Managing passwords securely and efficiently is essential for companies and agencies. With the advent of new tools and updates in popular operating systems, there’s no excuse for leaving your security to chance. Let’s explore the latest advancements in password management, review major password management tools, and highlight collaborative features like partner accounts that are increasingly essential.
Apple’s Password App: A New Era in Built-In Security
The latest versions of macOS and iOS come equipped with a built-in password manager, the Apple Passwords App. Integrated directly into the operating system, users can store, generate, and manage complex passwords securely. Features include:
Here is a clean, business-ready feature list for the Apple Passwords app, written to drop directly into your article. Each item uses a bold title, a colon, and a concise description, with no external links.
AutoFill Across Apps and Browsers: Automatically fills passwords, passkeys, and verification codes on websites and in apps system-wide.
Centralized Credential Hub: Stores passwords, passkeys, verification codes, and Wi-Fi credentials in one secure, system-level app synced across Apple devices.
Cross-Platform Access: Provides access to stored passwords on Windows through iCloud integration and browser extensions.
Deleted Item Recovery: Allows recovery of recently deleted passwords and passkeys, reducing the risk of accidental data loss.
End-to-End Encryption: Protects all stored credentials with strong encryption so only the account holder can access them.
Legacy Contacts: Lets users designate trusted contacts who can recover passwords and passkeys in the event of account loss or death.
Passkeys: Replaces traditional passwords with phishing-resistant, biometric-based authentication using Face ID or Touch ID where supported.
Password Import and Migration: Supports importing credentials from other password managers, simplifying transitions from legacy tools.
Secure Sharing: Allows users to share passwords and passkeys through shared groups, enabling collaboration without exposing raw credentials.
Security Alerts: Identifies weak, reused, or compromised passwords and prompts users to update them proactively.
Shared Groups: Supports creating custom groups for teams, partners, or households, where updates sync automatically for all members.
Verification Codes (2FA): Generates and stores time-based authentication codes, eliminating the need for a separate authenticator app.
This built-in solution provides a secure, unified approach to password management for teams and agencies working on Apple devices.
Download Apple Passwords
Google Chrome Password Manager: Expanding Its Ecosystem
Google Chrome’s Password Manager continues to improve, now allowing full integration with Apple’s Password App. This cross-platform compatibility is critical for teams using diverse devices and operating systems. Features include:
Apple Passwords Integration: Supports importing and syncing credentials with Apple’s Passwords app, improving interoperability for teams working across ecosystems.
Automatic Password Generation: Creates strong, unique passwords during account creation and saves them automatically to prevent reuse.
AutoFill Across Web and Apps: Seamlessly fills passwords and passkeys in Chrome, supported Android apps, and Google services.
Built-In at No Cost: Included with Chrome and Google accounts, removing licensing barriers for individuals and small teams.
Chrome Profiles: Separates credentials by role, brand, or client using individual browser profiles, which is especially useful for agencies managing multiple accounts.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS environments.
Google Account–Based Syncing: Stores passwords securely in a Google account and syncs them across all signed-in devices.
Limited Secure Sharing: Allows password sharing with Google Family members, currently capped at six users and not optimized for business collaboration.
Multi-Device Access: Provides access to saved credentials on any device where Chrome or a Google account is in use.
Passkeys Support: Enables passwordless authentication using device-level security for supported websites.
Password Health Checkup: Identifies weak, reused, or compromised passwords and prioritizes remediation.
Security Alerts: Notifies users when stored credentials appear in known data breaches and prompts password changes.
Combined with Google Chrome profiles, this is a fantastic solution. Unfortunately, sharing is limited to family members with a maximum of 6. I look forward to expanding these features within Google Workspace to accommodate sharing.
Log Into Google Password Manager
Partner Accounts: A Game-Changer for Teams and Agencies
Modern password management tools recognize the growing need for team collaboration. Many platforms now offer partner accounts to share and manage access securely. One standout example is Shopify Partners, which allows teams to manage multiple client accounts seamlessly without sharing sensitive credentials.
Benefits include:
Granular Permissions: Assign specific roles and restrict access to only necessary features.
Activity Tracking: Monitor who accesses what and when.
Streamlined Onboarding: Easily add or remove team members.
These features eliminate the risks associated with shared credentials while promoting efficient teamwork.
Join Shopify Partners
Password Management Tools
Choosing the right password management tool can significantly impact security and collaboration. Below is a list of leading tools, each with features designed to meet teams and agencies’ unique needs.
1Password: Known for its intuitive interface, 1Password includes features like Watchtower, which monitors web breaches involving stored credentials. Separate vaults for teams or projects, secure partner access, and support for biometric login make it a strong contender.
Dashlane: Dashlane offers a user-friendly platform that excels in individual and team password management. Features include team sharing with granular permissions, emergency access for designated contacts, and robust security alerts for weak or compromised passwords. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures seamless access across devices and browsers.
Keeper: Designed with enterprise-grade security, Keeper is ideal for larger teams. It offers role-based access controls, encrypted messaging within the platform, and compliance tools to meet standards like GDPR and SOC 2. Its advanced features ensure both security and collaboration.
LastPass: A popular choice for teams, LastPass provides shared folders to organize credentials by project or team, customizable security policies to enforce employee compliance, and multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Its built-in audit tools help identify and resolve security gaps efficiently.
NordPass: NordPass delivers password health reports to improve security practices, browser extensions for convenience, and offline access for situations without an internet connection. Custom fields allow additional data storage, like software licenses, making it versatile for team use.
Proton Pass: Proton Pass lets employees create, store, manage, and share passwords that safeguard your organization from online threats.
Selecting the right password manager depends on your team’s needs: robust team collaboration or advanced security features.
Best Password Management Practices
Password security is no longer just an IT concern—it’s an operational discipline that directly affects client trust, internal efficiency, and business continuity. As teams adopt built-in password managers, passkeys, and shared access tools, strong habits matter just as much as the technology itself. The following best practices outline how businesses and agencies can reduce risk, simplify access management, and create a security culture that scales as teams and partnerships grow.
Adopt Passwordless Authentication: Use passkeys, biometrics, or device-based authentication where supported to reduce phishing risk and eliminate password reuse entirely.
Centralize Credential Storage: Store all passwords, passkeys, and verification codes in a single trusted password manager to prevent shadow IT and insecure personal storage.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require a second verification factor—such as biometrics, hardware keys, or time-based codes—on all critical accounts.
Enforce Strong Password Standards: Require long, complex, randomly generated passwords rather than human-created credentials.
Limit Access by Role: Grant users only the credentials they need for their responsibilities, reducing the impact of compromised accounts.
Monitor Security Alerts: Act quickly on breach notifications, compromised credential warnings, and password health reports from your password manager.
Regularly Audit Access: Review shared credentials and permissions on a scheduled basis, especially after staffing or role changes.
Rotate Credentials Periodically: Change passwords for high-risk systems and shared accounts on a defined cadence or after any security incident.
Separate Personal and Work Credentials: Use dedicated business accounts or browser profiles to avoid cross-contamination between personal and company access.
Use Secure Sharing Features: Share access through built-in sharing or partner account systems rather than email, chat tools, or spreadsheets.
Vet Third-Party Access: Evaluate the security posture of vendors, contractors, and partners before granting credential access.
Train Teams on Phishing Awareness: Educate employees to recognize social engineering, spoofed login pages, and malicious links that target credential theft.
Password management is no longer optional for teams and agencies handling sensitive client data. Agencies and companies can enhance security, streamline collaboration, and maintain productivity by leveraging tools like Apple Passwords, Google Chrome’s Password Manager, and industry-leading password management solutions. With features like partner accounts and activity tracking, these platforms address the unique needs of modern teams and agencies, ensuring your team remains secure while sharing access effectively.
Invest in the right tools and practices today to protect your organization’s future.
©2026 DK New Media, LLC, All rights reserved | DisclosureOriginally Published on Martech Zone: New Year Security Tune-Up: How To Fix Your Password Chaos and Keep Your Business Safe