What is password history, and why does your team need it?
Every second employee shares passwords with colleagues. While enterprise password sharing ( if done correctly) is considered safe, insecure sharing might lead to accidental data disclosure and theft.
Therefore, password traceability and transparency are among the most critical elements of smooth and safe teamwork.
Password history tracking might be the best option to increase security and transparency in your organization’s environment.
What is password history ?
Password history (also named History Log) is a centralized blockchain-powered feature. It helps users to track their password changes, versions, and modification dates.
With History Log, you can see all changes you or your contacts apply to your passwords or notes. You can always see the newest and older versions, shares, and people’s names who changed something.
Usually, password history is implemented in modern password managers that focus on team-based collaborations and efficient enterprise work.
How does it work?
Password history tracks all password modifications.
This feature is based on blockchain technology. Each item (a password, note, credit card, etc.) is individually encrypted. Such an implementation provides convenience and stricter control over each item.
For instance, you do not need to duplicate passwords to share them with others. You share an item and still maintain ownership over it. Your password always belongs to you.
Second, all history logs are assigned to each item. Therefore, if someone shares your password, you see who shared it and to whom. If someone changes your password, you can always see new and old versions of it.
And yet, nobody (neither team admin nor your colleagues) will see your owned password history unless you share it. In other words, you unlock access to your passwords in the vault only when you share them with someone.
Why should each team use this feature?
Password history is highly beneficial for teams seeking transparency over shared data.
Usually, when one team member shares a password with the team, he can never be entirely sure nobody will change it.
If someone changes it, technically, that person becomes an owner and can lock out the primary owner from his account.
Password history is a feature that helps data owners keep control over their credentials. This way, even if someone changes the password, the password owner can see the new password (and a person who changed something).
This highly strengthens data transparency and traceability inside a company.
How do I view my password history in a password manager?
To benefit from password history tracking, you need to use a password manager that is compatible with this feature. One such password management tool is PassCamp.
In PassCamp password manager, you can easily track the password history of each item. Follow the steps below:
- Open PassCamp.
- Click on any item.
- On the right side, select History.
- The list of all password modifications and shares will appear.
- If you want to see more information, click on any log.
If someone edits your item, you will also receive a notification. This allows you to track your credentials in real time.
How can I tell when my last password was changed?
Password history allows you to tell the exact moment your password was changed.
As mentioned above, you can click on the password of interest. Then, you can see the list of modifications – made by you or people who have access to your passwords.
All modifications are chronological, so you can see the date and content of the most recent change.
In the end, password history is a highly beneficial tool for teams of all sizes. It significantly increases transparency over shared data. Most importantly, it provides ultimate control of sensitive data for its owners, even when they share it.
Add an additional level of safety and control over sensitive data. Experience undisrupted traceability of internal password management.
Start using PassCamp – a team-focused password manager – today.
