Users get locked out from PCs

Half of users must remember four or more passwords, says research

A third of computer users are suffering from ‘access amnesia’ by failing to remember multiple passwords, according to research conducted by Citrix.

This syndrome is leading to users being blocked from applications, which may affect their ability to work effectively and cost millions of pounds in unused software licenses.

Fifty per cent of respondents, all attendees of the Citrix iForum, had between four and seven passwords to remember on a day-to-day basis. And 17 per cent had eight to 10.

Richard Jackson, managing director of UK, Ireland and South Africa at Citrix, said: 'Passwords are most commonly forgotten when you don’t use them regularly. With employees coming back from their summer breaks, it is often difficult to get back into the swing of things. It’s hard to remember numerous passwords, especially when employees are still in holiday mode.'

'We’re not suggesting that people write all their passwords on a post-it note, but companies need to look into a secure and viable solution for password management,' he said.

Jackson says single sign-on solutions may be the way forward: 'The solution automatically logs on and enforces policy and password changes, making connecting to applications easier, faster and more secure,' he said.

'As employees use more applications – both for work and leisure, there will at some point be a breaking point, and a simpler solution will be required.'

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