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. 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>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>.
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<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/">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 Environmental, 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. Xhensila Zemblaku - Art Director - Canada</h3>
Xhensila Zemblaku is a freelance art director, UX/UI designer, and illustrator from Markham, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University with almost ten years of experience.
Xhensila has been a freelancer for most of her professional career and earned over <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a08d1fcc6ea8fbcb">$400k on Upwork</a>, completed over 150 jobs, and 4,663 hours!&nbsp;
Xhensila's work includes typography, print design, UX/UI design, web, and mobile design. She's a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $200 per hour for various creative gigs.
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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!

As remote work goes through its fastest growth possibly in history, businesses are having to make some adjustments. Entire payment structures are redefined, and even salaries are put into question. As they transition, they'll have to face whole new processes in onboarding, hiring additional staff, and even paying overseas workers.
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If your own agency is going through this and you plan to hire and work with staff remotely, you should develop a clear remote-pay policy. To accomplish that, you'll have to deal with understanding foreign transaction fees and international remittance. First, we'll explain the two terms, and then we'll talk about how having a remote workforce will affect how you pay your staff.&nbsp;
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If you are looking for a way to share logins with an outside agency, using a password manager can mitigate the risk of unauthorized sharing and access. TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for teams to share company credentials securely and efficiently. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!
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<h2>What is a foreign transaction fee?</h2>
A foreign transaction fee is an amount charged by a financial institution like a credit card company or bank to make a payment or purchase in a foreign country or currency. You may also find them under "purchase transaction fees" or "foreign currency transaction fees."
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These types of fees apply both when you're abroad making purchases, withdrawals, and payments and when you send money to a foreign account.&nbsp;
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<h2>What is an international remittance?</h2>
An international or foreign remittance is a money transfer from one bank to another in a different country. This type of transfer often occurs between family members in other locations. Still, it can also be between friends or from a company to an employee.
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<h2>Remote work and international hiring</h2>
Though the post-pandemic remote work boom has increased how often companies hire international talent, this hasn't entirely facilitated how those employees are paid. Like local employees, remote workers expect to be paid on time and in the correct currency. So it's your HR team's job to make sure that happens with as few foreign transaction fees as possible on both sides.&nbsp;
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<h2>How to pay remote employees&nbsp;</h2>
When your remote employees are in the same country as you, this is quite simple: a quick direct deposit will be quick and efficient. But when they're in another country, the options will change. Not only will payment methods be different, expectations for when to expect deposits might change too. In some countries, monthly payments are the norm, while in others biweekly payments are expected on specific pay dates. Finally, the currency in which they receive their payment should be established during the hiring process to avoid any issues.
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<h3>Via direct transfer</h3>
With international employees, an international remittance can be more of a hassle than they're worth. Generally, they're slow and expensive, taking days to show up in the receiving account and always requiring a fee. However, there are times when it will be the best option available, and depending on your banking institution may even be the cheapest option. This will depend mostly on the two countries between which you're making the transaction. 
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For banks in Europe, you'll need to have your contact's full name, IBAN code, and IBC. For others, the bank will require things like their SWIFT code. Each type of transaction and country will have its own fees so make sure you consult with your bank before moving large sums around.&nbsp;The foreign transaction fees charged during direct transfer can leave both you and your remote staff feeling like the collaboration may not be worth the bother. This frustration can increase tensions and even lead to conflict, so before you start, establish expectations for who will cover those fees and how.
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<h3>Using a payment platform</h3>
Of course, by now you're probably aware that there are many other options for paying your employees than just direct deposit or international remittance. You can also use payment platforms like PayPal, Wise, and Woldremit, and Western Union. Each of these platforms comes with its own benefits and issues which you'll have to weigh to decide whether they're right for you.&nbsp;
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For instance, PayPal will charge a small fee of 5% just to transfer to another account, but a much larger one to convert currencies. Worldremit and Wise are great options with relatively small fees but aren't available in all countries and they take a long time to show up in the receiver's bank account. Finally, there's Western Union, but the fees and bureaucracy of going through them is frankly more trouble than it's worth, especially if you plan on doing it every month.
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<h3>Contracting platforms</h3>
So, what about platforms that offer the whole package? We're talking about platforms like Freelancer and Upwork which help with the process of finding, hiring, and paying remote workers. While these platforms do an excellent job for short-term or one-time collaborations, for long-term payment and contracting, they're not the best option. For one, they're generally taking a cut on both sides, often of up to 20%. So, while this method will work for a while, you'll soon have to find an alternative for both parties' sake.
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<h2>How to contract internationally</h2>
So what are your other options besides taking care of every step of hiring and managing staff on your own?
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<h3>Hiring a payroll provider</h3>
Of course, there are companies that take care of precisely this type of problem. They're payroll providers that offer the service of paying your employees for you regardless of where they are in the world. You'll manage everything as if it were local, they'll take care of sending payroll out into the world. Whether it works efficiently and with as few costs, as they say, is up for debate, but some have plans of as little as $15 per month.
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<h3>Hiring an international HR service&nbsp;</h3>
Instead of looking for how you can pay online, you can hire a service that works with you personally to hire employees internationally. They'll manage the entire process your local HR team would but with the added understanding of international hiring and tax law.
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<h2>Managing your remote staff's access and security</h2>
While finding talent outside of your home country for your marketing agency is great, there are added risks when you bring anyone onto your team, especially remotely. To start, you're not entirely sure of the security of their connection and how likely they are to be the victim of a cyberattack, thus putting your data at risk. So, how can you onboard and manage your remote workforce safely?
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<h3>Use TeamPassword for credential sharing&nbsp;</h3>
Using a tool like <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> will allow you to sleep easy knowing all your credentials are safe whether your staff is working right in your hometown or on the other side of the world. Here are some of the features that make TeamPassword the best option to collaborate and <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">share passwords with remote staff</a>.
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<h3>Available on any device and accessible anywhere</h3>
TeamPassword is available for iOS or Android devices and can be downloaded anywhere in the world. If your employees prefer to work directly from their browser, they'll be able to use the extension on Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, accessing all credentials quickly and easily.
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<h3>2-Step verification and activity logs</h3>
Every time your team uses TeamPassword, they'll be asked to go through <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-with-2fa">2-Step verification</a>. This allows the tool to know that not only is the device correct, but the user is right as well. This added step for security gives teams extra peace of mind. Additionally, regardless of the distance, you'll always know who has been using your logins, what time, and from where. This activity log is available on-demand as well as via email notifications.&nbsp;
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<h3>Secure password generator</h3>
As your new team members sign up for tools that will help the whole team, they can use TeamPassword to <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/password-generator">generate secure passwords</a> and share them with the rest of the team all in one go. This means regardless of who creates logins, they'll be both secure and available for everyone who needs them.&nbsp;
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<h3>High-level security encryption</h3>
So, how does TeamPassword secure your credentials and keep attackers' hands off them? When you create or share logins, TeamPassword hashes, salts, and encrypts your information on your computer and then transmits it to the server using an encrypted connection. TeamPassword's is a <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/security">secure hosting provider</a> with the following international security accreditations:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ISO 27001</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">SOC 1 and SOC 2/SSAE 16/ISAE 3402 (Previously SAS 70 Type II)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PCI Level 1</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">FISMA Moderate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).</li>
</ul>
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If you are looking for a way to share logins with your remote team, using a password manager can mitigate the risk of unauthorized sharing and access. Use TeamPassword as your password management solution and share company credentials securely and efficiently. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!

We'll explain how to deal with foreign transaction fees, international remittance, and how to pay your remote staff force. | TeamPassword

First, we'll explain how to deal with foreign transaction fees and international remittance and then we'll talk about ...

Paying Remote Staff: Understanding foreign transaction fees

First, we'll explain how to deal with foreign transaction fees and international remittance and then we'll talk about how having a remote workforce will affect how you pay your staff.

Paying your remote staff: understanding foreign transaction fees and international remittance

Suppose you haven't fully transitioned into remote work by now. In that case, you might be considering it as you weigh the pros and cons of the pandemic work model. Giving up an office space (and the monthly rent that comes with it) could be an enticing reason to jump on possibly the largest growing work trend of our time. But, what are some of the drawbacks? On top of depriving your employees of shoulder-to-shoulder interaction, opportunities to stand out and get promotions, and more, you're also increasing your entire company's chances of a cyberattack.&nbsp;
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This possible threat, of course, is no reason to throw out the idea altogether. It may just take some analyzing and planning. Still, you can implement some practices to make managing your remote workforce more effortless and more secure all in one go. First, let's go through what managing your remote team will mean, the challenges and benefits to look for, and how to <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses">manage cybersecurity</a> while working apart.
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If you are looking for a way to share logins with your remote team, using a password manager can mitigate the risk of unauthorized sharing and access. TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for teams to share company credentials securely and efficiently. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!
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<h2>What is remote workforce management?</h2>
Because of the recent change in work dynamic since the pandemic, companies have had to face the fact that managing remote teams is very different from leading on-site teams. <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce">Remote workforce management</a> is all about flexibility, trust, and clear communication.
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So, what practices will you have to implement to handle your fully remote or hybrid work model?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communication: establish channels for personal and work communication and implement tools so employees can also connect with each other easily.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Process automation: use <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/7-tips-for-marketing-project-management">project management</a> software to create, automate, and track processes easier without becoming the micromanaging boss everyone hates to hear from.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supplying work set-ups: Not everyone has a proper work set-up at home. Providing the elements they need to focus and carry out their tasks properly will pay off as employees feel more comfortable.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regularly scheduled training and feedback sessions: just because your team is out of sight doesn't mean they don't need you. Schedule times to chat to allow insecurities, questions, or concerns to come up. These practices also increase retention as they get ahead of conflict and discomfort before it becomes unbearable.</li>
</ul>
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<h3>Benefits of a remote workforce</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Improved employee engagement</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased productivity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cost and time savings for employees by not commuting&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Higher employee satisfaction and retention</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More flexibility</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fewer sick days as employees work and rest at home</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More business continuity without colleague distractions</li>
</ul>
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<h3>Drawbacks of a remote workforce</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lack of supervision</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Less access to information</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social isolation and lack of team building possibilities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fewer collaboration opportunities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Decreased spontaneity and hallway brainstorming</li>
</ul>
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<h2>What to know about remote work management&nbsp;</h2>
As opposed to what you might believe going into remote work management, the practice is a lot less about being strict than it is about seeing your employees as individuals. In the same way that teachers address students with their individual needs, managers must understand team members' strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, they should realize that a remote work model might heighten both. Get ahead of it by brainstorming possible challenges that may arise and addressing them with employees in small groups or one-on-one.
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<h2>Cybersecurity tips to remember when working remotely</h2>
Work management and collaboration isn't the only thing you'll see change with a remote team. You'll also have to face a series of new risks that would have been mostly under control in an office setting. Cybersecurity, for one, is an element that many businesses, especially small agencies, overlook when sending their teams home to work.&nbsp;
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Why does this happen? Well, not everyone is prepared to fight off cyberattacks from their shared-living Wifi, for instance. So, as you prepare to take on new work models, make sure your remote work policy includes how everyone will work to keep data (both work and private) safe and secure. Here are some cybersecurity tips you can start using today:
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<h3>Increase network security with a VPN</h3>
When your employees work from home, a coffee shop, or an airport, they often won't be able to choose the security of their networks. In fact, they'll probably sometimes have to work from a public network, opening them up to tracking and snooping from outside entities. Investing in a company VPN will allow your employees the security of encrypting their internet traffic.&nbsp;
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<h3>Improve password security</h3>
Phishing and password-stealing are two <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks">common password attacks</a> that small marketing agencies suffer both when working on-site and remotely. Of course, <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">sharing passwords</a> remotely will also extend the time it takes to pinpoint and de-escalate a situation if an attack does happen. So keeping your passwords safe will become essential when employees are working in different locations. To improve password security, use a tool like TeamPassword.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Separate and lock your devices</h3>
Include the practice of separating and locking devices in your remote work policy. While this may seem simple, it can be easy to forget when you're taking care of accomplishing your day-to-day workload. That's why it's key to ensure your agency uses separate devices for work and personal life and enables automatic locking of their device. This way, when they're out getting a coffee and have to pop into the bathroom, their device is still secure. A reasonable amount of time is about 30 seconds for mobile and a few minutes for a laptop.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>How to keep remote teams secure as staff grows&nbsp;</h2>
All of these practices are easy to implement and work well for companies all around the world. You've learned how to start transitioning to a secure remote agency with talent in different locations. Now, moving forward, your marketing agency team is probably going to continue to grow. So, how can you maintain that level of security regardless of the size of your team?&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Use TeamPassword</h3>
TeamPassword is a great way to manage the access for lots of marketing staff. It comes with benefits and features that keep everyone in the loop, efficient onboarding, and eliminates <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/5-bad-password-habits-to-break-immediately">bad password habits</a>. Here are some of the ways remote marketing agencies use TeamPassword to keep attackers away:
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h4>Implementing 2-step verification</h4>
Even though employees' are enabling auto-lock on their devices, when they sign into TeamPassword to search for or use a new password, they'll have to go through <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-with-2fa">2-step verification</a>. This practice ensures that the device is authorized to use the login credential and that the user is who they should be. This secure protocol keeps marketing agencies extra secure. They work with dozens of online tools, many of which hold payment information and other sensitive data.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h4>Running regular vulnerability sweeps&nbsp;</h4>
You can't get ahead of an attack, right? Wrong. Marketing agencies use TeamPassword's reports from frequent vulnerability sweeps to learn about viruses or possible risks that open up opportunities to steal your data. These sweeps keep your agency on a proactive approach so you can avoid an attack instead of reacting to it.
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<h4>Sharing host-proof and locally encrypted passwords</h4>
As an agency of many creatives and professionals, you'll often have to share passwords and logins to collaborate on work. Whether it's because the tool allows for only one login per company or because there's a new staff member, sharing passwords will become necessary. Marketing agencies with TeamPassword share logins that are hashed, salted, and encrypted locally on their device and then transmitted to the server with an encrypted connection. Once they're received, the receiver's account is verified, and they alone are given access.
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<h4>Accessing Teampassword everywhere</h4>
Unlike a notepad full of login details, which is just inconvenient, or a spreadsheet with credentials, which is unsafe, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> is accessible from any device. Your agency employees can access team passwords from mobile, regardless of their operating system, desktop app, or even browser extensions. That way, in just a few moments, they can log in, verify, and get the password they need. As a result, they'll continue to work on their projects without interruption and without putting the agency at risk.
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<h4>Generating secure passwords and sharing within teams</h4>
Brainstorming what password to use that isn't incredibly personal or outright strange is a struggle. On top of that, password requirements for every tool are different. So, when your employees need a quick password that meets requirements and is virtually impossible to guess, TeamPassword generates it for them in a flash. By adding it to any shared groups such as "branding team" or "advertising," the password is automatically shared only with those who need it.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Ready to take on remote workforce security? If password management is a security practice you're ready to start now, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!

Let's go through the challenges and benefits for managing a remote team and how to manage cybersecurity while working separately.

Let's go through what managing your remote team will mean, the challenges and benefits to look for, and ...

Remote workforce: 3 cybersecurity things to remember

Let's go through what managing your remote team will mean, the challenges and benefits to look for, and how to manage cybersecurity while working apart.

Dive into these different staff members' roles and job descriptions and see who you need to hire for your business. | TeamPassword

Executive assistant vs. admin professional vs. chief of staff: who do you need to hire? Dive into these ...

Executive Assistant vs. Admin Pro vs. Chief of Staff?

Executive assistant vs. admin professional vs. chief of staff: who do you need to hire? Dive into these different staff members' roles and job descriptions and see who you need to hire.

Executive assistant vs. admin professional vs. chief of staff: who do you need to hire?

After creating a business and lining up a few clients, business owners are often left with the question of how to market to new audiences. After all, their own network will only get them so much business before it dries out. At this point, they'll either hire marketers and branding experts for their team or outsource them. So, when looking at digital agency vs. marketing agency, how will they know which is more suitable?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
While the two terms get thrown around a lot, there are some distinct differences. This post will go through what each type of agency does and how to know which you need according to your goals.
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If you are looking for a way to share logins with an outside agency, using a password manager can mitigate the risk of unauthorized sharing and access. TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for teams to share company credentials securely and efficiently. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>What is a digital agency?</h2>
When comparing a digital agency vs. marketing agency, you should know that digital agencies offer services including:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">web design and optimization</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">SEO (Search Engine Optimization)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social Media Marketing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">PPC (pay-per-click) ads</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Content creation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Market research</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Search Engine Marketing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lead generation and nurturing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Email Marketing</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>General characteristics of a digital agency</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Provide clear processes&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Measurable KPIs&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Goal-based plan of action</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emphasis on business and revenue growth</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>What is a marketing agency?</h2>
A marketing agency is a more general term for agencies that can do a wide range of marketing work for you. Before the internet, marketing agencies would often help businesses reach audiences on the radio, television, billboards, magazines, and more. Now, these agencies also create marketing campaigns for online channels but usually do a mix of both online and OOH (out-of-home) ads and marketing depending on their clients' needs.
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Marketing agencies offer services like:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Campaign planning and execution</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Design</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communication&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>General characteristics of a marketing agency</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emphasis on storytelling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Understanding of your buyer persona</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mainly made up of creative professionals</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>What is a content agency?</h2>
So, we've differences between a digital agency vs. marketing agency, but while looking for marketing help, businesses might also run into the option of a content agency. So, how does a content agency compare with the previous two? Content agencies take care of, well, content creation. They often do similar research as marketing agencies on a business's industry, competitors, and users. 
This way, they'll define the most valuable content to create and the one that will make the most impact. After conducting a preliminary study of your brand and goals, a content agency will provide one or more of the following services:
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">User research</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Competitor research</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Creation of articles, images, videos, and other content&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brand positioning on social media and search engines</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
A content agency's primary goal is to create a content strategy that positions a brand or business as a leader in its industry. They do this by creating content that generates a feeling of trust, reliability, and expertise in those who read or consume it.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Benefits and risks of using an agency</h2>
Businesses choose to go through an agency for a variety of reasons. These reasons include access to a team of experts with a good reputation, ease of keeping their team focused on their own tasks, and cost-effectiveness compared to hiring experts for their company. But is hiring an agency secure for a company's private data? Let's look at the benefits and risks of hiring an agency.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Benefits</h3>
Expertise
Though it's possible to find freelancers with a high level of expertise in creative work, digital marketing, or other marketing services, it's more simple to find everything you need in one agency. Agencies tend to hire staff with many years of experience who work together to accomplish your goals. With agencies, you have case studies and track records of past achievements to understand what they can do for you.
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Ease
Since your employees won't have to do work outside of their niche, your whole team will save time and effort trying to complete marketing and content tasks. If you don't need the full array of services an agency provides, negotiate a smaller scope or fewer hours, and you can still get the most out of their work.
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Budget
Agency costs vary widely according to expertise, niche, and other elements but will almost always be more cost-effective than hiring experts. If you were to onboard individuals to work on your marketing and content tasks with the same experience as those in an agency, you'd spend much more time and money.
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<h3>Risks</h3>
Security
When hiring an agency, you'll need to share important information, files, and even access to online accounts and tools. This exchange of delicate information can potentially open opportunities for cyberattacks. Using a password manager like TeamPassword can make collaborating with agencies safer by allowing password sharing securely.
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<h2>How to choose the type of agency you need</h2>
So how do you know which type of agency to choose? Go through the following process to define what agency will be most beneficial.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Set your goals. First, you need to define what you'd like to achieve, your timeline, and the type of professionals that would be best suited for the job.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Go through the list of services the agencies you're considering offer and assess whether they're likely to move you towards your goals.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Look at the agency's team and profiles. The agency you choose should have a team full of professionals that match the work you're looking for. If you want mainly ad management and the agency is made up of 90% creative professionals, you may have to look elsewhere.</li>
</ol>
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<h2>How to keep partnerships with agencies secure</h2>
Maybe you're no longer debating which to choose, a digital agency vs. a marketing agency. But, regardless of which one you decide to work with, you should still be preparing to make it secure for your company. Since partnering with an outside organization will include exchanging logins and credentials for tools and resources, doing this in the safest way possible should take priority.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
To make your work with agencies secure, use a password manager like TeamPassword.
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<h2>Why TeamPassword</h2>
TeamPassword is easy-to-use, convenient, and safe to create, store, and share your passwords. Using TeamPassword to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share credentials and logins with agencies</a> can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack.&nbsp;
So, what makes TeamPassword such a valuable tool to keep your company safe during cross-company collaborations?
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Safe password sharing inside and outside of your team</h3>
TeamPassword gives businesses the option to keep all passwords under one large group or segment them into smaller ones. This way, your product team has their logins, your customer service team has theirs, and so on. The same goes for external teams.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
You can create TeamPassword groups for your marketing or digital agency and share the passwords they need. With TeamPassword, you have complete control over who has access, and can remove them when the job is done.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Built-In Password Generator</h3>
TeamPassword&rsquo;s built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create passwords from 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols. You can also use it as a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/username-generator-why-you-need-one">username generator</a> to create stronger credentials for your most sensitive accounts.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Two-factor authentication</h3>
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your TeamPassword account. Each team member can set up their own 2FA using the Google Authenticator app available on iOS and Android. With 2FA, even if attackers manage to steal an employee&rsquo;s TeamPassword credentials, they can&rsquo;t access the account without Google Authenticator&rsquo;s six-digit code. They can also create backup codes so they&rsquo;re never locked out of their account.
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<h3>Activity logs</h3>
Finally, TeamPassword carefully tracks login activity. So, despite providing high-level security for access, you can still rest easy knowing TeamPassword records all activity in logs&mdash;making it easy to investigate unauthorized sharing and access.
You can also set up email notifications for any TeamPassword activity. If you have a group for an external digital or marketing agency, you can set up notifications only for that group, to get instant notifications for any activity.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Accessibility</h3>
TeamPassword makes it easy to use the password manager, no matter which device or browser you&rsquo;re working with. You can use one of our browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) or the TeamPassword mobile app, available on iOS and Android.&nbsp;
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Are you starting work with an agency soon? TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for teams to share company credentials securely and efficiently. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!

This article wil explain whether a digital agency or a marketing agency is best for your business and which one is more suitable.

This article wil explain whether a digital agency or a marketing agency is best for your business and ...

Digital agency vs. marketing agency

If you've been following hiring trends, you may have noticed a recent increase in businesses of all sizes turning to workers outside the company to fulfill tasks.&nbsp;
In 2016, over $75B of the global market went to outsourced services. By 2019 that number had already risen to 92.5 and has only grown since the pandemic. (<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/189788/global-outsourcing-market-size/">source</a>) And businesses are taking note. As of 2021, 28% of small businesses outsource to increase efficiency and lower costs. (<a href="https://capitalcounselor.com/outsourcing-statistics/">source</a>)
It might look the same to hire an agency, a freelancer, or a contractor, but there are essential differences between the type of professional you outsource work to.
The types of services companies search for vary from translation, copywriting, and beyond. You may be looking for someone to fulfill a one-time job, like a logo, or stay on for a season to lend a helping hand. So, what's the difference between a freelancer and a contractor? And more importantly, and how do you know which is more suited for your needs?
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Make sure you keep your team and digital assets safe with a password management solution from TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to start sharing passwords safely with freelancers and contractors.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
This post will explain what freelancers and contractors are, how they're alike and different, and break down the benefits of employing each. Furthermore, you'll also learn how to manage your outsourced workers regardless of the type of contract they have.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>What is a freelancer?</h2>
A freelancer is a self-employed professional that provides services to one or more clients, whether on a one-time basis or a long-term project. Freelancers set their own hourly or per-project rate and usually work according to their client's timeline or deadlines. Their projects tend to be short and can even include multiple submissions over some time, often even renewing every month. Journalists, designers, programmers, and writers often work as freelancers for companies.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>What is a contractor?</h2>
A contractor is a self-employed professional providing typically larger-scope projects with a few clients. Under the companies' strategic direction, they provide work already defined by the customer over some time. The work they do will be paid under a fixed price, often regardless of the hours worked. During the contract, they'll usually work exclusively with one business or take on very few clients. Contractors are often found in fields like business and operations, accounting, or HR.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Freelancer vs. Contractor</h2>
Though both types of workers are self-employed, they have many differences. Understanding the nuances between these two work models may not seem critical, but mixing them up can result in confusion, poor communication, mismanagement of tools, and even tax issues. With the future of your project at stake, these differences will heavily influence the type of contract you want to establish with an outsourced worker. So, how can freelancers and contractors look similar and different?
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Similarities</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They aren't onboarded&mdash;Both freelancers and contractors provide their skills and expertise using their own methods, software, etc. This means that companies don't spend time or training these individuals.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Both have set rates&mdash;Freelancers and contractors set their own rates per hour or project. They can reach agreements with clients regarding scope, but their rates tend to stay the same across projects.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neither receives employee benefits&mdash;Both workers cover their own expenses, pay their own taxes, and invest in their own benefits like health care or time off.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They find work in similar ways&mdash;Freelancers and contractors tend to work independently or through agencies that find clients for them, a service that includes setting terms and even billing for them. With an agency, you likely won't choose the exact individual you work with but instead will be assigned one according to availability.</li>
</ul>
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<h3>Differences</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They don't enjoy the same freedoms&mdash;While both types of workers are free agents, freelancers tend to work from anywhere at any time. On the other hand, contractors may be asked to work onsite and during specific work hours, fulfilling schedules that look more like a traditional employee's.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Project length and exclusivity vary&mdash;Unlike freelancers, contractors take on work that lasts for weeks or even months. While freelancers complement their income with several clients, contractors tend to commit to fewer clients at a time.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>When to use a freelancer&nbsp;</h2>
Having a freelancer will often mean working with them under an individual contract. The control you have over freelancers' work, hours, and even the security they use when accessing your company tools and data is limited. If there are no in-house employees with the skills or availability to fulfill a task, using a freelancer could be a good option. 
Additionally, if your job or project is short-term or sporadic, a freelancer will always be a better option. Here are other times you should consider a freelancer over a contractor:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When you need creative tasks on a per-campaign basis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When you are looking for a good level of expertise for better value</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you're comfortable working under flexible schedules and meeting virtually (if at all)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>When to use a contractor</h2>
You should consider hiring a contractor if you already have a fixed scope and budget under which you want to work. If you're not prepared to work with someone remotely or need in-person support, a contractor is more likely to fulfill those needs. This is especially true if you worry about hiring someone who will have a variety of other clients and can't prioritize your project. Besides these reasons, companies also opt for contractors if:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Need work in areas like HR or accounting</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Require in-person contact with other employees</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Need a higher level of confidentiality</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>How to manage your freelancers and contractors</h2>
Overseeing work that professionals do outside of your company can get complicated. That's why there are some best practices, tools, and resources to manage both freelancers and contractors.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Have a kickoff meeting&nbsp;</h3>
Especially for longer-term projects, you'll want to schedule a kickoff meeting. This is an initial meeting to line up your expectations, deadlines, scope, and all other details. This type of meeting is key to managing the working relationship with a freelancer or contractor. During this call, you'll share and request all necessary information to make the relationship a success.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Use a time tracker</h3>
For freelancers, especially, you can <a href="http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sinc.sincandroid&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">use time tracker apps</a> like Sinc, Toggl, or Harvest to manage the time spent on your project. According to your needs, these tools have varying features, including occasional screenshots, billing, and more.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Streamline communication</h3>
Establish in the beginning what channels you'll be using to communicate. Whether you use a shared slack channel, a messaging app, or email, every part should be clear about where things should be displayed and how often.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Use Teampassword for outsourced work</h3>
Both freelancers and contractors are external to your business, which means from a security perspective, they require unique management. It might be necessary to give them access to your files, resources, tools, and other online data, but this doesn't have to be risky. To best manage your outsourced work while keeping security tight, use a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a> lets businesses create and share credentials with authorized parties. It gives all your freelancers and contractors access safely while offering total transparency to managers about how the logins are being used and when.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Here's how you can manage your outsourced workers using TeamPassword:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add them to your team's group to share login credentials which they can keep via their mobile device, desktop app, or extension.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ask them to set up their <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-with-2fa">two-factor authentication (2FA)</a> for security.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Receive notifications and logs about their login activity.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Once your project collaborators finish their work, you can remove them with a single click&mdash;no need to reset passwords every time a freelancer or contractor leaves the team.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
With safe and secure access to assets and tools, a clear timeline, and clear communication, you can get to work with your freelancer or contractor right away.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Start with a free trial</h2>
Now that you've learned what freelancers and contractors are and how they differ, you can choose which type of worker to whom you should outsource projects. From here, look at the tasks and projects that need external work, separate the roles into freelance or contractor work and start hiring.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Whether you need one freelancer or a team of 10 contractors, you'll be able to allow them access to your project and logins securely via TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today!

This post will explain what freelancers and contractors are, how they're alike and different, and break down the benefits of employing each.

This post will explain what freelancers and contractors are, how they're alike and different, and break down the ...

Freelancer vs. Contractor

This post will explain what freelancers and contractors are, how they're alike and different, and break down the benefits of employing each. Furthermore, you'll also learn how to manage your outsourced workers regardless of the type of contract they have.

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.

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

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

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

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

Usernames are essential for security and anonymity online. But some people come up with username ideas to stand out or align with a brand. Usernames can also help gain followers or build a social media following.
With so many possibilities, coming up with username ideas can be challenging! Luckily, there are plenty of tools and methods to create unique usernames.
Whether you're aiming for fame or privacy, we have username ideas to help you create unique usernames easily!
Using unique credentials (including passwords and usernames) can mitigate many cybersecurity vulnerabilities. When paired with a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager like TeamPassword</a>, strong usernames and passwords can protect you against attacks. Sign up for a 14-day free TeamPassword trial today!
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Why You Need to Use Unique Usernames</h2>
There are several reasons people want unique usernames ideas:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Security</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anonymity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Popularity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Humor</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Business name ideas</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Unique Usernames for Security</h3>
Many people don't know about the importance of using unique or secure usernames for online security. Reusing usernames can be just as troublesome as <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords">reusing passwords</a>.
If criminals steal your credentials from a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/category/data-breaches">data breach</a>, they can use your username to figure out where else you have accounts and deploy spear-phishing attacks using fake correspondence to steal your credentials.
For example, hackers will send you a "password reset" from Instagram because they "suspect suspicious activity!" If you use unique usernames for every account, the attackers won't find your Instagram profile!
Don't think that you won't fall for these ploys! Many individuals with regular cybersecurity training fall victim to phishing attacks. Cybercriminals know that if they keep trying, they'll catch you when you're distracted or in a hurry.&nbsp;
In effect, unique usernames act as a second password, preventing anyone from finding your accounts with a single username.
What are some username mistakes that could put you at risk?
Don't use easy-to-guess information that could be found elsewhere on the web or sensitive info such as your social security or phone number.&nbsp;
<h4>What should not be included in a username so that it's secure?</h4>
<ol>
<li>
Personal Information: Avoid using any personal information such as your real name, date of birth, or address as part of your username.
</li>
<li>
Passwords or PINs: Do not use your passwords, PINs or other sensitive information as your username.
</li>
<li>
TMI: Do not include too much information that could potentially give away your identity, such as your phone number or email address.
</li>
<li>
Phishing Traps: Do not include any words or phrases that could be used in phishing attempts, such as "password", "admin", "login", etc.
</li>
</ol>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Unique Usernames for Anonymity</h3>
Aligned with security is anonymity. Maintaining anonymity online can protect you from cyberattacks and prevent work colleagues, clients, and other companies or individuals from finding you online.
Many people want to separate their professional profiles from their personal ones while maintaining an online presence. Using unique usernames can hide the profiles you prefer to keep private.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Unique Usernames for Fame, Popularity, Attention</h3>
A good Instagram username can help you stand out and boost your online presence. If your username is unique or obscure, it could lead to more profile clicks and followers.
A good example is French Connection UK or @FCUK. At first glance, the username looks like an expletive, drawing people's attention to the brand.
People often use made-up words, obscure combinations, and other naming conventions to grab attention online.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Unique Usernames for Humor</h3>
Humor is another reason people often want unique username ideas. For example, @PickledElephantTusk is sure to get people's attention and perhaps a chuckle at the ridiculousness.
Funny usernames are great for social media profiles, but you might want to avoid these if you're trying to aim for security or anonymity!
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Business Name Ideas</h3>
Most startups want a unique brand name, including URL and social media usernames. Startups can ensure that every digital touchpoint is unique to their brand by choosing an available unique username first.
While using the same username is necessary for branding on social media channels, companies should always choose different, unidentifiable usernames for non-public accounts&mdash;email marketing apps, keyword research tools, productivity tools, accounting apps, etc.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>How Can You Get Unique Usernames Ideas?</h2>
There are many places you go for unique username ideas. Here are a few of our best sources for inspiration:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinterest</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Username generators</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Google Search - type a word and look through the autocompletes. This is also an excellent way to find trending usernames</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Instagram hashtags</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Here are a Couple of Methods for Thinking of Great Usernames Ideas</h2>
If you're looking for inspiration, here are three methods for coming up with great username ideas. We've included processes for creativity, speed, and security.
<h3>Creating Your Own Unique Usernames</h3>
The best way to create unique username ideas is by combining two or three mismatched words with a number. First, come up with two or three categories, and then pick a word from each.
For example, let&rsquo;s choose the two categories fish, and US State:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">US State: Idaho</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fish: Pufferfish</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Number: 13</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">@IdahoPufferfish13</li>
</ul>
You can come up with funny and cute usernames using this method. It's also a fantastic creative exercise some people might find entertaining.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Use a Username Generator</h3>
If you don't want to waste time coming up with usernames yourself, a username generator is a fantastic option to create unique usernames fast!
Some username generator tools will let you add a prefix, suffix, or number and randomize the rest. This method works well if you're trying to find unique username ideas for a specific industry, like fitness, health, tech, etc.
Some username generators even provide a social media search function to see if your unique username is available on the relevant platforms&mdash;providing you speed and efficiency!
Random username generators are also excellent for security because you avoid familiarity, making it less likely for attackers to find you.
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Use a Password Generator</h3>
Password generators are great for creating unique username ideas. Password generators produce random strings with letters and numbers, significantly reducing the possibility of someone identifying you.
Try creating a username with TeamPassword's password generator:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visit our <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free password generator</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deselect symbols (most platforms don't allow symbols in the username. Keep this selected if your platform does allow it!)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Our password generator only allows a minimum of 12 characters. If you need a shorter user name, drop the characters you don't need</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Copy/paste your random username to use when signing up for a new account</li>
</ol>
Remember to use our password generator with uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers to create a secure unique password.&nbsp;
TeamPassword's password manager features a built-in password generator that suggests and pastes a strong password into forms during signup or resets. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free 14-day free trial</a> to start managing your usernames and passwords securely.
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>How You Can Secure Your Accounts Using a Password Manager</h2>
Usernames and passwords are the keys to your individual and company accounts. These credentials prevent attackers from breaching your devices, networks, social media, apps, financial services, and more.
Most companies have hundreds of accounts requiring authentication daily. Often team members need to share access, especially for social media, research tools, productivity apps, store accounts, and marketing tools, to name a few.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/secure-password-sharing">Sharing credentials</a> over email, chat, or via spreadsheets exposes your company, clients, employees, and users to many cybersecurity risks. In some states and countries, sharing passwords this way is illegal!
Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is a secure and efficient way to store and share your company's credentials.
Here are five reasons to choose TeamPassword for your company:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Affordable - Enterprise-grade password managers are often expensive. TeamPassword provides small businesses, agencies, and startups with an affordable password management solution.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure - TeamPassword is an <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">accredited secure hosting provider</a> using state-of-the-art encryption technology. We store your passwords using AES-256, trusted by US government agencies and many other organizations globally.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Efficient - Share and revoke access in TeamPassword with a single click. Quickly create passwords using our built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">secure password generator</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scalable - TeamPassword's plans scale with your business. Start with as few as five members and upgrade your plan as your workforce expands.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flexible - Employees can sign into accounts using TeamPassword's Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser extensions&mdash;catering to both Apple and Windows users.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Password Management With TeamPassword</h2>
TeamPassword makes it easy and secure to share credentials with employees, clients, freelancers, and contractors. Everyone gets a separate TeamPassword login to manage access and monitor activity.
TeamPassword encrypts your passwords, making it impossible for employees (or even TeamPassword staff) to preview raw credentials.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Sharing Access With Groups</h3>
Add your team to TeamPassword and create groups to share access to your various accounts. If an employee, contractor, or freelancer leaves the team, simply remove them from the group&mdash;no need to worry about changing passwords!
If you're an agency working with multiple clients and accounts, one TeamPassword account is all you need! Just increase your plan accordingly.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Activity Logging</h3>
Keep track of TeamPassword activity, just like an enterprise password manager does. Monitor logins, password changes, credential sharing, and more to spot suspicious activity.
TeamPassword also lets you set up email notifications&mdash;helpful in monitoring sensitive accounts or specific actions, like sharing or adding new users.
&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</h3>
Enabling 2FA on your TeamPassword account prevents attackers from gaining access, even if they steal your employee's username and password.
TeamPassword uses the Google Authenticator app (iOS &amp; Android), requiring a six-digital randomly generated code as the second authentication step. Without the employee's device, hackers can't complete TeamPassword authentication.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Start With a Free Trial</h2>
Coming up with unique username ideas isn't enough to protect your company's digital assets from attack. Protect your company's usernames and passwords with <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test our robust and efficient sharing features with your team today!

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.

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames, why ...

Username ideas to make your logins more secure

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames, why secure usernames are important, and how to create them effectively!

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