A password manager is a tool that allows you to centralize all of a company’s login credentials in a single, secure location and, most importantly, to automatically generate complex passwords without having to remember them.
There are risks we know about and accept. And then there are others we only discover the day an employee leaves the company, unwittingly taking with them access to a dozen critical tools.
A password manager is exactly what prevents this kind of situation. And yet, in many small and medium-sized businesses, passwords are still stored in an Excel file, in someone’s head, or on a Post-it note under the keyboard.
But what exactly is it?
“One of the major advantages is the ability to generate complex, unique passwords for each service without having to remember them. The password manager stores them and automatically fills them in when you log in.”
A password manager is a tool that centralizes all of a company’s login credentials in a single, secure location and, most importantly, automatically generates complex passwords without requiring users to remember them. “One of the major advantages is the ability to use complex, unique passwords for each service without having to remember them. The password manager stores them and automatically fills them in when you log in,” explains Stéphane Perrenoud, a consultant at UDITIS.
The problem with passwords today is well known: they’re too short, too simple, and often the same across different services. This behavior, while understandable from the user’s perspective, represents an obvious security vulnerability. With a dedicated manager, each service has its own unique and complex password, without any extra effort on the part of the teams.
The Real Risk That SMEs Underestimate
People often think of the risk of hacking first. But in the reality of SMEs, the most common problem is more mundane. “The risk is losing access to a tool and finding yourself stuck in a situation where you have to rely on the software provider to regain control. This often happens when the account was managed by someone who has left the company and whose login information is no longer accessible, especially if it was linked to personal credentials,” summarizes Stéphane Perrenoud.
Recovering lost access takes time, involves communication with providers, and requires identity verification procedures. In some cases, it’s simply impossible. An enterprise password manager eliminates this risk by ensuring that access belongs to the organization, not to individuals.
A SaaS technology like any other, with the same guarantees
The question often comes up: isn’t it risky to centralize all your passwords in a single tool? The risk exists, as with any SaaS service. But it needs to be put into perspective.
“A SaaS provider is solely responsible for the security of its product. However, managing the dozens of tools used within the company—and ensuring the security of the password manager—won’t necessarily be their top priority,” explains Stéphane Perrenoud. Specialized providers invest heavily in encryption, availability, and compliance, particularly ISO 27001 certifications, which are now a key selection criterion.
What to Look for When Making the Right Choice
Solutions on the market are generally comparable in terms of basic functionality. The differences lie in a few key criteria. Single Sign-On (SSO) integration has become essential: it links the management system to the company’s central identity system, whether Microsoft 365 or another platform, so that a single, highly secure account provides access to all services. “If that identity is compromised, access is cut off to all services. And it’s much easier to manage than an endless number of separate access points,” emphasizes Stéphane Perrenoud.
Access rights management is another feature that should not be overlooked. Within an organization, not everyone should have access to all passwords. A good management system allows you to define access zones and levels by team or role.
Some solutions also allow companies to share access with their IT service providers in a secure and reversible manner. At UDITIS, this is common practice with clients who subscribe to the same tool. “They can give us access to their passwords so we can work on their systems. And if our collaboration ends, they regain access to their passwords. Everything remains with them,” explains Stéphane Perrenoud.
UDITIS supports its clients in selecting, deploying, and configuring these tools, ensuring seamless integration with their entire IT environment.
