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.

Looking for an alternative to Bitwarden? Read about these top five competitors to help you choose the password manager that's right for you.

Looking for an alternative to Bitwarden? Read about these top five competitors to help you choose the password ...

Top 5 Bitwarden Alternatives

When it comes to Bitwarden vs. 1Password, what's the difference? In this guide, we compare and contrast these top password managers. Check it out!

When it comes to Bitwarden vs. 1Password, what's the difference? In this guide, we compare and contrast these ...

Bitwarden vs. 1Password (vs. TeamPassword)

It&rsquo;s 2025, and while technology rockets forward, some things shockingly stay the same &ndash; like the passwords people choose to "protect" their most valuable online accounts. Did you know that year after year, millions still rely on passwords like "123456" or "password"? It's a digital welcome mat for hackers, leaving personal and professional data dangerously exposed.

Despite the constant drumbeat of data breach news and the rising sophistication of cyber threats, the allure of a simple, easy-to-remember password remains strong for many. This preference for convenience over robust security puts not only individual information at risk but also jeopardizes entire organizations when weak passwords are used for work accounts.
In this post, we&rsquo;ll unmask the worst passwords still haunting us in 2025. We'll explore the psychology behind these risky choices and, most importantly, arm you with the knowledge to create truly strong defenses. Prepare to be astounded by the persistent simplicity of these digital keys.
By the time you finish reading, you'll have a crystal-clear understanding of why robust password hygiene is non-negotiable and how you can significantly bolster your online protection. Let's confront the world of bad passwords head-on!
Protect your team&rsquo;s critical accounts with <a href="https://teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, the easiest password manager on the market. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up today for a free 14-day trial</a> and experience the peace of mind that comes with proper password security.
<h2 "15:1-15:215"="">Worst Passwords of 2025</h2>
Ready to see the culprits? Here is a list of 50 of the passwords that cybersecurity experts consistently find at the top of "worst of" lists, compiled from breached data and security analyses. If you see yours here, it's time for an immediate change!
<ol "42:1-92:0"="">
<li "42:1-42:12"=""><code>123456</code></li>
<li "43:1-43:14"=""><code>password</code></li>
<li "44:1-44:15"=""><code>123456789</code></li>
<li "45:1-45:12"=""><code>qwerty</code></li>
<li "46:1-46:11"=""><code>12345</code></li>
<li "47:1-47:14"=""><code>12345678</code></li>
<li "48:1-48:12"=""><code>111111</code></li>
<li "49:1-49:11"=""><code>admin</code></li>
<li "50:1-50:13"=""><code>1234567</code></li>
<li "51:1-51:15"=""><code>qwerty123</code></li>
<li "52:1-52:14"=""><code>iloveyou</code></li>
<li "53:1-53:12"=""><code>123123</code></li>
<li "54:1-54:12"=""><code>000000</code></li>
<li "55:1-55:13"=""><code>welcome</code></li>
<li "56:1-56:16"=""><code>1234567890</code></li>
<li "57:1-57:12"=""><code>secret</code></li>
<li "58:1-58:59"=""><code>p@ssw0rd</code> (and similar "leet" speak that isn't secure)</li>
<li "59:1-59:12"=""><code>dragon</code></li>
<li "60:1-60:12"=""><code>monkey</code></li>
<li "61:1-61:14"=""><code>football</code></li>
<li "62:1-62:31"=""><code>1q2w3e</code> (keyboard pattern)</li>
<li "63:1-63:17"=""><code>password123</code></li>
<li "64:1-64:13"=""><code>letmein</code></li>
<li "65:1-65:14"=""><code>sunshine</code></li>
<li "66:1-66:14"=""><code>baseball</code></li>
<li "67:1-67:14"=""><code>princess</code></li>
<li "68:1-68:31"=""><code>asdfgh</code> (keyboard pattern)</li>
<li "69:1-69:14"=""><code>admin123</code></li>
<li "70:1-70:14"=""><code>superman</code></li>
<li "71:1-71:10"=""><code>user</code></li>
<li "72:1-72:11"=""><code>guest</code></li>
<li "73:1-73:10"=""><code>1234</code></li>
<li "74:1-74:10"=""><code>test</code></li>
<li "75:1-75:11"=""><code>login</code></li>
<li "76:1-76:13"=""><code>service</code></li>
<li "77:1-77:54"=""><code>companyname</code> (often with '123' or the year added)</li>
<li "78:1-78:14"=""><code>changeme</code></li>
<li "79:1-79:12"=""><code>master</code></li>
<li "80:1-80:13"=""><code>example</code></li>
<li "81:1-81:12"=""><code>222222</code></li>
<li "82:1-82:42"=""><code>[currentyear]</code> (e.g., <code>2025</code>, <code>2024</code>)</li>
<li "83:1-83:13"=""><code>manager</code></li>
<li "84:1-84:27"=""><code>security</code> (the irony!)</li>
<li "85:1-85:14"=""><code>internet</code></li>
<li "86:1-86:14"=""><code>starwars</code></li>
<li "87:1-87:47"=""><code>liverpool</code> (or other popular sports teams)</li>
<li "88:1-88:12"=""><code>shadow</code></li>
<li "89:1-89:12"=""><code>654321</code></li>
<li "90:1-90:10"=""><code>root</code></li>
<li "91:1-92:0"=""><code>102030</code></li>
</ol>
This list is compiled from the most frequently used and easily guessable passwords found in data breaches and dark web listings globally.
It's crucial to understand that using any of these, or passwords like them, places your accounts at significant and immediate risk of being compromised. To bolster your online security, commit to using unique, complex passwords for every single account. Consider a password manager your new best friend for generating and storing these secure credentials.
To secure your team's passwords and streamline your password management process, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">try TeamPassword's free 14-day trial</a>. With advanced encryption, secure sharing features, and an easy-to-use interface, TeamPassword offers a robust solution for businesses of all sizes. Sign up today and experience the peace of mind that comes with proper password security.
<hr "99:1-99:3"="">
<h3 "101:1-101:30"="">What Makes a Bad Password?</h3>
Passwords are the gatekeepers of our digital lives, but not all are created equal. To fortify your defenses against relentless cyber threats, understanding the anatomy of a weak password is the first critical step.
Painfully Simple
A primary hallmark of a bad password is its sheer simplicity. Passwords constructed from basic sequences like "123456" or "abcdef" are trivial for automated hacking programs to guess. Steer clear of sequential numbers or letters; they offer virtually no resistance to brute-force attacks, where attackers systematically try all possible combinations.
Alarmingly Common
Another glaring red flag is commonality. Ubiquitous passwords such as "password," "qwerty," or "admin" are consistently among the very first attempts made by cybercriminals. By choosing a password that millions of others use, you're essentially handing attackers an easy win.
Dangerously Personal
Incorporating easily discoverable personal information&mdash;like your name, birthdate, pet&rsquo;s name, or address&mdash;into your password creates a significant security vulnerability. Hackers are adept at gathering such data from social media profiles, public records, or even through social engineering. Avoid using any personal details that can be readily found.
To safeguard your online accounts, it's imperative to avoid passwords that are short, common words, or based on personal information. The strength of your password is the bedrock of protecting your digital identity and sensitive data from malicious actors.
<hr "116:1-116:3"="">
<h3 "118:1-118:31"="">What Makes a Good Password?</h3>
A strong password is your primary line of defense in the digital realm. The pillars of a robust password are its complexity, length, and inherent unpredictability.
Commendable Complexity
A good password should be a sophisticated mix of character types: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., !, @, #, $, %). Shun simple phrases or easily recognizable sequential patterns. For instance, "Tr0ub4dour&amp;R3fleX!" is exponentially stronger than "Troubadour123."
Impressive Length
The length of your password directly correlates with its strength. Longer passwords are significantly more secure because they exponentially increase the number of possible character combinations, making them exceptionally difficult to crack via brute-force methods. Aim for a minimum of 12-16 characters, but in password security, longer is unequivocally better.
Genuine Unpredictability
A truly effective password should be unpredictable. This means it must not contain easily accessible personal information (birthdays, family names, common words related to your hobbies) often found on social media. Furthermore, every password you use should be unique to that specific account. Crafting passwords that are distinct and devoid of personal ties adds a critical layer of protection.
Use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> to offload the creativity.&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/P5yfiF8zQVKmcppW4Hoo" alt="TeamPassword Password Generator.webp" width="1365" height="553"></a>
By embedding these principles&mdash;complexity, length, and unpredictability&mdash;into your password creation habits, you dramatically enhance the security of your online accounts and minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
<hr "133:1-133:3"="">
<h3 "135:1-135:53"="">Actionable Tips to Elevate Your Password Security</h3>
In today's hyper-connected world, where cyber threats are ever-evolving, adopting stringent password security measures is not just advisable&mdash;it's essential. Implement these tips to significantly upgrade your online security posture:
<h4>Embrace a Password Manager</h4>
One of the most powerful strategies for managing numerous complex passwords is to use a reputable password manager. These applications securely store all your diverse passwords in an encrypted vault, meaning you only need to remember one strong master password. Crucially, password managers can also generate highly complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, drastically reducing your vulnerability should one account ever be compromised.
<h4>Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h4>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</a>, or the even more robust Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), adds a vital extra layer of security beyond just your password. With 2FA/MFA enabled, users must provide a second (or third) form of verification&mdash;such as a one-time <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-authenticator-apps" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">code sent to their smartphone</a>, a biometric scan (fingerprint or face ID), or a physical security key&mdash;before access is granted. This significantly mitigates the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password falls into the wrong hands.
<h4>Commit to Regular Password Updates</h4>
While the emphasis is shifting towards unique, strong passwords over frequent mandatory changes (which can lead to weak password patterns), it's still wise to update passwords for critical accounts periodically, or immediately if you suspect a breach related to a service you use. Aim to review and update passwords for highly sensitive accounts (like banking, email, and primary social media) at least annually or when prompted by security concerns. For less critical accounts, the focus should be on ensuring each has a unique, strong password.
By integrating these best practices into your digital life, you create a formidable defense against cyber threats and safeguard your valuable information. Proactive security habits today can prevent devastating breaches tomorrow.
<hr "150:1-150:3"="">
<h3 "152:1-152:51"="">Fix password hygiene permanently with a Password Manager</h3>
The annual lists of "worst passwords" are a stark, recurring reminder of the pervasive vulnerabilities that threaten our online accounts. Understanding what truly constitutes a strong password&mdash;its complexity, length, and unpredictability&mdash;is fundamental to reinforcing your digital defenses. Conversely, weak passwords that are simple, common, or built on personal information are invitations for trouble.
To navigate the online world safely, the adoption of a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a>, the consistent use of two-factor or multi-factor authentication, and the practice of using unique passwords for every account are no longer optional&mdash;they are essential. These measures are your frontline defense against hackers and a myriad of other online dangers.
We all bear the responsibility for our online safety, particularly concerning our passwords. A strong password is the digital equivalent of a high-security lock on your front door&mdash;it&rsquo;s designed to keep intruders out. Vigilance and continuous learning about evolving cybersecurity best practices are key. The internet presents undeniable risks, but with diligent effort and the right tools, we can effectively protect ourselves and our valuable data. Your online safety is unequivocally worth the investment in good habits.
Ready to protect your team? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a free 14-day trial</a> today and sleep easy knowing your organization&rsquo;s data is safe. <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is more than just a security tool that stores login details and other sensitive information, it&rsquo;s also a productivity tool giving your team the access they need, when they need it. Take the first step towards stronger password security and easier password management - try TeamPassword now.
<hr "162:1-162:3"="">

Think your password is safe? This year's list of worst passwords will surprise you. Discover if you're making a critical security mistake and learn how to fix it before it's too late.

Think your password is safe? This year's list of worst passwords will surprise you. Discover if you're making ...

The Worst Passwords of 2025 - Definitive List

Worst Passwords of 2025: Are You Still on This List?

In the exhilarating rush of launching a startup, cybersecurity can easily become an afterthought. Yet, with cyber threats constantly evolving and nearly<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"> 40% of UK businesses experiencing attacks recently</a>, it's a critical component that founders cannot afford to overlook.
Cybercriminals often target startups, betting on their lean resources and risk-tolerant cultures. Protecting your new venture isn't just about damage control; it's about building a resilient foundation for future growth.
We'll explore five fundamental cybersecurity strategies to safeguard your startup: ensuring compliance, mastering password security, empowering your team with regular training, implementing a secure VPN, and deploying a strong firewall. Let's dive into how to make these essential practices a reality for your business.&nbsp;
Let's break each step down into actionable chunks.&nbsp;
<h2 id="compliance">#1. Ensure Regulatory Compliance</h2>
One of the most straightforward and important things small businesses should do for their cybersecurity in those early days is to research security compliance requirements and plan a thorough review to get the business aligned with them.

Whether your operations begin and end in the UK or you&rsquo;re a global business interacting with customers and entities all over the world, there&rsquo;ll be many different laws and regulations you&rsquo;ll need to ensure compliance with, including but not limited to:

<ul>
<li>
GDPR: A far-reaching piece of legislation aimed at protecting peoples&rsquo; personal data and giving them greater control over how this is used by businesses. Compliance will require you to maintain policies about deleting unnecessary data after a certain period of time, giving customers the option to have their personal data deleted, and ensuring certain protections against breaches.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
PCI DSS: An information protocol that sets minimum security controls over the personal data of cardholders, with the aim to prevent the theft or loss of cardholder data. Any business that processes cardholder data through online payments must ensure compliance with this initiative.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
SOC 2: If you&rsquo;re in the SaaS niche or provide other tech services to third parties, you&rsquo;ll need to show SOC 2 compliance to prove you&rsquo;ve taken adequate steps to protect user data and ensure the privacy of your clients.
</li>
</ul>

&lsquo;Cyber threats are everywhere and are becoming more sophisticated and complicated by the day&rsquo;, states cybersecurity support experts <a href="https://www.counterpoint.co.uk/pages/cyber-security" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Counterpoint</a>. Ensuring compliance can be a long and complex process, but it&rsquo;s essential if you want to have a robust general level of cybersecurity at your company.&nbsp;

Whether you hire a contractor to spearhead a compliance project yourself or seek compliance certification services from a company, knowing your requirements and getting your business aligned with them is an essential step for any startup.&nbsp;

<h2 id="passwordpolicy">#2. Create and Enforce a Strong Password Policy</h2>
Passwords are one of the most universal layers of security that every business relies on to ensure their privacy, and this makes them a prime target for cybercriminals. Though the name of the band you formed in uni followed by &lsquo;123&rsquo; may have served you well so far, it&rsquo;s important that the passwords protecting your business assets are kept to a higher standard and not inviting opportunistic hackers.

To <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">make passwords hard to crack</a>, it&rsquo;s important to enforce clear rules about complexity, such as requiring passwords that are at least eight characters long, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, and at least one number and special character each.

Aside from enforcing these standards with the passwords themselves, it&rsquo;s also a good idea to use an extra layer of security in the form of a password management system. These tools, like our own <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, allow you and your team to <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">generate strong passwords</a> whenever it&rsquo;s time to refresh them and keep these passwords in a secure location where they&rsquo;re only available to people who certifiably need them.

<img height="328" width="515" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/goYyrdrQvaxfRjrTLBAk">
<h2 id="trainemployees">#3. Train Your Employees and Keep Them In The Know</h2>
Many small business owners have a tendency to think that all their most valuable digital assets begin and end in the upper echelons of the business. However, breaches can come from practically any team and any individual within your business, especially if they&rsquo;re not adequately trained to recognize security weaknesses or the signs of an attempted cyberattack.

The specific risks you&rsquo;re most likely to come up against will depend largely on your industry, company size, and other variables. But no matter the specifics of your business, it&rsquo;s important to remember that any of your employees could be at the center of a serious breach.&nbsp;

<img height="401" width="602" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/XnkybOQkqipKnUxZsSYA">

Lost devices, opening <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">phishing emails</a>, and simply falling victim to cleverly-worded fraudulent communications, can all lead to damaging employee-initiated attacks. To make sure you&rsquo;re protecting your assets from any possibility of internal threats, it&rsquo;s important to invest in cybersecurity training at all levels of your business, covering everything from the basics of your device policy to the more nuanced schemes that cybercriminals can use to trick people into divulging sensitive information.

For more detailed information on making sure your entire workforce is staying smart about cybersecurity threats, check out this helpful guide from <a href="https://cybeready.com/complete-guide-cyber-awareness" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cyber Ready</a>.
<h2 id="usevpn">#4. Use and Enforce a VPN</h2>
A VPN encrypts all internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel for your remote team to access company assets safely, regardless of their location or network. This is crucial for shielding sensitive data from threats like <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks</a>, especially on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Beyond securing your internal team, a VPN also allows for safer interactions with clients in public spaces by protecting their data during engagements with your business. Furthermore, for international teams, a VPN can bypass geographic content restrictions, ensuring all employees have consistent access to necessary online resources, fostering seamless collaboration.
Key Action:
<ul data-sourcepos="13:1-14:0">
<li data-sourcepos="13:1-14:0">Invest in a reputable business-grade VPN and ensure your team understands the importance of its consistent use, particularly when handling sensitive information or accessing company resources remotely.</li>
</ul>
By proactively deploying a VPN, you safeguard your assets, ensure operational continuity, and empower your remote workforce to operate securely and effectively worldwide.

<img height="401" width="602" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/YDPgyqESRlyHYEV3fcnu">

<h2 id="usefirewall">#5. Find a Reliable Firewall</h2>
Firewalls are foundational security components that meticulously monitor all data traffic entering and leaving your organization's IT network. By identifying and flagging suspicious activity, they act as a crucial first line of defense, preventing viruses and other malicious intrusions from causing serious damage.
For years, firewalls have been a cornerstone of business cybersecurity due to their proven effectiveness against common threats faced by companies of all sizes. A robust firewall enhances your overall security posture by:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-11:0">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:114">Proactively neutralizing threats: It identifies and communicates emerging threats to other security systems.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-11:0">Reducing attack surfaces: It blocks access to harmful websites and limits potential entry points for malware.</li>
</ul>
Investing in a quality firewall will immediately bolster your operational security and can prevent significant disruptions as your business grows.
Making the Right Choice:
Selecting the appropriate firewall requires careful consideration of factors like your team's size, available in-house IT expertise, and existing cybersecurity infrastructure. To ensure a lasting and effective solution, thoroughly research your options. Seeking expert advice can be invaluable in understanding how specific firewall features align with your unique business needs and help you choose the best protection.
<h2 id="finalthoughts">What password manager should your startup use?</h2>
Okay, here's a new section with a final CTA for Teampassword, building on your existing text:
What password manager should your startup use? Cybersecurity can be easy to forget when you&rsquo;re in that intense initial period of developing your business, but it&rsquo;s just as essential as the basic systems that make your business tick. We hope these tips have made life easier as you build a solid foundation for your startup&rsquo;s cybersecurity, and helped you towards developing a more comprehensive strategy in the future.
As you consider your options, we encourage you to&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">explore Teampassword</a>. Designed with the needs of growing businesses in mind, Teampassword offers a secure and collaborative way to manage your team's passwords, strengthening your overall cybersecurity posture from day one. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Give Teampassword a try and see how it can simplify and secure your startup's password management.</a>

Most startups have limited resources, making them soft targets for cyberattacks. These tips will help you improve your startup's defenses.

Cyberattacks are on the rise, which means startup owners cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity. Here are five essential ...

Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Startups

Cyberattacks are on the rise, which means startup owners cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity. Here are five essential tips to improve your startups cybersecurity.

5 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Startups

For a startup, agility and innovation are paramount. But what protects the brilliant ideas and valuable data that fuel your growth?&nbsp;A well-thought-out cybersecurity strategy.
It's more than just a defensive measure; it's a business enabler that safeguards your assets, ensures systems run smoothly, and builds critical trust with customers and partners. While you're eager to disrupt and scale, taking crucial steps to secure your operations from the outset is non-negotiable.
This guide will walk you through the essential elements of creating a robust yet manageable cybersecurity framework, specifically designed for the dynamic environment of a startup.
Here are the most important steps to take when building a cybersecurity strategy for your startup:
<ul>
<li>Understand what your cybersecurity strategy needs to include</li>
<li>Review the systems and tools you currently have in place</li>
<li>Add additional systems and tools to fill any gaps</li>
<li>Provide regular cybersecurity training to your employees</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Cybersecurity Strategy?</h2>
Fundamentally, a cybersecurity strategy serves as your startup's overarching roadmap, detailing the approaches and measures for safeguarding digital information, addressing cyber vulnerabilities, and maintaining the operational continuity of IT systems when faced with online threats. Consider it the essential blueprint for your digital defenses, shaping your security-related decisions and actions.
Scope and Purpose:
This strategic framework is more than a static document; it represents a continuous dedication that covers several vital domains:
<ul data-sourcepos="15:1-19:0">
<li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:407">Risk Management: This involves pinpointing your most valuable digital resources (such as customer details, proprietary designs, financial data, and core operational platforms), understanding the spectrum of potential threats (like deceptive phishing attempts, disruptive malware, or unauthorized data access), and identifying existing weaknesses within your current technological and procedural setup.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:379">Preventative Measures: This area focuses on establishing clear policies, consistent practices, and appropriate technologies that your business will employ to proactively reduce identified risks and secure its information. Examples range from setting standards for password creation and data management to utilizing tools like network firewalls and virtual private networks.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:247">Incident Response: This involves creating a well-defined plan detailing how your startup will detect, react to, and recover from any security breach or cyberattack. The aim is to minimize potential harm and restore normal operations swiftly.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="18:1-19:0">Compliance and Governance: This ensures that your security measures are in harmony with applicable legal frameworks, industry regulations, and contractual commitments related to data privacy and system security.</li>
</ul>
The ultimate purpose is to cultivate a secure operational environment that supports your business goals, upholds your company's reputation, and enables you to function with assurance in an increasingly interconnected and challenging digital landscape.
Who Drives the Strategy?
In larger organizations, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) typically spearheads the cybersecurity strategy. For a startup, however, this vital responsibility often initially rests with the company founders, key early technical personnel, or an individual who takes a strong interest in security. Regardless of who leads the initiative, an effective strategy requires understanding and engagement from everyone in the company. As the startup expands, it might create specialized security roles, but the core strategic principles should be established from the earliest days.
Why is a Cybersecurity Strategy Non-Negotiable for Your Startup?
While the drive for rapid growth and innovation is central to a startup's mission, a carefully considered cybersecurity strategy is not a secondary concern&mdash;it's a crucial component supporting that very growth. Given the ever-increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats, it&rsquo;s prudent to assume that your startup will eventually face an attack. Here&rsquo;s why a proactive strategic approach is indispensable:
<ul data-sourcepos="30:1-35:0">
<li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:332">Ensures Business Continuity: A clearly articulated strategy prepares your operations to withstand and quickly bounce back from cyber incidents, thereby reducing disruptions and enabling you to maintain service to your customers. In the current environment, operational resilience is a fundamental aspect of business viability.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:433">Meets Regulatory &amp; Compliance Demands: Numerous industries are governed by specific data security and privacy laws (such as GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, or HIPAA for health information). A robust cybersecurity strategy helps your startup understand and adhere to these requirements, thus avoiding potential penalties and legal issues. Addressing compliance proactively also demonstrates responsible handling of data.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:323">Builds and Maintains Customer Trust: Today's consumers are highly conscious of data privacy. By visibly committing to security through transparent policies and a proven ability to protect their information, you foster essential trust and confidence in your brand, which can become a significant competitive advantage.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:379">Preserves Productivity and Resources: Successful cyberattacks can severely impair your operations, resulting in considerable downtime, financial setbacks, and the need to divert valuable resources towards recovery efforts. A proactive security strategy works to lessen these impacts, helping your team remain concentrated on core business functions and innovative projects.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0">Protects Valuable Assets: Your company's intellectual property, unique business data, and financial details are attractive targets for cybercriminals. A cybersecurity strategy puts in place the necessary safeguards to defend these critical assets against unauthorized acquisition or destruction.</li>
</ul>

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ENqqd4TutwHP6GU0gVgw" alt="undefined">
<h2 id="howto">How to Build a Cybersecurity Strategy for Your Start-Up</h2>
In the high-intensity early days of building a startup, cybersecurity can sometimes take a backseat. However, operating without a reliable strategy in place can expose your burgeoning business to an intolerable degree of risk. Protecting your digital assets, customer data, and operational stability from day one is crucial.
This guide outlines the essential phases and steps to help your startup develop and implement an effective cybersecurity strategy.
<h3 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:58">I. Laying the Foundation: Your Cybersecurity Framework</h3>
Every robust cybersecurity strategy is built upon a solid framework. This framework consists of the core documents, policies, and established practices that guide your company's approach to security. It ensures that relevant personnel understand how to handle various threats, where responsibilities lie, and how the wider organization should react when security incidents emerge. While the specifics will vary based on your business nature, certain elements are fundamental:
A. Defining Core Policies and Procedures
Clear documentation is key to a consistent and effective security posture.
<ul data-sourcepos="19:4-29:0">
<li data-sourcepos="19:4-24:0">
1. Crafting an Incident Response Plan: This vital document outlines the precise steps your startup must take in the event of a cyberattack or data breach. It should detail:
<ul data-sourcepos="21:9-24:0">
<li data-sourcepos="21:9-21:72">Various potential attack scenarios and clear escalation paths.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="22:9-22:73">The necessary actions to contain a breach and limit its impact.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="23:9-24:0">Procedures for communicating with internal teams and external stakeholders (such as customers or regulatory bodies) during and after an incident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="25:4-29:0">
2. Establishing Role-Based Access Controls: Even in a small startup where roles might initially overlap, establishing user access controls from the outset is critical for scalability and security. These controls create a system to manage and restrict who has access to your organization's most sensitive information or critical systems.
<ul data-sourcepos="27:9-29:0">
<li data-sourcepos="27:9-27:255">Principle of Least Privilege: Grant individuals access only to the specific data and systems necessary for their job functions. For example, your finance team likely doesn't need access to detailed employee HR records, while HR personnel do.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="28:9-29:0">Supporting Tools: Back up these access controls with appropriate technologies such as strong multi-factor authentication (MFA), robust password management systems, and clearly defined user permission levels within your applications and networks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
B. Proactive Vulnerability Management
A framework isn't static; it requires ongoing attention to identify and address weaknesses.
<ul data-sourcepos="34:4-39:0">
<li data-sourcepos="34:4-36:0">
1. Implementing Regular Vulnerability Checks: Even the most carefully designed security frameworks must be regularly tested for vulnerabilities. This ensures your cybersecurity measures remain effective against evolving threats. This can involve periodic penetration testing, security audits, or automated scanning.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="37:4-39:0">
2. Considering Advanced Threat Detection: As your startup grows, leveraging tools like advanced data analytics can offer significant benefits. These can help monitor your systems for unusual activity and potential weak spots in real-time, providing early detection of new threats. This allows for quicker, more effective responses and helps strengthen your overall security posture.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-sourcepos="40:1-40:53">II. Implementing and Reviewing Technical Defenses</h3>
With a framework in place, the next phase involves implementing, reviewing, and strengthening the practical tools and systems that will actively defend your business.
A. Essential Security Tools and Systems
Consider these key types of security software and technologies:
<ul data-sourcepos="48:4-54:0">
<li data-sourcepos="48:4-48:121">Password Managers: To help your team create, securely store, and manage strong, unique, and encrypted passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="49:4-49:202">Firewalls: To act as a barrier between your internal network and external threats, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access.<sources-carousel-inline _nghost-ng-c2367135854="" ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><source-inline-chips _nghost-ng-c1709007275="" _ngcontent-ng-c2367135854=""><source-inline-chip _nghost-ng-c78517731="" _ngcontent-ng-c1709007275=""></source-inline-chip></source-inline-chips></sources-carousel-inline></li>
<li data-sourcepos="50:4-50:176">Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): To provide visibility into network traffic and alert you to suspicious activities or potential unauthorized access attempts.<sources-carousel-inline _nghost-ng-c2367135854="" ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><source-inline-chips _nghost-ng-c1709007275="" _ngcontent-ng-c2367135854=""><source-inline-chip _nghost-ng-c78517731="" _ngcontent-ng-c1709007275=""></source-inline-chip></source-inline-chips></sources-carousel-inline></li>
<li data-sourcepos="51:4-51:201">Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): To enable secure remote access to company resources for your team, especially when using public or untrusted networks, by encrypting their internet connection.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="52:4-52:186">Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) / Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To add a crucial secondary layer of security beyond just a password for anyone logging into company systems.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="53:4-54:0">SSL/TLS Certificates: To encrypt data transmitted between your website and its users, protecting sensitive information like login credentials and payment details (often indicated by "HTTPS" in the web address).<sources-carousel-inline _nghost-ng-c2367135854="" ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER"><source-inline-chips _nghost-ng-c1709007275="" _ngcontent-ng-c2367135854=""><source-inline-chip _nghost-ng-c78517731="" _ngcontent-ng-c1709007275=""></source-inline-chip></source-inline-chips></sources-carousel-inline></li>
</ul>
B. Critical Data Protection: Backups and Recovery
Regularly backing up your crucial data is an indispensable part of your technical defenses. This ensures that your information can be recovered in the event of a ransomware attack, system failure, hardware damage, or accidental deletion. Losing significant data can be financially crippling for a startup, with recovery costs and business disruption potentially running into tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the scope of the loss. This is a risk startups can ill afford.
<ul data-sourcepos="59:4-61:0">
<li data-sourcepos="59:4-59:209">Action: Implement a reliable backup strategy (e.g., the 3-2-1 rule: at least three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite or in a secure cloud environment).</li>
<li data-sourcepos="60:4-61:0">Solution: Research and select reputable B2B data backup and recovery solutions that fit your startup's needs and budget, ensuring your data is protected and easily restorable.</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-sourcepos="62:1-62:53">III. Cultivating a Security-First Company Culture</h3>
Technical defenses are vital, but cybersecurity is ultimately about people and processes. For long-term, sustainable protection, you must embed security awareness and best practices into your company culture.
A. Making Cybersecurity Everyone's Responsibility
While a select few may manage the core security systems and respond to major incidents, every employee plays a role in protecting the company. Threats and breaches can originate from or impact any part of the business. Fostering a mindset where security is a shared responsibility is key.
B. Comprehensive and Ongoing Employee Training
<ul data-sourcepos="72:4-83:0">
<li data-sourcepos="72:4-75:0">
1. Provide Quality, Regular Training Sessions: Consistent training is essential to ensure all employees understand cybersecurity risks, can recognize threats like phishing, know how to respond appropriately, and adopt preventative habits.
<ul data-sourcepos="74:9-75:0">
<li data-sourcepos="74:9-75:0">Tailor Content: Whenever feasible, customize your security training for different teams or departments. This increases engagement and ensures the information is directly relevant to their roles and the specific data they handle. For instance, HR professionals might receive focused training on ethical employee data handling and privacy, while finance teams might learn more about protecting against financial fraud schemes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="76:4-83:0">
2. Emphasize Universal Best Practices ("Digital Hygiene"): Alongside role-specific training, ensure your entire workforce understands and consistently applies general best practices. These are the everyday habits that collectively reduce risk:
<ul data-sourcepos="78:9-83:0">
<li data-sourcepos="78:9-78:78">Creating long, complex, and unique passwords for different accounts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="79:9-79:83">Changing passwords regularly (e.g., every 90 days or as per your policy).</li>
<li data-sourcepos="80:9-80:88">Recognizing and reporting suspicious emails, links, messages, and attachments.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="81:9-81:76">Always using a VPN when working remotely or on unsecured networks.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="82:9-83:0">Being cautious about downloading software or files from unverified sources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Make these fundamental "digital hygiene" practices a core component of all your training initiatives, reinforcing their importance regardless of an individual's specific role within your IT infrastructure.
<h2 data-sourcepos="3:1-3:47">Secure Your Startup's Future &ndash; Starting Now</h2>
As you build your startup, juggling countless priorities is the norm. While cybersecurity might seem like one more item on a long list, making it a foundational priority is crucial to protect your vision from preventable disasters. We hope this guide has illuminated the essential steps to establish a robust cybersecurity strategy for your growing business.
Ready to take a critical first step in securing your operations? A cornerstone of any strong cybersecurity defense is diligent password management. As you implement these strategies, consider how <a href="https://teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> can simplify and strengthen this vital area for your entire team. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try TeamPassword's free trial today</a> to learn how our solution can help you build a secure and worry-free foundation for your startup's future.

Every startup needs a cybersecurity strategy to protect the business and meet regulations. Learn how by following these easy steps.

Every startup needs to have a cybersecurity strategy that meets the regulations of its industry. This guide explains ...

How to Build a Cybersecurity Strategy for Startups

Every startup needs to have a cybersecurity strategy that meets the regulations of its industry. This guide explains how to build a strategy and what systems and tools need to be included.

The best password managers for teams go beyond suggesting a strong password and saving them securely for you. They unlock collaboration.

The best password managers for teams go beyond suggesting a strong password and saving them securely for you. ...

Best Password Manager for Teams (2025)

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://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023" target="_blank" rel="follow 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://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">password manager for teams</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;
<h2 id="email">1. Email</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/efPCc2QZQ7C0OT1KeoKe" alt="" width="655" height="88">
We've all been there: struggling to remember a new password and considering emailing it to ourselves for safekeeping. While it might seem convenient, emailing passwords is a terrible security practice with far-reaching consequences. Here's why:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="7:3-7:245">Unencrypted Transmission: Emails often travel in plain text, like postcards. Anyone with access to the data stream &ndash; hackers, scammers, or even compromised servers &ndash; could easily intercept the email and steal your password in its entirety.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:33">Multiple Vulnerable Points: Even if the email itself is encrypted, your password is exposed at several stages. It's stored on your device before sending, sits unencrypted on email servers during transit, and resides in your sent folder &ndash; all potential points of entry for attackers.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:248">Local Storage Risks: Many email platforms store data locally on your devices. If your computer, phone, or tablet is stolen or infected with malware, even deleted emails containing passwords might be recoverable, putting your accounts at risk.</li>
</ul>
The ease with which cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities makes emailing passwords a high-stakes gamble. A stolen password could grant them access to your bank accounts, social media profiles, email itself, and more. The <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">damage can be immense</a>, so why risk it for a temporary convenience?

<h2 id="Documents">2. Online Documents</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Hh6oH8AzTMSnQFUaPHR9" alt="" width="216" height="235">
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 id="instantmessaging">3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging (IM) services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat offer a convenient way to communicate, but they are not designed for securely storing passwords. While some IM platforms offer end-to-end encryption for message content, they lack crucial security features necessary for password management.
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.
Here's why storing passwords on IM apps is a security risk:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: IM apps are designed to run in the background on unlocked devices. This means anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone or computer could potentially view your unencrypted passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:164">Accidental Sharing: A single inadvertent tap or screenshot could send your password to someone unintended, compromising the security of your online accounts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Limited Security Features: Unlike dedicated password managers, IM applications typically lack features like secure password generation, two-factor authentication, and strong encryption specifically designed to protect passwords.</li>
</ul>
Dedicated password management applications offer robust security features like encryption, secure storage, and auto-fill functionality for logins.
<h2 id="onlinenotetaker">4. Online Note-taker</h2>
While online note-taking applications like Apple Notes offer a convenient platform for managing everyday tasks and reminders, they are demonstrably unsuitable for storing sensitive information, particularly passwords. These platforms, designed for general purpose note-taking, lack the robust security features essential for safeguarding confidential credentials.
Here's why online note-taking apps pose a significant security risk for passwords:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:314">Absence of Multi-Factor Authentication: Unlike dedicated password managers, these applications typically do not offer multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond a simple password, significantly hindering unauthorized access attempts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:322">Limited Encryption Capabilities: While some note-taking applications may offer basic encryption features, they often fall short of the robust encryption protocols employed by dedicated password management solutions. This weaker encryption leaves sensitive data vulnerable to potential decryption by malicious actors.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="13:3-13:97">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: Online note-taking apps are designed for ease of use and accessibility. This ease of access translates to a vulnerability. If a user's device remains unlocked and unattended, a perpetrator would only need to access the specific application to view unencrypted passwords.</li>
</ul>
In a world of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is critical to prioritize robust security practices. Online note-taking applications simply do not provide the necessary safeguards for password management. Users are strongly advised to consider secure alternatives, such as dedicated password managers or offline password vaults, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their login credentials.
<h2 id="nonpasswordprotecteddevice">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 data-sourcepos="7:1-7:6">Control Your Security and Choose Convenience with TeamPassword</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="The TeamPassword Extension for Chrome lets you sign into any account in seconds" width="828" height="466">
Our digital vault safeguards your passwords with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and ironclad two-step authentication. Stop wasting time remembering &ndash; TeamPassword empowers you with secure, one-click logins across all your devices.
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Divide passwords into groups to share with appropriate team members</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Enforce 2FA for all users</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">View activity logs for all of your records</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Use the TeamPassword browser extensions and mobile apps for lightning-fast access everywhere</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Save money with affordable plans configured for YOU</li>
</ul>
Don't settle for password purgatory. Take control with TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for your FREE trial today</a> and experience the power of effortless security!

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Dreaming of a flexible career where you set your own hours and work with clients from around the globe? The rise of the gig economy has made this dream a reality for countless professionals. From graphic designers to writers and developers, freelancers are reshaping the traditional workplace.
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, <a href="https://www.upwork.com/research/freelance-forward-2022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">freelancers contributed $1.35 trillion to the U.S. economy in annual earnings in 2022, up $50 billion from 2021</a>.&nbsp;Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
But what does it take to become a top-earning freelancer? In this post, we'll examine 10 successful individuals who have built thriving careers in the freelance world. By examining their portfolios and successes, we hope to give you a better idea of what's possible in the freelance world, and inspire you to take the leap should you decide that freelance is the right choice for you!
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Does your company hire freelancers? How do you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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;
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<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2021 awwwards Award</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/IOmtrbdOQZev1mS8Jc33" alt="undefined" width="650" height="433">&nbsp;Image by Freepik&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.
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<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/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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="nofollow 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/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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.
On the Enterprise plan, you can even <a href="https://teampassword.com/one-time-secret?navbar=onetimesecret" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">share a one-time password link</a>.&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="400" height="305"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust password management solution? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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!

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