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

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

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

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

What is password encryption and how does it work?

If you're tired of the constant "save this password" popup from Safari or concerned about the security and privacy risks of its built-in password manager, this article is for you. We'll guide you through the quick steps to disable it and explore better alternatives.
The main reasons to disable Safari's built-in password manager are security and compatibility. By storing and syncing passwords within your Apple account, you run the risk of a cybercriminal gaining access and compromising all your other accounts. And if you use non-Apple devices, and thus need a different solution to manage passwords there, you're left managing the security of multiple fronts. Disabling Safari's password manager minimizes this vulnerability.
Instead, we recommend using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications offer stronger security features, compatibility across multiple platforms, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and secure sharing. By disabling Safari's password manager, you can exclusively rely on your preferred third-party solution for efficient password management.
By following the steps to disable Safari's password manager and switching to a trusted third-party alternative, you can enjoy improved security and a more personalized password management experience. Say goodbye to the constant popups and ensure your passwords are in safe hands.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#issafarisafe" rel="follow">Is Safari Password Manager (iCloud Keychain) Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablesafari" rel="follow">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletesafaripasswords" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Safari Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="issafarisafe">Is Safari Password Manager (iCloud Keychain) Safe?</h2>
The Safari password manager is closely connected to Apple's iCloud Keychain, which we've written about <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-are-icloud-keychains-and-why-are-they-better-than-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. When Safari offers to save a password, it saves it to Keychain; you can choose whether to sync that data between devices, however.&nbsp;
If you're fully committed to the Apple ecosystem - that is, you own iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and pretty much only use Safari - then using the iCloud keychain is convenient and relatively safe. If you have non-Apple devices or use other browsers, then using Safari's password manager is probably just a security hazard. It's one more place where your passwords are stored, and if someone gains access to your device password, they can view all the passwords you have saved in Safari.&nbsp;
Additionally, the Safari password manager won't cut it if you need to share passwords with colleagues or family members. While you can airdrop passwords to Apple devices, this is a bit clunky and limiting.&nbsp;
Most people are better off with a dedicated third-party password manager that works on all your devices and browsers, protects your data with advanced encryption and 2FA, and offers additional features like secure sharing.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablesafari">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</h2>
For Safari users on Mac:
<ol>
<li>Click the Safari menu at the top bar.</li>
<li>Click Settings.</li>
<li>Click the Autofill icon.</li>
<li>Uncheck all settings in Autofill.</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/KMgVTphzQwmKzPtYhv5P" alt="undefined" width="687" height="194">
For Safari users on iOS:
<ol>
<li>Tap Settings</li>
<li>Head to Passwords and Accounts</li>
<li>Tap AutoFill Passwords&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn off iCloud KeyChain.</li>
</ol>
Pro-tip: Don't forget to delete all cached passwords and auto-fill passwords before using a third-party password manager!
<h2 id="howtodeletesafaripasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Safari Password Manager</h2>
<ol>
<li>Click the Safari menu at the top bar.</li>
<li>Click Settings.</li>
<li>Select Passwords</li>
<li>Right-click the password you wish to delete, and select delete. You'll be asked if you're sure you want to delete the password.&nbsp;</li>
<li>To delete all passwords, hit Cmd+A, then right-click and select delete.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing passwords with greater compatibility than Safari and Keychain. You can create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device and access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords stay secure, even if your device falls into the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires a separate "master" password for login and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While not as convenient as Safari's built-in features, password managers offer significantly enhanced security.
With TeamPassword's Safari extension, you can enjoy autofill capabilities on most websites and view record information conveniently in a dropdown, eliminating the need to navigate to separate pages. Moreover, TeamPassword offers extensive features for secure credential sharing, a feature that Safari's password management lacks, particularly for users without Apple devices. Passwords are organized into Groups, and access can be granted to team members as needed. Managing member access and editing records is just as simple.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="862" height="485">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Safari's built-in solution might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Safari's built-in solution might not be right for you. ...

How to Disable Safari's Manager in 3 Steps

How to Disable Safari Password Manager in 4 Steps

If you've made the switch to a dedicated password manager or are tired of Firefox's prompt to "save this password," you've come to the right place.&nbsp;
While the Firefox built-in password manager is a decent choice if you exclusively use the Firefox browser for personal use, its shortcomings are apparent when used in a business setting or even if you use multiple browsers and need to save various kinds of data securely.&nbsp;
Many prefer (and we recommend) using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications provide more robust security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and sharing. Disabling Firefox password manager allows users to rely solely on their preferred third-party solution.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#isfirefoxsafe" rel="follow">Is Firefox Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablefirefox" rel="follow">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletefirefoxpasswords" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="isfirefoxsafe">Is Firefox Password Manager Safe?</h2>
Does Firefox password manager keep your passwords safe? It depends on how you use it. By default, your passwords are synced across devices using your Firefox account. If you leave your Firefox account logged in on a device that someone else can access or your Firefox account gets hacked, your passwords are vulnerable. Firefox does not have a safe way to share passwords, nor the ability to store notes or documents.&nbsp;
However, Firefox does offer the option to create a Primary Password that locks your Firefox passwords. This primary password is set locally, meaning you'll need a&nbsp;different one for every device or profile where you use Firefox password manager. It is more secure than no primary password, but lacks the convenience of a dedicated password vault available anywhere and encrypted with one master password.&nbsp;
Firefox checks your saved websites against a database of breached websites to alert you if your logins may be vulnerable.&nbsp;
In summary, Firefox is a fine option if you set a Primary Password on each device and exclusively use the Firefox browser. But if you need to safely share passwords or want greater protection such as 2FA, Firefox doesn't cut it. We recommend using a&nbsp;dedicated third-party tool that works on all&nbsp;your devices and browsers and encrypts your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablefirefox">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</h2>
For Firefox users on Windows:
<ol>
<li>Click the Menu button in the top right of your browser and click Settings</li>
<li>Click&nbsp;Privacy and Security on the left</li>
<li>Scroll down to the&nbsp;Logins and Passwords section</li>
<li>Uncheck Ask to save logins and passwords for websites.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/7HK1k8EpQkG9KNfoYXxX" alt="undefined" width="687" height="308">
For Firefox users on Mac:
<ol>
<li>In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Preferences.</li>
<li>Click&nbsp;Privacy and Security on the left</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Logins and Passwords section.</li>
<li>Uncheck Ask to save logins and passwords for websites.</li>
</ol>
For Firefox users on iOS:
<ol>
<li>Tap Menu.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tap Passwords - you may have to use Touch ID or enter a password</li>
<li>Turn off Save Logins.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
For Firefox users on Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap the three dots Menu and tap Settings</li>
<li>Tap Logins and passwords, then Save Logins and passwords. Select Never save.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tap the back arrow twice, then choose Autofill from the selections. Unselect Save and autofill addresses and Save and autofill cards</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="howtodeletefirefoxpasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Firefox Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Firefox password manager, follow these 2 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click the Menu button in the top right of your browser and click Passwords.</li>
<li>Here, you can either select the password you wish to delete and click&nbsp;Remove, or click the three dots in the top right and select&nbsp;Remove All Logins...</li>
</ol>
Beware that the latter will permanently delete your saved logins and cannot be undone.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ilx1jODQT9u9sy9gn77t" alt="undefined" width="901" height="217">
If switching to a dedicated password manager, you may want to export your passwords from Firefox.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Firefox Menu &gt; Passwords &gt; three dots on the top right &gt; Export Logins...&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
This exports all your passwords into a CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Firefox password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Firefox's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers a Firefox extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Firefox's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="764" height="430">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords is tough. Firefox offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords is tough. Firefox offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. ...

How to Disable Firefox Password Manager in 4 Steps

We've all succumbed to the pressure of Google Chrome's offer to "save this password". If you're concerned about the security or privacy risks of Chrome's password manager or already use a dedicated password manager and are annoyed by Chrome's popup every time you create an account, this article will show you how to disable it quickly.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Security concerns</a> are often the main reason to disable Google Chrome's built-in password manager. If a cybercriminal hacks the Google account where these passwords are saved and synced, they can go on to breach all your other accounts. Disabling the password manager can reduce this risk.
Many prefer (and we recommend) using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications provide more robust security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and sharing. Disabling the browser's password manager allows users to rely solely on their preferred third-party solution.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#ischromesafe" rel="follow">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablegooglechrome" rel="follow">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletechromepassword" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ischromesafe">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</h2>
As <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">we've written before</a>, Chrome wasn't built to be a password manager.
If someone steals your device at a coffee shop or hacks your Google account, they may have access to all of your passwords. Chrome doesn't automatically log you out at an interval of your choosing or when you close the browser. That would be inconvenient! In a nutshell, Google Chrome's password manager is not as safe as a dedicated password manager.&nbsp;
Chrome's solution focuses on convenience, and if you keep track of which devices you're signed into, lock your devices securely, and don't share passwords, credentials, or devices with anyone, the Google Chrome password manager may be safe enough. Even if you have all that covered, Chrome's password manager lacks support for document storage, other browsers, or non-browser uses, which means you'll need another password manager for those applications.&nbsp;
What if you use Safari on your iPhone or Mac? In that scenario, Chrome's password manager won't help you at all. That's why we recommend using a dedicated third-party tool that works on all&nbsp;your devices and browsers and encrypts your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablegooglechrome">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
For Chrome users on Windows and Mac:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and choose Passwords (under the Autofill tab).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn off Offer To Save Passwords.</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/mF1Zu3KTQu2QcOEJGlb6" alt="undefined" width="897" height="317">
For Chrome users on iOS and Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and tap Password Manager under Basics.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tab the gear icon in the top right corner of the password manager</li>
<li>Turn off Offer to Save Password".&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/MZxHVVkQvacZTUDVMuPX" alt="undefined" width="392" height="378">
<h2 id="howtodeletechromepasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Chrome Password Manager, follow these 4 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and choose Passwords (under the Autofill tab).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the small arrow to the right of the password you wish to delete</li>
<li>Click Delete</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kzRTLxRXGiVtd9u9o3Bg" alt="undefined" width="549" height="243">
You may want to first Export your passwords from Chrome. 
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots to the right of Add, and click Export.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
This exports all your passwords into a CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Chrome password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Chrome's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers a Chrome extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Chrome's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="831" height="467">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Chrome offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Chrome offers a built-in solution, which might not be ...

How to Disable Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

How to Disable Google Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

The importance of mobile devices has grown significantly as the number of <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">internet users</a> increases. Not only are they supremely convenient for communication and entertainment on the go, but many of the programs and websites we use at the office now exist in mobile applications - meaning we never leave our work behind.&nbsp;
Uninterrupted connectivity means uninterrupted risk of our data being stolen. Mobile devices, like any device connected to the internet and capable of data transfer, have vulnerabilities. And though mobile operating systems are often tightly secured and able to stop users from accidentally installing a virus, we should be just as educated and deliberate when using them.&nbsp;
Read on to learn five ways you may be unwittingly exposing your data.
<h2>1. Outdated Security Software</h2>
The two ubiquitous mobile operating systems, Android and iOS (and its cousin iPadOS), come with stringent security installed. On Android, Play Protect regularly scans your entire device for malicious apps, not just apps downloaded from the Play store.&nbsp;
iPhones employ a system whereby no app knows what any other app is doing, unless of course you give it that permission - such as allowing Instagram to look at your photos. Safari, the built-in browser on iPhones, typically does a good job of warning you when accessing a suspicious site. iPhones do not allow you to install third party security software unless they&rsquo;ve been jailbroken (more on that below). The built-in security features on iPhones are typically enough, provided you keep your device up-to-date.&nbsp;
On that note: do stay on top of your software updates. Operating systems are regularly patched as new vulnerabilities are found - which is often.
For iOS devices, go to Settings &gt; General &gt; Software Update.
If you have an Android, your first step should be to ensure that Play Protect is working and scanning your device regularly.&nbsp;
Open the Play Store app &gt; tap your profile icon &gt; tap Play Protect. It will tell you the last time your device was scanned and if any threats were found.&nbsp;
And of course, check for software patches.&nbsp;Settings &gt; System &gt; System update&nbsp;(path may be different depending on the device).
<a href="https://developers.google.com/android/play-protect" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/D46UsujTQz6NOJLUJCIY" alt="undefined" width="289" height="488" /></a>
If you use your Android device for banking, work, and research rabbit holes, you may want to invest in additional security.
When downloading any app it&rsquo;s a good idea to <a href="https://joyofandroid.com/category/apps/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">check reviews first</a>. Android apps have gotten better in recent years but bad ones still slip through. With so many different Android devices, it's not always easy to know how an app will perform. Reviews can help you pick the right app without trying a bunch of duds.
The next time you're looking for a new app, check the reviews to get a better idea of what you're getting yourself into. If you're concerned about your mobile device being hacked, install security software and keep it up to date. You should also choose strong passwords and avoid using the same password on multiple devices or websites.
<h2>2. Weak Passwords</h2>
A weak password is like a skeleton key that cybercriminals can easily guess. If your passwords are simple and reused across accounts you&rsquo;re opening yourself to a comprehensive breach.
A good starting point for your passwords is to make them 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. How do you remember unique, complex passwords for all your accounts? You don&rsquo;t. Let a <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a> do that for you. Password managers have mobile apps, so there&rsquo;s no excuse not to use one.&nbsp;
A password manager also removes the frustration of mistyping your passwords on touch keyboards.
Don&rsquo;t just rely on your passwords. We strongly recommend enabling MFA (multi-factor authentication) on all applications that allow it. This means that in addition to your password you'll need a second factor, such as a security code from an Authenticator app, to access your account.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0DIRx1gaS8CNBbyupiQW" alt="undefined" width="716" height="477" />
<h2>3. Sharing passwords via text, email, Slack etc</h2>
Text, emails, Slack messages, and other messaging apps are not appropriately encrypted for password sharing. Not only are the apps themselves comparatively easy to hack (or social engineer your way) into and intercept data from, but it&rsquo;s simply too easy to misplace your phone. Once someone gets past your lock screen, how hard is it for them to get into your email, text messages, or workspace?&nbsp;
Passwords should live in a password manager with industry-standard encryption. If you need to share passwords with teammates or family, use a vault that allows easy sharing without the passwords needing to leave an encrypted environment.&nbsp;
<h2>4. Unverified Links</h2>
You may unwittingly compromise your passwords or install viruses when opening links on your mobile device. These can come from malicious websites, email attachments, or an unverified text message claiming your credit card has been compromised and that you need to &ldquo;Click Here!&rdquo; to freeze it (always call your bank directly).&nbsp;
Some websites may not be <a href="https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ssl/why-is-http-not-secure/#:~:text=HTTPS%20is%20HTTP%20with%20encryption,far%20more%20secure%20than%20HTTP." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">properly secured with HTTPS</a>. Modern browsers should warn you when entering an unsecured HTTP environment. If you enter sensitive information on such websites, it may be visible to cybercriminals.&nbsp;
Please handle any suspicious content on a computer with good antivirus installed. If you must examine a link while using a mobile email app, long-press on the link or button to reveal the URL. If it&rsquo;s not completely showing, copy the URL and paste it into your notes app.&nbsp;
For attachments and the like, only download them if you know you can trust the source.&nbsp;
<h2>5. Jailbreaking or Rooting Your Phone</h2>
Jailbreaking or rooting - technically two different processes -&nbsp; are typically done in order to install software or otherwise customize your phone in a way that the manufacturer does not allow by default. Jailbreaking is the term used when done to an iPhone, and is viewed by Apple as a violation of its end-user license agreement. Rooting - the process of becoming a superuser on Android - is allowed by a number of Android phone manufacturers.&nbsp;
In either scenario you are gaining power over your device that the manufacturer did not originally intend. With this increased control comes a proportional increase in risk. It becomes much easier to download malware, and if a criminal gets ahold of your privilege-escalated device, they can find ways to bypass your passwords to scour your storage for whatever information is held there. They can also control camera and mic permissions, enabling all sorts of nefarious activities.&nbsp;
The change in security of a rooted device typically renders it unusable for work. If you wish to root your phone, research the inherent dangers and proceed with a healthy dose of caution.&nbsp;
<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
As mobile devices become more capable, our trust in and reliance on them increases. Your smartphone may store credit card and bank info, addresses, pictures of ID, your physical location&hellip;do you even know what's on there? And it&rsquo;s all on a device that can too easily be snatched from a coffee table or slip from your pocket.&nbsp;
I hope these five tips have helped supplement your knowledge and motivated you to take action to strengthen your mobile device security.&nbsp;

Though mobile operating systems are tightly secured, we may unwittingly expose our data if we're not deliberate about how we use them.

Though mobile operating systems are tightly secured, we may unwittingly expose our data if we're not deliberate about ...

5 Reasons Your Smartphone Is At Risk

When I began researching the YouTube giveaway scams, I expected to find a cold trail. It has been over a year since ThioJoe, a tech news and education channel with nearly 3 million subscribers, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vOakOgYLUI" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">posted his first video</a> on his experience trying to remove hundreds of impersonators from his videos. Five months later, after Marques Brownlee <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw-vODp-8Y" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">made a video on the topic</a>, YouTube began taking tentative steps to address the issue. But a quick Reddit search reveals that YouTube impersonators and giveaway scams are still alive and well today.&nbsp;
How does the scam work?&nbsp;
The scammer sets up a YouTube profile copying the real creator&rsquo;s profile picture and name. Sometimes the method used to impersonate the channel name is quite clever, such as using foreign characters to create a look-alike, or simply misspelling the name in such a way that our brain is likely to auto-correct it.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/GkjPMIQQQ22fxdVsX7ZG" alt="undefined" width="940" height="487" />
Other times, the channel name should be an instant giveaway (no pun intended).
&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/iqhfkgd5Qampc73RCmr5" alt="undefined" width="868" height="186" />

Once on Telegram, the &ldquo;winner&rdquo; is often asked to pay for shipping. In the example below it is a ridiculous amount - $95 - that keeps going up as long as the victim keeps sending money. As soon as the scammer has fleeced one victim or one YouTuber&rsquo;s channel for everything they can get, they simply change their profile picture and channel name and move on.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/BMquuNGSRGTiUbEomDwg" alt="undefined" width="697" height="377" />
Who falls for this?
Unfortunately, na&iuml;ve people whose emotions get the better of them and who are elated to have won something from a creator they look up to. If they were to click on the commenter&rsquo;s name they would discover that it is not the same channel - not even close.
These impersonations aren&rsquo;t even that well done or hard to spot, which is even more frustrating to the creators who wonder why YouTube isn't doing something.&nbsp;
<h2>If there&rsquo;s a problem, there&rsquo;s a fix. Right?</h2>
If someone has established an identity on YouTube across tens, hundreds, or even thousands of videos, has shown their face, and maybe even has that Verified checkmark next to their channel name, then someone using their exact profile picture and commenting in their videos claiming to be them should be an easy target for YouTube&rsquo;s algorithm to expunge. Right?
What if they also wrote hundreds of comments on a single video claiming to give away free stuff in a manner that directly violates <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1620498?hl=en" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube&rsquo;s Contest Policies</a>? Wouldn&rsquo;t it be an easy ban for YouTube to enforce?&nbsp;
And once the channel was banned for scamming, wouldn&rsquo;t their hundreds of scam comments be automatically deleted from the platform?&nbsp;
If you answered NO to all of the above then your perception of YouTube&rsquo;s current capability of handling these scams is sadly accurate.&nbsp;
ThioJoe thoroughly documented his experience reporting the scammers to YouTube. YouTube refused to ban several scam channels impersonating him, claiming that &ldquo;for the rest of the channel[s] that you reported we have confirmed that it didn&rsquo;t violate our community guidelines.&rdquo; ThioJoe checked the channel that YouTube refused to ban, and found it had moved on to spamming other accounts with its WhatsApp scam. So he followed up, linking to the videos where they were active and sending screenshots. YouTube responded: &ldquo;our team actually checked these channels against our guidelines on impersonation and they confirmed that those channels didn&rsquo;t violate our Community Guidelines.&rdquo; Right.&nbsp;
And even for those channels that were banned, their hundreds of scam comments - the crux of the issue - were not removed. That was up to the YouTuber to do manually, comment by comment, video by video. ThioJoe discovered some impersonator accounts that had left over 200 comments on a single one of his videos.&nbsp;
Realizing that YouTube was not going to help him, he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tRppXW_aKo" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">made his own app</a> to bulk-delete spam comments - free for anyone to use.&nbsp;
So yes, there&rsquo;s a fix. Just not by YouTube.&nbsp;
<h2>YouTube responds&hellip;kind of</h2>
In April 2022, five months after ThioJoe posted his original video detailing the scams, and shortly after Marques Brownlee - a much larger YouTuber - posted his, YouTube began testing a stricter content moderation tool for creators. On June 30th they released an update disabling the option to hide your subscriber count and limiting the type and/or frequency of special characters in channel names.
It&rsquo;s a start, but it&rsquo;s not enough. While researching this article I learned that fake SpaceX channels have been popping up on YouTube and running cryptocurrency scams. One <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceXMasterrace/comments/xyz1u5/finally_youtube_listened_about_that_fake_spacex/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">got shut down</a> about a month ago.&nbsp;
So I searched for SpaceX on YouTube, and lo and behold, SpaceX LIVE was livestreaming!&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/855fRWLwTAqATXMaLZ5g" alt="undefined" width="1132" height="570" />
Over 600,000 &ldquo;subscribers&rdquo; (read: bots). 4,000 &ldquo;people&rdquo; watching. And a subscriber&rsquo;s-only live chat claiming that if you send them one BTC (or Ethereum or Monero - they&rsquo;re not picky) you&rsquo;ll get two back. What a deal!
I left this stream running in the background while I worked.&nbsp;
A week later it has been taken down.&nbsp;
<h2>What can we do?</h2>
With YouTube forcing subscriber counts to show, it should be quite obvious when a commenter&rsquo;s account is an impersonation of the creator whose video you&rsquo;re watching. However, in cases such as the fake SpaceX LIVE livestream, the channel probably used bots to get a legitimate-looking subscriber count.&nbsp;
YouTube&rsquo;s contest policy explicitly states that you must have official rules for the contest. If the creator hasn&rsquo;t mentioned that they&rsquo;re doing a giveaway&hellip;then they&rsquo;re not.&nbsp;
In general, use common sense. If they&rsquo;re asking you to give something to get something, don&rsquo;t. You can always post a screenshot to /r/Scams to get another opinion.&nbsp;
In the meantime, creators will continue to suffer as the mysteries of YouTube&rsquo;s algorithms rampage across the platform, striking original, legitimate videos and sparing scammers their comeuppance.

The YouTube scams rage on and creators are frustrated. YouTube has implemented tools to fight impersonators, but is it enough?

The YouTube scams rage on and creators are frustrated. YouTube has implemented tools to fight impersonators, but is ...

The YouTube-Telegram Giveaway Scam

Optus, the second-largest telecommunications company in Australia, confirmed on September 22nd that roughly 9.8 million personal records of current and past customers were leaked. They had no additional info at the time, which left those affected feeling helpless and betrayed.&nbsp;
An unidentified person has taken responsibility for the hack. The hacker demanded $1 million to delete the data. Otherwise, they would release 10,000 personal records a day until they received payment.
The alleged hacker followed up on their threat - once. When payment was not received, they released 10,000 records that likely went straight to the dark web to piece together some profiles - a process whereby bots analyze whether criminals have enough information to target someone with scamming or identity theft. The hacker has since withdrawn their demand, apologized for their actions, and has not released any additional records.&nbsp;
Affected records include everything from phone numbers to driver&rsquo;s licenses and passport numbers.&nbsp;
<h2>Backlash</h2>
Investigating a breach is no small undertaking, and it&rsquo;s impossible to know for certain if Optus acted slower than other industry giants would in an identical situation. However, their attitude and lackluster communication resulted in severe backlash from the Australian government and general public.
Optus framed itself as the victim of a cyberattack despite no evidence of how the personal records were accessed. In an interview with <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/technology/optus-commissions-independent-review-into-hack-20221003-p5bmr5.html" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">the Sydney Morning Herald</a>, CEO Bayer Rosmarin said, &ldquo;There has been no review and no report on the nature of what has occurred&hellip; so anyone saying anything about it is not talking from a position of knowledge.&rdquo;
This attempt to control the narrative left government officials unimpressed.&nbsp;
Government Services Minister Bill Shorten told reporters, using a suitably Australian metaphor: &ldquo;Optus senior management are kidding themselves if they want a medal for the way that they&rsquo;ve been communicating. Not even a crocodile&rsquo;s going to swallow that.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<h2>The Situation Worsens</h2>
Two weeks later Optus provided additional info. After combing through logs, they claim that only 2.1 million personal records were exposed, of which 900,000 are expired. They said that all affected persons had been contacted, warned users not to open links from email or SMS, and recommended the My Optus app as the safest way to communicate with them.&nbsp;
However, the leaked data goes back to 2017 and includes many ex-customers. How will these people be contacted safely? Does sending one email count as &ldquo;contacted&rdquo;? No one knows. And scammers are capitalizing on the confusion.
Customers are seeing phishing emails, phone calls, and SMS or social media messages asking users to order new SIM cards or update billing information in order to secure themselves from the attack.&nbsp;
<img src="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/DNxRJtnZyv_3cSTit0z00SxuAl4=/500x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a" srcset="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/DNxRJtnZyv_3cSTit0z00SxuAl4=/500x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 500w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/8giVCxs0LcluhV8nbc6w6CHSXy0=/600x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 600w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/v7aYqCtwFfAW06vEI2E0JbP_2fw=/800x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 800w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/-SfHZJctTIAHRMcJl4wXJZsNEAc=/1000x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 1000w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/HiNJ6jw4HpAkMbpJdRakYwRCuus=/1200x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 1200w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/mG2v3q3g846PwNGrMjzceIhz9Oc=/1600x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2F81445f8b-5d9d-4eb6-a475-4503a4115f4a 1600w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 800px, (min-width: 768px) 600px, 500px" alt="Scamwatch shared these two separate examples of scams following the Optus cyberhack. Correspondence about sim cards should be deleted, and any correspondence about bill &quot;issues&quot; treated with a high level of caution." width="389" height="219" />
The government agency Scamwatch took the initiative to warn customers about these scams. &ldquo;Optus is not contacting people about their bills and asking you to update information.&rdquo;&nbsp;
In the absence of other directions, people are scrambling to update their passports and driver&rsquo;s license numbers.
<h2>How was the data exposed?</h2>
Knowledge of how the breach occurred is frustratingly scarce.&nbsp;
According to Security Boulevard, &ldquo;Unconfirmed reports suggest that an API Gateway was being used by Optus. If so, that API gateway failed to sufficiently rate limit the attacker's access to Optus's sensitive data.&rdquo;
Security Boulevard <a href="https://securityboulevard.com/2022/10/optus-data-breach-why-vulnerable-apis-are-to-blame/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">provides a good overview</a> of possible API vulnerabilities that led to easy personal information extraction. Time will tell if this was the weak link.&nbsp;
Optus is noncommittal regarding whether or not they will release the full review being done by consultancy firm Deloitte. Perhaps this is Optus's ill-conceived attempt to make things seem less bad. If so, they failed to consider that the human imagination proliferates catastrophes, and the possibility that 2.1 million identities are compromised gives it ample fodder.&nbsp;
Optus is now <a href="https://www.optus.com.au/support/cyberattack" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">attempting open communication through its website</a>, but it may be too little too late to save face.
We&rsquo;re waiting on the results of the investigation to form a picture of what you can do to prepare for future breaches of this nature, or how you can take action to mitigate risk now. Fingers crossed that the findings will get released to the public.&nbsp;
Optus has dug itself a bit of a hole. Government fines loom on the horizon, and user trust is eroded. We shall see how they choose to proceed.&nbsp;
To be continued&hellip;

Learn why Optus got lambasted by the government and public alike for their communication surrounding 9.8 million stolen records.

An overview of the Optus Breach so far: what happened, how Optus responded to victims of the breach, ...

The Optus Breach: How Not to PR

An overview of the Optus Breach so far: what happened, how Optus responded to victims of the breach, and why their communication was lambasted by the government and public alike.

Learn what to do if you forgot your Facebook password and how to use TeamPassword to make sure you never forget a password again.

Learn what to do if you forgot your Facebook password and how to use TeamPassword to make sure ...

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login | TeamPassword

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.

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 ...

How to Make a Good Username | Create a Unique and Secure Username

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!

TeamPassword Blog

Browse our carefully created articles about Information Security, Password Management, Product Information, and Modern Business, all written with your team's safety and success in mind.

Most popular articles

Password Management

May 4, 2023 ∙ 10 min read

What is password encryption and how does it work?

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login | TeamPassword

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

How to Make a Good Username | Create a Unique and Secure Username

Cybersecurity

June 1, 2023 ∙ 4 min read

How to Disable Safari Password Manager in 4 Steps

Cybersecurity

June 1, 2023 ∙ 5 min read

How to Disable Firefox Password Manager in 4 Steps

Cybersecurity

June 1, 2023 ∙ 5 min read

How to Disable Google Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

Cybersecurity

November 17, 2022 ∙ 7 min read

5 Reasons Your Smartphone Is At Risk

News

November 10, 2022 ∙ 6 min read

The YouTube-Telegram Giveaway Scam

News

October 6, 2022 ∙ 5 min read

The Optus Breach: How Not to PR

The Password Manager for Teams

Product

Support

Channels

Legal