Newest Bitwarden Release Solves Critical Enterprise And Individual Cybersecurity Needs

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
6,506
New cybersecurity features make password management easier for businesses and individuals to protect sensitive data, provide enhanced customization and put credential management at the fingertips of a well-protected workforce.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2021) - Bitwarden today announced the release of five major new features to make password management easier for businesses and individuals. These features include Emergency Access, Biometrics for Browsers, Expanded Management Roles, new Enterprise Policies and Encrypted Export. The robust foundation of the Bitwarden solution, enhanced with these innovations, gives companies and individuals even more empowerment to securely store and share sensitive information.

This release builds on recent recognition from US News & World Report, who ranked Bitwarden the number one password manager in their inaugural 2021 ranking. In that evaluation, an initial roundup of 18 companies, led to 12 explored in more depth, and Bitwarden ranked number one with a score of 4.1 of 5, compared to an average of 3.8.

For the first major release of 2021, the Bitwarden team added multiple major enhancements to the product, addressing critical cybersecurity needs for all users. Each feature will be shared in more detail on the Bitwarden blog.
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
6,506
First follow up blog post:
Browsing is a touch easier with Bitwarden!
Bitwarden is adding a touch more convenience to your browser in 2021!

Last year Bitwarden took the first step in integrating Touch ID and Windows Hello to the Desktop platforms, and as part of the first release of 2021, that functionality is extending to Browser Extensions, too!

How it works
As part of the Desktop client addition of biometric support, Bitwarden leverages an operating system-level integration with hardware that performs authentication .

Browser extensions will now be able to access this authentication inside the Desktop application. This allows a more streamlined integration with hardware that does not require a unique browser-level integration.

Biometric authentication requires macOS users to download the Mac App Store version, available here - while Windows users will need to perform a direct download, available here.

Enabling Browser Biometrics
To start using Touch ID or Windows Hello to unlock your browser extension, install the Desktop Application and enable the applicable biometric option and Browser Integration under Preferences → Options.

Once the desktop application is configured, log into your Bitwarden browser extension and enable Unlocking with biometrics under Settings → Options. The desktop application will confirm the connection to your browser extension to complete the configuration.

Biometrics requires a new permission from the browser extension. This is currently available and optional for all chrome-based browsers. Firefox and Safari will gain biometric functionality in the near future.

Biometrics and best practices
The addition of biometric unlocking for the browser extensions extends security and productivity for Bitwarden users. Secure hardware biometric functions allow users to keep the total unlocked Vault time to a minimum by locking on shorter intervals more easily, using their face or fingerprint to unlock instead of typing a master password!

Learn More
For documentation on configuring biometric authentication in Bitwarden, please check out our help article here.
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
6,506
Next one:

Bitwarden releases the Emergency Access feature for peace of mind in unprecedented times:​

The Bitwarden Emergency Access feature offers a new way to make your secure data available to those who may need it under critical circumstances. This feature is among many improvements recently released and shared over the coming week.

Bitwarden users with Premium features can now invite others to access their Bitwarden Vault in the case where the inviting user can no longer log in or provide access to that data. The inviting users, known as “grantors,” are able to specify emergency contacts, known as “grantees,” that can request access to the grantor’s Vault data. Please note that those receiving invites, “grantees”, do not need Premium access.

Proactive configuration

The year 2020 taught us that many unexpected things can happen – and quickly. The Emergency Access feature removes the concern about how to gain access to important digital items for family, friends, colleagues, and caretakers under certain circumstances.

Emergency contacts can be granted the option to take over Vault data or have view-only access. Viewing the data allows an emergency contact to reference the information within the Web Vault. Vault takeover allows the user to reset the Master Password of the grantor, even if two-step login is enabled, as well as access and manage the Vault data completely.

Adding emergency contacts requires the selection of a delay period. During this time, the grantee can refuse the request for Vault access, offering flexibility. Some may need access more quickly, and some may need it in a worst-case scenario, after a longer period of time.

Security focused

Bitwarden remains laser-focused on security, including for features that need to allow flexible data access. Decryption keys are never stored with the Bitwarden service, and all sensitive data is transmitted in an encrypted state between the user requesting and the user providing access to a Vault.

How to set up Emergency Access

Emergency Access is available to all Premium, Family, Teams, and Enterprise users. Start exploring Emergency Access along with other great features in the platform by selecting the plan that’s right for you or your business.

To learn more about enabling and configuring Emergency Access, please check out our help article here.
 

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top