of security. They combine biometric verification with cryptographic keys, ensuring no one else can access your accounts without your authentication.

In the long term, setting up multi-factor authentication is a cost-effective strategy for businesses. With the average breach costing small and medium-sized businesses as much as $3.31 million, setting up company-wide MFA policies can help protect your organization’s reputation and stop the threats before they get to your doorstep. Thanks to its range, MFA can help future-proof businesses from emerging threats. For instance, users can opt for biometric authentication over one-time passwords and vice versa.

What types of multi-factor authentication does NordPass Business support?

Multi-factor authentication is tightly knit with password protection and is essential for businesses and individuals alike. So, it’s unsurprising that password managers aim to improve not just your credential storage but the way you handle MFA as well.

NordPass is a secure and intuitive password manager that’s purpose-built to facilitate smooth and secure management of passwords, passkeys, credit card details, and other sensitive information. It offers support for 3 types of multi-factor authentication:

  • An authenticator app

  • A security key

  • Backup codes

NordPass supports major authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy. However, it makes things easy for you by letting you generate and store your one-time passwords directly in your vault. NordPass Authenticator for Business allows you to set up two-factor codes alongside your passwords, eliminating the need for third-party authentication apps. You can also stay flexible, as NordPass will autofill your one-time passwords for you, whether you’re on your mobile device or desktop browser.

NordPass comes equipped with other security features that help you optimize your business credential security. With features like Password Health and Data Breach Scanner, you can ensure that all credentials used in your organization are strong and secure. Furthermore, you can set up a centralized Password Policy to enforce compliance with high security standards. Try NordPass today and see for yourself how it can help fortify your corporate security.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Anywr: enhancing cybersecurity and compliance for global teams and operations

Meet Anywr

Established in 2012, Anywr is an HR services provider specializing in global mobility and staffing solutions. Its mission is to support organizations in addressing their human resource challenges with tailored, expert-driven solutions.

 They deliver comprehensive services to assist with immigration, relocation, international mobility policies, and employer of record (EOR) solutions. Additionally, Anywr offers other services, including direct recruitment, executive search, and consulting, focusing on IT, life sciences, and recruitment process outsourcing industries. Anywr combines operational excellence with a deep commitment to customer proximity, ensuring its services are responsive, efficient, and aligned with its clients’ needs.

The company operates across 12 countries and 4 continents, with employees based in France, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, India, Vietnam, China, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Canada.

The challenge of staying compliant

In a nutshell, compliance means that an organization adheres to applicable laws and regulations. This includes country-specific laws, requirements from regulatory authorities, and internal company rules.

Companies employ various tools that help facilitate compliance. One of them is a password manager, as most regulatory compliance standards require organizations to implement security measures to limit the possibility of unauthorized access. For example, GDPR, PCI DSS, GLBA, and CIS Controls have outlined guidelines for ensuring the security of personal data processing and storage.

For companies like Anywr, cybersecurity is critical as they handle a lot of personal documentation, such as for their clients’ immigration processes. That’s why they must ensure that documents like these are secured, processed, and stored following the GDPR requirements. Additionally, they have to overview multiple country-specific security regulations.

So, they started looking for a trusted password manager that would allow their employees to securely store and generate strong passwords and keep their company accounts safe.

Streamlining compliance with NordPass

NordPass’ end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture ensure the finest privacy and security standards for businesses. It offers a secure way to store and access passwords and other sensitive information in line with regulatory requirements.

To tick more boxes for the Anywr password manager needs, with the NordPass Password Generator, their employees can generate unique and strong passwords that are then safely stored in the vault that’s encrypted with the XChaCha20 encryption algorithm. The passwords are generated according to a company-wide password policy. These rules are defined with the Password Policy feature and set standards for password complexity: the use of upper- and lower-case letters, special symbols, numbers, and the minimum character limit.

So, by implementing NordPass’ company-wide password policy, Anywr has ensured a consistent and secure password standard across its global offices, which is critical for meeting regulatory compliance requirements such as GDPR.

Additionally, Anywr teams can securely share credentials if needed. They also use Shared Folders, a feature allowing users to share multiple items simultaneously. These folders are dedicated to each service and country that Anywr is located in, and hold specific IT teams’ access to that country. This ensures that different teams can share them seamlessly when needed, making cross-country and cross-team collaboration a breeze without compromising security.

Aiming for the highest security

According to Florian Laskowski, a Head of IT Operations and PMO at Anywr, the company takes cybersecurity seriously and believes it’s a continuous improvement process.

During the onboarding, Florian’s team ensures that the new employees are familiar with the security systems and explains how each application works. Additionally, the company organizes concurrent, in-depth cybersecurity training for its employees. In these trainings, they emphasize the necessity of using a password manager, highlighting that it’s not enough to just remember passwords or autosave them in the browser.

To make their employees’ lives even easier (and safer), the IT team directly implements security solutions such as NordPass directly into their chosen browsers via the company portal so they can instantly start using them.

Anywr also employs User and Group Provisioning via Microsoft Entra ID that seamlessly integrates with NordPass to ensure everything is in sync across multiple systems and applications.

Effortless cybersecurity

Florian Laskowski says that NordPass has made password management easier and safer for the company’s employees. According to him, NordPass’ Admin Panel is equally intuitive. For example, when the team needs to offboard an employee, the Admin can easily transfer the data to another employee so that important accesses don’t get lost.

 

This ease of use, coupled with top-tier security and streamlined compliance via features like Password Generator, Password Policy, and Shared Folders, has improved Anywr’s cybersecurity posture and made it a tool that employees actually use. 

So, if your company is facing similar challenges while ensuring cybersecurity and compliance posture, NordPass can help you improve security and help to meet regulatory requirements. Contact our experts today to see what NordPass can offer for your business. 

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Zettasecure: coupling a password manager with XDR for extra client security

Meet Zettasecure

Zettasecure GmbH is a cybersecurity consulting firm based in Vienna, Austria. It specializes in cybersecurity services for small and midsize businesses.

Founded in 2020, Zettasecure was driven by Philipp Mandl’s experience in a large enterprise security operations center (SOC). After successfully building and managing a SOC, he saw an opportunity to create a similar service offering comprehensive security solutions with the expertise he had gained.

The company also provides a managed SOC for continuous monitoring and tailored cybersecurity support, mitigating threats affordably and without relying on high-cost solutions. Currently, they cater mainly to German-speaking countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Password managers matter as much as antivirus systems

From his experience as an MSSP, Philipp Mandl finds that companies often believe that if they already have antivirus software, for example, they are cybersecure. However, sound password management is a necessity equivalent to an antivirus or firewall system—without it, the company won’t be as secure. After all, password managers are a best practice to comply with NIS2 requirements.

One of Zettasecure’s first clients in need of a password manager came to them with a unique challenge: they wanted not only a centralized and intuitive password management tool but also one that would allow them to get notified in real time when data loss occurred. In other words, they wanted to know if a malicious IP had logged into the password manager and was now trying to copy all the passwords as fast as possible, or to share them with multiple sources that shouldn’t be shared per company rules.

As their MSSP, Zettasecure was happy to offer a solution: NordPass, a password manager that has a centralized and smooth user onboarding and offboarding that the IT team manages through the NordPass Admin Panel.

 

“We came to NordPass for a solution because we knew it had an Activity Log API that we are now utilizing for this specific use case. We use the Activity Log data from our customers and us, push it to the XDR platform from our customers and our side, and then analyze it.“

Philipp Mandl,

CEO of Zettasecure

Additionally, NordPass provides an Activity Log API that became a holy grail for this client’s use case. The Activity Log API is a NordPass Enterprise feature that helps companies manage employee access and monitor the organization’s activities. Zettasecure coupled this feature with XDR (extended detection and response) by pushing the data collected via the Activity Log API to SIEM so they could:

  • Get an alert or set an automation rule on a third-party tool

  • Get notified about user activity outside of working hours

  • Automate emails/messages to a user who hasn’t used NordPass in X days.

This works similarly if a threat actor is within the company and tries to search for specific passwords or copy them from NordPass as quickly as possible. Zettasecure noted that if a user is excessively viewing or copying passwords from NordPass, they mark it as malicious via the XDR platform, so that the company can automatically tackle this threat actor by locking down their computer and investigating what’s happening.

The CEO of Zettasecure believes that NordPass and the XDR solution have become a perfect fit that he can now offer to his customers and happily uses at his own company.

Sharing passwords in a secure way

The other Zettasecure client faced yet another challenge. This company is in the transportation business and was looking for a way to share passwords safely among their teams. Namely, they have several departments, like legal and finance, that use certain shared accounts.

NordPass came through as a tool that was just right for their needs. With Shared Folders, employees can now easily share passwords in bulk and have all the necessary access at hand by simply autofilling credentials when needed. This eased the company’s stress on handling access quickly and securely among the teams.

In addition, NordPass provided the company with other great benefits that further improved its security and convenience. For instance, it allows the client to see who has access to what accounts in the company via the Admin Panel, helping to streamline compliance. Additionally, when an employee is offboarding, the company can quickly transfer data to their colleague, so no access is ever lost.

A password manager helps to save companies’ money

Sometimes, convincing people that they need an additional app to manage only their company’s passwords can be hard. After all, they already use a built-in browser password manager, and it’s already there.

However, Philipp Mandl believes this line of thought is a big issue: a built-in browser password manager doesn’t help a company see possible cyber threats coming their way, which can have devastating consequences. For example, such password managers are particularly vulnerable to malware attacks: when malware appears on the device, it simply copies browser cookies and their stored passwords.

 

“I think the problem is that most people are using an in-built browser password manager, and that’s a big issue that can have devastating consequences. For example, such browser password managers are particularly vulnerable to malware attacks. So when malware appears on the device, it simply copies browser cookies, and then cybercriminals can sell that copied information on the darknet market. This valuable info can later be used for hacking the said company with credential spoofing.”

Philipp Mandl,

CEO of Zettasecure

And there’s always a human error: most data breaches occur when someone accidentally enters their credentials on a phishing website, which is then leaked on the darknet. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in a dedicated password manager.

So, it’s no surprise that the most used NordPass feature among Zettasecure clients is the Data Breach Scanner. It allows companies to catch whether any of their email domains or passwords have ever appeared in a data breach. If such data is ever found in a data breach, the company gets timely alerts so they can act quickly to mitigate the cyber threats. NordPass includes the Data Breach Scanner in all of its Business plans without any additional cost.

inner asset zettasecure msp case study

Philipp says that it allows their customers to save thousands of euros if they notice that their data appeared in a breach so they can act proactively to prevent their credentials from ending up on the dark web. MSSPs, as Zettasecure, can also monitor the security health of their end-users through the MSP Admin Panel and alter their clients if needed.

A password manager fit for an MSSP

When choosing which password manager to partner with, there were a few decisions why Zettasecure chose NordPass:

  • Zero-knowledge architecture: NordPass’ end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture ensure the finest privacy and security standards for MSPs and their clients.

  • Activity Log API helps manage client employee access and monitor company activities. For extra security, MSPs can effortlessly import data collected through the Activity Log API into SIEM and then use XDR, a technology that collects and automatically correlates data across multiple layers of security. This enables alerts and immediate response in case of a cyber threat.

  • Data Breach Scanner scans the dark web for data breaches involving the client company’s email domains or passwords. If such data is ever found, the client receives a timely alert. This tool is included in all Business plans.

  • No hidden costs: NordPass has transparent pricing across all Business tiers for MSPs and their clients.

    So, if you are looking for a way to improve your clients’ security, please reach out to our experts today to learn more about NordPass for MSPs.

 

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.