Password synchronization

rdf:langString Password synchronization

rdf:langString Password synchronization is a process, usually supported by software such as password managers, through which a user maintains a single password across multiple IT systems. Provided that all the systems enforce mutually-compatible password standards (e.g. concerning minimum and maximum password length, supported characters, etc.), the user can choose a new password at any time and deploy the same password on his or her own login accounts across multiple, linked systems. Where different systems have mutually incompatible standards regarding what can be stored in a password field, the user may be forced to choose more than one (but still fewer than the number of systems) passwords. This may happen, for example, where the maximum password length on one system is shorter than the minimum length in another, or where one system requires use of a punctuation mark but another forbids it. Password synchronization is a function of certain identity management systems and it is considered easier to implement than enterprise single sign-on (SSO), as there is normally no client software deployment or need for active user enrollment.