# 2023 Bitwarden Password Decisions Survey The survey polled 800 IT decision makers across a range of industries and shows that passwordless technology is here to stay, with businesses enthusiastic about its perceived security benefits and improved user experience. *By Bitwarden* *Published: October 25, 2022* --- In its poll of 800 global IT decision makers, the Bitwarden [2023 Password Decisions Survey](https://start.bitwarden.com/hubfs/PDF/2023-password-decisions-survey.pdf) finds that passwordless technology is making its foray into business workflows, with 49% either deploying or having plans to deploy [passwordless](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/what-passwordless-adoption-means-to-enterprises/) technology. Of those respondents, two-thirds (66%) have multiple teams or 1-2 user groups going passwordless and half (51%) are relying on the ‘something you are’ (facial recognition, biometrics, fingerprint, voice) form of passwordless authentication. Overall, 41% say the primary reason to deploy passwordless technology is ‘better security’.  ## Overview Bitwarden partnered with Propeller Insights to poll independent IT decision-makers across a variety of industries who hold a key role in enterprise purchasing decisions. This year’s findings illustrate several themes: - IT decision makers continue to look to the C-Suite to drive [adoption of password management](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/how-to-motivate-employees-to-use-strong-passwords/) technologies - Security concerns are influencing business decisions - While IT decision makers are nominally the security gatekeepers, they also engage in some risky behaviors - Barriers to passwordless adoption are both technological and psychological ## Offer employees some direction A large majority of IT decision makers would like their employer to require [employees](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/employee-password-management-onboarding-and-beyond/) to use the same password manager throughout the organization. (Note to employers: if offered, 71% said they’d also be very likely to use a complimentary family account). What makes a good password manager? 60% of survey respondents cite security, 56% cite the availability of 2FA (two-factor authentication), and almost half (40%) cite ease-of-use. ![Slide 8, 2023 Password Decisions Survey](https://bitwarden.com/assets/8JK7s7aI4fY9vlQiolYiY/7ead2c7e1c6360873ed91802277b43de/enterprise_wide_pw_manager.png) ## Rise in cyberattacks from last year, ransomware a business consideration When it comes to security perceptions, the persistence of [remote work](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/securing-remote-work-password-manager/) continues to drive cybersecurity concerns among 60% of respondents. The reality isn’t rosy either, with 60% also reporting their organization experienced a cyberattack within the past year and 49% struggling with employees who use unauthorized devices or software without IT’s approval.  Perhaps in response to this landscape, 80% (up from 75% last year) report having a ransomware mitigation strategy in place and three-fourths say their organization has [cyber insurance](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/resources/qualifying-for-cyber-insurance-with-secure-password-management/). Of that percentage, 65% were required to demonstrate they offered cyber awareness training to employees when they applied for cyber insurance, 64% had to show use of MFA, and 61% had to demonstrate use of a password manager. ## Despite risks, skirting security best practices proves enticing  A majority of respondents (84%) use password managers. But, 54% also write them down in documents on their computer and 45% rely on their memory. When it comes to sharing passwords, most (66%) of respondents share passwords through a password manager.  Although nowhere near as secure, a sizable number also share via email (41%) and online documents (38%). And even though 92% are using [2FA](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/top-10-burning-questions-on-2fa/) in the workplace (up from 88% last year), nearly the same number (90%) reuse passwords. ![Slide 5, 2023 Password Decisions Survey](https://bitwarden.com/assets/1RrFJbcO997kEtHdVOSBOK/6c49d3d7096e9efcbe15ea75e45ac94b/strategies.png) ## **Barriers to deploying passwordless technology** When asked why their organization has not deployed [passwordless](https://bitwarden.com/it-it/blog/how-to-go-passwordless-with-bitwarden/) technology, 49% cite the inability of applications currently in use to make the transition and 39% say end users prefer passwords. When all respondents consider the biggest barrier to passwordless adoption, 34% say end users prefer passwords. While passwordless technology is clearly promising, its application across workflows will likely depend on a number of factors and its timeline will differ across industries.  **“**Our survey shows businesses are looking beyond passwords and desire new technologies that reflect passwordless workflows, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. While strong and unique passwords are highly effective at safeguarding data, weak or re-used passwords that are not managed by an end-to-end encrypted password manager present serious vulnerabilities. The Bitwarden approach takes into account this evolution but also reflects that adoption timelines vary by company, technology, and end-user preference and that security remains the paramount goal for individuals and enterprises alike.**”** - Bitwarden CEO Michael Crandell ## Download the full report To view the full survey findings, download the [2023 Password Decisions Survey](https://start.bitwarden.com/hubfs/PDF/2023-password-decisions-survey.pdf).