Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Undoubtedly, Norton is synonymous with online consumer security and safety. In 1982, Norton LifeLock's predecessor, Symantec, was established. The brand's prominence stems from its renowned antivirus software, which comes preinstalled on many PCs. Despite potential skepticism, the Norton LifeLock identity theft protection app provides reassurance. Trusting this software with personal information is facilitated by the brand's reputation and the company's established presence.

Norton LifeLock: Plans and pricing

Norton LifeLock offers a range of plans designed to protect individuals and families from identity theft, often bundled with Norton 360's cybersecurity features. The core LifeLock plans typically include Standard, Ultimate Plus, and Advantage, each offering varying levels of identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and Million Dollar Protection Package coverage, which provides reimbursement for stolen funds, personal expense compensation, and coverage for lawyers and experts.

For individuals, these plans offer increasing benefits, from basic alerts and dark web monitoring in the Standard plan to comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring, bank and investment account alerts, home title monitoring, and social media monitoring in the Ultimate Plus plan. Each plan is available for individuals and can also be expanded to cover Families (2 adults) or families with kids (2 adults + up to 5 kids), providing tailored protection for multiple members.

Many of these LifeLock plans can be bundled with Norton 360, which provides device security (including antivirus, VPN, password manager, cloud backup, etc.) for a specified number of devices or unlimited devices with the Ultimate Plus bundle. This creates an all-in-one cybersecurity and identity theft protection solution. Pricing for these plans varies depending on whether they are purchased monthly or annually, with annual subscriptions typically offering a discounted rate for the first year. Features like Genie Scam Protection Pro, which uses AI to detect scams in texts and emails, are also becoming integrated into these comprehensive offerings.

Norton LifeLock: Interface

The Norton LifeLock Standard plan is an entry-level option for identity theft protection, focusing on essential monitoring and recovery features. Key benefits include the Million Dollar Protection Package, which offers up to $1 million to lawyers and experts to help resolve identity theft, plus reimbursement of up to $25,000 for stolen funds and up to $25,000 for personal expense compensation. The plan also provides Identity and Social Security Number alerts, notifying you if your information is used for credit or service applications. Dark Web Monitoring actively patrols hard-to-find dark websites and forums to alert you if your personal information is discovered. Additionally, a Privacy Monitor helps reduce the public exposure of your data by scanning common people-search websites and assisting with opt-out requests. It also includes Utility Account Creation Monitoring, which alerts you if someone attempts to open a utility account in your name. For an individual, the LifeLock Standard plan is generally priced at $11.99 per month or a discounted $89.99 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $7.50 per month for the first year, renewing at $124.99/year). Family plans are also available, with varying pricing for "2 adults" or "2 adults + up to 5 kids." For instance, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $23.99 per month or $149.87 for the first year when paid annually, while the "2 adults + 5 kids" plan costs around $35.99 per month or $221.87 for the first year when paid annually. It's important to note that these prices are often introductory and may increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Advantage plan significantly builds upon the foundational protection offered by the Standard plan, providing enhanced coverage and additional monitoring features for a higher level of identity theft defense. While both plans include **Identity and Social Security Number alerts**, **Dark Web Monitoring**, **Privacy Monitor**, and **Utility Account Creation Monitoring**, the Advantage plan significantly enhances the financial safeguards.

One of the most notable differences is the increase in the Million Dollar Protection™ Package reimbursement limits. With LifeLock Advantage, the Stolen Funds Reimbursement jumps from $25,000 in the Standard plan to $100,000. Similarly, Personal Expense Compensation also increases from $25,000 to $100,000. The coverage for Lawyers and Experts remains at up to $1 million in both plans.

Beyond the financial uplift, Advantage introduces new monitoring capabilities. It adds Credit Reports & Credit Scores (One-bureau, Monthly), allowing for more frequent insights into your credit activity, whereas Standard does not include credit reports or scores. It also includes Credit Alerts, such as Phone Takeover Monitoring and Alerts on Crimes Committed in Your Name, which are not present in the Standard plan. Furthermore, LifeLock Advantage includes Identity Lock, specifically for your TransUnion credit file and payday loans, offering an active way to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Advantage plan is typically priced at $22.99 per month or a discounted $179.88 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $14.99 per month for the first year, renewing at $239.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $45.99 per month or $287.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $479.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is around $57.99 per month or $359.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $579.99/year). As with the Standard plan, these introductory prices are often subject to increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan represents the pinnacle of identity theft protection offered by LifeLock, providing the most comprehensive features and the highest levels of coverage. It takes all the benefits of the Standard and Advantage plans and significantly amplifies them.

The most significant upgrade in Ultimate Plus is the Million Dollar Protection™ Package. While the Lawyers and Experts coverage remains at up to $1 million, both the Stolen Funds Reimbursement and Personal Expense Compensation are boosted dramatically to up to $1 million each. This is a substantial increase from the $25,000 in Standard and $100,000 in Advantage, offering unparalleled financial protection in the event of severe identity theft.

Beyond increased reimbursement, Ultimate Plus significantly expands monitoring capabilities. It includes Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), along with Annual Three-Bureau Credit Reports and Scores, providing a comprehensive view of your credit health across all major bureaus. This is a significant improvement over the Advantage plan's one-bureau monitoring. Furthermore, Ultimate Plus adds 401(k) and Investment Account Alerts, as well as Home Title Monitoring, protecting these critical assets from fraudulent activity. It also offers Social Media Monitoring, which helps detect imposter accounts, inappropriate content, and potential scams involving your social media profiles. The plan also typically includes enhanced support, such as 24/7 live member support with priority access. Some newer integrations also feature Genie Scam Protection Pro, an AI-powered tool to help detect and protect against sophisticated online scams, including those delivered via email and SMS.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan is generally priced at $34.99 per month or a discounted $239.88 for the first year when paid annually (averaging $19.99 per month for the first year, with a renewal rate of $339.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $69.99 per month or $395.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $679.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is the most expensive, typically around $79.99 per month or $467.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $799.99/year). As with the other plans, these introductory prices are subject to substantially higher renewal costs. When bundled with Norton 360, Ultimate Plus often includes security for an unlimited number of devices and a larger amount of cloud backup storage, providing a truly all-encompassing protection suite.

Norton LifeLock: Features

LifeLock offers a suite of features designed to safeguard users' sensitive information. These features are comparable to those provided by similar programs such as IdentityForce and IDShield. However, LifeLock stands out by presenting these features within a meticulously crafted, user-friendly interface. The interface's design reflects a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering a seamless experience.

One key aspect of LifeLock's interface is its simplicity. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with each feature clearly labeled and easy to find. This simplicity makes it easy for users to navigate the program and access the tools they need quickly and efficiently.

Another strength of LifeLock's interface is its intuitiveness. The program's features are organized in a logical way that follows the natural flow of a user's thought process. This intuitiveness minimizes the need for users to refer to manuals or tutorials, making it easy for them to get started with LifeLock right away.

In addition to its simplicity and intuitiveness, LifeLock's interface is also most certainly visually appealing. The program features a modern, minimalist design that is both attractive and professional. This aesthetic appeal enhances the user experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying to use LifeLock.

LifeLock's interface exemplifies the program's dedication to providing an exceptional user experience. By harmonizing simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual allure, LifeLock has crafted an interface that effortlessly allows users to safeguard their sensitive information, fostering peace of mind.

Furthermore, the interface of LifeLock is arguably easier to use, and also cleaner, which means you’ll often find more of the options available with less clicks.

Norton LifeLock: The competition

Similar to tech giants like Facebook and Google, Norton LifeLock stands out as a security firm with unparalleled immediate brand awareness, especially regarding consumer safety. Factors contributing to this recognition include its extensive advertising campaigns on network television and its long-standing presence in the industry. For those who have used computers during the early Windows and Mac eras, the Norton name likely holds familiarity and trust.

In the realm of identity theft protection apps, competitors must contend with the highly respected Norton brand, renowned for its cybersecurity offerings. While lesser-known options such as IdentityForce and IDShield provide similar features, they lack the widespread recognition of Norton. ADT, known for its physical home security solutions, also offers an identity theft protection app, but it falls short in terms of household recognition when compared to Norton.

LifeLock shares many similarities with IdentityForce and IDShield in terms of its features. The premium tier of LifeLock stands out with exclusive offerings such as 401K protection, crime tracking tools under your name, and monitoring across all three major credit agencies. Additionally, the Advantage plan and above provide exceptional features like TransUnion Credit Lock and PayDay Loan Lock services, making LifeLock a compelling choice for identity protection.

In the realm of identity theft protection, IDShield differentiates itself from its rival LifeLock by providing various exclusive features. Notably, IDShield's mobile application integrates social media monitoring, a crucial aspect in the current digital landscape where personal information is frequently shared publicly. This additional layer of protection empowers users to oversee their online presence and promptly respond to potential threats, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.

One of IDShield's strengths lies in its collaboration with criminal justice professionals. This valuable service offers users expert insights and guidance through the intricate legal system in the event of identity theft. Criminal justice professionals can provide valuable advice on effectively reporting the crime, acquiring official police reports, and assisting users in understanding the various steps involved in the legal process. This collaboration ensures that users receive comprehensive support throughout their journey to restore their identity and seek justice.

In contrast to LifeLock's premium plans, which lack monitoring and tracking features, IDShield offers these features as part of its more affordable plans. This strategic move by IDShield makes comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of users, enabling them to enjoy robust security without exceeding their budget.

Standing out as a compelling option for individuals seeking comprehensive identity theft protection, IDShield offers competitive pricing and additional features. Its focus on social media monitoring, discussions with criminal justice professionals, and inclusive pricing plans empowers users to effectively safeguard their personal information. This sets IDShield apart from its competitors and provides users with the tools they need to protect their identity.

Norton LifeLock: Support

All LifeLock plans provide round-the-clock live support, with a toll-free number prominently displayed on their website, which we certainly appreciate. While there's no chat, email, or support portal, the top-tier plan offers higher priority support.

While there are blog articles and answers to frequently asked questions, the website lacks video content, whitepapers and webinars.

Norton LifeLock: Final verdict

Norton LifeLock operates in a highly competitive landscape, where it faces numerous challenges from various identity theft protection software providers. In this crowded market, the ability to stand out is crucial, and brand awareness plays a pivotal role in differentiating Norton LifeLock from its many rivals. Recognized as a leader in cybersecurity, Norton LifeLock benefits from a strong reputation, built over years of trust and reliability.

One notable challenge for Norton LifeLock is the complexity of its paid plans. Customers are presented with a wide array of options, each tailored to different security needs and family sizes. This multitude of choices can be overwhelming for potential users, leading to confusion about which plan best meets their specific requirements. For families or individuals unfamiliar with identity theft protection services, this complexity could be a significant deterrent, potentially driving them to seek simpler alternatives from competitors.

However, despite this potential drawback, Norton LifeLock excels in the area of user experience. Its interface is meticulously designed, characterized by a clean and intuitive layout that prioritizes user-friendliness. All features are organized logically, allowing customers to easily navigate through various tools and resources without feeling lost or frustrated. This commitment to a seamless user experience not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters a sense of confidence in the software’s capabilities.

Moreover, Norton LifeLock offers a range of educational resources and support materials, helping customers better understand how to protect their identities online. These resources contribute significantly to the company’s value proposition, as they empower users with knowledge and tools to safeguard their personal information proactively.

Overall, while Norton LifeLock certainly faces tough competition in the identity theft protection market, its strong brand recognition and exceptionally designed user interface serve as formidable competitive advantages. Nevertheless, simplifying the selection process for its paid plans could greatly enhance the customer experience, making it easier for potential clients to identify and choose the most suitable security solutions for their needs. By addressing this complexity, Norton LifeLock could capture a broader audience and solidify its position as a top choice for identity theft protection.

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Are you still using insecure passwords that put your online accounts at risk? With so many data breaches, leveling up your password security game is time.

NordPass, from the makers of the popular NordVPN, is one of the best password managers that combines robust security features with a user-friendly interface. From its zero-knowledge encryption to multi-factor authentication and passkey support, NordPass ensures your passwords stay locked down tight.

But it's not just about security. NordPass makes password management a breeze with autofill, secure sharing, password health checks, and more. Whether you're an individual or a business, NordPass has flexible pricing plans to meet your needs, including a free tier.

The best part? NordPass strikes the perfect balance between robust security and convenience, making it a top choice for anyone looking to safeguard their online life. It also offers some excellent features that businesses can utilize to enhance their credential security, which you can read about at the bottom of this review.

Learn more about how NordPass can simplify your digital life while fortifying your defenses. Read on.

• Interested in NordPass? Check out the website here

NordPass: Plans and pricing

There is a free tier with NordPass, which isn't always a given with password managers. It gets you storage for an unlimited number of passwords, which you can access from anywhere, but you’ll only be allowed one signed-in session at a time, so if you alternate between your phone and your computer, you’ll be kicked out each time you change your device.

It won't detect weak or reused passwords, and it won't scan the web for data breaches, which some competitor companies do even at this free level. It also won't let you mask your email or securely store files within the app.

The Premium account turns all those features on and costs $1.99 per month for annual commitments, or $1.49 per month for a two year commitment. It also allows you to use trusted sharing, which grants access to trusted contacts in case of emergencies.

The top personal tier is the Family plan, which you can buy for as little as $3.69 per month on the one year plan, or $2.79 per month for the two year commitment. You'll get six accounts with this product alongside all of the features included with the Premium product. Both of these plans are also available with two-year commitments, which means you can save a bit more money if you’re willing to pay upfront.

It’s also worth mentioning that some countries, including major markets like Australia and Canada, will see pricing in USD. Despite this, billing will still occur in local currencies.

NordPass's standard Business product starts at $3.99 per user per month for the one year plan, or $3.59 per user per month for the two year plan, and can handle up to 150 users, so it's ideal for small and medium businesses. This time, it’s advertised in USD globally, but each country will pay in local currencies. You get all the features we've mentioned alongside a security dashboard, the option to deploy company-wide settings, and Google Workplace SSO. The business product also includes team management features, like company-wide settings deployment and real-time monitoring. If you need more than 150 users, NordPass prompts you to contact the sales department for a quote.

The conventional business product doesn’t require a dedicated account manager or face-to-face onboarding. If you'd like those features, more SSO options, and user provisioning via Active Directory, you'll need the Enterprise product, and you'll again have to contact NordPass directly to get a quote.

In all cases, you can get a more significant discount via the NordPass promo codes that always are available to new users.

Unfortunately, Nord Security doesn’t offer bundles with its VPN service, NordVPN, which is a missed opportunity because other companies like Dashlane do.

NordPass: Setup

NordPass is a well-regarded password manager developed by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN. With a strong focus on security and a user-friendly interface, it offers a reliable way to manage passwords. If you've chosen NordPass as your digital vault, here's your step-by-step guide to setting it up.

To begin with, NordPass, head to the NordPass website and create an account. You can sign up with your email, and you'll need to create a master password. This master password is the key to unlocking your vault, so ensure it's strong and memorable. NordPass doesn't have access to this password, so remember it, or your vault will become inaccessible.

With your account ready, download the NordPass application for your device. NordPass supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. After downloading and installing the app, sign in with the NordPass credentials that you just created.

Once you're in, NordPass can import passwords from your previous password manager or browser. This step can save you a considerable amount of time, as manually adding each password can be tedious. NordPass typically provides a guide for importing data to help you through the process.

Now it's time to explore NordPass features. Familiarize yourself with the user interface and see how to add and manage passwords. Try out the auto-fill and auto-save functionalities by logging into a few of your accounts to see how smoothly NordPass operates.

If you have various types of data you want to keep secure, NordPass allows you to store not just passwords but also notes, credit card information, and even personal details for quickly filling out forms online. Each entry is encrypted, ensuring your sensitive information remains private.

To enhance security further, consider setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). NordPass supports several 2FA methods, adding an extra layer of protection to your account. With 2FA enabled, accessing your vault requires something you know (your master password) and something you have (such as a code from your phone).

NordPass also offers a secure password generator tool, which you should use to create new, complex passwords for your accounts. To boost online security, update any weak passwords, replacing them with intense, randomly generated ones from NordPass.

Finally, download and install the NordPass browser extensions for a seamless browsing experience. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, the NordPass extension can help you auto-fill passwords, save new login credentials, and access your vault quickly.

By now, your NordPass account should be fully operational. As you continue using NordPass, it's essential to review your vault for outdated information regularly and also take advantage of any new features that NordPass may release. With the NordPass setup complete, you can know that managing your passwords is now secure and straightforward.

NordPass: Interface and performance

Everything about the NordPass interface is smooth and elegant, from the initial sign-up page to the apps you'll install as you get the software set up – it's actually one of the most polished experiences we've seen, and the same its true of other Nord Security products. Everything is built to be user-friendly and accessible, so it's a password manager that will suit users at all levels of technical know-how.

The software does a really good job of hiding itself away in the background and only popping up discreetly when needed, and we had no complaints in terms of getting our passwords synced across multiple devices (it only takes a second or two usually).

The helpful touches spread throughout were much appreciated. You can customize generated passwords by length or by turning off characters that can be misread as something else, for example). Following this theme, you can even streamline online shopping by letting NordPass input your credit card details and shipping info for a smoother checkout. It’s even possible to switch between different Nordpass accounts without compromising your security, so if you need to manage work and personal life separately, it’s easily done.

When it comes to managing your account, logging in and accessing your settings, passwords, and other stored information is very straightforward. We appreciate the clean interface that is well laid out, and easy to use.

Previously, we mentioned that it would be nice to be able to tag or otherwise sort different types of credentials, but this has now been addressed. Folders allow you to separate categories, for example social media, online shopping, and banking.

There’s a separate area for payment details, but it would be a nice addition to see a dedicated area for IDs, such as driving licenses and passports. These are the sorts of documents that you don’t carry every day, but when booking a flight, you might unexpectedly need to call on them.

The app's extra features are just as easy to use. Look to the bottom-right of the app and you'll find a password generator, password health assessment module, and a data breach scanner, and they're all as straightforward as the app's main functions.

NordPass: Passkeys

As more and more websites begin to add passkeys as a login option, password managers are beginning to commit to their adoption, but NordPass has actually already integrated passkey support, making it one of the first.

The desktop application, NordPass Web Vault, and Firefox and Chrome-based browser extensions are already compatible with passkeys, but Safari users will have to wait for a future release to be included. Mobile support is also coming as soon as software makers open up passkeys to third parties.

Passkeys are saved in a separate location from regular passwords, and chances are you’ll still have a vault full of passwords for a long time to come because the few websites that are adopting passkeys are just using them as secondary login methods.

Passkey login and passwordless authentication for accessing NordPass is also in the works, but details are limited at the moment.

NordPass: Security

As you would expect from a developer that also offers a VPN, NordPass has a tight security setup. For a start it deploys a zero-knowledge approach, with end-to-end encryption for your password backups and data syncing – that means not even the NordPass team can see the data that you've got saved.

The increasingly well-respected XChaCha20 encryption algorithm is used, which is also a favorite of companies like Google and Cloudflare: it goes up to 256-bit encryption and is seen (by some at least) as a more future-proof solution than the AES-256 encryption commonly used elsewhere.

Biometric security can be added where supported – FaceID or Touch ID on Apple hardware, Windows Hello on a Windows machine, or a fingerprint reader for other smartphones. Two-factor authentication is supported for your NordPass account and the accounts you're storing passwords for. You're also able to use OTP generators or USB sticks to activate multi-factor authentication for added security.

NordPass also operated a blog which it uses to publicize important security tips alongside product announcements. The most common passwords page is particularly revealing, and even some less obvious passwords are at risk of being guessed in a matter of seconds.

NordPass: Support

NordPass has an extensive Help Center that covers a gamut of topics. From helping you start with NordPass, managing your passwords, or troubleshooting common issues, the Help Center is your first go-to resource. The articles are detailed, easy to understand, and provide step-by-step guidance, making them an invaluable self-service tool.

For more personalized support, NordPass users can reach out via email. Whether you're encountering a specific issue or have a question that needs to be covered in the Help Center, the NordPass support team is ready to assist. Users can expect thoughtful, precise, and prompt responses. This channel is beneficial for complex issues that require detailed explanations.

NordPass takes its user support significantly with its 24/7 live chat service. This option is perfect for users looking for instant assistance. Whether you're struggling with installing NordPass, facing syncing issues, or need guidance on setting up a family account, the live chat team is always at your disposal. The immediacy and efficiency of live chat support ensure that users can resolve their issues without significant downtime.

Recognizing the power of social media in today's communication landscape, NordPass also offers support through its social media platforms. Users can reach out to NordPass through channels like Twitter for quick questions or updates on service status. This not only makes support accessible but also allows users to stay connected and informed about any new features or updates.

The NordPass Community Forum is a platform where users can share tips solutions, and engage in discussions related to NordPass. While not directly managed by the NordPass support team, these forums are monitored, and staff occasionally chime in. It's a great place to learn from other users’ experiences and share your own, fostering a sense of community among NordPass users.

For users keen on understanding and navigating through potential security issues, NordPass provides security advisories. These advisories detail any discovered vulnerabilities and the company’s steps to address them. It's a testament to NordPass's commitment to transparency and security.

As you can see, NordPass goes above and beyond to ensure that their users receive the support they need when they need it. Through a multi-channel support approach, NordPass caters to the varied preferences and requirements of its user base, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience.

NordPass: The competition

NordPass is one of the most prominent password managers around and, as such, it faces loads of strong competition. Apps like LastPass are good alternatives with similar feature sets and pricing structures, and you'd be well-served by either of those tools.

If you'd like something more affordable but admittedly more basic, a product like mSecure will get the job done – it doesn't have the business options or the high-end features of NordPass, but it ticks mainstream boxes and it's cheaper.

If you’re after the security associated with a company that’s also made a name for itself in the VPN world, then Dashlane or Proton Pass would be good alternatives.

NordPass: Final verdict

We're impressed with what we've seen of NordPass during our testing, and we think it's a great choice for individuals and small-to-mid-sized companies. It balances an aesthetically pleasing design with some useful features and advanced security protection, and it holds up well when you compare it against anything else on the market.

Pricing is competitive, and it's nice to see a free tier available. Negatively, it doesn't have more advanced tools like Wi-Fi syncing and Dark Web scanning, but that shouldn't put you off unless you're looking for a password manager with every possible feature.

NordPass Business

NordPass Business: Team and Admin features

Business users get a cloud-based admin console to control and regulate password management for their organizations.

As an admin, you can use this console to exercise comprehensive control over user access and permissions. You can also use it to manage and monitor user activities, and ensure that your business’ security policies are enforced consistently.

NordPass Business offers three distinct roles for users to help segregate duties, and control access within the organization.

The Owner has the most privileges, and can manage all aspects of the organization. Then there’s Admin who can access the admin panel, and most of its management functions, but cannot grant or revoke the owner’s rights. Finally, there’s the User whose access is restricted to the NordPass password manager app.

NordPass for Business lets you organize your users in groups, for instance, based on the departments, or projects in the company. You can then share an item with a group, which is automatically made available to all of the group’s members.

In addition to groups, users can also share anything they’ve saved in their vaults, including login credentials, passkeys, secure notes, and more, with other users as well. These shared items can be permission-limited, and there are multiple access levels a user can choose from. Users can hand out full edit permissions, or restrict access to just reshare, or view the shared details.

NordPass for Business also enables admins to define company-wide password policies to enforce strong password requirements. Admins can keep the length of the password between 8 and 60 characters, mandate the use of uppercase letters, digits, and special characters. They can also ensure users are made to change passwords either after 30, 60, 90,or 180 days.

To ensure adherence to the password policy, admins can monitor compliance from the admin panel as well. The panel also has an activity log that tracks actions, such as credential use, and admin panel activity, for every user. The log can be filtered for a particular time period, and/or user.

NordPass Business: Integrations and Compatibility

NordPass for Business offers several integrations for organizations of all sizes.

The first and foremost of these is its support for several popular Single Sign-On (SSO) and the best identity providers, including Okta, Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Active Directory Federation Service (ADFS).

These help NordPass for Business streamline the authentication process, and also enhance security by reducing the number of credentials your users need to manage. Once enabled, users in your organization can log in using their existing corporate credentials.

Remember though, the Business plan only includes support for Google Workspace SSO. If you need to plug in Okta, Entra ID, or ADFS, you’ll need to subscribe to the Enterprise plan.

To help ensure your company maintains compliance with industry standards, NordPass for Business integrates with platforms like Vanta, and Splunk. While Vanta helps fuse the password manager with your compliance workflows, the latter, which is only available as part of the Enterprise plan, feeds NordPass activity logs into the data analysis platform, for enhanced security monitoring and analysis.

The Enterprise plan also offers an Activity Logs API that enables organizations to integrate activity log data from the password manager with their own Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and other tools. In addition to monitoring, and reporting for internal purposes, this also helps in compliance with standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. ​

NordPass Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

Just like its desktop apps and browser plugins for end users, the cloud-based admin panel of NordPass for Business has a clear, and intuitive user interface.

On first launch, the interface will list the most important tasks that must be completed, which is a wonderful way to help new admins take charge of their password management solution.

You’ll be asked to review your policies, both for passwords as we’ve described above, as well as for guest sharing. The latter must be explicitly enabled if you want to allow users in your organization to share passwords and other items with people outside your business, like partners, customers, or contractors.

You can also allow your users to export their passwords, and other items as a CSV file, from the policies section. One interesting option you should enable from under here is email masking. This feature allows your users to generate alternative email addresses to sign up for online services, concealing their true identity, and mitigating phishing attempts..

Next up, you should turn on SSO before you onboard and invite users from across your organization. All your users should also install the NordPass browser extension to import their passwords.

You can also choose to skip the process, and jump right into the Dashboard of the admin panel. From the dashboard you can review the number of users added or invited into the platform. For more control over the users, head to the Members section from where you can arrange users into groups, earmark their access levels, and even invite new ones, or remove existing ones.

Even without SSO, the process for onboarding users is rather straightforward. You can either invite users by specifically mentioning the email address of the users you want to invite, or uploading a CSV or text file with email addresses. Or, you can mention one or more domain names, and anyone with an email address from these domains will be able to join via an invite link.

In either case, the users will receive a link to create their NordPass for Business account, after which they’ll be added into the platform.

One of the most critical areas that you as admins must frequent is the Password Health dashboard. It helps identify weak, reused, or old passwords. There’s also the Data Breach Scanner that scans the dark web for compromised emails, or passwords linked to your company’s domain.

There’s also the Sharing Hub, currently under beta testing, that gives you details about all the shared items within your organization, whether they are shared internally, or externally.

All things considered, the admin panel is a logically laid out interface that gives a good overview of the use of the password management system by employees in your organization.

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What to look for in a password manager

The primary purpose of a password manager is to keep your passwords secure, so top-notch security features are non-negotiable. Look for a manager that offers strong encryption standards, such as AES-256, to ensure your data is safe from prying eyes. Two-factor authentication (2FA) can add an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password and username but also something only the user has on them, like a piece of information or a physical device.

A password manager should make your life easier, not harder. A user-friendly interface that allows you to easily store, retrieve, and organize your passwords can save you time and frustration. Whether it’s a desktop app, mobile app, or browser extension, ensure the user experience is smooth and intuitive.

In today’s interconnected world, we access our accounts from multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. A good password manager should be compatible across various platforms and devices, allowing you to access your passwords, whether on an iPhone in the morning or a Windows PC in the evening.

One of the perks of using a password manager is that it can generate strong and unique passwords for you, bypassing the temptation to use easily guessable passwords. Look for a manager with a built-in password generator, which can create complex passwords that are tough for hackers to crack.

A password manager should streamline your browsing experience by automatically filling in your login information when you visit sites and apps. Additionally, look for an auto-save feature that prompts you to save new passwords as you create them, ensuring your password vault is always up-to-date.

While many free password managers offer basic features, investing in a paid version can provide enhanced security and additional features. Evaluate the pricing plans to find one that fits your budget and meets your security needs. Remember, the cost of a password manager is minuscule compared to the potential loss from a cyberattack.

Even with the most intuitive platforms, questions or issues can arise. Good customer support can be invaluable, offering help through resources like FAQs, forums, email support, or live chat. Before committing to a password manager, check out their support options.

Lastly, read the provider’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used and protected. A trustworthy password manager should have a straightforward policy that ensures they do not misuse your data or provide it to third parties without consent.

Choosing the right password manager is a crucial step in securing your digital life. By considering these features, you can find a tool that not only keeps your passwords safe but also enhances your online experience. Remember, in cybersecurity, being proactive is always better than being reactive.