Password sharing, same with account sharing, is how a group of people use the same login information, email address or password to access a platform, a service, or an app.
Why do coworkers share passwords?
Coworkers share passwords and accounts primarily for companies to cut costs. They use a singular account to access a certain service or app, some say to easily collaborate with teammates, while others say it is part of company policy.
Is sharing passwords with coworkers a bad idea?
YES, it is. Here are its risks if it was put in the wrong hands:
- Hackers can see how you use the shared account and if it connected to other accounts, it can also be compromised.
- The shared accounts can also be shared to others without you knowing it.
- Shared accounts may be vulnerable to keyloggers or sniffers. Because you don’t know how your coworkers use the account, they may accidentally log in to unsecure websites or connect to an unsecured network. Once logged in, they can get personal identifiable information saved in that account.
- You may lose access to the shared account. Someone may change your account details and update your password to a new one.
Is there a best way to share passwords with coworkers?
The best way to share passwords is to do it verbally. This avoids having a digital footprint of your account credentials.
If inevitable, and it is indeed part of company policy, here are a few Security Best Practices for Password Sharing:
- Regularly update passwords of shared accounts every three months.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication on all your accounts whenever possible. This feature lets you know someone is trying to log in to your accounts using the passwords you shared.
- Send your passwords through an encrypted email. It prevents the receiver of the email to accidentally share the email you sent to someone.
- When using Outlook, enable Encrypt or Do not forwardvia Options.
- When using Gmail, encrypt your email via Confidential Mode.
- If you have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac), you can use Airdrop to share your passwords.
Security Experts Advice for password sharing
Security Experts DO NOT recommend sharing passwords because your accounts may probably leak online when gotten through the wrong hands.
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