Security breaches don’t always start with a sophisticated hack. Often, it’s one reused password or an old login that no one shut down. This is why password managers are so important. They store credentials and give structure to the way your business handles access.

This article breaks down the best options available to Australian businesses. It focuses on tools that work for real teams: platforms that are easy to use, secure, and built to support small and growing businesses. Keeper Security comes out on top, but there are others that might suit your setup.

Whether you’re running the IT, managing the risk, or wearing every hat in the business, this will help you pick a password manager that keeps your team covered without slowing them down.

New to password managers? Learn more: How Password Managers Protect Your Accounts.

What SMBs Should Look For in a Password Manager

Most password managers pitch the same promises. But if you’re running a business, a tool built for personal use won’t cut it. Saving passwords is one thing, but managing access to payroll and admin logins is another. If you’re still relying on a shared vault and good intentions, it’s only a matter of time before something slips.

Here’s what to focus on when comparing tools for your business.

Prioritise Security Features

Basic features won’t cut it. You need features that reduce risk and give you visibility.

Look for:

• Zero-knowledge encryption so only your team can access stored credentials
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every login
• Strong password generation built in
• Emergency access controls in case someone gets locked out

Extras like audit logs and role-based access are also worth it. They show who accessed what, when, and how. That kind of detail matters when you’re responsible for client data or financial systems.

Good security tools don’t just protect passwords. They prevent silent risks from building up in the background. If you’re not sure how well your current setup holds up, our Guide to Strong Passwords and Authentication is a solid place to start.

Make Sure it Works for Everyone

Password managers should make things easier. If your team avoids using it, you’re no better off than before.

Choose a platform that:

• Works across mobile devices and desktop apps without glitches
• Supports biometric login for quick, secure access
• Handles browser autofill without constant errors

Look for a clean interface that your least technical employee can pick up without training. That’s what drives adoption. Not dashboards full of toggles, not endless settings. Just a straightforward tool.

Admin features should be just as smooth. You want to add and remove users in seconds. You should be able to check access history or reset credentials without opening a support ticket. The right tool should streamline your day.

The Best Password Managers in Australia Compared

Below are some platforms worth considering for your business. All of them solid, but each suited to different situations. The top pick, though: Keeper Security.

Keeper Security

Keeper Security is the standout choice for Australian SMBs. It’s built to do the essentials well, without adding unnecessary problems. Set up is fast. Admin controls are clear. Day-to-day use is simple, even for staff who aren’t tech-savvy.

This is a password management system that employs Zero Trust security.

Best for:

• SMBs rolling out password management for the first time
  It’s easy to deploy, user-friendly, and doesn’t require extensive onboarding or technical hand-holding.
• Teams that need strong control without complexity
  Keeper balances admin features and usability, making it ideal for small businesses without in-house IT.

Key features:

• Zero-knowledge encryption with strong security defaults
  No one, not even Keeper, can view your stored credentials. It’s secure by design, not just by marketing.
• Emergency access for critical scenarios
  If an admin is locked out or unavailable, nominated users can regain access without compromising security.
• Easy rollout across desktop and mobile
  Teams can log in from wherever they work without worrying about sync issues or compatibility headaches.
• Support for biometric login and role-based access
  Staff can log in with a fingerprint or face scan, and admins can define who sees what. No more shared logins or blurred boundaries.

Admins can manage credentials, set policies, and respond to incidents through a clean dashboard. It’s the kind of platform you don’t need to babysit. That makes a big difference when you’re already low on time.

For teams that share credentials, Keeper handles permission-based access. You can provision accounts, monitor usage without writing a single support ticket.

You can learn more about credential sharing with Secure Ways to Share Passwords with Employees.

LastPass

LastPass is a familiar name in password management. For solo users or small teams, it can be a good place to start, especially if the budget is limited.

Best for:

• Small businesses testing password managers for the first time
  If you’ve never used a password manager before, LastPass is an easy introduction without much overhead.
• Teams that value a free option before committing
  The free tier covers the basics, which is helpful if you’re not ready to commit to a full rollout.

Key features:

• Browser-based password storage and autofill
  It sits quietly in your browser and fills in login details without fuss; good for solo users or small teams.
• Admin console with group-based policy controls
  Business plans give you basic tools to manage user groups and permissions, though not as advanced as others.
• MFA support and secure notes
  You can lock down logins and store sensitive non-password data like API keys or client info.
• Shared folders for team use
  Small teams can collaborate without resorting to insecure methods like email or spreadsheets.

It’s a functional tool, though not as robust as others on this list. You may outgrow it quickly if you need tighter control or clearer reporting, but can certainly do a respectable job for a smaller team.

Dashlane

Dashlane stands out for its polished design. It’s intuitive and clean, with a focus on the user experience. If you’re rolling this out to a team that hates new systems, Dashlane may be the easiest sell.

Best for:

• Businesses that value aesthetics and simplicity
  The UI feels modern and well-built. If your team refuses to use clunky tools, this is a good fit.
• Teams working across a mix of mobile and desktop environments
  Dashlane performs consistently across devices, which is important for remote or hybrid teams.

Key features:

• Built-in VPN for added privacy
  This protects your network activity on public Wi-Fi. It is useful for staff working remotely or travelling.
• Password health reports
  See how strong your team’s passwords are and get suggestions to fix weak or reused ones.
• Secure file storage
  Upload documents like licence keys, onboarding info, or contracts and store them safely alongside your passwords.
• Strong mobile experience with consistent interface
  Whether you’re on Android, iOS, or desktop, the experience is seamless and familiar.

You’ll pay a little more for the polish, but for some teams that trade-off makes sense. If adoption is your main challenge, Dashlane could be a safer bet.

Bitwarden

Bitwarden is open-source, transparent, and well-liked in technical circles. It’s a serious option for teams that have in-house IT or want to tweak their setup beyond what the others allow.

Best for:

• Developers and IT-heavy teams
  If your team likes having more control under the hood, Bitwarden offers options the others don’t.
• Organisations that want a tool they can configure and control
  It’s flexible enough for advanced setups, including self-hosting if required.

Key features:

• End-to-end encryption
  Data is encrypted before it ever leaves your device, reducing the risk of exposure.
• Command-line tools for custom use cases
  If you need to script your password policies or build automation, Bitwarden won’t get in the way.
• SSO, API access, and event logs
  Built-in support for business-level integrations and visibility into access patterns.
• Options for self-hosting
  You can run your own instance if you want full control over where your data lives.

It lacks some of the UX finesse you’ll find elsewhere, but if flexibility is your priority, Bitwarden delivers. For teams that handle their own onboarding or already run internal security training, it fits right in.

If you’re investing in your team’s cyber security skills, Bitwarden pairs well with Cyber Security Awareness Training.

Intuitive Password

Intuitive Password is a locally developed platform, created and managed by an Australian company. It’s geared toward privacy-conscious users and offers a streamlined interface with decent business functionality, especially for small teams.

Best for:

• SMBs that prefer an Australian-based provider
  For some businesses, knowing where your data lives, and who’s behind the software, matters just as much as the features.
• Businesses with straightforward access needs
  If you’re not managing dozens of departments or complex role hierarchies, Intuitive can handle your day-to-day security well.

Key features:

• Two-factor authentication and AES-256 encryption
  It hits the minimum expected for security, including encrypted backups and account recovery options.
• Secure sharing with permission controls
  You can delegate access while keeping sensitive data protected. This is useful for client-facing or financial teams.
• Mobile and browser-based access
  Works across platforms, with no complex installs or sync issues.

For a deeper look at how password managers stay secure under the hood, check out our explainer: Can Password Managers Be Hacked?

Passpack

Passpack isn’t flashy, but it focuses on one thing: safe password sharing for small teams. It’s a solid mid-tier option for businesses that need collaboration features but aren’t ready to invest in a full enterprise suite.

Best for:

• Teams who need to share access cleanly and securely
  If email and spreadsheets are still your go-to for credentials, this is a serious step up.
• SMBs that want simplicity without losing structure
  Passpack covers the essentials with enough control to keep things from spiralling.

Key features:

• Group-based access management
  Assign permissions, group logins, and update credentials without broadcasting passwords to the whole team.
• Multi-device support
  Works across platforms and syncs with your workflow. No installation hurdles or complex IT asks.
• Team dashboards and shared spaces
  Gives you visibility into who has access to what, with version tracking and activity history.

It’s not the most advanced tool on the list, but it gets the basics right.

If you’re not sure what your business needs, or how to roll it out cleanly, our Cyber Security Services can help.

What is the Best Password Manager in Australia?

For most small and mid-sized businesses, Keeper Security is the strongest option. It’s secure, easy to manage, and doesn’t demand hours of training or constant maintenance. It’s built to run smoothly, without constant oversight. That’s exactly what you want in a critical security layer.

Why Keeper Security Works Best for SMBs

• It’s secure by design
  Keeper uses zero-knowledge encryption and supports multi-factor authentication out of the box. It also includes dark web monitoring and audit trails, which give your business early warning if something goes wrong.
• It handles teams properly
  From access control to shared credentials, Keeper is built for structured, role-based usage. You can set up groups, assign permissions and remove users. There are no manual workarounds.
• It scales without getting complicated
  Whether you’ve got five staff or fifty, Keeper won’t become another system to manage. Admins can make changes quickly, and staff won’t need constant hand-holding to use it.
• It supports a security-first culture
  Tools don’t fix behaviour, but they can make the right thing easier to do. Keeper makes it simple for staff to adopt stronger password habits without adding work to their day.

Keeper is easy to manage and built to support your teams without cutting corners on security. It strikes the right balance for SMBs that need control and reliability.

Learn more about online weakness: Avoid Unexpected Account Hacking. It’s a good reminder that strong security is usually about consistency.

Are the Others Worth Considering?

Yes, but context matters.

• LastPass makes sense if you’re just starting out or for smaller teams.
• Dashlane is ideal for teams that value UX and need something their staff will actually use.
• Bitwarden works best for in-house tech teams that want more flexibility or plan to self-host.

But for the majority of Australian SMBs, especially those without a dedicated IT team, Keeper is the option that delivers the right mix of control, support, and simplicity.

A Better Way to Manage Passwords

Most businesses don’t need more tools. They need the right ones, set up the right way.

Password managers are a smart step in reducing risk and keeping teams aligned. When chosen well, they sit quietly in the background and do their job. No fanfare. No disruption.

That’s exactly how we approach technology at BarberaIT.

We don’t chase trends or recommend tools we wouldn’t use ourselves. What we offer is straightforward: experienced advice, properly implemented systems, and calm support that doesn’t waste your time.

If your business is ready to move past weak passwords and scattered logins, we can help you build something better.

Explore our Password Management Solutions to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a password manager and how does it work?

A password manager is a secure tool that stores and encrypts login credentials. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords, staff only need to remember one — their master password. The platform handles the rest: generating strong passwords, filling them in across sites and apps, and keeping everything synced across devices.

For businesses, it also means central control. You can assign access, monitor usage, and revoke credentials without chasing people down.

Are free password managers safe for SMBs?

They can be, but they’re often not built for business use. Free tools usually lack admin controls, reporting, and support. That’s acceptable for personal use, but risky in a team setting. If something breaks or someone leaves, you need to be able to act fast. Free plans rarely offer that kind of control.

Can password managers be hacked?

Like any software, they’re not immune to risk. But most business-grade platforms use encryption that protects your data even if their servers are compromised. The better ones use zero-knowledge architecture, meaning even the provider can’t access your passwords.

The real danger usually comes from weak setup or user error, rather than the tool itself.

How do I migrate to a new password manager?

Most platforms let you export data from your old tool and import it into the new one. Business accounts often come with onboarding support to make that easier. If you’re managing multiple users or shared credentials, it’s worth doing this in stages to keep everything organised.

The right provider should help you get it right the first time.

The post Best Password Managers in Australia: Comparison for SMBs appeared first on Barbera IT.

Human error accounts for the majority of breaches worldwide, and Australia’s manufacturing sector has been among the hardest hit by cyberattacks in recent years. Small manufacturing businesses in particular face rising pressure. A single mistake can halt production, expose sensitive data, and undermine client trust.

Many of these incidents could be prevented with training. When employees are equipped to recognise, resist, and report threats, manufacturers not only protect intellectual property but also safeguard the continuity of their operations. This blog explores why cyber security awareness training matters in manufacturing, practical training options, and how small manufacturing businesses can build a culture of resilience.

What is cyber security awareness training for employees?

Cyber security awareness training is a structured program designed to help employees identify, avoid, and respond to cyber threats. Instead of relying only on technology, businesses strengthen their security posture by equipping staff with the knowledge and habits needed to act as the first line of defence. The importance of cyber security awareness training for employees lies in prevention. Trained staff are less likely to fall victim to scams and more likely to protect critical business systems.

Key outcomes of training include:

• Recognising phishing attempts before clicking or replying.
• Handling sensitive files securely, ensuring data isn’t exposed.
• Escalating issues quickly, so small problems don’t become major breaches.
• Building safe daily habits like cautious clicks, strong password hygiene, and confident reporting of suspicious activity.

Awareness is not enough. You need to Build a Culture of Cyber Awareness.

Why small manufacturing businesses need cyber security training

For small manufacturers, the stakes are high. In a small company, a single cyber incident can disrupt production, compromise sensitive data, and undermine client trust. Australia’s manufacturing sector is under real threat. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has made it clear that cyber security awareness training for employees in Australia is no longer optional. Recent data from the ACSC shows that critical infrastructure accounted for over 11% of cyber incidents in FY 2023–24.

Key risks faced by small manufacturers include:

• Intellectual property theft: Designs, processes, and client data are valuable targets.
• Ransomware: Attacks can lock production systems, forcing costly downtime.
• Supply chain risks: Weak links in one small business can compromise larger networks.

Want to learn more about the current threats? Here are some of the Common Cyber Threats in 2025.

Types of cyber security awareness training available

Training must align with the realities of small businesses. For manufacturers, where production schedules are tight and downtime is costly, flexibility is important.

The main delivery options are:

• In-person training: Highly engaging and effective for Q&A, but less practical for businesses with rotating shifts.
• Online cyber security awareness training for employees: Cost-effective, flexible, and scalable. Modules can be completed at any time, minimising production disruption.

For manufacturers, a hybrid approach works best: use in-person sessions to launch or refresh, then maintain momentum with ongoing online modules.

Cost considerations

Many small manufacturing businesses assume training is prohibitively expensive, but that’s a misconception. Recovery costs after a breach, such as lost production, freight delays, reputational damage, almost always outweigh the investment in training. Online delivery makes high-quality programs even more affordable without sacrificing impact. Don’t let a breach cost you. Read about recent security breaches, including a ransomware attack on a global car manufacturer.

Key topics covered in effective cyber security training

For training to make an impact, it must reflect the real risks employees encounter every day. Small manufacturing businesses are often targeted through tactics like phishing emails, malware-laced downloads, weak passwords, and poor reporting habits. By addressing these areas directly, employees gain the skills and confidence to act as the first line of defence.

• Phishing and social engineering: Training employees to spot fraudulent emails, fake invoices, and supplier impersonation scams.
• Password management and MFA: Emphasising long passwords (14+ characters) rather than complex symbols, supported by multi-factor authentication to prevent credential theft.
• Safe internet and email practices: Avoiding suspicious links, malicious downloads, and insecure Wi-Fi connections.
• Data handling: Covering not only the storage, transfer, and disposal of sensitive files, but also how and where data is accessed, and by whom.
• Incident reporting: Giving staff clear, simple steps to report suspicious activity quickly, so threats are escalated before damage occurs.

Together, these represent manufacturing cyber security best practices, ensuring employees apply consistent, practical protections.

For additional guidance, see our Essential Tips For Cyber Hygiene in 2025.

Building a culture of cyber awareness in manufacturing

Cyber awareness training truly works when it’s woven into the culture of manufacturing teams, not treated like a one-off task. For manufacturers, where every minute counts and risks abound, consistency and leadership matter.

• Ongoing engagement: Schedule regular micro-sessions, refreshers, or brief workshops that reinforce key lessons on a set cadence. Don’t let training fade after launch.
• Leadership support: Have managers lead by example. Use MFA, report phishing attempts openly, and praise team members who spot or report suspicious activity.
• Accountability without blame: Encourage staff to see themselves as a defender of manufacturing data. Reward threat reporting and make it safe to speak up if someone makes a mistake.

The ACSC advises that developing cyber culture through awareness, leadership and shared responsibility, is key to building lasting protection, not just ticking a compliance box. In the financial year of 2023-24, the ACSC handled over 1100 security incidents, with more than 11% involving critical infrastructure networks like manufacturing. You need to be proactive, and you can learn how: Proactive vs Reactive Approaches to Cyber Threats.

Measuring the effectiveness of cyber security training

Training is only valuable if it leads to real behavioural change. You ultimately want to reduce human error and protect sensitive information. Measuring effectiveness is critical:

Assessments and quizzes:Gauge employee understanding after training modules.

Simulated phishing exercises: Safe, controlled tests that mimic attacker tactics to show how staff respond and reinforce good habits. Results can highlight click rates, reporting rates, and departmental risk levels to pinpoint where awareness is strong and where improvement is needed.

Monitoring incident reports: Tracking the volume and speed of reporting shows whether employees are more alert and confident in escalating issues.

Regular refreshers: Short sessions keep staff alert to new scams, attack techniques, and compliance requirements.

These measurements ensure IT security training for staff delivers tangible results, not just tick-box compliance. When done effectively, you will reduce security risks and empower employees to reduce security incidents.

Protect your business from within

For small manufacturers, one misstep online can stop production as quickly as a broken machine. Cyber security awareness training gives employees the skills to recognise and report threats before they spread. Embed training into everyday routines, measure what works, and back it with leadership support. That’s how you build resilience where it matters most: on the factory floor and across your supply chain. At BarberaIT, our programs measure results through reporting rates and risk scores. We provide cyber security awareness training for employees that’s built around real-world phishing simulations, tailored for manufacturers. Partner with us to develop a cyber awareness training program suited to your workforce and risk profile.

FAQs

• Why is cyber security training important for small manufacturing businesses?

Cyber security training is important for small manufacturing businesses because attackers see them as vulnerable targets. By teaching staff how to avoid phishing, protect data, and prevent downtime, businesses safeguard production schedules, intellectual property, and customer trust.

• How often should employees complete cyber security awareness training?

Employees should complete cyber security awareness training at least quarterly. Short refreshers and simulated phishing tests every few months help reinforce habits, keeping staff ready for evolving threats without disrupting daily operations.

• What topics should employee cyber security training cover?

Employee cyber security training should cover phishing awareness, password security, multi-factor authentication, safe email and internet use, data handling, and incident reporting. These focus areas mirror the daily risks staff face and build consistent, safe behaviours.

• Is online cyber security training effective for shift-based teams?

Online cyber security training is effective for shift-based teams because it provides flexible, consistent access across different schedules. Many manufacturers strengthen this by combining online modules with in-person workshops for onboarding and ongoing engagement.

The post Cyber security training for employees in manufacturing: protecting your business from within appeared first on Barbera IT.

Unfortunately, the insidious nature of these attacks means that stopping them is often easier said than done. How do you secure your business when one staff member can undermine it all in an instant? One way is through phishing tests.

Discover the biggest security mistakes small businesses make

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing is one of the most common types of social engineering attacks. Unlike traditional cyber security threats, which often rely on advanced technological techniques, social engineering leverages human psychology. Malicious actors attempt to trick employees into compromising the business’ security, opening attack vectors for them.

Phishing accomplishes this through impersonation. Threat actors pretend to be a trusted entity such as a manager or third-party vendor, and convince staff members to download malware or hand over login credentials. They typically do this by inducing a powerful emotion such as fear (for example, they may threaten the employee’s job). Usual types of phishing threats include email scams, smishing (SMS messages), or vishing (phone calls). However, thanks to the introduction of deep fake technology, even a video conference could be a cyber-attack in disguise these days.

What is a phishing simulation test?

As with all social engineering attacks, your best defence is education. Staff must know what to look for and how to respond. For this reason, many cyber awareness courses already contain training modules that discuss phishing attempts. But there is one flaw in this plan, and you likely already know what it is: training so often goes in one ear and right out the other. Until you experience a real attack, it is hard to know how effective your courses have been.

This is exactly the principle that phishing tests leverage. Instead of waiting until your business is in real danger, you run simulated phishing attacks. This strategy allows you to uncover knowledge gaps in a safe environment, providing you with an opportunity to correct them. Phishing tests are an essential part of modern cyber security.

Learn how to protect your business from AI-powered phishing attacks

The benefits of phishing testing

Phishing simulation tests may seem underhanded at first glance. But it’s important to remember that this is not about “Catching out” your employees. You are not trying to punish or trap anyone, but to educate them in a more practical way. There are a few important benefits when you train your employees in this way:

• Risk Reduction: By identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do, you can address them early and reduce your risk of a real scam succeeding.
• Cost Savings: Cyber awareness training is far cheaper than recovering from a breach.
• Compliance: Documented phishing testing helps demonstrate regulatory compliance. If you are breached anyway, this could prove invaluable.
• Staff Morale: When employees feel equipped and empowered to assist in your business’ cyber security, morale rises.

How to create a phishing email test that works

Simulated phishing emails are the fastest – and most effective – way to check your team’s knowledge. Here’s how you can create one that will serve your needs:

Tailor Your Message:

Mimic threats your business is likely to face in real life. For example, you might use particular vendors that are often impersonated, or be more likely to receive a certain type of request. You can use real phishing attempts in your inbox as a reference. Include a fake – but harmless – “malicious” link.

Track Metrics:

Measure click-through rates (CTRs), report rates, and response time. Ironically, unlike most situations, you are looking for a low CTR here instead of a high one.

Follow Up:

Create a list of everyone who clicked the link or offered sensitive information, and provide additional training for those people. It is important not to shame or embarrass them. Humiliated employees will shut down and won’t learn anything. Your goal is simply to support them.

Repeat:

Schedule similar tests on a regular basis to keep awareness high. You may choose a set time (for example, every six months) or perform tests randomly. The latter will make it easier to detect gaps, as staff won’t be expecting the test.

FAQs

How often should I run an email phishing test?

Phishing simulations should be performed at least a couple of times per year. The more often you repeat them, the more your message will sink in. You should also perform a test after each security incident.

Will phishing tests upset my staff?

Not if you handle them correctly. Be empathic and reassuring. Emphasise that the purpose of these tests is to help your staff, not embarrass them.

What is the point of a phishing link test?

The link is an important part of your phishing testing. It tells you how many employees fell for the scam. Many real attackers will use links, so you need to know who will click on them.

Is there phishing email test software available?

There is phishing email test software available to help, if necessary. However, you can also do it by yourself or ask your managed service provider for help.

How can I teach my staff about phishing scams?

Teach employees about the tell-tale signs of a scam, such as suspicious links or attachments and an attempt to elicit emotion. Explain what they should do if they suspect someone is trying to scam them. For example, they might delete the email or reach out independently to verify information. Use real phishing attempts to provide a practical example, and explain what can go wrong if employees fall for the scam.

Empower your team to stop cyber threats

Phishing tests help create a security-first culture that allows your team to confidently handle cyber-attacks. It’s not about distrusting your staff. It’s about giving them the skills they need to thrive, both now and in the future. In the process, you lower your risk of experiencing a devastating breach that could cost you time, money, and trust.

BarberaIT is ready to help you secure your business. We provide Australian businesses with the information they need to prevent cyber-attacks, mitigate risk, and ensure a profitable future. If you’re interested, start by learning some essential cyber hygiene tips.

The post Phishing tests: the cyber security must-have for every SMB appeared first on Barbera IT.

This result shows the value and effectiveness of our co-security mindset.

WithSecure Elements has been chosen in a survey of 1700 software users as the #1 solution for Endpoint Protection. Customers evaluated 17 software vendors on their customer experience, rating each offering in categories like product impact and service experience.

Now the results are in.

WithSecure earned a Champion place with an overall customer experience score of 9.6/10. This top score shows that our endpoint protection is not only a high-performance technology offering, it’s also a great value, customer-focused service.

We believe that a co-security mindset enables better security outcomes.  We are committed to delivering the highest level of security, which is only possible through collaboration. The best-in-class ranking underscores the effectiveness of our co-security mindset.

The post WithSecure Emotional Footprint Award Winner 2024 appeared first on Barbera IT.