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.
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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.
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<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!
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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>.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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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!

Have you left a digital trail scattered across the vast landscape of the internet that you wish didn't exist? Whether it's signing up for a newsletter or participating in an online quiz to find out which Hogwarts house you belong to, your personal information might be hanging out in more places than you realize. Living in the data-sharing age comes with challenges, especially when cybercrimes are rising at a brisk <a href="https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/">15% per year.</a>

Luckily, you can grab a virtual broom and embark on a mission to clean up your online presence. In this guide, we've got your back with four essential steps to help you regain control of your personal information and tidy up that digital footprint.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#step%201" rel="follow">Step #1: Remove yourself from Google</a></li>
<li><a href="#step%202" rel="follow">Step #2: Delete old email and online shopping accounts</a></li>
<li><a href="#step%203" rel="follow">Step #3: Opt-out of data broker databases</a></li>
<li><a href="#step%204" rel="follow">Step #4: Opt-out of people search sites</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="step 1">Step #1: Removing yourself from Google</h2>
So, you've Googled yourself and cringed at the parade of personal details marching across the search results. Whether it's your age, address, or the embarrassing photo from that college party, it's time to take control and clear the digital clutter. It might be the go-to search engine, but that doesn't mean you need to let it spill all your secrets, so <a href="https://blog.incogni.com/remove-personal-info-from-google/">removing your info from Google</a> is a good idea.

In its quest for online decency, Google has given us a few tools to wrestle back our privacy. The latest update, <a href="https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/08/">rolled out in August 2023</a>, makes it easier to sweep away those search results that make you squirm, albeit with limitations.

First, you need to figure out what can and cannot be booted from the Google search party. Then, armed with the <a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076?hl=en">"results about you" tool</a>, you'll be ready to delete the digital breadcrumbs leading to your doorstep. The "<a href="https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9689846?hl=en">removal request" tool</a> is your next option if the first tool is unavailable to you. You can also submit a <a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en">Personal Data Removal Request</a> and let Google know you're serious about leaving no trace.

Pro tip: Set up a Google alert for your name to see if any new personal info pops up after your cleanup.
<h2 id="step 2">Step #2: Old email accounts and forgotten shopping sprees</h2>
We always recommend keeping abreast of the evolving challenges and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/vishing">ways to stay safe online</a>. A regular digital spring clean is part of this, starting with those ancient email accounts. We've all got them&mdash;like old relics from the early days of the internet. But beware, they're not just nostalgia-filled time capsules; they're potential treasure troves of personal info. From heartfelt messages to the nitty-gritty of your bank account, they hold the keys to your kingdom.&nbsp;

Follow the provider's deletion instructions (usually hidden somewhere in the settings), and bid farewell to the ghosts of emails past. Just remember, before you hit that delete button, salvage any precious photos or important info because once it's gone, it's gone.

Now, let's talk about those sneaky shopping accounts. We've all been enticed by the allure of discounts and free shipping, creating accounts left and right. Little did we know we were handing over our address and payment info to the digital realm. Fire up your email and search for keywords like "order confirmation" or "shipping confirmation." Those pesky emails can lead to forgotten accounts in the online shopping jungle. Delete them.

Pro tip: When you feel the urge to splurge online, resist the temptation to create another account. Instead, opt for the guest checkout option.&nbsp;
<h2 id="step 3">Step #3: Finding the data brokers</h2>
Data broker websites don't just know your name and address; they've crafted an allegedly anonymous puppet version of you, ready to be sold to the highest bidder in the digital marketplace. You can search online to find websites that collect and sell personal data. Most of these data brokers have a little nook on their sites labeled "Privacy" or "Consumer Information." Head there to unveil how they use your data and find the golden ticket to opt-out.

Well-known data brokers such as Acxiom, CoreLogic, Epsilon, Experian, and more compile data from multiple brokers, creating detailed consumer profiles. Opting out from a single data broker may not remove your information from aggregator databases, but it can still help. To opt-out, follow these steps:
<ol>
<li>
Find the opt-out or privacy page on the data broker's website, typically in the footer or privacy policy section.
</li>
<li>
Complete the opt-out form with the required information, including your name, email, and relevant personal details.
</li>
<li>
Be prepared for possible ID verification; follow the broker's guidelines on protecting sensitive information.
</li>
<li>
Send the opt-out request and keep a record of any confirmation or reference numbers provided.
</li>
<li>
Check for additional steps, such as email confirmations or further communication to confirm identity, and complete them if required.
</li>
</ol>

Credit bureaus, the gatekeepers of your financial life, also dabble in data-selling. Once you've shooed away the data broker specters, turn your attention to the credit bureaus. Politely inform them that you want your data off their guest list, and watch as your digital presence becomes a bit more elusive.
<h2 id="step 4">Step #4: Tackling people search sites</h2>
Much like data brokers, digital detectives like whitepages.com and MyLife are known as people search sites, and they seem to know more about you than your mom does.&nbsp;

Ever checked out one of these sites and been hit with a wave of surprise at how much they know? Your past addresses (or even your current one), phone numbers, links to your social media playgrounds, and even a highlight reel of your traffic and criminal escapades. It's enough to make anyone feel a bit exposed.

Now, getting off these sites isn't as easy as unfollowing that one weird friend on social media. To remove your information from these sites, do the following:

<ol>
<li>
Utilize search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing to identify people search sites displaying your personal information. Use quotes around your full name for precise results and compile a list of identified people search sites.
</li>
<li>
Create a comprehensive list of people search sites, including those not prominently featured in initial search results. Consider well-known sites like TruthFinder, BeenVerified, Spokeo, FamilyTreeNow, Intelius, PeopleFinders, and FastPeopleSearch.
</li>
<li>
Visit each site and search your name, possibly adding your city for accuracy. Confirm the correct listing based on additional details to ensure accurate opt-out requests.
</li>
<li>
Find the opt-out page on each site. Explore the FAQ section for opt-out instructions; note that the process may differ across sites.
</li>
<li>
Follow the site's instructions to submit the opt-out request, and if multiple listings exist, submit a separate request for each profile.
</li>
<li>
Repeat these steps for every search site on your list.
</li>
</ol>

Each of these platforms has its own set of hoops to jump through, and it might take a bit of your precious time. But, armed with determination, a cup of coffee, and maybe some background music, you can dive into the opt-out process. It might require a decent time commitment, but hey, you'll be reclaiming your digital &ldquo;you&rdquo; one click at a time. The goal here is to make your digital footprint a bit more mysterious and a lot less intrusive.&nbsp;
<h3>Keep those passwords super safe</h3>
Using strong unique passwords for every account is another way to protect your digital identity. Managing these can be a herculean task. However, storing them in a password manager simplifies the process, providing both security and an efficient way to access all of your online accounts.&nbsp;
 <a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, easy and secure way to store and share logins and passwords in the office or on the go. Storing and sharing passwords safely has never been more straightforward with our help. Keep your data safe today!

Is there information about you online that you don't want to be there? Read on for four steps to take control of your digital presence.

Is there information about you online that you don't want to be there? Or, perhaps you just want ...

Clean Up Personal Info Online in 4 Simple Steps

Is there information about you online that you don't want to be there? Or, perhaps you just want to be a little more digitally secure? Read on for tips.

How to Clean Up Personal Information on the Internet in 4 Steps

Many of us security-minded individuals have embraced the <a href="https://brave.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Brave browser</a>, which launched in 2016. Built on the Chromium open-source foundation, Brave prioritizes user privacy by blocking ads and trackers by default. This translates to a faster, more secure browsing experience.
However, with the ever-growing number of online accounts and login credentials, the question of password management arises. While Brave offers a built-in password manager, some users might seek additional features or functionalities.
This guide delves into the world of password managers in Brave, addressing:
<ul>
<li><a href="#compatibility" rel="follow">Compatibility</a>: Can any password manager work with Brave?</li>
<li><a href="#benefits" rel="follow">Benefits</a>: What advantages do dedicated password managers offer over Brave's built-in solution?</li>
<li><a href="#disable" rel="follow">Disabling Brave's Manager</a>: How to switch to another solution.</li>
</ul>
Whether you're a seasoned Brave user or just starting to explore its features, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your password management strategy within Brave. Let's navigate the password landscape together and conquer the security jungle!
<h2>Why do people use Brave?</h2>
Online privacy concerns have become paramount for many internet users. This drives interest in and adoption of privacy-focused browsers like Brave. Here's why Brave, and similar browsers, are gaining traction:
<h3>1. Reclaiming Control Over Your Data:</h3>
Many users dislike that their online activities are monitored and tracked by companies and advertisers. This can lead to a sense of unease and a loss of control over personal information. Brave combats this by blocking ads and trackers by default, preventing them from collecting and using your browsing data for targeted advertising or other purposes.
<h3>2. Enhanced Browser Performance:</h3>
Blocking ads and trackers not only protects your privacy but also improves browsing speed and performance. Websites load faster with fewer intrusive elements, making your online experience smoother and more efficient. This is especially crucial for small businesses that rely heavily on online tools and platforms for daily operations.
<h3>3. A More Secure Browsing Environment:</h3>
Privacy-focused browsers like Brave often come equipped with additional security features that enhance your online safety. These can include:
<ul>
<li>Blocking malicious websites and phishing attempts.</li>
<li>Preventing malware and other types of online threats.</li>
<li>Offering encrypted connections for secure communication.</li>
<li>This heightened security environment is crucial for small businesses, which are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their perceived vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Earning Rewards (Optional):</h3>
While not necessarily the primary reason for using Brave, some users appreciate the optional built-in rewards system. By opting in to view privacy-focused ads, users can earn BAT tokens, a cryptocurrency within the Brave ecosystem. These tokens can then be used for various purposes, such as tipping content creators or contributing to charity.
While Brave's password manager offers basic functionality, it may not be enough for the comprehensive security needs of businesses. In the next section, we'll explore the world of password managers within Brave and help you decide what's best for your online security and business operation.
<h2>Is Brave password manager safe? Evaluating its Strengths and Limitations</h2>
While the short answer is yes, Brave's password manager utilizes industry-standard encryption to safeguard your stored credentials, a more nuanced answer requires an evaluation of its strengths and limitations, particularly in the context of business or team needs.
Strengths:
<ul>
<li>Encryption: Brave employs industry-standard encryption to protect your saved passwords, offering a baseline level of security against unauthorized access.</li>
<li>Ease of Use: Integrating seamlessly with the Brave browser, the built-in password manager offers a convenient way to store and manage login credentials within the browsing environment.</li>
</ul>
Limitations:
<ul>
<li>Limited Features: Compared to dedicated password management solutions, Brave's offering lacks several crucial features that are essential for robust online security, especially within a business context. These include:
<ul>
<li>Secure Password Sharing: Sharing login credentials with employees or collaborators is often necessary for efficient teamwork. However, Brave's password manager lacks functionalities for secure and controlled sharing, potentially compromising security.</li>
<li>Password Strength Analysis: This valuable feature helps users assess the complexity and effectiveness of their passwords, guiding them towards creating strong and unique passwords for each account.</li>
<li>Data Breach Monitoring: Proactive monitoring of the dark web for compromised credentials is crucial for identifying potential security risks and taking preventative measures. This feature is absent in Brave's password manager, leaving users vulnerable to data breaches that may go unnoticed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Local Storage: Unlike dedicated password managers that offer cloud-based storage with robust security protocols, Brave's solution stores data locally on the user's device. While this approach offers some advantages in terms of data control, it introduces downsides:
<ul>
<li>Limited Accessibility: Users cannot access their passwords from other devices unless they manually synchronize the data across each individual device, a process that can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for those who regularly use multiple devices.</li>
<li>Single Point of Failure: If a malicious actor gains access to the user's device, they will also have access to all the saved passwords within the browser, potentially compromising the security of all associated accounts. This poses a significant risk for businesses, where unauthorized access to one device could lead to a domino effect, jeopardizing the security of multiple accounts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="compatibility">Compatibility: Can any third-party password manager work with Brave?</h2>
The majority of modern password managers run as a web application and have Chrome extensions. Because Brave is a Chromium-based browser, Chrome extensions work in it the same way they do in the Chrome browser.&nbsp;
However, it's always good to test. Most password managers have free trials, so take advantage and test compatibility with your browsers and devices.
Now, let's explore the advantages of using a dedicated password manager for your Brave browser.
<h2 id="benefits">Why dedicated password managers are better than browser password managers</h2>
<h3>1. Security Features Built for Business</h3>
Dedicated password managers go beyond basic encryption, offering a robust arsenal of security features to shield your business's online assets. These features include:
<ul>
<li>Zero-knowledge architecture: This approach ensures that the company never stores your actual passwords, only an encrypted version. Even in the event of a security breach, hackers won't have access to your original passwords unless they obtain your master password and can bypass 2FA.</li>
<li>Two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to the login process, requiring users to enter a second verification code in addition to their password. This makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult, even if a hacker manages to obtain your password.</li>
<li>Secure password sharing: Collaboration is often essential for businesses. Dedicated password managers enable the secure sharing of login credentials with colleagues or team members, facilitating efficient teamwork without compromising security. Granular access controls ensure that users only have access to the specific information they need, minimizing the potential for accidental exposure.</li>
<li>Password breach monitoring: Proactive monitoring of the dark web for compromised credentials is crucial for identifying potential security risks before they escalate. Dedicated password managers constantly scan the dark web for leaked passwords and alert you if your saved credentials appear in a data breach. This empowers you to take immediate action, such as changing your passwords, and mitigate potential damage.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Access from Anywhere:</h3>
Brave's password manager has limited functionality across devices due to its privacy stance, which restricts deep integration with your smartphone.&nbsp;
Dedicated password managers offer cross-platform access, allowing you to access your saved passwords from any device, whether it's your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet. This ensures that you can always access your business-critical accounts, regardless of the device you're using, maximizing productivity and convenience.
<h3>3. Simplifying Security with a Master Password:</h3>
Managing multiple passwords for various accounts can be a daunting task. Dedicated password managers have you create a master password: a single, strong password that acts as the key to your password vault. This eliminates the need to remember individual passwords for each account, simplifying the login process and reducing the risk of password fatigue, where users resort to weak or reused passwords due to the burden of remembering complex ones.
Investing in a dedicated password manager is an investment in your business's security. Don't wait for a data breach to happen.
<h2 id="disable">How to Disable Brave's Password Manager</h2>
Given the limitations outlined above, teams and individuals who want a fuller feature set will benefit from disabling Brave's password manager and migrating to a dedicated solution. This is particularly recommended in scenarios where:
<ul>
<li>Secure password sharing is necessary for efficient collaboration.</li>
<li>Advanced password management features like strength analysis and data breach monitoring are crucial for robust online security.</li>
<li>Frequent use of multiple devices necessitates seamless password accessibility across various platforms.</li>
</ul>
Here's a detailed guide on how to disable Brave's password save feature:
1. Launch the Brave browser.
2. Open the Password Manager
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/DTpYJrRzRE3XBZSnnpLx" alt="undefined" width="332" height="164">
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/OvRq3VIiQMqMEIl4t6Qg" alt="undefined" width="306" height="579">
Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the browser window. From the menu, select "Password Manager."
3. Select the "Settings" tab
From the Password Manager page, select Settings.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/HrbhK9MQxef1DEqoZbsd" alt="undefined" width="766" height="233">
4. Disable the "Offer to save passwords" option.
Within the "Autofill and passwords" section, locate the toggle switch labeled "Offer to save passwords." Click on the toggle to switch it to the "Off" position.
5. (Optional) Clear existing saved passwords
If you want to remove any passwords already saved in Brave's manager, you can do so in this step. Select "Passwords" from the tab on the left - you'll see a list of saved credentials. Click on the three dots next to each entry and select "Remove" to delete it.
6. (Optional) Close and relaunch Brave browser.
While not strictly necessary, restarting your browser ensures the changes take full effect. Close all Brave windows and then relaunch the browser.
By following these steps, Brave will no longer prompt you to save your passwords when logging into websites.
Additional Notes:
<ul data-sourcepos="31:1-33:109">
<li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:94">Disabling Brave's password manager does not affect your existing passwords stored elsewhere.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:122">If you decide to use a dedicated password manager, ensure you choose a reputable solution with robust security features.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:109">Remember to keep your passwords strong and unique, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Use the TeamPassword extension in your Brave browser</h2>
For businesses, agencies, and collaborative teams, TeamPassword is the most cost-effective and intuitive password manager.&nbsp;
TeamPassword offers what stock browser password managers miss:
<ul>
<li>Enforceable 2FA</li>
<li>Role-based access</li>
<li>Organize passwords into unlimited groups so users only access what they need</li>
<li>Audit logs so you know who accesses what record, and when</li>
</ul>
Because Brave is built on the Chromium foundation, TeamPassword's <a href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/teampassword/cikdbigchmgednjbjppflefljobhnhca?utm_source=ext_app_menu" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Chrome extension</a> works seamlessly in the Brave browser.&nbsp;
Skeptical? I get it. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try TeamPassword for free for 14 days</a> - no card required.&nbsp;

Brave is an excellent browser for privacy-conscious users, but its built-in password manager is no paragon of functionality. Explore the best alternatives.

Brave is an excellent browser for privacy-conscious users, but its built-in password manager is no paragon of functionality. ...

Brave Password Manager

Brave is an excellent browser for privacy-conscious users, but its built-in password manager is no paragon of functionality. Explore the best alternatives in this guide.

Brave Password Managers: A guide to compatible extensions and password managers

The technological era has brought numerous benefits to many businesses. Some areas that rely on technical solutions today include communications, product design, logistics, financial services, and marketing.

But while the use of technology has increased drastically over the last few decades, so has the threat of cyber attacks.&nbsp;

As more businesses become aware of different tactics and cyber security measures improve, hackers create increasingly advanced attacks that threaten company data more than ever.

In fact, <a href="https://www.cyberark.com/resources/blog/cybersecurity-predictions-for-2024-and-beyond%20of%20all%20cyberattacks.">CyberArk research</a> predicts that session hijacking will account for 40% of all cyberattacks in 2024, while 30% of organizations will see an increase in data breaches linked to credential theft.

Why does this matter? Businesses face costly shutdowns if they&rsquo;re victims of an attack, not to mention potential compensatory damages or fines. While software solutions are available, having a fully comprehensive strategy is more effective.

But cybercriminals show no signs of slowing down in 2024. And with the popularity of new tools like AI, a rise in the use of the Internet of Things, and cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, there has never been a more crucial time to create a cybersecurity policy.&nbsp;

Don&rsquo;t know where to start? Our guide will help you create a robust policy to protect your business, employees, and customers.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What is a cybersecurity policy?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyneedpolicy" rel="follow">Why do businesses need a cybersecurity policy</a></li>
<li><a href="#typesof" rel="follow">Types of cybersecurity policies</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtocreate" rel="follow">How to create a cybersecurity policy</a></li>
<li><a href="#putintopractice" rel="follow">How to put your policy into practice</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatis">What is a cybersecurity policy?</h2>

A cybersecurity policy defines the IT systems and data assets that your business wants to protect. It also identifies the type of threats that could occur and how to respond to them.&nbsp;

<img height="311" width="553" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/o_62YzGMaJRJR3-ShgVmOIZzkzfmp8l_22G2xnqC1uF_AmBttTNL1kavU2pGhL41jd0W9JP9ZQjOwJduF9yoQkeVTi3m0ulHI7noEx69vnr2kCtCtJ7I9YIG_smHmVKWU2ERftgGHXxJscPd3S1EIek">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash

The policy aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the company&rsquo;s data. This applies to all business areas, from password-protected databases to ensuring encryption for your <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/cloud-phone-system/">cloud phone system features</a>.

The policy outlines the key responsibilities of everyone within the organization and how they should protect data and avoid breaches.
<h2 id="whyneedpolicy">Why do businesses need a cybersecurity policy?</h2>

A cybersecurity policy is an essential part of running a modern company, whether a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cybersecurity-checklist">small business</a> or a large one. Here are a few reasons why.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Protect your organization&rsquo;s reputation</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Exposing your business to a data breach and then failing to respond effectively will lead to a lack of trust among customers and staff. It also makes it harder to attract new customers and employees who don&rsquo;t believe you take data privacy seriously.

A robust cybersecurity policy reduces the risk of a data breach and gives you a clear path for managing cyber threats if you do fall victim to attack. This, then, increases customer and employee faith in your company.
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Reduce chances of a shutdown&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
A cyber attack can be devastating for a business. Having to shut down operations is a financial strain not all companies can afford to face. The standards set out in the policy ensure that employees understand their roles and how to prevent attacks. Reducing the likelihood of an attack ensures business continuity.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Ensure legal compliance</h3>
</li>
</ol>
As a response to increased threats, more laws are coming into effect. Legislation covering data protection is becoming stricter, and you must take the necessary steps to protect personal data. Failure to have appropriate protective measures can lead to hefty penalties and fines. A thorough cybersecurity policy should take into account up-to-date laws and regulations.
<h2 id="typesof">3 types of cybersecurity policies</h2>

Cybersecurity policies depend on the organization&rsquo;s needs and, as such, have different objectives and areas of focus. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but cybersecurity policies generally fall into the following three categories.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Program or master policy</h3>
</li>
</ol>
This blueprint for the entire organization clearly states objectives and execution procedures to protect digital assets against an attack. These policies are written at a high level and consider future threats, which means they can be updated less frequently. A program policy takes into account the following:
<ul>
<li>
Software updates and upgrades (including anti-virus and security updates)
</li>
<li>
Data backup
</li>
<li>
Malware threats
</li>
<li>
Disaster response and recovery plans
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/features">Password management</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/1SktXwyRiKLMXnt7FNQN" alt="undefined" width="531" height="309">
TeamPassword's intuitive user-interface
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Issue-specific policy</h3>
</li>
</ol>
As the name suggests, an issue-specific policy provides a more in-depth exploration of specific issues and threats. In practice, this could include specific security policies for networks, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/byod-policies-cybersecurity-risks">personal devices</a>, or remote access. A remote access policy, for example, might specify that employees use a remote access VPN.

<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">System-specific policy</h3>
</li>
</ol>
You would write this type of policy for a specific system, such as a piece of equipment, <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/virtual-pbx/">virtual PBX software</a>, database, firewall, or web server. System-specific policies often relate to critical people who operate the systems, with IT and security personnel giving their input to design them.

<h2 id="howtocreate">How to create a cybersecurity policy for your company</h2>
It&rsquo;s one thing to understand what a cybersecurity policy is. It&rsquo;s another to create one. Here are a few essential things to factor into your policy.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Define the purpose and objectives</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Having a clear reason and set of objectives before creating a cybersecurity policy helps ensure you make one with all the correct elements. The policy should cover realistic actions that employees will understand. Having a clear mission statement can help clarify why the policy is so important to everyone in the organization.

<img height="439" width="585" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/YGbKav8FfAUfkM-FLz7IjLYBoky0xaY9Xr3HQogycarOa1hU7Cx14L0ntMKKQC5XcYnOA4C0ealrVopV3kp9jF2dZaRv2khlT2xRqEOnNIFi-pT2kRkmI0WV-EO-W4EDa8SXIIfzTduw0BLiEOD1lxA">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Identify risks and threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
These may differ for each business, so it&rsquo;s important to consider where your company&rsquo;s vulnerabilities lie. This may involve conducting a thorough assessment of the business&rsquo;s digital assets. Some key questions to answer as part of a review or assessment include:
<ul>
<li>
What threats are common in my industry?
</li>
<li>
What threats could have a damaging impact on my business?
</li>
<li>
What channels are attackers likely to use?
</li>
<li>
Who is the policy for?
</li>
<li>
How does it tie into our core business objectives?
</li>
</ul>

The answers to these questions will provide a framework for your cybersecurity policy.

<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Set realistic and enforceable goals</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Any goals should be realistic for your workforce to keep on top of, and any actions should be feasible. So, consider the systems that need protecting, your budget, and your available staff. Overloading employees with unnecessary tasks can affect performance, so a staged approach to implementing cybersecurity policies is worth considering.

For the policy to be successful, it must be enforceable. If not, it&rsquo;s a waste of time. Linking it to your disciplinary policy may help, given the severity of the consequences.

<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Ditch the jargon</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Most people who need to understand cybersecurity policies won&rsquo;t be technical professionals. For that reason, it&rsquo;s crucial to use clear language and avoid technical terms or acronyms that may not be familiar to the majority of employees.&nbsp;

Doing this means all teams and departments will understand the policy. Clearly communicating with employees helps create a <a href="https://showmypc.com/blog/Creating-a-Strong-Cybersecurity-Culture">cybersecurity culture</a> throughout the entire organization, which will go a long way in protecting the business from advanced threats.

<img height="331" width="496" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ZgAaiVharrieD0MbKStUoHTQ4xs46ohkw6XBuLLejI8qC7NzJxkA6tEBv4UU2-CJdxfupHtsxpaxBO7WToyRKbd2aZePZaFFH3BI_LBApeDlBYuF4AO96Rvz5nxvnc7G1w6xF_kNswgCQu2QigYNxS8">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Align with internal and external compliance requirements</h3>
</li>
</ol>
One essential objective of the policy should be to act in line with your <a href="https://www.databricks.com/discover/data-governance">data governance security</a> approach as well as external regulations. On top of data protection rules, there are industry-specific ones you must comply with. It&rsquo;s important to know what these are and act accordingly.

As we mentioned earlier, legislation changes regularly. Stay on top of any changes relevant to your industry, business, and customers, regularly review your policy to ensure it&rsquo;s up-to-date, and keep staff well-informed.

<ol start="6">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Have a customer response plan</h3>
</li>
</ol>
In the event of a security breach, your customers will likely have concerns. Naturally, they&rsquo;ll want to know which of their personal details were exposed.&nbsp;

With this in mind, you must plan how you&rsquo;ll respond. What information will you share with customers? How will you resolve the issue? How will you inform customers of a breach and share the relevant information?&nbsp;

As well as having an emergency call center, businesses can utilize <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/ai-virtual-assistant/">AI virtual assistant technology</a> to keep customers informed. You can train these to provide automated answers to common customer questions about the breach and provide general information that might impact your customers moving forward.
<h2 id="putintopractice">How to put your policy into practice</h2>

Once you have a cyber security plan, it&rsquo;s time to put it into practice. This involves several key steps.

<h3>Test your approach</h3>
Why wait for a real attack to see if your policy works? Simulated testing can highlight weaknesses in your digital infrastructure so you can fix any issues before a hacker finds them. Testing also puts employees&rsquo; skills into practice and ensures everyone knows what to do in the event of a real data breach.

<h3>Train staff</h3>
Once the policy is ready, it&rsquo;s important to offer staff training. Employees should be clear on what information can be shared and what can&rsquo;t as well as how to handle sensitive data and confidential assets. They should also know what counts as acceptable use for online access and personal devices.&nbsp;

<img height="402" width="603" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/tdIuLQ9dRWJgl1VZA0F_84wPTSKk9bPrLGq3RGNp5MiyP0kteR2_V-N8wuQL1EtRRW--cYSg-8wAgf9tlswKWGrtBHAO8jQyOYbf7vIrzaYxMR9pfqCcklHypRcv47jt1kjoHT5LqfF_9clWLPVhPgE">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<h3>Update your policy regularly</h3>
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, it&rsquo;s crucial to keep ahead of the game by identifying potential threats and updating the policy regularly. Senior leaders, IT experts, and relevant department leaders should work together to keep the cybersecurity policy up-to-date. It&rsquo;s not just the threats that change; updating software or even buying a new <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domain-names">domain name</a> can be enough to prompt a security review.

<h2>Final thoughts</h2>
A cybersecurity policy is essential for any modern business, particularly as cyber attacks advance in 2024.&nbsp;

Regardless of your company size, location, or sector, there&rsquo;s a chance you could have security vulnerabilities. By taking reasonable measures, highlighting threats, and training staff, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a data breach or reduce the impact if you do have one.&nbsp;

A cybersecurity policy should take a whole business approach. Everyone from senior management to employees on the shop floor should be onboard in sharing the importance of protecting business assets. Creating a culture of cybersecurity comes from communication and training. If you get it right, it will be one of the best weapons for protecting your business.

As with most things, preparation is better than the cure.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. Here’s how to protect your business and customers with a robust cybersecurity policy.

With cyberattacks predicted to become more sophisticated in 2024, here’s how to protect your business and customers with ...

How to Create a Company Cybersecurity Policy in 2024

With cyberattacks predicted to become more sophisticated in 2024, here’s how to protect your business and customers with a robust cybersecurity policy.

How to Create a Company Cybersecurity Policy [in 2024]

We often focus on external cyber threats, but what about threats from within?

With <a href="https://surfshark.com/blog/data-breach-statistics-2022-q3">108.9 million</a> accounts reportedly breached in Q3 2022 alone, mitigating the risk of a data breach should be high on any business owner's agenda. But with the increase in remote work, it&rsquo;s harder than ever before to keep an eye on internal threats.

In this article, we&rsquo;ll look at what insider threats are, how to spot them, and crucial steps to prevent them.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li>
<a href="#whatare" rel="follow">What are insider threats?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#howto" rel="follow">How to detect existing insider threats</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#preventby" rel="follow">Five ways to prevent insider threats</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatare">What are insider threats?</h2>
An insider threat refers to a security risk caused by any individual, third-party, or entity that has access to confidential data, files and applications. This could be through a back door in a <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/virtual-call-center/">virtual call center platform</a>, clever social engineering, or simply weak passwords.

These threats are growing increasingly common - sometimes, they&rsquo;re an accident or the actions of a disgruntled individual. However, they can also be part of a larger scheme where outside parties target and approach your staff.

<img height="393" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qcBte0DJWzJ63D0YdaALOs1sASWutaUdp_F--P_YsMgwivgzhCp7CSrr-WtQH-JXytFjcYm_7Pi5kZ3HhMm02yN9h0RYw1am4pMb0S8URXoM95t9UigwJcBBbb-2BK-jl7lGvaUjpS-6YJG0_VEUqpI"> <a href="https://www.hitachi-id.com/hubfs/Hitachi_ID_Resources/Marketing_Content_Library/Infographics/Infographic__Employees_Have_Been_Approached_to_Assist_in_Ransomware_Attacks_2021_10_23.pdf">Image</a> from Bravura Security&rsquo;s report

<h3>What are the Types of Insider Threats?</h3>
In general, we can classify most insider threats into three categories.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Malicious insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Some bad actors may be current or former employees, third parties, or partners. These criminal and malicious insiders use their privileged access to intentionally steal company data or intellectual property for revenge, fraud, blackmail, sabotage, and even espionage.

One such threat is departing employees stealing trade secrets. This is a tricky one to monitor, with even computer security software giant McAfee filing a lawsuit against three ex-employees who had moved confidential data like customer lists, sales tactics, and pricing data to unauthorized USBs and email addresses.
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Negligent insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Employees who lack cybersecurity awareness are often the source of negligent insider threats due to carelessness or inexperience.

A small-scale example of a negligent insider is when an employee breaches cybersecurity protocols by leaving their computer unlocked in a busy office environment. At the other end of the scale, Pegasus Airline reported in 2022 that a misconfigured database accidentally exposed 23 million sensitive files - including insurance documents and plain-text password information.

Read more: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">What is password encryption and how does it work?</a>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Accidental insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Although most accidents contain a degree of negligence, accidental insider threats are usually oblivious that they've been compromised in the first place.

An example of an unintentional threat is an <a href="https://www.realvnc.com/en/discover/remote-support/">online remote support</a> agent mistyping an email address and sending confidential business secrets to a competitor. They might not even notice this event has occurred until the competitor acts. This is an unfortunate, unintentional accident - but a threat, nonetheless.

<img height="293" width="440" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/C9Cq_3iM5Vfla4BuBFuQ9JlRc7F-HtwDMqcTOeL7qle94rurtkSRAn3Ri7ZEs-jbHZD_szgJ-6FYVRxsJ-rxHTm3PIHhLzwVV47-2fwj-36kmUhR-WTrHniZLP-mWGy0naSdkwNyM53RdNGoIWKS_fk">
Free to use image from Unsplash
<h2 id="howto">How to detect existing insider threats</h2>
Insider threats are increasingly difficult to detect because they have legitimate access to the system and data. As they say, prevention is better than cure. But what if you have potential threats within your business? Here are three ways to spot any existing risks:
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Audit, Audit, Audit!</h3>
</li>
</ol>
An effective insider threat security audit should pinpoint any vulnerabilities, close any backdoors, and eliminate any flaws in the system.

To get the most from your security audit checklist, the following points should be considered: 
<ul>
<li>
Company security policies
</li>
<li>
Security policy training&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Computer software and hardware asset lists
</li>
<li>
Password training and implementation
</li>
<li>
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans.
</li>
<li>
Automated software patch management
</li>
</ul>

Auditing these aspects of your business should highlight any areas that might be at risk and let you make changes before they become a threat. For instance, your BYOD policy might have no restrictions on how data can be downloaded. This means that if someone did download confidential data, they could easily share it - and you may have no way of tracking it. To counter this, you could make data accessible only through authorized apps, with no option to download the data.

Read more: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">What is a Security Audit and Does My Business Need One?</a>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Review how you organize your data</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Data is valuable, and that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s usually the target of insider threats. You should review how data is accessed in your audit, but it&rsquo;s worth going beyond that. Access policies can help minimize risk, but you're still open to potential breaches without a strong data quality management framework in place.

Take stock of your existing storage system, any data-related processes, and what exactly you collect. Is there sensitive data being gathered that you don&rsquo;t strictly need? Remove it, and you remove one area of interest to malicious actors. Is your data stored on-site? Consider moving it to a secure cloud solution to reduce physical threats.&nbsp;
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">User behavior and activity monitoring software</h3>
</li>
</ol>
User behavior analytics (UBA) are used to gather valuable observations on how users are behaving. It&rsquo;s often used alongside user activity monitoring (UAM), which gives you insights into what websites are being accessed, among other things.

If you have this in place, you will be able to see any staff that could be a threat - and again, this doesn&rsquo;t have to be malicious. It could be entirely accidental. So, if you notice a particular user keeps mistyping your <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/New-Zealand/.co.nz">.NZ domain from Only Domains</a>, and doesn&rsquo;t notice when it takes them to the wrong place, you can intervene with targeted training before it becomes a problem.

<img height="285" width="427" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/uQ1iuyrw1WWZ8WCek9bgUcdeQ-CHBZPfH0YYvBRQyLdeRnluEutCxnQEQdXaol_kzM5kmHyd1f2qLw3dbp_-le-wbL_YVIdT2iYoxO2IrmRnRBdw7rPI0vfU0rPXaygeYbpbxU96hZU__RZ5SgVivd0">
Free to use image from Unsplash
<h2 id="preventby">Five ways to prevent insider threats</h2>
We&rsquo;ve spoken about how to address existing risks, but how do you prevent future ones? Here are five important steps to consider.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Develop security policies</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Developing a robust security policy for insider threats is essential for protecting all sensitive data and company assets. This should cover everything from your public websites to your intranet and CRM tools.&nbsp;

They should be broad and encompass areas like:
<ul>
<li>
Password requirements
</li>
<li>
BYOD and other hardware restrictions
</li>
<li>
Data management
</li>
<li>
Acceptable use&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Remote access&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Permission-based access
</li>
</ul>

Ideally, you should work with security specialists to design these policies, which may include bringing in external consultants. This should also not be treated as a &lsquo;one-off&rsquo; - instead, this should be an ever-evolving document that changes in response to new software and the most up-to-date cybersecurity trends.
<h3>2. Company-wide training</h3>
Knowledge is power, especially in the complex world of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity">cybersecurity</a>. Every employee in your business, not just your IT staff, should be provided with training about insider threats (and cybersecurity more broadly).&nbsp;

This is one of the best ways to combat threats caused by negligence or by accident. As well as providing company-wide training, it&rsquo;s worth running smaller, targeted sessions based on particular needs as well. For instance, do your sales department regularly take down personal details from your customers? Then they should be trained in data privacy methods.
<h3>3. Password rules and restrictions</h3>
Ultimately, passwords are the first line of defense against potential insider threats. So, establishing a strong password culture within your team will help keep them at bay. Make sure that your staff aren&rsquo;t reusing passwords across multiple apps and sites, and provide details on what makes a strong password.

The safest and easiest way to manage your company's passwords is by using a password manager, like <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a>. Password managers provide an encrypted environment where your employees can create, store, and share login details and other sensitive records.

This should also factor into your software purchases. For instance, the <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/contact-center-software">best contact center software</a> should include two-factor or multi-factor password authentication to remain secure - and if it doesn&rsquo;t, you should avoid it! Ensuring the tools you provide have strong password protection and encryption protect your employees, and in some instances, can even make their jobs easier.&nbsp;

<img height="340" width="418" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/IUQcMsO8VybHauf2jHuac6UUfUcs755Q91F69_urdyXIKi_t5Z4nYbytUFLYqUmtQuPL6pqEk0r4lyKRsAK524R4t_V8lBJSZNsJjkQjPbSKuuqIYes0q98qvWxnK2BjcsmkWf_FAC5_kF70jr5QpMs">
<a href="https://xkcd.com/936">Image</a> from XKCD
<h3>4. Clear employee exit strategy</h3>
Having solid strategies in place for departing employees is just as important as having an onboarding process. Not only does it allow you to gather feedback through exit interviews, it also gives you the chance to reduce potential threats.&nbsp;

Some methods that you can use during offboarding include:
<ul>
<li>
Immediately delete account access after their departure
</li>
<li>
Deactivate mobile app access from personal devices
</li>
<li>
Inform relevant parties about the departure
</li>
<li>
Change shared login details
</li>
</ul>

This is particularly important in cases where an employee has been fired or let go - but it should be applied across the board.
<h3>5. Physical security methods</h3>
If all else fails, regularly backing up your data means you won't lose any important information, even if your systems are compromised. Most tools, such as <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/outbound-call-center/">outbound call center software</a> or data analysis platforms, come with cloud storage options, and it&rsquo;s worth making use of them.

However, not everything can be kept in the cloud - staff might have laptops with confidential data on them, or you might have some new product prototypes in the office. It&rsquo;s important to factor in physical threats just as much as digital ones.

Restrict access to your office via keycards or codes, and provide members of staff with safe places to store technology if needed. It&rsquo;s important to include this aspect in your training too - people tend to be nice and might be inclined to hold a door open to a visitor. This kind of &lsquo;social engineering&rsquo; can be used to gain access to off-limits areas.&nbsp;
<h2>What now&hellip;?</h2>
Early threat detection and mitigation is essential for your organization's survival and future success.

Providing employees, stakeholders, and board members with the right knowledge to detect and protect against insider security breaches can help shore up your defenses. Take the time to create clear security policies and design a clear offboarding process. Just remember: insider threats are always evolving, and you should too.

What are insider threats, and why are they dangerous? Learn what they are, how to detect them, and crucial steps to prevent them right here.

What are insider threats, and why are they dangerous? Learn what they are, how to detect them, and ...

How to Prevent Insider Threats Within Your Organization

Thwart Man-in-the-middle attacks with our comprehensive guide. We define common types of MITM attacks and provide actionable steps for prevention.

Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM) are one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks that can compromise your online security ...

How to Prevent Man-in-the-middle Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM) are one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks that can compromise your online security and privacy. According to a report by IBM, MITM attacks accounted for 35% of all cyberattacks in 2019, and they can cause significant financial and reputational damage to both individuals and organizations. ...

How to Prevent Man-in-the-middle Attacks - 5 Steps

<h1>Smishing: What you need to know to keep yourself safe in 2024</h1>
About 400 million spam SMS messages are sent everyday in America alone. Most of them include malicious links to spoofed homepages designed to steal your sensitive information, such as bank details or your work email password. This is what is meant by smishing, and a single successful SMS scam has the potential to cost your business millions.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s what you need to know to protect yourself from smishing attacks.
TeamPassword makes it easy to keep your accounts safe from cybercriminals. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What is smishing?</a></li>
<li><a href="#statistics" rel="follow">Smishing statistics</a></li>
<li><a href="#tactics" rel="follow">Smishing tactics</a></li>
<li><a href="#examples" rel="follow">Smishing examples</a></li>
<li><a href="#prevent" rel="follow">How do you prevent smishing attacks?</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 id="whatis">What is smishing?&nbsp;</h2>
Here is a simple definition of smishing:
Smishing definition: Smishing, for SMS + phishing, is a cybersecurity attack that uses text messages to send malicious links to individuals in hopes of obtaining their sensitive information.
Simply put, smishing is the latest version of phishing. As a refresher, here&rsquo;s the progression in cyberattack attack vectors from email through phone calls and now text messages:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing">Phishing</a> uses emails to guide people towards spoofed homepages to steal data.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/vishing">Vishing</a>, for voice + phishing, uses the phone with a similar goal in mind&mdash;to get the person to divulge personal or corporate information that can be used in further cyberattacks.
</li>
<li>
Smishing is the latest evolution and takes advantage of the poor spam protection in place for SMS messaging.
</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="statistics">Smishing statistics&nbsp;</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.robokiller.com/spam-text-insights">Robokiller</a>, over 19 billion spam SMS messages were sent in America in December 2023 alone, representing about 19 messages per person. Most of these are smishing scams. &nbsp;
To put that into perspective, that&rsquo;s approximately 3 billion SMS scam messages sent per week in 2023, over 400 million per day, and nearly 300,000 per minute.&nbsp;
The most affected states by volume are California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and New York.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/woRxuFEAQOCk8NNZKEcV" alt="undefined" width="500" height="333">
<h2></h2>
<h2 id="tactics">Smishing tactics</h2>
Just like phishing and vishing, smishing attacks typically attempt to either entice you to click a link with the promise of a reward or scare you into clicking with the warning of some major financial loss.&nbsp;
As shown with real-world smishing examples in the next section, two common types of rewards are packages that couldn&rsquo;t be delivered or cash that couldn&rsquo;t be transferred. It&rsquo;s easy to be fooled by these as the average family is ordering so much from Amazon that it can be hard to remember whether or not you are waiting on a delivery.&nbsp;
Likewise, digital cash apps have gone from niche business to the norm in the last five years, and they often provide little recourse if someone unwittingly transfers money as part of a scam.&nbsp;
On the other side, many smishing messages try to scare you into thinking an important account, usually a bank, streaming service, or telecom account, has been compromised and if you don&rsquo;t check now something bad could happen. The sad irony, of course, is that if you click on their dangerous link and fill in your account details on their spoofed homepage, your account will in fact soon be compromised.
<h2></h2>
<h2 id="examples">Smishing examples&nbsp;</h2>
To help prove the smishing stats above are accurate, here are some real world smishing examples from my iPhone over the last couple weeks. Note that I am in Canada, so while the particulars might be different (Canada Post not USPS, Rogers not AT&amp;T, INTERAC e-Transfer not Venmo, CRA not IRS, and CIBC not BOA), the strategies should be all too familiar. &nbsp;
These real-world smishing examples display both the &ldquo;reward&rdquo; and &ldquo;warning&rdquo; style of SMS scams.&nbsp;
<h3>Reward-style smishing examples</h3>
<img height="223" width="277" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/kz46pOhfIJpwAS4jTjdFb55_bi-biALW8dhc8QEvVGb78Tses0hKMwQebRIKMQGmcZBqYAbdka6M_5HJBbCGA8W4LhJseY0HloWhL51K_bbPH74Utn2H9HWjb05kSx41bNUyS8IVxhB2tvwUzW1fJk-1u569JVLOrDa4B1QD5-XX6lcaO0CN7pLpF6Xy7w" alt="Smishing text claiming to be Canada Post with a link to a spoofed Canada Post page.">

<img height="315" width="247" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ieQ0D5N_4zmY0SrTViN7l2TfObS8cTFRo7CugUaqmdeauisL8-JpvUbHIQOMjvcnL0LCKMHpgT3jAjgogFEMBlOtKDQv2a1991DdZQ7a5PfIViQ_gImrSM192BZLDbZZnblbf3yjPu7CDC5MRyr6P5H7UYEyXrb0-jZ6U4OPWCpsw7yUc1AActH3vOjc4A" alt="Third-party delivery service SMS scam message saying you will not get your delivery without clicking the dangerous link.">

<img height="223" width="260" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/CszyGoEEbHshbavo56q2-sH-ylYsRVagphKg1-WZwYZh8Me_TfG7BqOd3F6zulXHgOZZ815VEJ2Kh9P3MG7DP-LUo7hsGMdBdrJkwt8_wr03UzqxdF4aqOFeh9yXFWcpz7z33VmlAoWuA_e51NNozeVVh63H7G78BgmAcGUzHCWawOdMUUrKvgiBbybkag" alt="Smishing text claiming to be for an INTERAC e-Transfer, hoping you&rsquo;ll compromise your banking details in exchange for $450 from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).">
In these three examples, the smishing messages claim to be in possession of something that cannot be transferred without more information. Two are product deliveries which could not be safely dropped off at a house. They claim that, to get those deliveries, you must click the malicious links and provide further information.&nbsp;
In the third example, the scammers are claiming to be from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is the equivalent to the IRS in America, which apparently owes the receiver $450 to be sent via INTERAC e-Transfer. To receive the funds, you will be asked to divulge your banking details.&nbsp;
<h3>Warning-style smishing examples</h3>
<img height="214" width="249" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/othoH8Hmkk-4ayxBPqm8P2_hyRHLh__RdqN1P_w21P80_odu8517hwO7P8qcAd0oH0o4sKaxA7gyNa761pMj2sfL0DiuYdw2FGNeAfUu69s-Ebe-6_BHKGnyOGaduFVeo6LHsbwUjw2efztY_bIWj1ALRFynRMbASC_MCpHNVAb_PA2j9tMv6XCIiPJnOw" alt="A smishing SMS message claiming to be Rogers with a warning that a payment could not be processed, which could lead to service interruptions within 24 hours.]">

<img height="220" width="262" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/6-XxrP3JGeSasj4H0fi5SJPXmYH0adk97jvukXMg8Ca3S7TjoiW-LyWRuqch5P0805ZGLRVOrh8txFF5WqrYyr46dGbnQXwDSWjmJAqcgT9Sr7_tuaT_kNY6Bb95KCxGcgO63ya3KPUd7IrWuyjrl9x1FYm9NHTAVGGHRia2S_3EiJRGIq56IX-POEfulA" alt="An SMS scam text claiming that your CIBC debit card has been locked due to unusual activity.">&nbsp;
Here are some common examples of scare tactics used in smishing campaigns. In the first example, the criminals claim to work for Rogers, which is a major Internet, cable TV, and mobile phone provider in Canada. While logically most people know they are too valuable as customers to lose service within 24 hours of a missed payment, this is a very common part of a smishing message.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s because adding a ticking clock makes it more likely that someone will quickly click on the malicious link instead of double-checking their payment history on their banking app to see whether their last payment went through. &nbsp;
In the second case, the hackers are pretending to be a large bank in Canada (CIBC). If you don&rsquo;t know already, debit cards issued by the same bank have the same first four digits. This added detail makes the SMS message seem more legitimate to those who don&rsquo;t know that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 id="prevent">How do you prevent smishing attacks?&nbsp;</h2>
The sad truth is that governments seem unwilling to make strong laws against spam emails, phone calls, and text messages. Telecom companies are likewise unwilling to voluntarily take on the burden of protecting their clients from phishing, vishing, and smishing on their own. It&rsquo;s too expensive, difficult, and it would open them up to liability if they took on the responsibility.&nbsp;
That means it is up to individuals to keep themselves safe against the dozens of SMS scams they will encounter every month. The most important thing you can do is be vigilant. &nbsp;
When you receive a text message or email, assume any rewards are too good to be true. Conversely, if it&rsquo;s trying to scare you into an action, take a deep breath and know that nothing ever requires your immediate action.&nbsp;
Some smishing threats are easier to detect. For example, the IRS isn&rsquo;t going to make you pay a debt with Bitcoin or Apple Store gift cards. However, even the seemingly legitimate ones, such as the CIBC example above, have the telltale signs of scams. Look at the URL. That is not the real CIBC web address.&nbsp;
If you are unsure, close the text message and go to your banking app. If something does seem wrong, get on the phone and call the bank. (Use the phone number listed in the app and not one in the text message!)
Along with general training around being skeptical, businesses can equip their employees with the tools needed to enhance their cybersecurity. Foremost among these is a password manager that <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/strong-password-generator">generates and stores a unique, strong, and random password</a> for each account.&nbsp;

<h2>Use TeamPassword to prevent smishing attacks&nbsp;</h2>
TeamPassword stores all of your usernames and passwords securely. While the bogus web addresses could fool an employee who is distracted or not trained to look, it won&rsquo;t prompt your password manager to fill in your protected details.&nbsp;
Furthermore, by creating and securely storing unique, random, and strong passwords for each account, one mistake will never multiply to hackers having all of your credentials. Finally, having safe and easy ways to share accounts with coworkers means there is no need to ever share passwords through unsafe means, such as in a reply to a phishy text message.
TeamPassword can protect your important accounts from smishers. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

Smishing is the latest form of phishing. Scam SMS text messages are sent in hopes users will click on malicious links and then divulge data.

Smishing is the latest form of phishing. Scam SMS text messages are sent out in hopes users will ...

Smishing: What you need to know to keep yourself safe in 2024

Smishing is the latest form of phishing. Scam SMS text messages are sent out in hopes users will click on malicious links and then divulge sensitive data.

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames and give you the best username ideas out there.

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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

Have I been hacked? Here's how to check if you have and learn how to stop hackers from ...

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

In an increasingly digital world, we&rsquo;re switching more and more of our daily lives over to the Internet. While this brave new world is exciting and convenient, it&rsquo;s not without its problems.&nbsp;
The issue of unsafe passwords has been around for a while. But have you ever thought about where and how to store them?
Most of us have several passwords, and we&rsquo;re encouraged to never duplicate them. Some people simply write them all down on a piece of paper &mdash; which is fraught with danger. But others store their passwords electronically.
As you&rsquo;re about to find out, not all electronic systems of password storage are <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-do-to-keep-passwords-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">safe</a>. Here are five of the most dangerous ways to store your passwords.&nbsp;
But before we begin:
Avoid bad idea passwords and dangerous storage methods with TeamPassword. This advanced <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/why-you-need-a-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password manager</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;

<h2>1. Email</h2>
Have you ever emailed yourself a password to ensure you&rsquo;re never without it? Great idea, right? Actually, emailing yourself your passwords is a really bad idea, and here&rsquo;s why:
<ul>
<li>Emails are usually sent in plain text. Without encryption, your passwords are susceptible if your email account is ever compromised.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Unsafe passwords sent via email often pass through several systems and servers. There&rsquo;ll also be a copy in your sent folder. If someone else can access your email account, your passwords become vulnerable.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Some email platforms store data locally on a drive. If someone steals your computer, phone, or tablet, your passwords become vulnerable.</li>
</ul>
A really bad idea for passwords is to send them via email &mdash; either to yourself or someone else. <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackers </a>and scammers are more resourceful than ever, and they can often steal your information before you realize you&rsquo;ve been compromised.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s tempting to send a quick email to yourself containing unsafe passwords when you sign up for new online services. For the sake of an extra minute or two, don&rsquo;t give fraudsters easy access to your accounts. Use an encrypted email vault to safeguard all your passwords.&nbsp;
<h2>2. Online Documents</h2>
A lot of people like the convenience of saving crucial information using online document systems such as Google Docs. But this is a bad idea for passwords, as these systems are designed for text &mdash; not sensitive data.
Yes, a password might protect your online document manager from unauthorized access. But what happens if that password is compromised? Many document software platforms don&rsquo;t offer encryption, two-step verification, or even the most basic security measures.&nbsp;
If you use online documents regularly, you&rsquo;re probably accessing your account on a regular basis &mdash; across several devices. What happens if you step away for a moment to buy a coffee, speak to a friend, or use the bathroom?
A criminal can access an unattended online document platform in seconds. And if this happens, it doesn't take a lot of effort to steal your unsafe passwords.&nbsp;
<h2>3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging services provide us with a convenient way of staying in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat were designed for private online conversations &mdash; not for storing passwords.
People who store their passwords on these apps do so because they believe they&rsquo;re fully encrypted. While that&rsquo;s often the case, it&rsquo;s important to remember that instant messaging services are often left open and operating in the background.
Imagine someone picks up your phone while you&rsquo;re not paying attention. If you left your device unlocked, that person would be able to access your password in seconds.
It&rsquo;s always a bad idea when passwords are stored on instant messaging services. By nature, these apps are designed to operate in the background &mdash; alerting you when someone sends a message. And because they&rsquo;re open, anyone with the device in their hand might be able to steal your unprotected passwords.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t fall into the trap of utilizing bad ideas for password storage. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a> with TeamPassword, and give your unsafe passwords the protection they require.
<h2>4. Online Note-taker</h2>
Developers design online note-takers for everyday lists and reminders. While they&rsquo;re great for creating to-do and shopping lists, they&rsquo;re not so good for storing unsafe passwords.&nbsp;
An app such as Apple Notes is easy to use, accessible, and convenient. But it doesn&rsquo;t offer two-step authentication, encryption, or any sophisticated form of security.&nbsp;
If your computer or mobile device is unlocked, your saved passwords are vulnerable. In many cases, a criminal would simply need to open the app to gain access to your sensitive information.&nbsp;
OK, you might be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping your phone or computer locked. But hackers are resourceful, and they&rsquo;re very good at discovering unsafe passwords. Once they access your phone, any passwords stored in your note-taking app become vulnerable.&nbsp;
<h2>5. On a Non-Password-Protected Device</h2>
Of all the bad ideas for passwords, storing them on non-password-protected devices is about the worst. You might think that your tablet or laptop never leaves your side. But if your device is ever stolen, you&rsquo;ve given the criminals the easiest possible opportunity to access your saved passwords.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re determined to store passwords on a physical device &mdash; which is never a good idea &mdash; make sure the device password is a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. And it should contain at least 12 characters.&nbsp;
<h2>Use TeamPassword for Extra Protection</h2>
Remembering and safely storing a dozen or more passwords isn&rsquo;t a simple task. By locking away all your passwords in a digital vault, you get maximum protection and easy access.&nbsp;
TeamPassword offers a range of <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/security" target="_blank" rel="noopener">security features</a> &mdash; designed to keep your passwords safe. Offering two-step authentication and encryption, this powerful protection system solves the problem of unsafe passwords with ease. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a> to see these exciting features for yourself.&nbsp;

Storing passwords inappropriately can leave you open to fraud and theft. Avoid these storage methods at all costs. | TeamPassword Blog

Storing passwords inappropriately can leave you open to fraud and theft. Avoid these storage methods at all costs. ...

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