Password Synchronization - Uses

Uses

Password synchronization makes it easier for IT users to recall passwords and so manage their access to multiple systems, for example on an enterprise network. Since they only have to remember one or at most a few passwords, users are less likely to forget them or write them down, resulting in fewer calls to the IT Help Desk and less opportunity for coworkers, intruders or thieves to gain improper access. Through suitable security awareness and training activities, users can be encouraged to choose stronger passwords as they have fewer to remember.

Password synchronization may be easier to implement than enterprise single sign-on (SSO), as (with some approaches at least) there is no need to deploy client software on the target systems. However, there are security issues that may outweigh the benefits. As with most security decisions, there are cost-benefit considerations relating to the amount of security risk one is willing to accept.