Over the last decade, the gig economy boom has allowed professionals worldwide to switch to freelancing and build a network of international clients.&nbsp;
According to Upwork, 1 in 3 US workers engaged in freelance work during 2020. Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Does your company hire freelancers? How do you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share passwords with freelancers</a>? TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for small businesses, startups, and agencies to share credentials securely with team members and freelancers. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>10 Successful Freelancers</h2>
Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records&mdash;many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>1. Scott Luscombe - Graphic Designer / Shopify Expert / Website Developer / Copywriter&nbsp; - Canada</h3>
Scott Luscombe is a freelance graphic designer, Shopify expert, website developer, and copywriter from Uxbridge, Canada. He holds a degree in Illustration from Sheridan College and a degree in Marketing from the University of Toronto.
Scott has been a freelancer for most of his professional career and has earned over $500k on Upwork. He has completed over 311 jobs and worked&nbsp;10,956 hours!&nbsp;
Scott's work includes graphic design and branding, illustration and icons, copywriting, website design and development, UX/UI, and printing and packaging. He also provides freelance coaching and consulting. Scott is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $99 per hour for various creative gigs.
Some of Scott's most notable work includes designs for Coca-Cola, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nickelodeon, and Wallet Ninja (to name a few).&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1">Kathy Edens is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $300k platform earnings! Kathy has been self-employed as a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter for almost ten years from her home in Ohio, United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Psychology from Oregon State University, which she says "...helps me understand how to reach your target audience with words."&nbsp;
Kathy has ghost-written several non-fiction books on various topics, including social entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate investing, and the cannabis industry, to name a few.
Kathy also writes web content, sales pages, email marketing content, case studies, white papers, brochures, press releases, and more. Kathy's rates start at $86 per hour for her writing and marketing services.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>3. Koen van Oeveren - UX designer - Netherlands</h3>
Koen van Oeveren is a freelance UI &amp; UX designer from North Brabant, Netherlands, with almost ten years of experience. Koen works with several design agencies in the Netherlands, designing apps, websites, and eCommerce experiences for many international brands.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Koen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Multimedia Design from Avans University in the Netherlands. Koen's <a href="https://www.koenvo.com/index.html">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio">2021 awwwards. Award</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>4. Pascal Strasche - Product / UX designer - Germany</h3>
Pascal Strasche is a product and UX designer with more than ten years of design experience from Germany. He holds a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, both from HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
For almost a year over 2020/2021, Pascal worked as the sole product designer to design Con Cubo's SaaS tool that helps complex organizations visualize and manage teams. He's also worked with German steel giant XOM Materials to find product solutions to digitalize&nbsp;Germany's steel industry.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In 2019, Pascal founded Product Design Resources, a growing archive of 800+ design resources, weekly updated for the design community.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>5. Paul Hunkin - Developer - New Zealand</h3>
Paul Hunkin is a freelance software consultant and developer from Tauranga, New Zealand, but currently living in Portugal.&nbsp;
Paul has over ten years of experience as a software developer with an impressive work history, including Google, NASA, InfoSys, and the Chinese aerospace industry leader COMAC.
He's worked with several early-stage startups designing everything from high-performance big-data systems to complex web applications to 3D rendering engines. He's also built a lot of the foundational code for independent games on Android.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Paul is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. His rates start at $120 per hour for software development. <a href="https://paulh.consulting/">Check out Paul's website</a> for more about his impressive portfolio and work history.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>6. Jana Galat - Writer / Brand Strategist - Canada</h3>
Jana Galat is a freelance copywriter and brand strategist from Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Studies from King's University College and an Honors in Business Administration from Western University.
Jana has extensive experience writing landing pages, email campaigns, social media ads, and print materials and says, "I am obsessed with creating copy that sells..."
After several years of professional work experience, Jana went freelance in 2019 and has quickly built a reputation as a <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01bfa17a48301876dd">Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $70k in platform earnings. Jana's rates start at $100 per hour for copywriting and brand consulting.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>7. Kate H. - Logo Designer / Branding Expert - United States</h3>
Kate is a freelance professional logo designer and branding expert from Maryland, United States. Kate&nbsp;ran her own green wedding brand which she sold to mywedding.com in 2014, allowing her to focus on helping small&nbsp;businesses figure out what they want (and who they are) and translate that into design.
She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale School of The Environment, and a J.D. in environmental law from Pace Law School.&nbsp;
Kate's skillset includes redesigning and updating material to make it easier to understand, building a consistent brand from a simple starting point like a logo, and creating unique logos that guarantee results.
Kate is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer, and her rates start at $225 per hour. You can find out more about Kate on her <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~013ce73876c1c18126" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Upwork profile</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>8. Marcos Rezende - UX designer - Canada</h3>
Marcos Rezende is a UX Designer from Ontario, Canada, with more than 13 years of experience. Marcos has worked in over 30 industry sectors for multinational organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Brazil.&nbsp;
Some of Marcos' notable projects include apps for Ontario's COVID-19 dashboard, Urban Master Planning collaboration platform, and Reaction (kid's e-learning app), to name a few.&nbsp;
Marcos loves sharing his industry expertise with aspiring UX designers and regularly writes for the popular UX publication Career Foundry. Total recognizes Marcos as part of its "Top 3%" of global freelancer talent&mdash;a title given to elite freelancers in their given field.
We don't have access to Marcos' rates, but the best UX designers on Upwork earn upwards of $100 per hour. As a Toptal Top 3% freelancer, Marcos likely charges $200-$300 per hour.
<a href="https://www.marcosrezende.com/">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende">awwwards.</a> in 2021.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>9. Tanya Litvinova - UX/UI Designer - United States</h3>
Tanya Litvinova is a freelance UX/UI designer from New York City, United States. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design / Communication Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Tanya specializes in product, mobile, and web design as well as user experience flow, research, and validation.
"I have a passion to make the complex simple, shape behavior, design, plan, and strategize. Aiming for the best user experience, all the while balancing the needs of business and technology to create engaging, habit-forming digital products."
Tanya has worked with Fortune 100 &amp; Fortune 500 companies and successfully delivered business-transforming data-driven analytics, responsive BI dashboards, enterprise web apps, and management systems. Some of Tanya's notable clients include KOCH Industries, BlackRock Financial, BCG Group, and FireEye, to name a few.
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0165035041b26e96df">Tanya is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with more than $200k platform earnings. Her current rate starts at $162.50 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>10. Guangming Lang - Data Scientist - United States</h3>
Guangming Lang is a freelance data scientist from Michigan, United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from New College of Florida and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. Guangming has also completed several Coursera courses in data science and machine learning.
Guangming has been a freelancer since 2013 and has worked across several industries, including fintech, trading, medicine, biotech, advertising, and HR.&nbsp;
Guangming is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. He's completed 216 jobs on Upwork totaling 3,805 hours! Guangming's current rates start at $200 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Secure Freelancer Workflows With TeamPassword</h2>
No matter how talented or reputable the freelancers and contractors you hire, your company must use secure workflows to protect your digital assets.
Freelancers often need access to shared accounts and tools. Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is the first step to securing these accounts and platforms. You can also use a password manager to share credentials with employees, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure you never expose raw passwords via email, spreadsheets, chat apps, and other non-secure methods.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> lets you create groups to share access with only those who need it. When they're done, revoke access with a single click. No need to change passwords every time someone leaves the team.
If you do need to change a password, TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password management solution</a>? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free trial</a> to secure your company's digital assets today!

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field.

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in ...

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records—many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!

Consider a typical day at a digital marketing agency. How many client and company accounts do you think you log into over the course of a day? Ten? Twenty? Amongst all the employees at a digital marketing agency, there could be hundreds of logins each day into private accounts.
That&rsquo;s why password protection for digital agencies should be a top priority and not an afterthought.
Unfortunately, many digital marketing agencies fail to follow password management best practices. Perhaps the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-state-of-the-password-problem-in-2021" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">most concerning example</a> of poor password management is that nearly <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/world-password-day-the-first-thursday-in-may" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">70% of all Americans use the same password</a> for multiple accounts, at home and at work. And when you consider that over <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99529-3-in-4-people-at-risk-of-being-hacked-due-to-poor-password-practices" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">80% of all data breaches result from poor password</a> security, the potential for a data breach in a digital marketing agency is monumental.
For the safety and reputation of your company, as well as the security of the many client accounts accessed on a daily basis, password protection for digital agencies is a critical necessity. Thankfully, password management best practices are fairly easy to follow, and can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach.
Here are five key takeaways to act upon now:
<ul>
<li>Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each account to minimize the risk of a major data breach. Utilizing a password manager can help generate highly secure, encrypted passwords.</li>
<li>Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by enabling 2FA on work accounts. This acts as a deterrent to hackers and enhances security, especially when combined with strong passwords.</li>
<li>Avoid Password Sharing: Ensure that employees do not share passwords. Each individual should have a unique password for every login or application, making it easier for IT admins to manage security and control account access.</li>
<li>Secure Wi-Fi Practices: Remote workers should secure their home Wi-Fi networks, and employees working outside the office should avoid using public Wi-Fi for logging into accounts to prevent data hijacking by hackers.</li>
<li>Use a Password Manager: Implement a password manager, like TeamPassword, to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account. Password managers simplify the process of adhering to password management best practices and enhance overall security for digital agencies.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#stronguniquepasswords" rel="follow">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</a></li>
<li><a href="#enable2fa" rel="follow">Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</a></li>
<li><a href="#dontsharepasswords" rel="follow">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords</a></li>
<li><a href="#donotaccessprivateaccounts" rel="follow">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</a></li>
<li><a href="#useapasswordmanager" rel="follow">Use a Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#faq" rel="follow">FAQs</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Password Management Best Practices</h2>
Hackers and cybercriminals don&rsquo;t always choose random targets, and they don&rsquo;t just target large corporations as the media might make it seem. Instead, they target smaller businesses where the chances of a successful cyberattack are high. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-security-threats-for-small-businesses" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Digital marketing agencies are at particular risk</a> and a common target due to the high number of accounts a hacker might be able to access. Hackers are relying on employees not following password management best practices. Don&rsquo;t make it easy for them.
<h3 id="stronguniquepasswords">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</h3>
The first defense against a major data breach is using strong, unique passwords for each account. That way, even if one account is breached, the hacker will not have the password to access additional accounts. However, it is also important to realize that even user-generated passwords can be vulnerable &mdash; in fact, a Deloitte study revealed that over <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/90-percent-of-passwords-vulnerable-to-hacking-2013-1" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">90% of user-generated passwords are still vulnerable</a> to cyberattacks.
So how can digital marketing agencies combat cyber threats? Simply by using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/">password manager</a> to generate highly secure, encrypted passwords that help keep your accounts and critical data safe. More on using password managers in a bit. First, consider the next important step in password protection for digital agencies.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="573" height="436">
Built-in password generator
<h3 id="enable2fa">Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
You may have experienced <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2FA</a> already with some of your own personal accounts. But by enabling two-factor authentication on as many work accounts as possible, you can add an extra layer of password protection for digital agencies. Accounts enabled with 2FA make data much more secure and are a major deterrent to hackers.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/DmBsCrqDTr2ShbqBusdP" alt="2FA vs MFA Venn.webp" width="299" height="299">
Understandably, employees who aren&rsquo;t apt to change their passwords much probably aren&rsquo;t going to enjoy the extra login step required by 2FA either. But when used in conjunction with a strong password, 2FA offers additional protection against other <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">types of password attacks</a> such as social engineering and phishing attempts as well.
<h3 id="dontsharepasswords">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords with Anyone</h3>
Another important step in ensuring strong password protection for digital agencies is for all employees to avoid sharing passwords. Each employee should have their own unique password for every login or app. This makes it easier for IT admins to keep a good handle on security, and also ensures that only those who are authorized can access an account.
When using a tool where shared credentials are necessary, they should only be shared and accessed within an encrypted environment - i.e., a password manager.&nbsp;
<h3 id="donotaccessprivateaccounts">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</h3>
Much of today&rsquo;s workforce consists of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">hybrid and remote workers</a>. Digital marketers working from home must take care to ensure that their Wi-Fi network is secure and that their systems and software are updated. Likewise, employees working in the field or while out on a lunch break must avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into accounts. It is too easy for hackers and cybercriminals to hijack data being sent over a public network.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/49dfYwKbTyycsYTZYmIu" alt="Cybercriminal intercepting data.webp" width="373" height="373">
VPNs make this safer by encrypting your data so it's harder to intercept. Understand, however, that you must trust your VPN provider - they're handling your data!
<h3 id="useapasswordmanager">Use a Password Manager</h3>
As we mentioned earlier, using a password manager serves a multitude of benefits. For starters, it eliminates the need for employees to attempt to remember a number of unique passwords. Password managers work by generating strong, unique passwords for each account, which are then stored in an encrypted account. Employees then need only remember one password to access the information in the password manager, which subsequently grants entry to the desired account.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1).gif" width="871" height="490">
Additionally, password managers are much more adept at generating strong passwords, using a long string of random upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, as opposed to patterns that make passwords weaker.
Password managers also make it easy to change passwords for multiple accounts as often as you&rsquo;d like. That means you can have all your employee&rsquo;s passwords changed without causing a ripple in productivity while still adhering to password management best practices.
<h2 id="faq">FAQ:</h2>
<h3>Is it safe to share your password with a marketing team?</h3>
It is usually more efficient for the marketing team if you give them access to your social media accounts and other analytics they need.
Most professional social media accounts allow you to assign different roles so that you don't have to worry about a third party taking over your account (as an example, <a href="https://help.instagram.com/218638451837962" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here's instructions for Instagram</a>).&nbsp;
<h3>What is a good password example?</h3>
For a good password, you need length, complexity, and randomness.&nbsp;
You can achieve this with a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a>, which will throw something like this: G'P3Ks}Ndklb^"Tl*A?"%-oQ,G$UNee]
If you need to memorize the password, you can create a passphrase. The most common way is to combine three to five random or meaningful-to-you words together with some symbols thrown in: cookie-algebra-562024-f!@tball
When going the passphrase right, length is important. If the account limits you to 12 or 16 characters, you're better off using the password generator.&nbsp;
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
TeamPassword is a business-oriented password manager specially designed to solve many of the security threats that small businesses and digital marketing agencies face daily.
The biggest challenge, of course, is managing passwords and providing secure access to team members. TeamPassword solves these challenges and more with flexible password management to suit the size of your teams and your business.&nbsp;
Protect your agency today with&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword's free 14-day trial</a>!
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Password protection for digital agencies is essential as hackers continue to target businesses that work with multiple client accounts.

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with ...

Password Protection Best Practices | TeamPassword

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with multiple business and client accounts.

Password Protection Best Practices for Digital Agencies

The workplace is changing. In the United States alone, <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/2022">4.7 million</a> people now work remotely, at least part-time. Globally 16% of companies are now fully remote. Organizations are no longer restricted to a local pool of candidates, but they can tap into worldwide talent. That&rsquo;s why, for many organizations, remote work <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future">represents the future</a>.&nbsp;

But switching to this new form of working can be a learning curve. If you&rsquo;re struggling to adapt &ndash; don&rsquo;t panic! Here are 7 tips to help you build a remote team that thrives.&nbsp;

[Table of Contents]
<a href="#7tipsfor" rel="follow">7 tips for remote team management</a>
<ol>
<li><a href="#equip" rel="follow">Equip your teams for remote work</a></li>
<li><a href="#rethink" rel="follow">Rethink your hiring process</a></li>
<li><a href="#digitize" rel="follow">Digitize onboarding</a></li>
<li><a href="#naturalworking" rel="follow">Make a natural working environment</a></li>
<li><a href="#timezones" rel="follow">Don&rsquo;t forget time zones</a></li>
<li><a href="#upgradetools" rel="follow">Upgrade your marketing tools</a></li>
<li><a href="#micro" rel="follow">Avoid micromanagement</a></li>
</ol>
<a href="#nowyourturn" rel="follow">Now it&rsquo;s your turn&hellip;</a>

<h2 id="7tipsfor">7 tips for remote team management&nbsp;</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="equip">Equip your teams for remote work&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="475" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/6D83f0IwRnvF88Cnz3Zi0qBA_7O_D4emjBDT_5QtYPRWDnIEyP_pWsdGo9JYny37zooTQZCicjiycyG9Q7_zCJfSxk_1Fk73djSVOSnMaeYrrKF-4q_DCKDdojqCzCjXFynFEpgJgivxSX1A1YCAjb8" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/remote-work-statistics">Image source</a>

The idea of creating a fully remote team ten years ago would have seemed impossible. Thankfully, it's easier than ever to produce a thriving group of remote employees. The first step is ensuring that teams have the tools to allow them to work effectively.&nbsp;

Consider the following options for your remote teams&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Password management tools - Create an encrypted log of company passwords that employees can access on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. <a href="https://teampassword.com/features">Teampassword</a> offers a simple, secure solution designed with ease of use and collaboration in mind.
</li>
<li>
Project management software - Help keep track of marketing projects. These tools help agents monitor their progress toward meeting goals. Examples include Asana, Airtable, and Trello.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Collaboration tools - Ensure that remote teams stay connected as they work on campaigns. They allow teams to transfer files, share comments, and keep tabs on progress. Popular options include Zoom and Evernote.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Meeting Scheduling tools - Allows users to schedule team meetings and notify participants in advance. Some tools even provide insights into employee schedules to ensure there&rsquo;s minimal disruption. Here again, Zoom is the most popular choice. Other options include Calendly and Doodle.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="rethink">Rethink your hiring process&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Whether you're building your remote team from scratch or adding new members, you&rsquo;ll need to think about your hiring procedure.&nbsp;

Although the process is similar to traditional hiring, some key differences exist. After all, in-person interviews are no longer an option.&nbsp;

As you&rsquo;re building a remote team, you&rsquo;ll want access to as wide an array of marketing talent as possible. Make it clear that team members can work from home on the jobs page. Consider how wide you want to cast your net. Opening a position to worldwide employees might seem appealing, but you&rsquo;ll have the challenge of communicating with staff in different time zones.&nbsp;

You have several options for the interview stage. You can stick with a traditional one-on-one or panel interview via video call. If you do accept applicants from other time zones, think about how you can work around their schedules. For example, You could ask for pre-recorded interviews and send a list of questions to candidates.&nbsp;

The interview process is a chance to set the tone. If you want to create a more relaxed remote working environment, you might steer clear of the traditional suite and tie requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today many marketing managers are also getting inventive with hiring. This involves creating a more interactive process to get a better sense of the skills of applicants. You might send a set of tasks to a prospective candidate, such as crafting a marketing plan for an imaginary product launch.&nbsp;

Ultimately, it's all about thinking &lsquo;outside of the box&rsquo;. The more you can adapt to the virtual environment, the stronger your team will be.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="digitize">Digitize onboarding&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Once a candidate is selected, it&rsquo;s time to show them the ropes. Unfortunately, you&rsquo;ll no longer be able to get &lsquo;hands-on&rsquo; with your onboarding. Handling this properly is essential. As many as <a href="https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/onboarding-infographic">89%</a> of employees who had an effective onboarding experience are engaged at work

As with the interview process, you need to consider how onboarding can be handled digitally. We&rsquo;ve listed some suggestions below:&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Set up a &lsquo;welcome&rsquo; meeting - Make sure that new employees feel like part of the team straight away. Host a video conference meeting so they can greet and get to know teammates.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Simplify onboarding with interactive elements - Ease new hires into their roles by replacing overwhelming paperwork with interactive QR Codes. Create links to crucial onboarding materials like the employee handbook and forms in your welcome kits using a <a href="https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator">free QR code generator</a>. This streamlined approach not only makes essential information instantly accessible with a simple scan but also engages new employees interactively and efficiently.
</li>
<li>
Make sure equipment is delivered on time - There&rsquo;s no use having team members waiting around before they can start their job. Make sure that new employees have all the equipment they need from day one.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Don&rsquo;t scrimp on training - Training can bring real value to the growth of new employees. Make sure you cover key areas such as <a href="https://measuremindsgroup.com/marketing-data-privacy">exploring marketing data privacy</a>, lead generation, and data analysis.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Provide necessary materials - New team members will need to get to grips with your chosen marketing tools. This means providing materials that can be accessed after training. Create a space where employees can access video tutorials, articles, and other relevant resources.
</li>
<li>
Check-in regularly - Onboarding should be an ongoing process. Make sure that you hold one-on-one meetings with new employees regularly. Keep track of how they&rsquo;re doing and any areas that they&rsquo;re struggling with. Be on hand to offer assistance to help them overcome any difficulties.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="naturalworking">Make a natural working environment&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
One of the biggest challenges of switching to remote work is that it doesn&rsquo;t feel natural. For instance, there&rsquo;s no morning commute and rush to get to work. This is a good thing, people save time and money and arrive on time. But for employees who have built a routine around this process, it can feel strange.&nbsp;

Most strikingly, employees no longer get the chance to have break-time chats. Meetings can feel distant, as people no longer sit together. There&rsquo;s also a risk that communication is carried out entirely via instant messaging tools. This lack of face-to-face communication can quickly leave its mark and is one of the biggest challenges in <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-team-management-tips">remote team management</a>.
<img height="444" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/mgm_VC2piDSL-1YKhSCYVTU8f3tCtwfzurUhbux7B59vgulsNzYb8n3Gs90vVNMKyAc2ziLokQkZaap35625GIzbSpsvRY-22bnIH4yCFiKwzc4afUHkFjALg9WnEF1ZBt3B4lNt0AKZ_sRmzbWojS4" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

A survey by <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/202">Buffer</a> showed that 15% of remote workers were struggling with loneliness. A further 21% felt that they stayed home too often because they didn&rsquo;t have a reason to leave. Unaddressed, these problems can start to harm the productivity and mental health of your teams.&nbsp;

But what&rsquo;s the solution? The goal should be getting remote work to feel natural again by <a href="https://screenrec.com/business-communication-app/remote-work-culture/">building a remote-first work culture</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Below are some tips to help you get started:&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Set flexible working hours - Many modern remote teams are offering flexibility in employee working hours. The results are paying off &ndash; only <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/blog/state-of-teams-2022#trends-worth-tracking">14%</a> of workers with flexible working arrangements complained about burnout. Giving people a say in their hours may help your teams settle into their new remote roles.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Prioritize video calls - Text-based communication is quick and effective. But make sure staff don&rsquo;t become dependent on SMS. Create a policy that your teams meet via call at least once a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Keep an eye on working hours - With less defined office hours, it can be easy to devote too much time to work. This might sound like a good thing, but employees can quickly get burned out. Introducing a time-tracking tool can help teams know when to take a break or finish for the day.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Introduce mental health initiatives - Highlight the importance of employees looking after their physical and mental health. Share materials to encourage staff to go out and exercise, and check in with team members regularly.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;This process may take some time &ndash; employees may need some coaxing. Make sure that team leaders set strong examples.&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="timezones">Don&rsquo;t forget time zones&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="441" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Tg3-7Xv4l66Un-ZePCnCm6MR6eMSrl6thAWtlpZbjhBfmLk7PV9fvSfz6kx3ZZmR1zYGFOxeG1VHmOyeR9hkKoV06RsX_8HWIpu1RhtSHl-rtNT5NsK579n0YJyu-bVwg4E4dhPQicib6oTbCkxzSAY" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://www.firstpagestrategy.com/marketing-blog/the-benefits-of-hiring-across-time-zones">Image source</a>

If your entire remote team is based in the same area you have nothing to worry about. If you&rsquo;ve expanded to build a cross-regional team, though, time zones are an obstacle you must navigate.&nbsp;

You may end up in a situation where employees have entirely different working patterns. When one group begins their day, another is fast asleep. In this scenario, it&rsquo;s much harder to arrange group activities and meetings.&nbsp;

To maintain a happy team, you and your team should be mindful of different working hours. This will require some give and take &ndash; sometimes people may need to work unfavorable hours for effective communication. In general, though, try to avoid calling teammates during their downtime.&nbsp;

Introducing different forms of asynchronous communication can help bridge the gap. You ensure a steady stream of information between teams and ensure that no one is left out of the loop.&nbsp;

For instance, establishing a group chat is a handy way of keeping people up-to-date with the latest info. Teammates can look back at past comments and keep track of the latest events. You might create recordings of conference calls for colleagues who couldn&rsquo;t attend.&nbsp;
<ol start="6">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="upgradetools">Upgrade your marketing tools&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
The marketing world has advanced massively in recent years. Gone are the days of relying on simple market research. Thanks to the latest advancements in analytics we can unpack our data and gain deep insights into individual audience members. This allows us to reach audiences in unfounded ways.

If your organization is to stand out in this data-centric world, your marketing teams need to be equipped with the right tools.&nbsp;

But where should you start? Below are some examples of must-have marketing tools.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://napoleoncat.com/blog/social-media-management-tools/">Social media management tools</a> - Juggling social media accounts across multiple platforms can be tricky. An SM management tool helps you to monitor your different accounts from a centralized location. From there, they can automate posting and get analytics insights into individual posts.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Email marketing software - Today, marketing teams can create fantastic campaigns and grow their lists more effectively thanks to <a href="https://visme.co/blog/email-marketing-tool/">email marketing software</a>. These tools help teams create appealing emails at the click of a button. They help agents to tailor their messaging with personalization features. Some can suggest marketing slogans with AI.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
SEO tools -Vying for the top spot with your advertising isn&rsquo;t easy. SEO tools help you to climb the search engine results page, allowing you to optimize your content with the right keywords.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
CRO tools - It&rsquo;s the age-old question: how can you make customers behave the way you want? Conversion rate optimization (CRO) tools gather data about website users. They help you to understand user behavior better and increase the likelihood of a conversion.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

And of course, you should understand all the data you&rsquo;re gathering from your marketing tools. If your organization <a href="https://measuremindsgroup.com/managing-analytics-teams">manages an analytics team</a> ensure there&rsquo;s a strong dialogue with marketing. With the right data-driven insights you can create more targeted and effective campaigns.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ol start="7">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="micro">Avoid micromanagement&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="328" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/BtAayJu1Pl_nRDnD93nbIJqwSO-aEalAd5lGwlCR2eO66_lcsIyS7LLggue9GPuZNBgmT5IbDwsdoTeag4TUHRgKK6bxSsCL0JfW7CwTBPmpex1XmFFs3R6pBPqT4SYoL42UUzpc4gZC9frqfQAjyh0" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://joblu.io/resources/how-to-deal-with-micromanagement/">Image source</a>

It&rsquo;s an easy trap to fall into. You can&rsquo;t see what your teams are doing. Are they on course to meet their goals? Could they be working more productively? Unfortunately, leaders can often overcompensate for this lack of visibility by micro-managing.&nbsp;

This sends a simple message to your team members: they aren&rsquo;t trusted to make their own decisions. You&rsquo;ll find that frustration quickly creeps in, and employees become less engaged. It&rsquo;s a surefire way of creating an unhappy and unproductive team.&nbsp;

So, take a step back and try to avoid fretting about your teammates. It&rsquo;s worth offering emotional intelligence (EQ) training to help leaders in these kinds of scenarios. EQ helps people to be more plugged into their emotions. It helps them to control negative impulses and better understand how their actions might impact others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While working on EQ, team leaders should also take steps to boost visibility with teams. Scheduling regular teams can help leaders to track progress. Focusing on building team relationships also helps to ensure a strong flow of communication.&nbsp;

Above all, try to demonstrate trust in your teams to make the right decisions. They&rsquo;ll reward this faith with enthusiasm and a more productive outlook.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 id="nowyourturn">Now it&rsquo;s your turn&hellip;&nbsp;</h2>
Building a remote team can be challenging, especially if you&rsquo;re used to traditional work. From <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future">ensuring password security</a> to continuing effective communication, you can expect a few obstacles before things start running smoothly.&nbsp;

We&rsquo;ve given you seven simple tips to help get your team off the ground. Why not start putting these into practice? Start simple &ndash; having the right tools and mindset for <a href="https://jooble.org/jobs-online-work-from-home">remote jobs</a> is essential. So, make sure teams are correctly equipped. Then get to work strengthening your remote operation.&nbsp;

With the right time and effort, you can build a strong marketing operation. So, why not get to work?&nbsp;

Remote work is here to stay. Here are seven essential tips to help you establish and manage your remote digital marketing team.

The workplace is changing - remote work is here to stay. But switching to this new form of ...

7 Tips to Manage a Remote Digital Marketing Team

The workplace is changing - remote work is here to stay. But switching to this new form of working has a learning curve. Here are seven tips to help you manage your remote digital marketing team.

In recent years, many businesses have embraced using cloud services. The cloud offers numerous benefits, including greater scalability and accessibility; however, it also brings its own unique security challenges.&nbsp;
Why? Well, cloud platforms operate differently from traditional data centers, meaning existing security tools won&rsquo;t always cut it in a cloud environment. Plus, with less direct control over how things are set up, companies have less visibility and control in the cloud, often leaving them at the mercy of whatever security measures are provided by their cloud service providers.
Add to this that many companies operate a multi-cloud infrastructure. distributing sensitive data and critical applications across various cloud platforms, and things can start to get very messy. The complexity of managing multiple cloud environments introduces significant security threats and makes them even more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Conducting a cloud security risk assessment can help organizations understand their exposure to risk and take proactive steps to address potential issues.
 [Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyneeded" rel="follow">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#benefitsof" rel="follow">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.si8ond2aebx1"></a></li>
<li><a href="#craftinganassessment" rel="follow">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.e1k6kc7quqb3"></a></li>
<li><a href="#strengthening" rel="follow">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
Think of a cloud security risk assessment as a health check for your company's cloud setup.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;re essentially evaluating the system's overall security position and looking for any risks or gaps in security coverage. This involves examining different aspects of security, such as data protection, access controls, and network security, to give a 360-degree view.&nbsp;
The primary objective of a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cloud-security-keep-your-cloud-secure">cloud security</a> assessment is to uncover any vulnerabilities or potential areas where hackers could gain access to your network. If you&rsquo;re operating in a cloud environment, this is more than just a housekeeping exercise; it&rsquo;s a crucial step to ensure your system's safety.&nbsp;
Conducting these assessments can help you assess your overall security level, reduce risks, and implement better security measures to protect your cloud setup.

<img height="338" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/wNOq3Ck9sSTSB6gAHHKhV_oE56DiOUyQnwfz6kqpqxliC_Q2o0luAvTHszja0S14nTqEzfHVULNUpbQfuAKEm9xqowfQVn3RxeLzdFD7b7rSfCBp_uuwqfgO8NVh9jvup403i6BT1ml9VMstL2QEpFY" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h2 id="whyneeded">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
The shift to enterprise cloud computing is happening fast, and traditional security measures and practices can't always keep up. The sheer scale of the cloud can be overwhelming when it comes to keeping your network secure, with infrastructures spread across numerous platforms, accounts, and applications.&nbsp;
Cracks and weak spots in your protection can easily appear and go unnoticed, yet even a tiny crack is all it takes for a cybercriminal to exploit your system.
Hackers can break into systems through flawed network settings, weak passwords, or compromised user credentials. Once inside, attackers can gather information to prepare for further malicious attacks, exploit overprivileged accounts to move around your network freely and find valuable assets, and ultimately wreak havoc on your business.
<h2 id="benefitsof">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</h2>
<h3>Preventing Cloud Misconfigurations</h3>
Cloud misconfigurations are among the most common issues that allow attackers to gain entry. These misconfigurations occur when controls within the cloud environment are either set up incorrectly or not used as they should be.
For example: failing to enable logging, exposing ports to the Internet, or leaving default access settings in place.&nbsp;
Correctly configuring these settings is essential for strong cloud security, and neglecting to do so is essentially like leaving the door wide open for hackers to walk in. However, the flexibility and scalability of the cloud often lead to frequent changes, increasing the likelihood of missed configurations or outdated settings.&nbsp;
For instance, let's say your team <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/Israel/.co.il">buys a domain co.il</a> for a new website. If they rush through setting it up without paying attention to things like DNS records and access controls, it could create openings for hackers. Just a few wrong settings could give hackers access to your whole cloud network.
Assessing things like network controls, access controls, where data is stored, and workloads can help spot and fix any weaknesses in your configuration before attackers can exploit them.
&nbsp;
<img height="348" width="522" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/rX-Ex18XgThn2vxHb8BBxqy_H-O9YlhgCK77xoVgOIOkdDrUdK5oowg77mrGsAyOGbBkd6ZTvGa4bmo_aUGrSUIpg5KIpUkhwN5X7qnAdL24aM3pXr8RDM1_FCYkvCpXdZSnpaMSYgImds8E9nlU-zA" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Managing Identity Security</h3>
Cloud systems rely heavily on microservices and various machine identities like APIs, roles, and service accounts. It&rsquo;s pretty common for developers to grant excessive privileges to these entities for convenience and adaptability.&nbsp;
However, this also opens you up to significant risk. Attackers can exploit these privileges to move between identities, accumulating a dangerous mix of permissions along the way. This could allow them to disrupt applications, delete infrastructure, or cause massive harm to your cloud environment.
A risk assessment should look for identity-related risks. These could include things like overprivileged entities, unused identities, insecure access keys, or opportunities for lateral movement through the system.

<h3>Detecting Compromise</h3>
When you do a cloud risk assessment, you're not looking for signs of compromise like you would in an audit. But, it is a good opportunity to spot any unusual changes from the normal setup.&nbsp;
For instance, if you see access controls being changed unexpectedly or someone accessing data from a new location, it could indicate a potential compromise. Catching these anomalies might help you uncover suspicious activity by attackers.
&nbsp;
<h3>Checking Identity and Access Controls</h3>
One of the biggest allies you have in protecting assets within the cloud is identity and access controls. These controls determine exactly who can get to what within your network. Doing a risk assessment helps you start with your most important data and then expand outward to identify who has access to this information and how they're able to access it.&nbsp;
You might think you&rsquo;ve got your access pretty locked down, but things can quickly get complicated in a cloud setup. Organizational policies, permissions given to individuals, and permissions set for different resources can create a complex network of privileges. It&rsquo;s not unusual to discover unintended pathways to sensitive assets due to the intricacies of cloud permissions which can jeopardize your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-security-for-cloud-computing">data security</a>.

<img height="341" width="512" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/oRrFf4zmeEl9lC8jvzW1jwMLfq1jJIjvKG69QBfHpWRkt32H5MUUO7rlUsfz48uyceeGZWiUGdq1yro62JtHqdzX73XFdGoYcTbW6JRoyAl0oc9h1a0clRc4cVKfhgLtHOGi17i-b4BF1zhr0G9Id7Y" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Remaining Compliant</h3>
Many compliance standards mandate audits or assessments of cloud setups to ensure all risks have been considered. Cloud Service Providers adhere to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, and NIST SP 800-53, all of which necessitate risk assessments. Additionally, organizations may have their own internal guidelines or industry-specific requirements to meet.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="craftinganassessment">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>1. Understand Your Data</h3>
Before initiating a cloud security assessment, get a clear understanding of the kinds of data your organization handles. Then, sort your data according to its sensitivity and any regulatory standards it must meet.
By identifying which data is most important or at high risk of malicious activity, you can focus on securing it first. This could be financial records, customer details, or intellectual property.&nbsp;
For example, running an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/enterprise-call-center-software/">enterprise call center solution</a> typically involves handling large volumes of sensitive customer data. In crafting a cloud security assessment for this scenario, you would prioritize ensuring that the cloud environment effectively safeguards this data through encryption, access controls, and secure transmission protocols.

<h3>2. Assess Data Encryption</h3>
Encrypting data is crucial for cloud security because it keeps your information safe whether it's stored or being sent somewhere. Check if your cloud service provider offers encryption for both storing and transferring data.
Also, ensure they use strong encryption methods and manage encryption keys well to keep your data private and intact. By using strong encryption, you can reduce the chances of unauthorized access and data leaks.

<img height="344" width="459" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/P5EN2ncWyo8TWD0p-3d9YqpvjE_ti0DBLCsmIEUR33nS40hjNm02oOQX8HKZoyK6N1BK1d6CPqVV1kamRQW5W767MrjFfaIFGbD9jJWMSCgZc3s3Tx5NRIPY2-PF5TnS7E9X2gGmOopDd7fVYCkBAIQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels

<h3>3. Evaluate Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)</h3>
Not all cloud service providers offer equal levels of security. When considering potential providers, assess their security certifications, compliance standards, and measures for protecting data. Check whether they encrypt data, access controls, and what incident response protocols they have in place to make sure they meet your security needs.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll want to look for providers that follow industry standards and have strong security frameworks. For instance, if you operate a cloud-based contact center, opt for a provider that adheres to security certifications, compliance standards, and data protection measures relevant to <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/call-center-compliance/">call center regulatory compliance</a>.&nbsp;

<h3>4. Establish Access Controls</h3>
Managing access to cloud resources is vital to stopping unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.&nbsp;
Use role-based access controls (RBAC) to give permissions based on user roles and responsibilities. This allows you to control access to sensitive data, permitting only those individuals who require it for their job responsibilities.
Regularly review and update access permissions in line with any changes in personnel and business requirements.

<h3>5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
Multi-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">MFA</a>) increases security by asking users to provide more than one type of verification before they can access cloud resources.&nbsp;
For example, an access code is sent to a mobile device before logging in on a laptop. This means that even if someone&rsquo;s login details fall into the wrong hands, they can't be used for unauthorized access.&nbsp;
Check what MFA options your cloud provider offers and urge your team to use them for better security.

<img height="349" width="523" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/WN3DgDJYMtpY1FpXRKPQmyZC258kDjHth5FOXvJxno-Mtvkezi_JoYKz-bag5vcmoOnOEocr6aVQIip3HdirF6KrGwqVvB0Cuj_brRjn5fy3XvqpCaz3dBJVNmPPE9XBp7otOv6sXTVTY29MHsOExdQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>6. Develop Incident Response Plans</h3>
No system is immune to cyber threats, despite your best efforts and strong security measures. If you do find yourself the target of an attack, you must have a clear plan for responding to security incidents to mitigate the damage.&nbsp;
Establish clear procedures for detecting, containing, and reducing the impact of security breaches in the cloud. Regularly practice your response plan with simulated exercises so you&rsquo;re prepared if a real incident happens.

<h3>7. Conduct Regular Security Audits</h3>
Security is a continuous effort, and regular checks are crucial for finding weaknesses and ensuring compliance with security policies.&nbsp;
Arrange regular security assessments to evaluate how well your cloud security measures are working and to identify any vulnerabilities or gaps that need to be fixed. You might want to consider engaging with third-party security experts to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="strengthening">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</h2>
Cloud security has become an increasingly vital part of organizations' cybersecurity strategies.&nbsp;
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud services, they're storing more important data and critical applications across these environments, and this can make it challenging to secure and monitor everything effectively. &nbsp;
Especially when we look at complicated setups with multi-cloud services, it can be easy to miss potential security concerns. Conducting a cloud security risk assessment is a helpful way for organizations to pinpoint any weaknesses in their cloud security and receive actionable suggestions for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2>Use a Password Manager to Better Control and Protect Cloud Accounts</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">Password managers built for teams</a> provide one secure location for your entire organization to store, access, and share the login credentials needed to access your cloud accounts. For example, TeamPassword uses industry-standard AES-256-bit client-side encryption to protect customer data before it is transferred it its servers. TeamPassword's intuitive user interface increases the likelihood that your users will use strong unique passwords for every account, which is made easier with its built-in password generator. Password managers also allow administrators to control account access using groups and user-role settings. Activity logs provide yet another means by which company administrators can monitor access to records holding login details.&nbsp;
No matter the size of your team, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager</a> is an essential cybersecurity and productivity tool that saves time when conducting a cloud security assessment.&nbsp;

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber threats.

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber ...

How to Secure Your Business Data with a Cloud Security Assessment

Picture this: You're going about your business as usual when suddenly, your organization faces a serious cyber threat. This sneaky attack that appears to come from almost nowhere? A third-party data breach that can wreak havoc on your business faster than you can say &ldquo;Password123&rdquo;. In fact, the average cost of a data breach in the United States in 2023 amounted to an eye-watering <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/273575/us-average-cost-incurred-by-a-data-breach/">$9.48 million</a>.
&nbsp;
Third-party data breaches can happen to anyone, at any time. The scary part? By the time they happen, they are largely out of your control. This type of breach happens when a third-party vendor or partner who holds your company data suffers a cyber attack themselves, and your sensitive data is exposed.
&nbsp;
So, while you might have all the right defenses in place to protect your data within your business, how do you keep your precious data safe from prying eyes once it&rsquo;s in the hands of a third party?
&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t panic. There are practical steps you can take to protect your business from a third-party data breach.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understand" rel="follow">Understand the Enemy</a></li>
<li><a href="#commonbreaches" rel="follow">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</a></li>
<li><a href="#assessrisk" rel="follow">Assess Your Risk</a></li>
<li><a href="#preventbreaches" rel="follow">Prevent Third-Party Data Breaches</a></li>
<li><a href="#securedata" rel="follow">Secure Your Company's Data</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understand">Understand the Enemy</h2>
Before we get into how to protect yourself from third-party data breaches, let's take a look at what we&rsquo;re up against. These breaches happen when <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">cyber attackers</a> gain unauthorized access to the systems of your partners or vendors, allowing them to get their hands on sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records.
&nbsp;
Now, you might wonder, "Why target my vendors?" Well, this is a strategic tactic for third-party breaches. They give hackers a way to sneak through the backdoor into your organization, bypassing your usual defenses. So, even if you have the right cyber security measures in place, a weak link in your supply chain could still spell disaster for your business.

<img height="346" width="520" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/bBIzjb7nl3cC7IHtEbz_ojp3RR8K1XwZnEEB83EiBbC2P1caUrWvJpMkgvERXq2OcZ6kfdfFCy2LTfkdvJI_PfnVV85bnlM5xZD_NzWCUDX4obiXG5d3LGBXH-hSml-P_li-UQvCaCFUVbaAdUlxgd4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="commonbreaches">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
Unauthorized Access: Third-party vendors with excessive access privileges might accidentally or intentionally access sensitive data, leading to breaches.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Misconfigured Services: Misconfigurations in third-party services or cloud environments can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access. For example, if storage or databases are set up incorrectly, they could be accessed by the public or unauthorized parties.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers may compromise third-party vendors to gain access to their clients' networks or data. They could do this by sneaking malware into software updates or finding weaknesses in the vendor's systems to infiltrate their clients' networks.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Vendor Compromise: If hackers break into a third-party vendor's systems, they could get into their clients' sensitive data. This might happen through tricks like phishing emails, spreading malware, or finding other ways to trick the vendor's employees or systems.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Insufficient Security Measures: Third-party vendors might not have sufficient security measures to safeguard sensitive data, including encryption, access controls, or intrusion detection systems. As a result, the data becomes vulnerable to exploitation by malicious attackers.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Data Sharing Practices: Sometimes, third-party vendors may share or transfer data without proper authorization or security measures, leading to data breaches or unauthorized disclosures.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="assessrisk">Assess Your Risks</h2>
Now that you know what we're dealing with, it's time to assess any potential vulnerabilities in your supply chain and strengthen your defenses. It can be easy to think, &ldquo;It won&rsquo;t happen to me&rdquo; &ndash; until it does, and you&rsquo;re left dealing with the repercussions. Leaked customer data can cripple your reputation, while unauthorized access to sensitive financial information could have devastating financial consequences for your business.
&nbsp;
Start with a thorough review of your third-party relationships, identifying all vendors and partners who have access to your sensitive data. Once you've got your list, categorize your vendors based on the level of risk they present to your organization.
&nbsp;
For example, a cloud service provider who has access to your financial data would pose a much higher risk than your <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/United-Arab-Emirates/.ae">ae TLD</a> provider with limited access to such sensitive information.

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qoRySz57feseWOApoaVJkm0_2Zgxe1B-jHFBJCAgqOg2LvNq580twpOOf15uNjzI1Iy3mhzHJ1LwsU8JtpcFX_aMeTpZ8WUIph6JD9pBzvNi_0glw5p6f6v8RHwDIxZvPm6C3pJcEJExBXWuCZdjg_k">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="preventbreaches">Prevent Third-Party Vendor Data Breaches</h2>
Once you've identified your high-risk vendors, it's time to come up with a defense plan to protect yourself from potential breaches.
<h3>Strict Security Protocols</h3>
Start by setting strict security protocols and standards for all third-party relationships. Clearly outline your expectations for data protection, access controls, and incident response. Reputable partners should have no problem complying with these measures and ideally, they ought to have their own strong security measures already in place to safeguard your sensitive data.
&nbsp;
Then, work closely with your vendors to ensure they stick to your security standards and implement adequate safeguards for your data. This might involve regular security assessments, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">encryption</a> protocols, or multi-factor authentication measures to prevent unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
Information security should be top of your priority list when choosing new vendors to work with, particularly those who will be granted access to sensitive data. It's crucial to discuss security measures with potential vendors from the start and have a good understanding of how they handle both their own data security and what measures they have in place to protect your information. Only work with vendors whose security practices match your own standards.
&nbsp;
<h3>Vendor Risk Management</h3>
Establishing that your third-party vendor has a security program in place is just the first step. When you&rsquo;re trusting a partner with highly sensitive data, you need to know that they're serious about managing risks and investing resources into protecting themselves from any vulnerabilities.
&nbsp;
Ask for their latest internal risk assessments, penetration testing, and compliance frameworks. They should have a comprehensive risk management plan, a strategy for mitigating supply chain risks, and protocols for addressing potential data breaches.
&nbsp;
Continuously monitoring third-party risks provides ongoing visibility into the vendor's cybersecurity practices. Conduct quarterly assessments to assess the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.
&nbsp;
Keep an eye on their cybersecurity practices regularly. Check how they're doing every few months with quarterly assessments of the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.

<img height="367" width="490" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RvM7vE0SM7kettNWqtGTwnqeQMVER31W0nNBq0Ih-1sKy2HpKpa-UGVW5HJQq-BkzyvdTEWsnWfbe-L36PQiLbQOI8Oyo5D58wZ2ai_RB9SZnQXR5gHZWDgs47cFR4HPTSue-XDl23H0FBBY13LMyyQ">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Regular Audits</h3>
Don&rsquo;t just take your vendor's word for it when it comes to data security. Conducting audits is crucial to understand the true state of your vendor's security. Perform audits regularly, especially when dealing with highly sensitive data entrusted to a vendor.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These audits assess how well the organization adheres to its security compliance framework and its track record from previous audits. Look out for any signs of compromise and evaluate how effectively the vendor manages cybersecurity risks.
<h3>Secure Data Storage and Transfer</h3>
Working with third-party vendors often involves exchanging or sharing data. For example, consider a company that uses an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-service-automation/">automated customer service system</a> provided by a third-party vendor. The customer details and interactions logged by the system are likely to involve data exchange.&nbsp;

Without a well-defined policy in place, the storage and transfer of data within this system could pose a whole host of risks for the organization. They could find themselves exposed to unauthorized access, non-compliance with data protection laws, and even a data breach.
&nbsp;
Establishing clear guidelines enables companies to outline boundaries and expectations for data storage and transfer. This makes sure that the third-party vendor handles your customer data with the same level of care and security standards as you do.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/w_pszyFdXI77M5NhZAoum-8m98bgfQ60HO1FlBfo6MFm0QhGbPE3a4L2iH_oA8aAB_j_71xfMoEuXEaG1kkUZ8j-kokzXonVJoVCXpmITRrszyvsyeIAWHrmUqdnsYcXOy2QXXT0WHBIYi4HGoFYRB4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Least-Privileged Access</h3>
Granting excessive access to third parties is a common cause of data breaches. To better protect yourself, it's important to be strict when it comes to access management. It might take a little more thought and management, but it could protect you from a lot of trouble further down the line.
&nbsp;
Implementing least-privileged access ensures that third-party service providers have only what they absolutely need for their tasks, minimizing the risk of breaches.
&nbsp;
Consider a situation where a company implements a third-party <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/features/contact-center-integrations/">contact center integration</a> into its operations. If this third-party provider is given unrestricted access to customer data, it would pose a huge security risk. Their representatives might gain access to sensitive personal details, including names, addresses, and credit card details. In this scenario, a data breach would be devastating.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
To mitigate this, the company can use least-privileged access. This means the provider only gets access to what they absolutely need, like customer contact details for making calls and access to customer support tickets.&nbsp;
<h3>Monitoring and Vigilance</h3>
Third-party vendors play vital roles in your supply chain, but they also bring risks like data breaches and compliance issues if not properly monitored. Just checking vendors at the beginning of your relationship isn't enough; ongoing monitoring is key. Keep a close watch on your third-party relationships for any unusual activity that could mean there's been a breach.
&nbsp;
For example, if you see a sudden increase in data transfers or access requests from a vendor's account at odd times, it could be a red flag. You should investigate any anomalies like this straight away to determine if they represent a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-6-security-threats-for-small-businesses">security threat</a> or indicate a breach in progress.
&nbsp;
Additionally, set up robust systems to monitor who can access critical data. This helps you quickly spot and stop any unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img height="333" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/LHMKLzJpW6F-2I-vivoUbNqxlbToK05MCuszuZI6ex2pcMstwaW9Zgq2mWYAH484VDLkVj59l9Av2HbxaxUsFwUd_9YKFWV9-LgrtjrOZxUwGZeroYoSuAUH8jQd_AaoLQxB5R1fGiLoIPm8y-aFO58">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="securedata">Secure Your Company's Data</h2>
While it might feel daunting to try to protect data that is outside your control, there are plenty of sensible precautions you can take to keep your company data safe.
&nbsp;
To help reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a third-party data breach, it&rsquo;s important to implement strong security protocols and conduct regular assessments to catch any issues.
&nbsp;
Stay alert, keep on top of any new security trends or threats as they emerge, and adapt your security measures to address evolving risks. By being proactive, businesses can handle third-party data breaches better, protecting their valuable data.

<h2>Use a Password Manager</h2>

A great way to mitigate the risks from third-party data breaches is by using a password manager like TeamPassword. A <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager </a>provides one secure location to store your company's online account information and other sensitive data. TeamPassword enables users to share records in groups, thereby limiting who has access to the login credentials. Creating a strong unique password for every account is made easy with TeamPassword's built-in password generator that can create a complex thirty-two-character password in milliseconds. Admins can also use TeamPassword's activity log to monitor who has accessed and changed each record to monitor access and meet compliance standards.&nbsp;

Whether you use TeamPassword or another password manager, a password manager is an essential tool to protect yourself from third-party data breaches.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On a final note, think about getting cybersecurity insurance to lessen the financial blow of a possible breach. While insurance can't stop a breach, it can give valuable protection against the expensive fallout of data loss or theft.

Find out how to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our ...

How to Mitigate the Risks of Third-Party Data Breaches

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

How to Mitigate Risks from Third-Party Data Breaches

During historical gold rushes, panners and miners flocked in droves, hoping to make their fortunes. In the online age, however, the high-value resource of the day isn&rsquo;t gold; it&rsquo;s information.

Data-driven insights help businesses connect with their target markets. This means better products, more effective ads, and adjusting your business model.

That said, businesses aren&rsquo;t the only ones that benefit from data collection. Malicious actors can use sensitive data for all kinds of purposes, from harassment to financial and identity theft. They may even threaten businesses directly with denial of service or by holding information for ransom.

That&rsquo;s why you need to know everything you can about customer data security.

[Table of Contents]

<ul>
<li>
<a href="#prevalence" rel="follow">The Prevalence of Customer Data Today</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#whyessential" rel="follow">Why Strong Cybersecurity is Essential</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">10 Customer Data Security Best Practices</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#multifaceted" rel="follow">Take a Multi-faceted Approach to Data Security</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="prevalence">The Prevalence of Customer Data Today</h2>
You might not think of your business as being particularly data-driven, especially if it&rsquo;s a brick-and-mortar store selling physical goods. Yet, even these companies collect valuable data, such as credit card details from non-cash transactions.

These days, even small organizations use data-driven insights to increase conversions and reduce <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-churn/" rel="follow">customer churn</a>. The kinds of customer data you collect can vary widely. Along with transactional info like card details or email addresses, this can include:

<ul>
<li>
Demographic information, such as age, gender, and employment
</li>
<li>
Purchase, subscription, or content viewing histories
</li>
<li>
Medical information
</li>
<li>
Information on friends and family
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whyessential">Why Strong Cybersecurity is Essential</h2>
It&rsquo;s essential to have appropriate data <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">security measures</a> for your business. For one thing, you have a moral duty of care to protect sensitive data relating to both your customers and employees. This is especially important for anything considered Personally Identifying Information (PII).

Then there are the legal consequences of failing to provide customer data security and adhere to relevant privacy regulations. This includes state and sector-specific laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act.

International businesses must also adhere to the European Union&rsquo;s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Fines for violations can reach tens of millions of dollars or even a percentage of global financial turnover, which can lead to significant financial losses.

<img height="491" width="491" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/nB3dOLBU5JqNIt5t2thUyWDV4a_Va3nTIFWA5cklI2F_laAIVofrW9HqOdNYh7ZdrDxmfIXamjDkKxmrrKZ5ziqK8BfjSRyD9Ztho0qPeyMu6oYZMo69gVjVY48jexAVjMmJ9aEjMF7D5vq11cVdgK0">
<a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/30053/gdpr-data-protection-fines-timeline/">Image Sourced</a> from Statista
<h3>The Rise of Cybercrime</h3>
As computer and IoT technologies continue to advance, so too do the ways in which people break the law. Hackers, scammers, and other malicious online actors keep developing more complex ways of breaking into systems or tricking people.&nbsp;

These include:

<ul>
<li>
Phishing scams via email and social media
</li>
<li>
Malware to steal data or compromise systems
</li>
<li>
Ransomware to lock users out of devices or networks
</li>
<li>
Direct hacking attempts
</li>
<li>
Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks
</li>
</ul>

As such, the ways businesses secure their customer data need to keep up to protect their business from a potential data breach.
<h2 id="bestpractices">10 Customer Data Security Best Practices</h2>
Now that we&rsquo;ve established the various threats, let&rsquo;s talk tactics. Given how cybersecurity has advanced over the years, you might think you simply need good security software. But technology alone is not enough.

Don&rsquo;t get us wrong: having the right tools is essential, but there&rsquo;s more to it than that. Effective habits for data management and protection are equally as vital.
<h3>1. Regularly Audit Data and Stick to the Essentials</h3>
In theory, the longer your business operates, the more data it&rsquo;ll build up. While this can be useful for things like market research, it also poses a problem. The more data you have, the more damage will be done when it&rsquo;s leaked or stolen.

That&rsquo;s why you need to conduct regular data audits, which serve two functions. First, they&rsquo;re a form of virtual spring cleaning. It&rsquo;s an opportunity to discard old data that&rsquo;s no longer relevant, like personal details for a customer who unsubscribed from your service years ago.

Second, data audits help you to review the forms of data you&rsquo;re collecting and your motivation to do so. If there isn&rsquo;t a coherent reason for collecting a particular kind of information, get rid of it. By focusing strictly on the data you need, you minimize the risk to customers.

<img height="342" width="513" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/zgN_p55h5awJwu2J2hHTr5bIiuMY7Ix_CwTN3ztKXinmBLZnGmGNS0VfZMbZLd7NkZiIHRqyVNppdwnx_k-__XthYarzrT5DgEzzLYkd6yxZTA8tO52ZP0ZgDGIgqsIHl02jWuOYmfWDtW_sojuE4s4">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<h3>2. Form an Effective Data Privacy and Usage Policy</h3>
Your organization&rsquo;s usage and privacy policy forms your first line of defense in effective data protection. This includes everything from data access management protocols to security requirements for employees to use unique passwords.

As for creating a cybersecurity policy, start with the objectives behind it: what you&rsquo;re protecting and why. Then evaluate the risks and potential security threats as well as specific compliance requirements.

You should also make sure your written policy is as jargon-free as possible, so that your people understand it.
<h3>3. Train Staff and Inform Customers About Cybersecurity Practices</h3>
The point of a cybersecurity policy is that even non-tech savvy employees can understand it. But they still need to be trained on best practices.

Teach your team what makes for strong authentication security, how to spot things like phishing scams, and anything else they might need to know.&nbsp;

Cybersecurity training helps employees to identify risks and threats. In turn, this means they&rsquo;ll be less likely to land your business in hot water by making costly mistakes.

Let&rsquo;s look at what this means in practice. Say you run a private medical organization and need to maintain a <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/guides/hipaa-compliant-call-center/">HIPAA compliant call center</a>. You should explain to your staff not to share confidential medical details with anyone other than the patient.

<img height="372" width="602" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/k1cmoaM3JJ6ppMrM5ekyVnv3u84q79gjTlLAvXmd6jPHMtwtSRJdXLJkwmDU-WjqWfyji4L6bPnS0P5X5EKY8GnvjLkTwtjpN1mXu9xgtMEew5erEbFI9REITq_e5GAicsel9XXgDI-NUa0G2N45M8Q">
<a href="https://www.dialpad.com/guides/hipaa-compliant-call-center/">Image Sourced</a> from Dialpad

Beyond training any employees who take calls and manage data using this platform, you should also educate clients. Let them know what privacy measures you take to keep their data safe, and teach them how to use the platform securely.

If every user knows what information can and cannot be shared and with whom, then any unusual requests or behavior will be flagged, thereby mitigating the risk of a security breach.

Emphasizing customer data security practices isn't just the right thing to do; it's also great for your brand. It projects reliability by showing the public you take guarding their private data seriously.

<h3>4. Encrypt All Data</h3>
Now, let&rsquo;s look at some of the most critical cybersecurity techniques, starting with data encryption.&nbsp;

Encryption is the practice of converting sensitive data into a meaningless mess of useless code or text. The only way to revert the data into a usable form is to pass through layers of authentication like passwords or biometrics.

These security measures work as a key that unlocks the information you&rsquo;re accessing. Different types and distinctions of data encryption include:

<ul>
<li>
Bit-length encryption for emails and other communications
</li>
<li>
File-level encryption to protect systems and servers
</li>
<li>
Symmetric and asymmetric (private-key and public-key) encryption
</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Use Multi-factor Authentication</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">Strong passwords</a> might be enough for your personal computer or streaming service accounts, but not for professional data protection. That&rsquo;s why you need to implement multi-factor authentication for all employees.

Users should provide two or more different kinds of security evidence to access data. Different forms of secure authentication include:

<ul>
<li>
Password protection
</li>
<li>
Temporary security codes sent to a preset email
</li>
<li>
Secret security questions
</li>
<li>
Biometrics (such as fingerprints or facial recognition)
</li>
</ul>
<h3>6. Build a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Infrastructure</h3>
So far, we&rsquo;ve touched on a couple of important tools and methods for ensuring security. But, if you&rsquo;re serious about preventing data breaches, there are several more boxes you&rsquo;ll need to tick:

<ul>
<li>
Anti-adware
</li>
<li>
Anti-spyware
</li>
<li>
Virus protection and anti-malware
</li>
<li>
Firewalls
</li>
<li>
Pop-up blockers
</li>
<li>
Vulnerability scanning tools
</li>
<li>
Endpoint detection and response tools
</li>
</ul>

Let&rsquo;s say you run a web domain registrar service like Only Domains, and you recently onboarded numerous new customers through <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/Qatar/.qa">.com.qa domain registration</a>. Due to gaps in your cybersecurity infrastructure, sensitive client data gets stolen.

Now, those businesses and their websites are at risk &ndash; all because you didn&rsquo;t shore up your anti-malware systems. That won&rsquo;t just negatively affect them, but also the trustworthiness of your brand.

<img height="451" width="602" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/CS69cnz6SxeRiLAO5yt1F4qeaYYhiSwQzfvYgzPrRIlfcDvBduVfr_sR40ELr3Fudmt9UaIQC-BCoVrwL8VAuLhMPZNsY176HzBHTMybpo0dXz8PcbEi6CWv_rzKjcw6NTxSMnXBw3wSoEvqI030OkM">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<h3>7. Keep all Software Updated</h3>
Cybercrime and cybersecurity are locked in a perpetual arms race. If programmers find a way to close a gap in virtual security, criminals respond by finding new workarounds.&nbsp;

Of course, it&rsquo;s easy to think of this in terms of the big developments like the rise of multi-factor authentication, social media-based phishing techniques, or the impact of AI on both sides.

All too often, though, the small advances matter just as much. That&rsquo;s why you need to keep all software updated on a regular schedule. You never know when the latest patch will fix a small but dangerous gap in your security.
<h3>8. Limit Data Access</h3>
Sometimes, your own people can be your worst enemy. Perhaps they&rsquo;re a malicious actor trying to actively leak sensitive information or maybe they&rsquo;re just prone to mistakes. Either way, you need to know <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-prevent-insider-threats">how to prevent insider threats</a> or at least mitigate their impact.

Limit access to sensitive data based on the Principle of Least Privilege. In other words, only allow people to access data that is demonstrably essential for their work.
<h3>9. Maintain Secure Data Back-ups</h3>
So far, we&rsquo;ve talked about how to protect against phishing, malware and hacking, but what about mistakes and technical problems?

It isn&rsquo;t only the theft of data that can cause problems. Lots of businesses depend on regular access to their databases to be able to provide services, so what happens when your server goes bust?

Some data may be replaceable, but a lot of it isn&rsquo;t. Regular back-ups ensure you&rsquo;ll never be without your company&rsquo;s vital data, even in case of disaster.

Of course, accidents aren&rsquo;t the only reason to keep back-ups. If hackers use ransomware to hold your systems hostage, back-ups mean you can still provide essential services while you resolve the issue.

<h3>10. Use a Password Manager</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">Password managers</a> provide one secure location to store your online account login details. Some even allow you save other data such as credit card information, secure notes, and even encrypt attachments.&nbsp;

While most browsers include a password manager, these can only be used by an individual. Saved records cannot be saved and shared with others, which limits their usefulness for a company or organization.&nbsp;

However, there are passwords managers, like TeamPassword, that are <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">built specifically for teams</a>. TeamPassword, and other password managers like it, allow users to share saved records with groups, thereby providing easy access to company accounts that multiple people need to access.&nbsp;

Password managers are an essential tool for any business as they allow administrators to control who has access to which accounts, safely encrypt login details and other saved data, provide logs for audits, and often include MFA.&nbsp;
<h2 id="multifaceted">Take a Multi-faceted Approach to Data Security</h2>
If you only take one lesson from today&rsquo;s blog, let it be this: There&rsquo;s no cure-all magic solution to cybersecurity issues.

For one thing, an effective customer data security plan should make use of the full range of tools available &ndash; anti-malware, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and so on.

But remember that software is only half the battle. You must also have a comprehensive cybersecurity policy and ensure employees and clients engage with it.

All businesses handle customer data, and keeping it safe is essential. This guide will help you keep customer data secure and build trust.

All businesses handle data, and keeping it safe is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together ...

Customer Data Security: 10 Best Practices

All businesses handle data, and keeping it safe is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together this best practice guide for customer data security.

Customer Data Security: 10 Best Practices for Ensuring Safety and Trust

Mastering team collaboration in remote work isn't just about video calls and shared documents; it's also about securing the keys to the kingdom, aka our passwords. Laugh if you will, but a misplaced password can turn a smooth workflow into digital quicksand, trapping productivity and leaving deadlines floundering.

In this article, we'll unravel how <a href="https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/secure-your-internet-connection">password management</a> becomes the unsung hero of remote teamwork. It's not merely about remembering logins; it's about creating a fortress of digital trust. Seamless access to tools and information bolsters collaboration, keeps the gears turning, and ensures that the only drama you experience is from your choice of streaming service, not your workday.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li>
<a href="#importance" rel="follow">The Importance of Password Management in Remote Work</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">Best Practices for Implementing Password Management in Remote Teams</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#advancedstrategies" rel="follow">Advanced Strategies for Enhancing Security in Remote Work</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#futureof" rel="follow">The Future of Password Management and Remote Collaboration</a>
</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="importance">The Importance of Password Management in Remote Work</h2>

<h3>Growing Dependence on Digital Tools</h3>
The shift to remote work has not just changed where we work, but how we work, with a staggering 39% of global knowledge workers embracing hybrid models as of 2023. This seismic shift isn't a temporary pandemic blip but a new normal, demanding an overhaul in how teams collaborate digitally. The U.S. leads the charge with <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-01-gartner-forecasts-39-percent-of-global-knowledge-workers-will-work-hybrid-by-the-end-of-2023#:~:text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20the%20hybrid%20work%20trend%20will%20be%20more%20pronounced%20than%20the%20rest%20of%20the%20world%20with%2051%25%20of%20knowledge%20workers%20projected%20to%20work%20hybrid%20and%2020%25%20to%20work%20fully%20remote%20in%202023.">51% of knowledge workers in hybrid roles and 20%</a> fully remote, painting a picture of a workforce unchained from traditional office spaces​​.

Parallel to the rise of remote work, there's been a 44% surge in the use of collaboration tools since 2019, signaling a digital transformation that's reshaping the workplace landscape. Nearly 80% of workers now rely on these tools to maintain productivity, underscoring the critical role of technology in facilitating effective team collaboration across geographical divides​​.&nbsp;

<h3>Challenges in Remote Team Collaboration</h3>
Remote work has dramatically reshaped the collaboration landscape, bringing unique challenges that test the limits of team synergy and data security. Here's a rundown of the hurdles remote teams face, particularly through the lens of password management:

<ul>
<li>
Widespread Password Reuse: While <a href="https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/password-reuse-abounds-new-survey-shows#:~:text=Though%2091%25%20of%20the%20respondents%20profess%20to%20understand%20the%20risks%20of%20using%20the%20same%20passwords%20across%20multiple%20accounts%2C%2059%25%20said%20they%20did%20so%20anyway.">91% grasp the dangers</a>, two-thirds persist in reusing passwords on various platforms, greatly amplifying security vulnerabilities. This practice facilitates cyberattacks' access to multiple accounts.
</li>
<li>
Inconsistent Security Protocols: Over half of employees <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/92331-of-people-admit-they-reuse-the-same-password-for-multiple-accounts#:~:text=53%20percent%C2%A0of%20people%20admitting%20they%20use%20the%20same%20password%20for%20different%20accounts%2C%20which%20exemplifies%20poor%20password%20hygiene%2C%20according%20to%20a%20newly%20released%20report%20by%20identity%20company%20SecureAuth.">(53%) resort to reusing passwords for work accounts</a>, drawn by familiarity. Surprisingly, this habit extends beyond staff to business owners and executives, escalating security risks.
</li>
<li>
Cross-Use of Personal and Work Accounts: Nearly half of professionals (44%) <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/92331-of-people-admit-they-reuse-the-same-password-for-multiple-accounts">use work devices for personal activities</a>, including risky activities like banking and illegal streaming. This behavior jeopardizes device security and corporate data confidentiality.
</li>
<li>
Lack of Cybersecurity Training: Many employees <a href="https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/1-in-3-organizations-do-not-provide-any-cybersecurity-training-to-remote-workers-despite-a-majority-of-employees-having-access-to-critical-data#:~:text=Lack%20of%20knowledge,their%20human%20firewall.">lack tailored remote work cybersecurity training</a>, making them easy prey for sophisticated phishing attacks and cyber threats. The absence of a security-conscious culture amplifies vulnerabilities.
</li>
</ul>

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/VYmHRjtmTgKlXch7IGkU" alt="undefined" width="549" height="366">

<h2 id="bestpractices">Best Practices for Implementing Password Management in Remote Teams</h2>

<h3>Establishing a Strong Password Policy</h3>
Establishing a strong password policy is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. Here are some best practices and strategic insights to enhance password management in your team:

<ol>
<li>
Longer Is Stronger: Encourage lengthy, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">complex passwords with over 12 characters</a>, including letters, numbers, and symbols, to enhance security and usability.
</li>
<li>
Scheduled Updates, Not Arbitrary Changes: Adopt a policy for password changes only upon suspicion of compromise, easing the burden on team members while maintaining security.
</li>
<li>
Banish Password Reuse: Ensure team members use distinct passwords for each account to prevent a ripple effect of compromise.
</li>
<li>
Educate on Password Sharing Risks: Avoid team members sharing passwords. Shared passwords weaken security, risking exposure of sensitive data and systems to breaches.
</li>
<li>
Privileged Access Requires Extra Caution: Apply stricter password rules for users with elevated access to prevent severe damage if their accounts are compromised.
</li>
</ol>

<h3>Utilizing Password Management Tools</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a>, LastPass, and 1Password shine as beacons in this realm, boasting robust AES-256 encryption for impenetrable data protection. Their cross-platform compatibility ensures seamless integration across various devices, enhancing user experience and ensuring no team member is left behind due to technical constraints. A standout feature is the centralized dashboard offered by these tools, providing administrators with a holistic view of team access, thereby streamlining management.

<h3>Regular Training and Awareness Programs</h3>
A Mimecast <a href="https://www.mimecast.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-training-results-in-greater-employee-engagement/#:~:text=Organizations%20that%20prioritize%20cybersecurity%20awareness%20training%20see%20high%20rates%20of%20employee%2Dreported%20emails%2C%20decreasing%20the%20likelihood%20of%20email%20threats%20entering%20the%20organization%20and%20simultaneously%20creating%20a%20burden%20on%20IT%20security%20staff.%C2%A0">study</a> highlighted that employees who receive consistent cybersecurity awareness training are significantly more adept at identifying and avoiding malicious links​​. This insight, along with the fact that cybersecurity awareness training significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and other cyberattacks​​, makes a compelling case for incorporating these strategies into your team's routine.&nbsp;

Engaging remote teams in training sessions need not be a drab PowerPoint marathon.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Interactive Webinars: A dynamic platform where real-time Q&amp;A sessions make learning stick.
</li>
<li>
Gamified Learning Experiences: Who said learning can't be fun? Points, badges, and leaderboards galvanize learners.
</li>
<li>
Real-World Simulations: Practice makes perfect. Simulated phishing exercises test employees' mettle.
</li>
<li>
Microlearning Sessions: Short, sharp bursts of learning can be more digestible and less daunting.
</li>
<li>
Peer Learning: Encourage knowledge sharing among employees to foster a collaborative learning environment.
</li>
</ul>

<h3>Secure Sharing and Collaboration Practices</h3>
Given the dispersed nature of remote teams, sharing sensitive information and passwords securely is non-negotiable. To combat risks like Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and data breaches, primarily caused by phishing and compromised credentials, adopting robust password management practices is essential​​.

<ol>
<li>
Investing in a Business Password Manager: This is pivotal for securely sharing passwords and sensitive information. Advanced password managers provide zero-trust and zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring data shared remains secure​​.
</li>
<li>
Enforcing Strong Password Hygiene: Encourage practices like never reusing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and using <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/strong-password-generator">password generators</a> to create strong, unique passwords for each account​​.
</li>
<li>
Resetting Passwords Post-Employee Departure: To mitigate unauthorized access risks, promptly changing shared passwords when an employee leaves the company is crucial​​.
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Monitoring and Auditing Access</h3>
Monitoring and auditing access to passwords are essential practices for maintaining security in remote work environments. A significant portion of organizations recognizes the importance of <a href="https://www.coresecurity.com/resources/guides/2020-iam-report">identity and access management (IAM)</a> as part of their cybersecurity strategy, with many reporting a reduction in unauthorized access incidents upon implementing IAM solutions​​.&nbsp;

Effective password policies include complexity requirements, the prohibition of common passwords, the implementation of two-factor authentication, and regular password expiration​​. Regular audits are vital for assessing the adequacy of password controls and ensuring compliance with password usage standards.

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/DquhOMIWQmKq6Sfb02OG" alt="undefined" width="551" height="367">

<h2 id="advancedstrategies">Advanced Strategies for Enhancing Security in Remote Work</h2>

<h3>Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an essential layer of security that can significantly decrease the risk of unauthorized access by requiring additional verification beyond just a password.&nbsp;

<ol>
<li>
Evaluate MFA Effectiveness: Google reported that linking a mobile phone for extra verification could deter many unauthorized attempts, showcasing MFA's security benefits.
</li>
<li>
Understand Breach Statistics: As most breaches stem from external actors using stolen credentials, MFA emerges as vital in thwarting such threats.
</li>
<li>
Choose Phishing-Resistant MFA: Opt for MFA methods like <a href="https://www.descope.com/learn/post/fido2">FIDO authenticators</a>, resistant to phishing, for stronger security than easily intercepted SMS codes or OTPs.
</li>
<li>
Inventory and Enable MFA: Review all systems to identify those with MFA options. Prioritize activating MFA for sensitive data and high-access users.
</li>
<li>
Policy and Employee Education: Enforce MFA policy, educate staff on its significance, and provide guidance on effective usage, especially for sensitive apps.
</li>
</ol>

<h3>Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)</h3>
<a href="https://nordlayer.com/learn/access-control/role-based-access-control-implementation/">Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)</a> is a method where access to resources is assigned based on an individual's role within an organization, enhancing security by ensuring users have access only to what they need for their job functions. This method is instrumental in enforcing the principle of least privilege, simplifying workflows, and improving compliance with regulatory standards​​.

<ol>
<li>
Engage Key Stakeholders: Begin with thorough communication across departments to define role groups and necessary access rights​​.
</li>
<li>
Develop a Clear Access Control Strategy: Outline your goals, considering critical assets and potential organizational changes​​.
</li>
<li>
Identify Potential Challenges: Look for obstacles such as inconsistent use of multi-factor authentication or various operating system formats​​.
</li>
<li>
Map Out Access Control: Catalog all assets requiring access controls, grouping users into role groups for easier privilege management​​.
</li>
<li>
Assign Roles and Privileges: Populate the RBAC system with roles, applying the principle of least privilege to limit user access​​.
</li>
<li>
Decide on RBAC Management Policies: Establish how roles will be audited to prevent privilege creep and ensure compliance​​.
</li>
<li>
Implement and Monitor: Roll out the RBAC system gradually, addressing any issues as they arise and adjusting based on feedback​.
</li>
</ol>

<h3>Integrating Single Sign-On (SSO)</h3>
Integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) within an organization's password management framework brings a multitude of benefits, particularly in enhancing both security and user experience in remote team collaborations. SSO simplifies the login process, allowing users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, thus reducing the cognitive load and improving operational efficiency.

<ol>
<li>
Enhanced Productivity: SSO can significantly reduce the time employees spend logging into various applications, directly increasing work efficiency.
</li>
<li>
Improved Security: SSO boosts security by promoting stronger passwords, as users manage just one. Pairing SSO with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Risk-Based Authentication (RBA) heightens security.
</li>
<li>
Centralized Control Over User Access: SSO simplifies managing user access centrally, facilitating easy granting or revoking of access, vital for secure IT environments.
</li>
<li>
Reduction in IT Support Costs: SSO reduces password-related support requests, cutting IT support costs. Gartner suggests <a href="https://www.integrate.io/blog/benefits-single-sign-on-authentication/#:~:text=20%25%20to%2050%25%20of%20IT%20help%20desk%20calls%20are%20for%20password%20resets%20(Gartner).">20% to 50% of help desk calls</a> involve password resets.
</li>
<li>
Mitigation of Password Fatigue: SSO tackles password fatigue by minimizing the number of passwords users must remember, boosting security and satisfaction.
</li>
</ol>

<h2 id="futureof">The Future of Password Management and Remote Collaboration</h2>

<h3>Emerging Trends and Technologies</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-passkey-complete-guide">Passwordless authentication methods</a> such as biometric verification, single sign-on (SSO), and federated identity management are paving the way for a more secure and efficient remote work environment. These technologies reduce the risk associated with traditional passwords, such as password fatigue, reuse across multiple accounts, and vulnerability to cyber attacks. By embracing passwordless authentication, organizations can improve their security posture while also making it easier for employees to access the applications and data they need without the hassle of remembering complex passwords​​​.

<h3>Integrating Password Management with Other Collaboration Tools</h3>
Incorporating password management into remote teams' collaborative setup isn't just about organizing passwords&mdash;it's about unleashing teamwork's full potential in digital workspaces. Seamless integration of <a href="https://www.broadbandsearch.net/definitions/password">password</a> tools with collaboration platforms like Trello, Slack, and Google Drive revolutionizes teamwork. It's like providing a master key, ensuring no one gets locked out at inconvenient times.

The magic occurs as these tools sync effortlessly, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Picture a world where accessing shared project documents doesn't involve frantic password searches but secure, automatic logins, fostering uninterrupted collaboration. It's not just about convenience; it's a productivity game-changer. Teams can focus on innovating, collaborating, and delivering results.

<h2>The Bottomline</h2>
In the dynamic realm of remote collaboration, a solid password management strategy is akin to a well-oiled machine: it keeps the cogs turning smoothly. Remember, "Teamwork makes the dream work," but only if security isn't an afterthought. IT managers, CEOs, and COOs, it's time to lead the charge. Keep evolving those strategies&mdash;after all, in the world of remote work, the only constant is change.

<h2>Boost Password Security With TeamPassword</h2>
TeamPassword is a powerful password manager that streamlines password security for individuals and teams. With TeamPassword, you can generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts in an encrypted vault. No more struggling to remember complex passwords or resorting to unsafe practices like writing them down.
Additionally, TeamPassword offers features like secure password sharing with team members and two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection. Whether you are an individual seeking better password management or a team striving to enhance cybersecurity, TeamPassword has the tools you need.
<a target="_blank" rel="follow noopener" href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup">Get started with TeamPassword today</a>&nbsp;and elevate your password security to new heights. Safeguard your digital identity, protect sensitive information, and enjoy a more seamless and secure online experience.&nbsp;

Password managers provide safe, easy access to the tools remote teams rely on. Read on to find out what to look for and how best to use one!

Team collaboration in remote work is more than video calls and shared documents. It's also about accessing the ...

The Role of Password Management in Remote Work

Team collaboration in remote work is more than video calls and shared documents. It's also about accessing the tools you need to do the job - and doing so safely. Password managers are the unsung heroes of the remote workforce toolbox. They not only protect your team but give them near-instant access to the tools they need. No more chasing down logins! This article explains how these tools work and how to maximize their use on your team.

Mastering Team Collaboration: The Role of Password Management in Remote Work

Password encryption is essential to store user credentials stored in a database securely. Without password encryption, anyone accessing a user database on a company's servers (including hackers) could easily view any stored passwords.
Even a strong 32-character password created using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">secure password generator</a> is useless without password-encryption! If someone can read your password on a server, they can use it simply by copy/pasting it&mdash;no matter how long or complicated the password might be!
Encryption scrambles your password before saving it on the server. So, if someone hacks the server, instead of finding password123, they find a random series of letters and numbers.
In this article, we're going to explore the world of password encryption, why <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong passwords matter</a>, and how you can practice better password management!
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> is the password management solution for small businesses! Create, store, and share login credentials safely with employees, contractors, and clients. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understandingpasswordencryption" rel="follow">Understanding Password Encryption</a></li>
<li><a href="#howdoespasswordencryptionwork" rel="follow">How Does Password Encryption Work?</a></li>
<li><a href="#5commonpasswordencryptionmethods" rel="follow">5 Common Password Encryption Methods</a></li>
<li><a href="#whystrongpasswordsmatter" rel="follow">Why Strong Passwords Matter</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understandingpasswordencryption">Understanding Password Encryption</h2>
To explain password encryption effectively, we must first grasp the language. Several terms might be unfamiliar, so here is a quick intro to password encryption terminology.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Key: Used to lock and unlock passwords using a random string of bits. You get private and public keys that crypt and decrypt data differently, but we won't get too deep in the weeds with keys!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bits: A logical state with one of two possible values, including 1/0, true/false, yes/no, or on/off as typical examples.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Block (block cipher): A deterministic algorithm operating on fixed-length groups of bits, called blocks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash function: The algorithm that uses the key to create password encryption and decryption. A hash function is essentially a piece of code that runs every time someone saves a password or logs into an application.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash: A random series of numbers and letters representing your password. The hash function uses your hash instead of the raw password for authentication.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt: Additional letters and numbers appended to the hash</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="howdoespasswordencryptionwork">How Does Password Encryption Work?</h2>
When you save a new password, a hash function creates a hash version and saves that on the server.&nbsp;
Every time you log in using your password, the hash function recreates the hash to see if it matches what's stored. If the hashes match, the algorithm passes the authentication and logs you in.&nbsp;
For example:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Original password: Pa$$w0rd123</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hashed password: 6AF1CE202340​FE71BDB914AD5357​E33A6982A63B</li>
</ul>
While this might seem secure, simple hashed passwords aren't hack-proof.
The hash function only creates a unique hash for each password, not each user. So, if multiple users have the password, Pa$$w0rd123, the hash will be exactly the same.
To overcome this encryption vulnerability, engineers salt passwords so each hash is unique, even if the passwords are identical.
<h3>How Salt Works</h3>
A salt appends a unique value of 8 bytes (16 characters) to the password before the hash function creates a hash. This way, even identical passwords are unique before the hash function.
For example:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two identical passwords: Pa$$w0rd123</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt value one: E1F53135E559C253</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt value two: 84B03D034B409D4E</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password one before hash: Pa$$w0rd123E1F53135E559C253</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password two before hash: Pa$$w0rd12384B03D034B409D4E</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password one hashed value (SHA256): 72AE25495A7981​C40622D49F9A52E4F15​65C90F048F59027BD9​C8C8900D5C3D8</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password two hashed value (SHA256): B4B6603ABC670​967E99C7E7F1389E40​CD16E78AD38EB1468E​C2AA1E62B8BED3A</li>
</ul>
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2 id="5commonpasswordencryptionmethods">5 Common Password Encryption Methods</h2>
<h3>1. Data Encryption Standard (DES)</h3>
While applications no longer use Data Encryption Standard (DES), it's important to mention this password encryption method because of its history and influence on more secure modern standards.
IBM developed DES as a 56-bit encryption technology in the early 1970s. The NSA adopted and improved DES before it was approved worldwide as the encryption standard.
However, since the late 70s, hackers have been able to break DES encrypted passwords. In 1999, ethical hackers managed to break a DES key in under 24 hours.&nbsp;
To make DES more secure, engineers created Triple DES and later Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which we still use today.
<h3>2. Triple DES</h3>
Triple DES uses three 56-bit keys (blocks) to create 168-bit encryption (some security experts argue that Triple DES is only 112 bits strong). Although Triple-DES is slowly being phased out, many financial institutions still use it to encrypt ATM PINs.
<h3>3. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)</h3>
AES is the new encryption standard&mdash;trusted by the United States Government and many other prominent organizations globally. At 128 bits, AES is sufficiently secure, but most organizations prefer heavy-duty 256-bit encryption.
At <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">TeamPassword</a>, we use 256-bit encryption to store passwords, ensuring the highest levels of security for our clients. We're also a <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">secure hosting provider</a> holding multiple security accreditations.
Hackers can only break an AES encrypted password through a brute-force attack&mdash;trying password combinations to find the right one.
To counter brute-force attacks, applications will lock an account after a certain number of attempts or use tools like Google's reCAPTURE.
<h3>4. Blowfish</h3>
American cryptographer, Bruce Schneier, designed Blowfish in 1993 as an antidote to the weak DES encryption. Blowfish uses a 64-bit block and variable key length of 32 to 448 bits.
Although Blowfish is more robust than its DES predecessor, the 64-bit block is still vulnerable to attacks, most commonly birthday attacks&mdash;a cryptographic attack that exploits the mathematics behind the algorithm.
To solve Blowfish vulnerabilities, engineers created Twofish in 1998 (128-bit blocks with 256-bit keys) and Threefish in 2008 (256, 516, 1024-bit blocks with 256, 516, 1024-bit keys).
<h3>5. Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA)</h3>
RSA is one of the oldest and widely used to transfer data securely. The encryption works with two keys, two large prime numbers, and an additional auxiliary value.
Due to the complicated encrypting and decrypting process, there is no known method for breaking RSA encryption.&nbsp;
Although widely used for transferring data, RSA is slow and not suitable for password encryption.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2 id="whystrongpasswordsmatter">Why Strong Passwords Matter</h2>
Password encryption can only prevent criminals from viewing saved credentials stored on a server&mdash;but cannot prevent hackers from guessing weak/commonly used passwords. If you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords">reuse the same password for multiple accounts</a>, this also puts you at risk!
Encryption is most effective when users create robust, unique passwords for every account. For example, a random 32-character password with letters, numbers, and special characters hashed and salted is near impossible to guess or decode, even using a computer!
In another scenario, let's assume you have a strong 32-character password, but you use it for every account. If hackers manage to steal that password, they have access to every account using the same credentials! Your strong password is effectively useless.
<h3>Improving Your Password Management</h3>
Now that you understand password encryption and the associated vulnerabilities, you can see why strong passwords are essential.
Effective password management is crucial to protect yourself against cyberattacks or in the highly likely event of a data breach where hackers steal your credentials.
Criminals are after the low-hanging fruit&mdash;people who use weak passwords!
5 tips for creating stronger passwords:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Create strong passwords for every account. The easiest way to do this is using a password generator. <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">TeamPassword has a free password generator</a> anyone can use to create passwords from 12-32 characters using uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. We recommend creating passwords as long as the application will allow.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Never create passwords shorter than eight characters, with 12 being our recommended minimum.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Never reuse the same password for multiple accounts.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Never create passwords with your name, family member's names, or pet's names. With social media, this information is freely available. Criminals can add those names to algorithms for brute-force attacks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Don't store passwords in digital notepads or spreadsheets. We recommend using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager like TeamPassword</a> to create and store your credentials.</li>
</ol>
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Why You Need a Password Manager like TeamPassword</h2>
We have so many accounts these days; it's almost impossible to create unique, memorable, secure passwords for each one. A password manager solves this problem.
Instead of remembering the credentials for every account, you only need to memorize the one to log into your password manager.&nbsp;
TeamPassword keeps all of your credentials safely stored and encrypted, so you never have to memorize a password again. Instead of entering your credentials, you use one of TeamPassword's browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, and Safari) to log into accounts.
<h3>Built for Teams</h3>
TeamPassword's best feature is its ability to share credentials with team members securely. Instead of sharing passwords, you provide access through TeamPassword.&nbsp;
Employees <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">use TeamPassword</a> to log in, meaning you never share raw passwords&mdash;no more worrying about unauthorized access or sharing.
You can create groups in TeamPassword to share access with employees, clients, contractors, and freelancers. When someone no longer needs access, remove them from the group with a single click. No need to change passwords every time someone leaves a project!
<h3>Built-In Password Generator</h3>
TeamPassword features a built-in secure password manager so you can create robust passwords for every account. TeamPassword also ensures you never reuse the same credentials so that you won't fall victim to credential stuffing attacks!
With a built-in password generator, you can change passwords regularly, and TeamPassword will update the new credentials for all users!
<h3>Monitor Login Activity</h3>
TeamPassword's activity log keeps track of every action across all of your accounts&mdash;logins, password changes, new team members, sharing access, and more.
You can also set up email notifications for all TeamPassword actions so that you can react fast to any suspicious activity.
<h3>Get Your Free TeamPassword Trial</h3>
Password encryption is not enough to protect your business from password vulnerabilities! You need a robust password manager like TeamPassword to create, store, and share credentials securely.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> and let TeamPassword secure your company's digital assets.

Password encryption is the number one component of password security. TeamPassword encrypts passwords with state-of-the-art technology to keep passwords safe.

Password encryption is the number one component of password security. TeamPassword encrypts passwords with state-of-the-art technology to keep ...

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

What is password encryption and how does it work?

So you think hackers have stolen your password? You're not the only one. 
Perhaps you've noticed strange activity on your email account or frequent pop-ups on your computer. Perhaps it's just a hunch. 
But how can you know&nbsp;for sure?
There are many warning signs that you've been the victim of a data hack:
<ul>
<li>Your device is slower than normal.</li>
<li>You use more data than normal.</li>
<li>Videos take longer to load.</li>
<li>You received an email notification about a password change you didn't make.</li>
<li>An online account no longer accepts your password.</li>
</ul>
However, hackers can steal your passwords and identity&nbsp;without you ever knowing. That's why it's so difficult to tell if you're the victim of a hack.
This guide will help you work out if hackers have stolen your information and tell you how to stop it from happening again.&nbsp;
Prevent hackers from stealing your data by incorporating TeamPassword into your tech stack. This password manager for teams comes with a range of security features like two-step verification and password encryption.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for a free trial</a>&nbsp;today.&nbsp;

<h2>Have I Been Hacked? How Do I Know?</h2>
There are various ways to tell whether hackers have access to your information:
<ul>
<li>Look for unusual activity on your account. This activity includes logins to your social media accounts from unfamiliar locations or mass messages sent from your email account.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Look for security emails from account providers that warn about failed login attempts or password changes you didn't make.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Look for changes in performance on the devices, apps, and websites you use. For example, see if videos take longer to buffer than normal.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Look at your browser's password manager (if you use one) and check that nobody has changed these credentials.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
All the above can be a guessing game. You might have a feeling that you're the victim of a hack but don't know for sure. 
Checking a stolen password list like "Have I Been Pwned" clears up some of the confusion. This tool searches across multiple data breaches &mdash; when hackers take stolen passwords and usernames and post them online &mdash; to see if cybercriminals have compromised your personal information. 
Here's how to use this stolen password list:
<ol>
<li>Enter your email address on the main page.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click "pwned."</li>
<li>The website will search thousands of databases to see if hackers have stolen your personal information.</li>
<li>If you receive the "Oh no &ndash; Pwned!" message, it means hackers have posted sensitive information associated with your email address (passwords, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) somewhere online.</li>
<li>If you receive the "Good news &ndash; no pwnage found!" message, it means the website could not find your information on the internet.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Note: Just because the website can't find your data on the internet, it doesn't mean hackers haven't compromised your personal information.
Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-for-small-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Password Manager for Small Businesses</a>

<h2>Which Passwords Did Hackers Steal?</h2>
Establish which passwords hackers stole in a data breach so you can take quick action. Websites like "Have I Been Pwned"&nbsp;won't&nbsp;tell you which passwords are at risk. You'll only learn whether hackers have compromised the data associated with a particular email address. 
Note: Sometimes, hackers might have access to your email address and other personal information but not your password. It's hard to know for sure.&nbsp;
If hackers have access to your data, it's a good idea to change&nbsp;all passwords&nbsp;associated with the compromised email address. If you use your email address for several online accounts, change the passwords for these services. Updating these passwords might take you a while, and remembering the new passwords leads to additional problems. (Keep reading to find a solution.)
Here are some other tips:
<ul>
<li>When choosing new passwords, use combinations of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords that use all these elements are stronger than those that don't.</li>
<li>Don't write your passwords down because this increases the risk of identity theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Don't tell anyone your new passwords.</li>
</ul>
Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-most-secure-way-to-share-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Most Secure Way to Share Passwords</a>.

<h2>How Common Is a Data Hack?</h2>
More common than you think. Hackers were responsible for more than 4,000 attacks every day in 2020, and the total number of compromised records exceeded 37 billion. That's a 141% increase from 2019. Much of this compromised data appears on the dark web, where cybercriminals use it to facilitate illegal activities such as identity theft and money laundering.&nbsp;
If you have been the subject of a data hack, you are not alone. However, it's important to act quickly to prevent hackers from accessing your personal or financial accounts.&nbsp;
There are other types of cybercrime to consider. Cybercriminals use techniques like phishing, where they impersonate people online and trick victims into handing over their personal information. Phishing now accounts for more than 80% of all cybersecurity incidents, and criminals steal $17,700 every minute in these attacks.&nbsp;

<h2>What Kind of Information Do Hackers Steal?</h2>
Hackers steal all kinds of personal and financial information:
<ul>
<li>Names</li>
<li>Email addresses</li>
<li>Usernames</li>
<li>Passwords</li>
<li>Addresses</li>
<li>Phone numbers</li>
<li>Bank account details</li>
<li>Credit card numbers</li>
<li>Social Security numbers</li>
<li>Insurance information&nbsp;</li>
<li>IRS information</li>
<li>Photos</li>
<li>Private message</li>
<li>SMS messages</li>
</ul>
Nothing is off-limits for hackers, and these criminals go to great lengths to steal your data. Once they have access to the information above, hackers can transfer money from your bank accounts, use your identity to apply for financing, and damage your credit file.&nbsp;
Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-scariest-data-breaches-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Scariest Data Breaches of All Time</a>.
TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams. Features include two-step verification, password encryption, easy password sharing, and more.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get a free trial now</a>&nbsp;and learn how TeamPassword keeps you safe online.&nbsp;

<h2>Have I Been Hacked? How to Stay Safe.</h2>
There are several ways to improve online security and prevent hackers from accessing your personal information:
<ul>
<li>Use the latest security software and apps when using devices and browsing the internet.</li>
<li>Carry out regular risk assessments where you evaluate your security software.</li>
<li>Back up personal data to a reputable cloud service instead of keeping it on your device.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Don't share personal information with other people.</li>
<li>Create a security management strategy for your organization and share it with all team members.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Using a password manager is another way to stay safe online. The best ones encrypt your online passwords so hackers can't access these credentials, and you can keep passwords in a secure cloud-based vault and not have to remember them. There are various password managers online, including free ones available through most internet browsers, but not all tools are the same.&nbsp;
If you work alongside a team, consider TeamPassword. It's the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password manager for teams</a>&nbsp;that require world-class security and performance. This all-in-one password solution helps teams like yours store, manage, and share passwords in the safest way possible.&nbsp;

<h2>How Can TeamPassword Help?</h2>
TeamPassword prevents hackers from stealing your organization's most sensitive data with an incredible range of password management features. Enterprises of all sizes use TeamPassword to manage passwords, including tech startups, digital marketing agencies, creative agencies, and software and development teams.
Here are some&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/features" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword features</a>&nbsp;that prevent situations involving a stolen password:
<ul>
<li>Random password generation that creates unique passwords for websites.</li>
<li>Two-step password verification.</li>
<li>Activity and logging tools so you can discover who has access to password management features.</li>
<li>Secure encryption technology.</li>
<li>Email notifications about password management actions.</li>
<li>Passwords stored securely in one place. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Final Word</h2>
If you're looking for the answer to the question, "Have I been hacked?" it's difficult to know for sure. Preventing hackers from compromising your data in the first place provides a better resolution. TeamPassword lets you store and manage passwords in a secure environment and minimize the effects of a stolen password so you can avoid hackers stealing your data and continue to collaborate on team projects.&nbsp;
With features like password encryption, two-step authentication, and random password generation, TeamPassword is the best password management solution for teams that want to improve online security.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for a free trial</a>&nbsp;now.

Have I been hacked? Here's how to check if you have and learn how to stop hackers from stealing your data. | TeamPassword Blog

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