Password encryption is essential to store user credentials stored in a database securely. Without password encryption, anyone accessing a user database on a company's servers (including hackers) could easily view any stored passwords.
Even a strong 32-character password created using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">secure password generator</a> is useless without password-encryption! If someone can read your password on a server, they can use it simply by copy/pasting it&mdash;no matter how long or complicated the password might be!
Encryption scrambles your password before saving it on the server. So, if someone hacks the server, instead of finding password123, they find a random series of letters and numbers.
In this article, we're going to explore the world of password encryption, why <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong passwords matter</a>, and how you can practice better password management!
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> is the password management solution for small businesses! Create, store, and share login credentials safely with employees, contractors, and clients. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understandingpasswordencryption" rel="follow">Understanding Password Encryption</a></li>
<li><a href="#howdoespasswordencryptionwork" rel="follow">How Does Password Encryption Work?</a></li>
<li><a href="#5commonpasswordencryptionmethods" rel="follow">5 Common Password Encryption Methods</a></li>
<li><a href="#whystrongpasswordsmatter" rel="follow">Why Strong Passwords Matter</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understandingpasswordencryption">Understanding Password Encryption</h2>
To explain password encryption effectively, we must first grasp the language. Several terms might be unfamiliar, so here is a quick intro to password encryption terminology.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Key: Used to lock and unlock passwords using a random string of bits. You get private and public keys that crypt and decrypt data differently, but we won't get too deep in the weeds with keys!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bits: A logical state with one of two possible values, including 1/0, true/false, yes/no, or on/off as typical examples.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Block (block cipher): A deterministic algorithm operating on fixed-length groups of bits, called blocks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash function: The algorithm that uses the key to create password encryption and decryption. A hash function is essentially a piece of code that runs every time someone saves a password or logs into an application.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash: A random series of numbers and letters representing your password. The hash function uses your hash instead of the raw password for authentication.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt: Additional letters and numbers appended to the hash</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="howdoespasswordencryptionwork">How Does Password Encryption Work?</h2>
When you save a new password, a hash function creates a hash version and saves that on the server.&nbsp;
Every time you log in using your password, the hash function recreates the hash to see if it matches what's stored. If the hashes match, the algorithm passes the authentication and logs you in.&nbsp;
For example:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Original password: Pa$$w0rd123</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hashed password: 6AF1CE202340​FE71BDB914AD5357​E33A6982A63B</li>
</ul>
While this might seem secure, simple hashed passwords aren't hack-proof.
The hash function only creates a unique hash for each password, not each user. So, if multiple users have the password, Pa$$w0rd123, the hash will be exactly the same.
To overcome this encryption vulnerability, engineers salt passwords so each hash is unique, even if the passwords are identical.
<h3>How Salt Works</h3>
A salt appends a unique value of 8 bytes (16 characters) to the password before the hash function creates a hash. This way, even identical passwords are unique before the hash function.
For example:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two identical passwords: Pa$$w0rd123</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt value one: E1F53135E559C253</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt value two: 84B03D034B409D4E</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password one before hash: Pa$$w0rd123E1F53135E559C253</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password two before hash: Pa$$w0rd12384B03D034B409D4E</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password one hashed value (SHA256): 72AE25495A7981​C40622D49F9A52E4F15​65C90F048F59027BD9​C8C8900D5C3D8</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Password two hashed value (SHA256): B4B6603ABC670​967E99C7E7F1389E40​CD16E78AD38EB1468E​C2AA1E62B8BED3A</li>
</ul>
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<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.
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<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>
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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.
&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?

<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/americans-are-embracing-flexible-work-and-they-want-more-of-it" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Remote work is becoming more popular</a> than ever. Employers realize the cost-saving and productivity-boosting benefits of having their teams out of the office and working from their homes, and things seem to be going well. However, one issue that continues to plague remote teams is the possibility of cybercrime and data breaches. Hackers know that remote employees are often not as equipped to thwart attacks and target them with a vengeance.&nbsp;
The solution is for management and administration to train and educate their teams on cybersecurity. Talk to your employees about what they can do to protect their company and the customers' data from the machinations of cybercriminals.&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s get specific on how you will make this happen.
<h2>Cybersecurity Training Is Key</h2>
To start your team off on the right foot, your company should incorporate an extensive cybersecurity training program into your employee orientation schedule. This will give them the training they need from day one. <a href="https://www.wizer-training.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Wizer</a> is a great tool that provides effective and thorough cybersecurity training for teams.&nbsp;
<h3>Explain the Consequences of a Cyberattack</h3>
Remote employees have the best of intentions but may not realize the stakes of a breach at your organization. When working from the comfort of home, cyberthreats seem distant and it&rsquo;s easy to forget that anyone can be the weak link that allows a cyberattack to succeed.
During instruction, give the team a clear picture of what your organization and the individuals on your team will face if a breach does occur. Common consequences resulting from a breach are:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reputational damage to the corporation that leads to job loss</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corporate responsibility for millions of dollars of damages and fines resulting in lay-offs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Legal repercussions that force the company to close its doors</li>
</ul>
The point is that cybersecurity is the responsibility of every employee, from the CEO to the mailroom clerk, and it&rsquo;s in everyone&rsquo;s best interest to protect the company and its future.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/hvd8k1uISfeNd3yLAaud" alt="undefined" width="757" height="473" />
<h3>Confirm Employees&rsquo; Understanding</h3>
Once their cybersecurity training is complete, every employee should sign off on a memo stating that they understand the crucial nature of what they learned and may be held responsible if they fail to report a potential threat.
<h3>Revisit and Refresh Cybersecurity Training</h3>
Cybersecurity training is not one-and-done. As vulnerabilities get patched and people become wiser to common scams, cybercriminals adapt accordingly with ever more sophisticated attacks. When your IT team learns of a new cyber threat, management should require all employees to undergo supplemental training that prepares them to handle it appropriately.
<h3>Report Attempted Attacks</h3>
Every organization should have a designated cybersecurity point of contact. Ideally, this will be someone who has a background in cybersecurity or has at least taken additional training in cybersecurity best practices. When an employee receives a suspicious email or other suspected cyberattack, they should let the internal point of contact know immediately.&nbsp;
Employees can also help make the internet safer by reporting phishing attacks to organizations like the <a href="https://apwg.org/reportphishing/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)</a> by forwarding phishing attack emails to <a href="mailto:reportphishing@apwg.org" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reportphishing@apwg.org</a>. APWG, and groups like them, analyze and share data from reports to help stop cybercriminals before they can victimize others.&nbsp;
<h2>Talk About Sharing Data</h2>
Now that your remote team members understand the big picture, teach them where their data is shared and how to properly access, share, and use it to minimize risk.&nbsp;
<h3>Sharing Data on the Cloud</h3>
Almost all companies now use some form of cloud storage or service. A common example for most of us is our email account. Take Gmail: Google has floor space for servers and hardware and maintains all the software that allows you to log into your account from anywhere. Gmail is an example of a public cloud.&nbsp;
Your team should know the <a href="https://businessdegrees.uab.edu/blog/private-public-and-hybrid-clouds-whats-the-difference/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">differences between public, private, and hybrid clouds</a> and the associated risks in using each. Your IT department may have different policies for each type of service.
Public accounts are generally the least expensive but are also the least secure. A third party such as Google, Amazon, or Microsoft handles maintenance which frees up your IT team&rsquo;s time. In return, you sacrifice security and control.
Private servers are owned and maintained by a private organization. They offer your team greater security and flexibility, but the price can be prohibitive.&nbsp;
Hybrid cloud accounts are a combination of both public and private. An organization may use a public cloud for email but restrict sensitive data to a private cloud.&nbsp;
It is important to inform your teams that even with some protection on the cloud, they still need to keep watch for scams and inform management if they see anything suspicious.&nbsp;
<h3>User Access&nbsp;</h3>
Remote employees should know that not everyone in the organization is entitled to see and use the same data. Every employee should only have access to what they need to do their jobs and should not share information unless they are given the approval to do so.&nbsp;
To make this process easier to understand, consider creating an <a href="https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/tutorial/organizational-charts" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">organizational chart</a> that includes the title and clearance level of every employee. That way, when in doubt, your team can refer to the organizational chart and see what sensitive information can be passed to which team members.&nbsp;
<h2>Create and Follow Smart Security Practices</h2>
<h3>Off-Board Employees Properly</h3>
Note to management: when an employee leaves your organization, you must revoke their system access so an upset former worker can&rsquo;t get in and steal or manipulate your data. Having strong off-boarding procedures will simplify this process, while tools like a password manager can make it even easier.&nbsp;
<h3>Make Training Best Practices into Company Policy</h3>
When your team works remotely, it is difficult to monitor all of their computers for potential threats. Management should advise their teams of the strategies they must implement to protect their devices and their data at all times. Use the cybersecurity training you provide to establish clear policies and procedures everyone can follow. And revisit these regularly.
<h2>Use the Right Tools</h2>
<h3>Save Data on Backup Servers</h3>
In addition to keeping all corporate information on the main server, you should also have backup servers so that you can restore your information immediately in the event of a virus or ransomware attack. Don&rsquo;t forget to inform your team that the company&rsquo;s information is backed up; it can help put their mind at ease.
<h3>Invest in a Password Manager</h3>
Give your team a password manager to make it easy for everyone to use complex passwords that include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-build-a-passphrase" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Building a strong passphrase</a> can also give them extra protection. Also, let them know the<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-importance-of-responsible-password-management" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"> importance of responsible password management</a>, including keeping passwords in encrypted environments and never sharing them via unsecured platforms such as email.&nbsp;
Managing passwords and logins can be a big hassle for busy companies with remote workers. At TeamPassword, we believe that passwords should be secure, easy to access, and, most importantly, reliable. Our easy-to-use, encrypted environment allows you to create, update, and access passwords anywhere. Your passwords are divided into different folders called Groups, so employees only see what they need.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/W06bJ4BSoCDG7A7bhQ8Q" alt="undefined" width="535" height="474" />
Managing permissions for individual team members is a breeze. Should the time come that you need to revoke a user&rsquo;s access to all of your passwords, you can do so with the click of a button. Then, use the built-in password generator to create new strong passwords for every login.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/rAqIb5pdSBWEHxSGdpRT" alt="undefined" width="786" height="387" /></a>
<h3>Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)</h3>
Employees who leave their homes to work at public places like coffee shops or restaurants need to be advised about the importance of not misplacing their devices and not logging onto public Wi-Fi unless they know it is a legitimate connection and not a fake network set up by a hacker. The best way to be sure is to ask an employee at the establishment. They should also install a virtual private network on their device; the VPN will automatically encrypt their information so it cannot be used even if it is stolen.
<h3>Install Anti-Virus Software</h3>
Finally, express the importance of installing and using up-to-date antivirus software on their systems. Employees should run scans multiple times weekly to catch an issue before it ravages their system. Your IT team should always ensure that your teams are updated to the newest version of their antivirus program, so they can be protected against the latest threats.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
In the end, protecting the company against cyber threats is a team effort. Educating your remote employees about good cybersecurity is in everyone&rsquo;s best interest. Implement these tools and training, and keep your organization secure against cyberattacks.

Remote work is more popular than ever, but companies struggle to train and equip remote employees to respond appropriately to cyberattacks.

Remote work is becoming more popular than ever. Employers realize the cost-saving and productivity-boosting benefits of having their ...

How to Talk to Remote Employees About Cybersecurity

Remote work is becoming more popular than ever. Employers realize the cost-saving and productivity-boosting benefits of having their teams out of the office and working from their homes, and things seem to be going well. However, one issue that continues to plague remote teams is the possibility of cybercrime and ...

Local SEO and traditional SEO rankings are affected by different factors. Traditional SEO shows users the most valuable, relevant content based on their keyword search. Local SEO is informed by the above but adds location to the mix in order to get the user more personalized results.&nbsp;
When queried for local results, Google only targets and displays results for businesses within a specified proximity. That&rsquo;s why when you&rsquo;re ordering pizza late on a Tuesday because you forgot to pick up groceries, Google shows you pizza delivery places nearby, not pizza joints in Bhutan. Often, digital marketing agencies primarily cater to companies in their province but most don&rsquo;t necessarily exclude other clients.
Local SEO improves your search engine visibility to customers near your location. And it uses specific metrics to influence your local SEO website rankings.&nbsp;
A digital marketing Local SEO specialist is chiefly concerned with three categories relating to Google&rsquo;s requirements:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Distance&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relevance</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prominence</li>
</ul>
These three pointers form the basis of robust local SEO marketing services.&nbsp;
<h1>How to improve your local SEO ranking</h1>
As location-based searches increase yearly so does the competition. The <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2019/11/04/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-local-seo-trends/">trends keep changing</a>, but businesses can reap the benefits by improving their online presence through each of the following factors.
<h2>Create Evergreen Content</h2>
Without content online, you have nothing to optimize and nothing for search engines to rank well (or poorly). Creating timeless content relevant to your local community is the foundation for boosting your rankings.&nbsp;
If you maintain a website of the best restaurants, hikes, and sites in your local city of Memphis, and the content is lucid, actionable, and regularly updated (no one likes driving to a restaurant only to find it&rsquo;s closed!), the locals may bookmark it and check it regularly. This is fantastic for your local SEO.&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s say you&rsquo;re a bank, real estate agency, or grocery store. Consider covering events and local news in your articles to show that you&rsquo;re up-to-date on your community, and use location-specific keywords in your copy to build authority and target the appropriate audience.&nbsp;
On average, evergreen content accounts for over 92% of leads in top organizations like HubSpot.
<h2>Earn Quality Backlinks</h2>
A large number of backlinks from reputable sources indicates to Google&rsquo;s search engine that your content is high quality and r
elevant to the topic you purport to be an authority on.
90.63% of websites do not get traffic on Google because <a href="https://ahrefs.com/blog/search-traffic-study/">they do not have backlinks</a>.&nbsp;
Websites that rank high on SERPs (search engine results pages) typically have a large number of backlinks from other domains with high authority. Evergreen content is key to getting these backlinks.
Let&rsquo;s use our example of a local activity guide website. If you regularly update your website with valuable content about Boston, then a more trafficked, well-established website about traveling in Massachusetts will feel comfortable pointing its readers to you as a resource. When authoritative sources link to your website (and thus affirm its value), Google uses this information to improve your rank on SERPs.&nbsp;
<h2>Take Control of Your Google Business Profile (GBP)</h2>
Google Business Profile is a tool that allows you to list business details online, such as opening hours, contacts, photos, and business locations.&nbsp;
Your GBP is one of the items Google shows in response to a local search query. The contents of your GBP are instrumental in deciding the final positioning of your business in search results. When rank-ordering companies, search engine algorithms prioritize contact information, proximity to a user, evergreen content, and services.&nbsp;
Building a GBP profile is essential, as it helps locals see important information about your business before visiting your site. Web design companies will often leverage the information provided by your GBP to create a website. And don&rsquo;t forget to add a photo; profiles with photos receive 35% more clicks than those without.
A GBP is free and relatively easy to create; you or a content marketing specialist can set it up.&nbsp;
<h2>Get Mentioned in Citations</h2>
Citations are different from backlinks, and Google can tell them apart. A citation is when your website is mentioned on another website. When Google sees your website listed in directories such as Yelp, Facebook, or your local chamber of commerce, it recognizes it as legitimate - providing the details match.&nbsp;
Add your business page to as many local directories as possible. There are many popular directories, but you should research those related to your industry. There are directories for real estate, health insurance, mechanics, etc. Local SEO specialists can help ensure you don&rsquo;t list on the same directory twice. So if you&rsquo;re in Milwaukee, you may choose a <a href="https://corberry.com/digital-marketing-milwaukee/">digital marketing agency in Milwaukee</a>. Businesses in the top 10 on Google typically have over 50 <a href="https://www.goup.co.uk/local-seo/learn/how-important-are-citations/">citations</a>.&nbsp;
<h2>Personalize Your Content</h2>
Even though we may not fully understand how search engines&rsquo; algorithms operate, one foundational aspect is the bias toward personalization. The algorithm wants to show results based on what it has learned about the customer&rsquo;s preferences and interests.
Write content for the people for whom your business exists. Don&rsquo;t try to trick the algorithm into ranking you higher. In the long run, proving you know your customer and can provide value will get you shown to the right people.&nbsp;
On average, 4 out of 5 <a href="https://www.freshrelevance.com/blog/website-personalization-statistics">companies that personalize</a> see an uplift in their content.&nbsp;
<h2>Monitor and Collect Reviews</h2>
Google considers reviews from customers when ranking websites. True, some customers may troll you or leave unreasonable comments, but for better or worse, a search engine takes them into consideration.&nbsp;
Positive reviews help build your business&rsquo;s online credibility. Google knows that customers would rather take a chance on companies that have glowing reviews from fellow users. Some of the signals used by ranking metrics are quality of reviews, total number, diversity, and frequency of new reviews.&nbsp;
A successful local SEO strategy will leverage the many reputable online review platforms. Check your business on sites like Google Maps, Trip Advisor, Yelp, and Glassdoor to get insight into what the internet thinks of you.&nbsp;
If you don&rsquo;t appear anywhere, it&rsquo;s time to ask your top customers to give you a review!
<h2>Improve the User Experience</h2>
How users <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/improve-your-companys-digital-marketing-with-these-awesome-techniques">interact with your website</a> also affects your rankings. Most search algorithms depend on the entire user experience to decide if your website is worth listing on a search result. Knowing user behavioral patterns will help you improve their experience and your local SEO ranking.&nbsp;
Some of the primary signs an algorithm looks out for include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Directions to your business site</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Click-through rate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mobile clicks to call</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bounce rate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check-ins from social media sites</li>
</ul>

This is where a well-optimized website becomes necessary. Most web designers build sites that are optimized for mobile use. Since over half of all web traffic happens on phones, you need your website to be a seamless experience.
<h2>Understand Localized Organic Ranking vs. Local Pack</h2>
There are two distinct parts involved in local SEO.&nbsp;
When a customer searches for a gas station, pizza store, or restaurant &ldquo;near me,&rdquo; Google will display two kinds of results; organic and local pack searches. You&rsquo;ll find other types of results too.
Local pack results consist of listings displayed in a map format. It also shows information, review ratings, and where it is precisely located. Organic listings are the regular blue link results on a Google page. The local pack is displayed at the top before organic rankings.
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Localized Organic Ranking Factors:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reviews (6%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Behavioral (10%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">GBP (7%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Citations (6%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Links (31%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Personalization (7%)</li>
</ul>
Local Pack ranking:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">GBP (33%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">On-page (15%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Behavioral (8%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Personalization (6%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Links (15%)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">On-page (15%)</li>
</ul>
Improving the above factors may not give your business an immediate boost. Backlinks, for instance, are a long-term strategy and take time to cultivate. However, a Google Business Profile does not take much time to set up and provides significant value to local businesses.
<h2>Conclusion&nbsp;</h2>
Local SEO rankings have become the holy grail for small businesses. You may not have the power to compete with large companies for international recognition, but your local terrain can become your stronghold.
Consider the above factors when building your online presence, and focus on those that are likely to have the most impact given your situation and industry.&nbsp;
Many business owners are not aware of the long-term impact of evergreen content on their ranking. Building credibility online using local SEO takes time. Eventually, you may need to implement all the factors listed here if you wish to be on the first page of Google. Don&rsquo;t have the time or energy to improve your local SEO? It is possible to get help from digital marketing agencies that specialize in content creation or from <a href="https://contentmarketing.io/">content marketing agencies </a>that specialize in marketing content.
Local SEO can be tedious and overwhelming in the beginning, but the payoff is worth it.&nbsp;

Local SEO and traditional SEO rankings are affected by different factors. Traditional SEO shows users the most valuable, relevant content ba

Local SEO and traditional SEO rankings are affected by different factors. Traditional SEO shows users the most valuable, ...

How to Optimize Local SEO for Your Business

Local SEO and traditional SEO rankings are affected by different factors. Traditional SEO shows users the most valuable, relevant content based on their keyword search. Local SEO is informed by the above but adds location to the mix to get the user more personalized results.

<h2>Introduction</h2>
Technological advances make people more effective despite spending less time at work. This phenomenon was amplified by the altered work habits adopted to slow the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; The situation forced people and organizations to explore <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future" style="color: #40d8e3;">new ways of working remotely</a>, which had the unexpected consequence of increasing productivity.

In response, many companies, especially software organizations, are exploring how remote work can benefit the business and their employees.
<h2>Why is employee engagement crucial for business growth?</h2>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/PzGDj1SIqkZYWdCa2qAa" width="519" height="325" style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></h2>
When developers enjoy and are appreciated for their work, their motivation increases. It boosts their desire to be more productive and helps them achieve the company's goals. Remote work can also play a significant role in enhancing employee motivation and satisfaction by improving their engagement and retention in organizations.
According to data shared by Linkedin, 74% of employees agree that the option to work remotely has increased their tenure at their company.
Frontline developers need an environment that supports the creative and innovative nature of their work. Many of today's developers prefer working remotely as it provides the most comfortable place to express their creative ideas.

Not all businesses are set up for fully remote work environments. Employers should at least consider giving developers some flexibility to choose where and how they work.&nbsp; This choice offers more than just freedom; it enables them to do their best work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Benefits of Remote work for Developer's engagement and Retention-</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/yqFkgqyQYyi8zLNInILh" width="622" height="340">
Remote work brings lots of benefits to individual developers and their companies as a whole. Here are a few notable benefits:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Developers stay with the job longer.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
In the current economy, many companies are facing attrition problems and low employee retention rates.&nbsp; Increasing salaries or offering better benefits are a few ways companies can retain employees.&nbsp; But this isn&rsquo;t an option for every business. Embracing remote work could be the answer.&nbsp;

A survey of more than three thousand developers conducted by Stack Overflow and Indeed in August 2018 found that remote workers stay with their company an average of six months longer than employees who are not remote workers.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Improves mental health.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
A study published in Harvard Business Review found that 26% of employees report better mental health or fewer complaints about mental health issues after one year of remote work. Most of the employees said they felt more motivated, productive, and happy working remotely than at the office and reported less stress, more satisfaction, and increased productivity.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Improves Productivity.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
More productive and satisfied employees are more likely to stay with your company. Remote work lowers employees' stress levels, gives them the flexibility to work from home, and reduces unnecessary distractions that decrease productivity. It improves job satisfaction, which leads to higher performance, and the quality of work you receive improves. You may even consider hiring a <a href="https://www.esparkinfo.com/hire-dedicated-developer.html" style="color: #40d8e3;" rel="follow">dedicated development team</a> to work remotely on your projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Greater engagement.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Remote work provides developers with the space and time that they need to focus on their projects.&nbsp; Messaging apps and audio and video conferencing platforms make it easy for remote workers to collaborate with co-workers, partners, and employees who work from different locations without having to leave their workstations to attend an in-person meeting.&nbsp; This makes the rest of the team more accessible to the developer and the developer more accessible to the rest of the team.&nbsp; Cutting out distractions and interruptions improves developer productivity.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Reduce costs.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Employers that allow remote work require less physical office space. That means they can reduce costs in rent and utilities.&nbsp; Employers may also find that there are tax savings or other financial benefits to employing developers remotely.&nbsp;

For employees, those cost savings may be returned in the form of benefits or additional perks.&nbsp; Remote employees also can save costs on transportation to and from work, food expenses, and other small &ldquo;work-related&rdquo; expenses that add up over time.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Larger talent pool.</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Allowing remote work allows employers to find development talent across time zones and locations.&nbsp; Flexible working hours further expands the field of potential employees while also enabling prospective developers opportunities that may not be available in their physical location.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/7AhsiJHS6SCPRxE1luNf" alt="undefined" width="800" height="450">
With more developers looking for <a href="https://www.developersforhire.com/#job-volume-trend" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">remote job openings</a>, there is more talent available on the remote job market.&nbsp;
For these reasons, companies should allow remote working opportunities to developers. Offering additional perks such as vacation days and flexible work schedules may further improve developer retention and engage them more with the organization. It also allows developers to maintain a better balance between their work and their personal life.&nbsp;

<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Remote work allows developers to work from the physical location that&rsquo;s best for them, which leads to greater productivity, engagement, and retention. Furthermore, when developers can <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce">control their own time</a>, they feel less stressed and more satisfied with their job, leading to higher performance at work.

Technological advances make people more effective despite spending less time at work. This phenomenon was amplified by the altered work habi

Technological advances make people more effective despite spending less time at work. This phenomenon was amplified by the ...

How Remote Work Improves Developer Engagement and Retention

Technological advances make people more effective despite spending less time at work. This phenomenon was amplified by the altered work habits adopted to slow the spread of COVID-19.  The situation forced people and organizations to explore new ways of working remotely, which had the unexpected consequence of increasing productivity. Many companies, especially software organizations, are exploring how remote work can benefit businesses and their employees.

Do you have to store client passwords? Of course, you do! The need to share login information is a reality of the modern workplace regardless of industry. As more companies move to flexible or fully remote work environments the tension between security and the ease of sharing passwords within a team is a growing concern. But why should you have to choose between the two? TeamPassword doesn&rsquo;t think you should! That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;ve created and continue to improve our password manager: one that is easy to use, flexible, and secure.

<h2>Freelancer Flexibility for Future Growth</h2>
The shift towards hiring external talent was already underway before Covid, but the pandemic has increased the trend at a startling rate. A recent Forbes article by Senior Contributor Edward Segal outlines the trend, breaking down results from a study by Upwork. This study shows that there was a 22% increase in the use of freelancers from 2019 to 2020, and their use isn&rsquo;t slowing down! Many employees prefer the flexibility and individual control that freelance work brings. As many as 20% of employees could become freelance workers. This dramatic change means that companies need to start rethinking their workflow and prepare to utilize independent talent and freelancers. If they don&rsquo;t, Forbes suggests that companies will miss out on some of the most highly skilled professionals.&nbsp;

<h2>Save Time - Securely</h2>
TeamPassword makes it easy for account managers to add and remove freelancers to teams or projects. No more unsecure spreadsheets or trying to track down the account holder to get the login information that you need now. A recent survey of our customers suggests that the average worker spends 7 hours a month logging in to accounts - 7 hours! - that&rsquo;s almost a full day&rsquo;s work. TeamPassword reduces the friction between team members to give everyone on the team access to the accounts they need, when they need them.
To better understand how we do it, check out some of the blog articles below. TeamPassword regularly releases important, relevant information about how your employees can work on teams securely and with ease. Here are some headlines and summaries of recent posts.

<h3>Build Client Trust! - How to store client social media passwords correctly</h3>
Onboarding clients safely isn&rsquo;t just about legal compliance - it&rsquo;s about building trust. That's why you need to learn <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-store-client-social-media-passwords-correctly" rel="follow">how to store client social media passwords correctly</a>. If your customers know they&rsquo;re in safe hands, then they&rsquo;re less likely to look elsewhere. TeamPassword&rsquo;s minimalist UI makes it easy for your clients to navigate and enter the required information, while keeping their information protected within our secure environment.

<h3>Get Creative! - Sharing Adobe Cloud credentials with teammates</h3>
Adobe is at the heart of most businesses, especially creative agencies. But for small businesses or cash-strapped startups, their robust tools can be cost-prohibitive. Please note that sharing Adobe credentials is against the company&rsquo;s terms of use. This article provides an overview of some of the most used Adobe tools and ways in which your employees can <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/sharing-adobe-cloud-credentials-with-teammates" rel="follow">share Adobe Cloud credentials with teammates</a>.

<h3>Engaging in Safe Online Communities - Sharing social media credentials with teammates</h3>
Social media is a pillar of modern marketing strategy. It is essential to promote your brand and engage with your social media community. Often, campaigns require <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/sharing-social-media-credentials-with-teammates" rel="follow">sharing social media credentials with teammates</a>. However, social media accounts are also high-risk digital assets that could be valuable targets for attackers. Password reuse or unsafe password sharing practices can lead to catastrophic consequences for you and your business. TeamPassword can protect those logins while giving an entire team access to the account.

Do you store client passwords? Of course you do! The need to share login information is a reality of the modern workplace regardless

Do you have to store client passwords? Of course, you do! The need to share login information is ...

Prepare for a Future with Freelancers

Do you have to store client passwords? Of course, you do! The need to share login information is a reality of the modern workplace regardless of industry. As more companies move to flexible or fully remote work environments the tension between security and the ease of sharing passwords within a ...

Adobe is at the heart of most businesses, especially creative agencies running on apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Premiere Pro, to name a few.&nbsp;
The problem with Adobe is that it's expensive, especially if you're a cash-strapped startup and you have to purchase multiple subscriptions. When added to the other tools and expenses, subscription fees devour cash flow.
Small businesses get around purchasing multiple subscriptions by sharing Adobe cloud credentials with teammates to save costs. Agencies might also have to provide freelancers and contractors temporary access to Adobe services they don't have.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
If you are sharing Adobe Cloud account credentials, 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</a> today!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Important Disclaimer</h2>
It's important to note that sharing Adobe credentials is against the company's terms of use, so there is no feature within the Adobe suite to share a single account with coworkers.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Adobe's terms of terms state under section 6.2 (C):
You must not misuse the Services or Software. For example, you must not: enable or allow others to use the Services or Software using your account information;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
However, we understand there are circumstances where you need to share an Adobe account, so this article demonstrates how to do this securely.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Adobe Services That Agencies Use Regularly</h2>
Adobe has a massive suite of creative tools and software, but most agencies often use five core products.&nbsp;
Instead of purchasing each separately, it's cheaper to subscribe to the All Apps Business package and share access with teammates. You'll need to calculate how many packages you need for internal teams and possibly an extra one for freelancers to use.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Adobe Acrobat</h3>
Adobe Acrobat allows agencies to create, edit, share and sign PDF documents. Adobe Acrobat is essential for sending client proposals, reports and requesting e-signatures for service agreements.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Photoshop</h3>
Photoshop is one of Adobe's most popular products because it allows creatives to work with many pixel-based designs, including images, webpages, logos, proposals, and more.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Illustrator</h3>
Illustrator is arguably one of the most popular and widely-used vector-based design programs. Creatives use Illustrator to design logos and other graphics.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Premiere Pro</h3>
Premiere Pro is an advanced video editing suite agencies often use to create professional video content. Agencies sometimes use Premiere Pro with After Effects to enhance VFX and motion graphics.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>XD</h3>
Adobe XD is a popular UI/UX design software agencies often use to design websites, applications, and other digital products.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>The Challenges of Sharing an Adobe Account</h3>
<h3>Two Device Limit</h3>
Adobe allows you to sign in to Creative Cloud on two devices. So, effectively you can share a single Adobe account with two teammates.&nbsp;
If you sign into a third device, Adobe will forward you to a webpage displaying your three devices and prompt you to sign out of one.
It might be easier to manage the two-device limit if you're working with remote teams spread across different time zones since employees work at different times.
But, if you're working in the same office, using the same Adobe credentials might require some communication to prevent overlap.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Sharing Adobe Credentials Safely</h3>
Adobe Cloud accounts often contain sensitive client and company data. You must protect this information by ensuring that you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">share passwords safely with coworkers</a>!
Sharing Adobe credentials (or any passwords for that matter) via email, spreadsheets, messaging apps, or digital notepads can expose your company to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>How to Share an Adobe Account Safely</h2>
While we can't help with Adobe's two-device limit, we can provide a solution for sharing credentials safely, including with freelancers.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
A <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is the best way to share passwords safely with coworkers. TeamPassword offers a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial</a> for you to try-before-you-buy!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Once you have signed up for a TeamPassword account, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Invite your teams to TeamPassword, so everyone has a separate login.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add the Adobe Creative Cloud account(s) you want to share to TeamPassword.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Create groups for each Adobe account to share credentials. You can put all the Adobe accounts into one group, but this might cause confusion.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you have two employees per Adobe account, you can pair teammates to share access to a single set of credentials.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Team members can log into Adobe Cloud using one of TeamPassword's browser extensions.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
You can also create a separate TeamPassword account and group to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share passwords with freelancers</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>What is TeamPassword &amp; How Does it Work?</h2>
Companies can use TeamPassword to store and share all of your company's passwords. Team members can also use the <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> to save individual credentials for email, Slack, cloud services, and other personal logins.
Keeping all of your company's passwords in one secure password manager allows you to mitigate password attacks and other <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">security vulnerabilities</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Built for Teams Startups, Small Businesses, &amp; Agencies</h3>
Most enterprise <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-vaulting">password vaults</a> are simply too expensive, with many features small businesses don't need.&nbsp;
We designed TeamPassword because we recognized that many startups, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-manage-your-small-business-passwords">small businesses, and marketing agencies often share passwords</a> among coworkers using unsecure methods.
Rather than provide you with services you don't need, TeamPassword focuses on simple, secure, and efficient credential sharing. Our minimalist UI means you can onboard new team members in minutes, maximizing your team's productivity.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here's how TeamPassword increases security and productivity with a robust password management solution for small businesses, startups, and agencies.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
<h3>Sharing Access via Groups</h3>
Create groups to share access with coworkers in TeamPassword. You can set these groups up however you like, by department, project, client, etc. You can also create separate groups for different teams with access to the same credentials&mdash;like employees, clients, and contractors.
If someone or an entire group no longer needs access, you can remove them with a single click!
Employees can also use TeamPassword for their other company passwords that they don't need to share. When you create new credentials, TeamPassword gives you two Share with options:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Only Me (Private)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose one of your groups</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Login From Any Device</h3>
Instead of manually entering a username and password, team members use TeamPassword's browser extensions (Firefox, Chrome, Safari) or mobile app (iOS &amp; Android).
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Stronger Passwords</h3>
Reusing credentials and weak passwords are two password mistakes small businesses often make. TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create strong, unique credentials for every account&mdash;mitigating several security vulnerabilities!&nbsp;
Generate passwords from 12-32 characters using letters (uppercase &amp; lowercase), numbers, and symbols. You can also use our password generator to create <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-types-of-usernames-username-ideas-to-make-your-logins-more-secure">unique usernames</a>, enhancing your credential security!
When you reset passwords, TeamPassword automatically updates the credentials for all users so employees can keep working without disruptions.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
TeamPassword's two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a six-digital Google Authenticator code before a team member can log in. Each employee can also generate security codes so they're never locked out of their TeamPassword account.
If someone manages to steal an employee's TeamPassword credentials, 2FA prevents attackers from a full breach.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Activity Log &amp; Email Notifications</h3>
TeamPassword keeps track of every user's action with a date and time log. You can also set up email notifications for instant alerts to sensitive TeamPassword actions, groups, or credentials.
The activity log is also helpful for investigating data breaches, unauthorized access, and sharing.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Why You Should Use a Password Manager to Share Credentials</h2>
Most data breaches happen as a result of password attacks and poor credential management policies. Using a password manager reduces the risk of exposing passwords to attackers while giving companies control over sharing and access.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here are 5 most common password attacks that a password manager can help prevent:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phishing is a social engineering attack and one of the most common methods criminals use to steal employee credentials. Hackers use spoofed communication to trick employees into sharing their credentials or sensitive information.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hackers use automated bots on login pages during a brute force attack to try username and password combinations until one works. Most applications use Google reCAPTCHA and 2FA to minimize these attacks, but using random usernames and passwords significantly reduces the likelihood of a brute force attack.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If your company reuses passwords, you're exposing yourself to a credential stuffing attack where hackers use stolen credentials to log into other applications and services using the same username and password combination.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A dictionary attack is why you should not rely on team members to create passwords! Most people use familiar password phrases like pets, children, street names, etc. Criminals can research this information through employee bios and social media accounts, building a "dictionary" of information on victims. They add these terms to algorithms that effectively use a more focused brute force attack.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A man-in-the-middle-attack (MitM) is where hackers intercept data (including passwords) as it's sent from one system to another. Common MitM attack methods include unencrypted WiFi networks or HTTP websites.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
By using <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword's password manager</a>, companies can significantly reduce the risk of these common attacks.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Try TeamPassword for Free</h2>
Ready to test TeamPassword with your team? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to experience the security and efficiency of working with TeamPassword!

Adobe Cloud often contain sensitive client and company data. Experience security and efficiency by using TeamPassword's password manager.

Adobe Cloud accounts often contain sensitive client and company data. By using TeamPassword's password manager, companies can significantly ...

Sharing Adobe Cloud credentials with teammates

Adobe Cloud accounts often contain sensitive client and company data. By using TeamPassword's password manager, companies can significantly reduce the risk of common attacks.

The events of 2020 have accelerated the change in how companies hire workers. 59 million people were freelancing in the United States in 2020&mdash;up from 53 million in 2014 and 57 million in 2019! (Source: Statista)
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, <a href="https://www.toptal.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Toptal</a>, and others make it easy for companies to hire great talent with escrow payments and dispute resolution to mitigate risks for both parties.
This gig economy is fantastic for small businesses, solopreneurs, and agencies to supplement their workforce to complete jobs and tasks. But, when should small businesses switch from hiring freelancers to full-time employees?
This article will explore the difference between hiring freelancers vs. full-time employees, the pros and cons, and which is better for your business.
Unfortunately, there's no magic formula to decide whether freelancers or full-time staff are better for your business. You'll need to consider several factors, including your industry, legislation for handling data, labor compliance, feasibility, and security, to name a few.
These are by no means rules for you to make decisions. Instead, use this article as a guide when considering who to hire and when.
Whether your business hires full-time staff, freelancers, or contractors, you'll need a secure way to share passwords.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
TeamPassword is a safe and affordable password management solution for small businesses. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to explore TeamPassword's security features for your team.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Freelancer Definition</h2>
Businesses must know how the IRS defines a freelancer because this distinction can affect the freelancer's independence.&nbsp;
If an employer controls certain behavioral and financial aspects of the agreement, the IRS classifies the freelancer as an employee, and the employer may be liable to pay benefits and taxes.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Behavioral Control</h3>
The IRS divides behavioral factors into four categories:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Type of instructions given: Where, when, and how the freelancer must work, tools or equipment, subcontracting, where to purchase supplies, who must complete the work.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Degree of instruction: It is important to determine how much control the employer has over the type of instruction. To avoid grey areas, it's best to minimize instructions or control over how a freelancer completes tasks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evaluation systems: "If an evaluation system measures the details of how the work is performed, then these factors would point to an employee." - cite: IRS Official Website</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Training: If you provide freelancers with training on how to complete the job a certain way, the IRS may classify this as an employer-employee relationship.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Financial Control</h3>
The IRS divides financial factors into four categories:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Significant investment: Applies to tools and equipment the worker needs to complete their job.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Unreimbursed expenses: Freelancers don't typically have expenses reimbursed.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Opportunity for profit or loss: The possibility of a loss indicates the worker is a freelancer.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Services available to the market: Freelancers are free to advertise their services and work for other employers. The IRS might consider any restrictions as an employer-employee relationship.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Method of payment: Even when employers pay freelancers an hourly rate, there is no guarantee of a regular wage.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Type of Relationship</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Written contracts: Even if a written agreement states that the worker is a freelancer, the IRS will investigate financial and behavioral control to make their determination.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee benefits: The IRS considers insurance, pension plans, paid vacation, sick days, and disability insurance as employee benefits that don't extend to freelancers.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Permanency of the relationship: An indefinite working relationship might classify a worker as an employee. Specifying the contract's termination (whether it's a date, completion of a task, or project) eliminates any grey areas in this regard.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Services provided as key activity of the business: "If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of the business, it is more likely that the business will have the right to direct and control his or her activities." cite: IRS Official Website</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Six Key Differences Between Freelancers and Full-Time Employees</h2>
Here is a quick snapshot of six key differences between freelancers and full-time employees and how they affect your HR and payroll.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Note that the employee includes full-time and part-time workers.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Tax responsibility:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Pays their own self-employment tax</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Company withholds and pays taxes, including social security, and Medicare tax</li>
</ul>
Benefit responsibility:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Pays for their own benefits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Company provides benefits as part of the employee's remuneration package</li>
</ul>
Unemployment and workers compensation:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Not eligible</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Eligible&mdash;with conditions</li>
</ul>
Work hours:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Flexible work hours&mdash;but usually with objectives and deadlines</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Hours set by the employer</li>
</ul>
Rates/Salary:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Sets their rates, and these may vary for different tasks and services</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Set by the employer/negotiated at the start of contract</li>
</ul>
Place of work:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freelancer: Remote</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employee: Company offices/remote (sometimes with restrictions)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>When to Hire Freelancers vs. Full-Time Employees</h2>
Many business owners struggle to decide when it's necessary to hire freelancers or full-time employees. There are several factors you must consider to determine what's suitable for your business and available resources.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Security/Legal Considerations</h3>
If your business handles or stores client or user data, there may be legal requirements for who is allowed access to that information. You'll also want to consider the security risks of having a freelancer or full-time employee handling sensitive data and intellectual property.
If you have tasks or projects requiring someone to work intimately with sensitive company information, you should hire a full-time employee <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/keeping-data-secure-when-working-with-freelancers">over a freelancer.</a>
You'll have greater control with a full-time worker, including where they work, the networks they connect to, and other security protocols. You can also supply them with secure company devices to log into systems securely.
We recommend you complete a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">security audit</a> to learn more about your company's vulnerabilities and who you want to hire to handle sensitive company data.
Make sure you always use a password manager for freelancers and full-time team members to limit access to applications and data.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
TeamPassword lets you create groups for sharing credentials to your company's digital assets&mdash;preventing unauthorized sharing and access! <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free trial</a> to test TeamPassword's credential sharing and access control functionality. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Worker's Availability</h3>
One of the challenges with hiring freelancers is that they often work with several clients, creating scheduling conflicts and limiting their availability. They may only be available to deliver work on certain days or timeframes.
If you're struggling to meet deadlines for specific tasks because of freelancer availability, it might be time to fill that position with a full-time employee.
You'll need to complete a cost analysis of the value of those tasks, the cost for delays, and how you can increase capacity (and revenue) with a full-time staff member in that role.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Client Interaction</h3>
You should avoid hiring freelancers for roles where they must interact with your clients or users. Freelancers don't have a vested interest in your business, nor do they share your company culture and values. You also have to worry about a freelancer stealing your business!
If you're a small company, hiring an account manager can help facilitate communication between your clients and freelancers. If a freelancer does have to be on a call (to answer technical or specialized questions), make sure a full-time employee is present to lead the conversation and only call on the freelancer when necessary.
If you need someone specialized to communicate with clients and users regularly, it would be better to hire a full-time employee. This person will help maintain consistency while promoting the company's best interests.&nbsp;
You might not see the gains immediately, but over time that consistency will prove invaluable. As a specialist, this person will have a positive impact on growing your business.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Feasibility</h3>
You need to constantly measure the feasibility of hiring a freelancer vs. a full-time employee.
First, calculate the cost of a full-time employee for each service you provide. For example, a creative agency might need a marketer, copywriter, UX designer, developer, account manager, and social media manager.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Your full-time costs per role should include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salary</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Benefits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overtime</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Leave</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Equipment</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Payroll/HR</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">And other costs associated with hiring a full-time employee</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Office/remote work costs</li>
</ul>
Every six months to a year, you can calculate how much you spend on freelancers to complete a specific role vs. the cost of a full-time employee. If you're consistently spending more on freelancers, then it's time to consider a full-time team member.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Password Security for Small Businesses</h2>
Whether you work with freelancers or full-time staff, every small business must have a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">secure password management solution</a>.
TeamPassword offers an affordable password manager designed to scale as your business grows.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Safe and Easy Sharing</h3>
You can create groups to share passwords with different teams, individuals, or freelancers. Instead of using raw credentials, team members use TeamPassword's browser extensions (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) or mobile app (iOS, Android) to log in.
When someone no longer needs access, remove them from a group with a single click&mdash;no need to change passwords every time!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Built-In Password Generator</h3>
If you need to change a password, you can use TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> to instantly create a new one. The new credentials will automatically update for all team members so that work can continue uninterrupted!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Activity Logging and Email Notifications</h3>
TeamPassword's activity log lets you track logins, sharing, new team members, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-often-should-you-change-your-password-the-importance-of-password-safety">password changes</a>, and more. You can also set up email notifications for instant alerts for any of TeamPassword's actions.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Get Started for Free!</h3>
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your business. Add shared credentials, invite your team, and start sharing passwords securely with TeamPassword!

This article explores the difference between hiring freelancers vs. full-time employees and which is better for your business. | teampassword.

This article explores the difference between hiring freelancers vs. full-time employees, the pros and cons, and which is ...

Hiring Freelancers vs. Full time employees - which is better?

This article explores the difference between hiring freelancers vs. full-time employees, the pros and cons, and which is better for your business.

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

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

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

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

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

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

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Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

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