Password synchronization simplifies the process of remembering multiple user IDs and passwords, improving security by reducing the need to write them down. Software can automate the process, saving time and increasing productivity, while also providing flexibility for users and administrators.
It is estimated that many computer users, especially in large organizations, may have 10 to 20 user IDs. Each of these requires its own password. Therefore, remembering all those user IDs and passwords can be daunting. Password synchronization is a way to make a computer user’s life a little easier by synchronizing passwords to match across multiple systems.
The benefits of password synchronization are obvious. Those who do tend to remember their passwords more easily. Also, while some argue that a uniform password for a user might reduce security, password synchronization can actually help improve security because users will have less reason to write down their passwords.
While it is possible to achieve password synchronization manually, there are software applications that have been developed to automate the process. The software usually works in two ways, through a transparent process or a web-based process. The transparent password synchronization process starts working after a password change occurs in an application. Then it goes and changes all the other passwords it is set for. In the web-based process, passwords are changed by the user over the internet.
The streamlined process can also save you money. If a user has to change up to 20 passwords individually, this can take an enormous amount of time. Systems often require users to periodically change passwords to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. However, when password synchronization happens all at once, users can get back to their original purpose much faster. This can help a business increase productivity.
Besides password synchronization, the software can also help administrators in other ways. The software can detect when a password change requirement is coming and send an email reminder to the user. This may allow the user to handle this administrative task at a time when they are perhaps not so busy while providing a little flexibility for the user.
Also, while users can use a password synchronization system to change all of their passwords at once, there may be a situation where one user needs to maintain a separate or different password from others. Password sync software can also take this into account, allowing users to change only the passwords they want.
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