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

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

Password managers are an effective way to generate, store, use, and even share strong, random passwords securely. They allow users to create and store unique and difficult to guess passwords for every account by removing the need to remember them. This is done using password generators and AES 256 encryption, along with a variety of other features that help users track how their passwords are being used.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatdo" rel="follow">What do password managers do?</a></li>
<li><a href="#dowork" rel="follow">Do password managers work?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howwork" rel="follow">How does a password manager work?</a></li>
<li><a href="#aresafe" rel="follow">Are password managers safe in 2024?</a></li>
<li><a href="#doneed" rel="follow">Do I need a password manager?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyuse" rel="follow">Why should you use a password manager?</a></li>
<li><a href="#benefitsof" rel="follow">What are the benefits of using a password manager?</a></li>
<li><a href="#allsame" rel="follow">Are all password managers the same?&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
TeamPassword makes it easy to keep your accounts safe from cybercriminals. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/5EgbpyxIQjSdfdHRsxO9" alt="undefined" width="551" height="367">
<h2 id="whatdo">What do password managers do?</h2>
Simply put, password managers take away the tedious, unfriendly tasks of creating and remembering passwords away from humans. The average person uses over 200 accounts, and each account should have a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/strong-password-generator">unique, strong, and random password</a>. However, the human brain isn&rsquo;t capable of remembering over 200 long strings of random characters.&nbsp;

(As a test, can you recall your credit and debit card numbers right now? That&rsquo;s only two sets of 16 numbers, and for most people the answer is &ldquo;no.&rdquo; Imagine if they also had upper- and lowercase letters and characters, were even longer, and if you didn&rsquo;t know them by heart you couldn&rsquo;t shop anymore!)

While <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-passphrase">passphrases</a> are a useful memory hack for key account passwords you may need to remember, it&rsquo;s still not a reasonable task to remember over 200 four-word passphrases.

This leads many people to use simple passwords, and then reuse them again and again, which is a huge cybersecurity risk to you and your business.&nbsp;

The solution is to use a password generator so you can generate, save, use, and share unique, difficult-to-crack passwords for every account securely.&nbsp;
<h2 id="dowork">Do password managers work?</h2>
The answer is emphatically &ldquo;yes.&rdquo; Password managers generate a new password for every account for you. They then store them securely until needed. If you choose the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">right password manager for your team</a>, they can even allow you to share accounts with colleagues without ever sharing the actual credentials.

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-manage-passwords">Password managers are the only way to manage passwords securely and easily.</a>

It&rsquo;s easy to conclude that password managers do work by solving the real human tendency to take shortcuts on password creation and management. In fact, some companies still store passwords in a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-sheet-templates">Google Sheet</a>.

But, how do password managers work?&nbsp;
<h2 id="howwork">How does a password manager work?&nbsp;</h2>

There are really two things to understand about how password managers work:&nbsp;

<ol>
<li>
How do password managers create new passwords?
</li>
<li>
How do password managers store and retrieve passwords securely?
</li>
</ol>
<h3>How do password managers create new passwords?</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">Password generators</a> create strong, random passwords for you. They take the rules a website has for creating a password (for example, the maximum number of characters and the types of special characters allowed) and then generate a random password utilizing the maximum number of characters and maximum variety of characters to make the strongest password possible.&nbsp;

These passwords are impossible for humans to remember, but that&rsquo;s okay because the password manager is going to store and retrieve the passwords for you.&nbsp;

So, how do they do that?&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/69xesKUWSv63YFIjhEyc" alt="undefined" width="551" height="367">
<h3>How do password managers store and retrieve passwords securely?</h3>

Without getting too technical, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023">passwords are stored safely in a password vault</a> thanks to two technologies working together: an encryption and a key. Most password managers use 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is a military-grade cipher adopted by the NSA in 2005.&nbsp;

AES is the encryption, while 256-bit is the key. In essence, AES turns your passwords into gibberish so that a hacker can&rsquo;t see your actual passwords even if they steal the file containing them. Then, 256-bit is a key that tells the system how to turn the gibberish back into the password when you need to use it. The number 256 refers to the 2^256 different possible combinations of zeroes and ones that make up the key. That results in a <a href="https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=2%5E256">78-digit number</a>, making it highly unlikely anyone would ever guess the right key.
<h2 id="aresafe">Are password managers safe in 2024?</h2>

Fundamentally, password managers are safe. They use military-grade encryption to store and retrieve passwords and provide a way to create unique passwords that match the maximum complexity allowed by the application.

While it&rsquo;s true that <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/09/experts-fear-crooks-are-cracking-keys-stolen-in-lastpass-breach/">LastPass</a> has seen a series of hacks, including having their encryption key stolen, most password managers are very secure. For example, TeamPassword has consistently upgraded their security protocols over the last years to make sure they are many steps ahead of cybercriminals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-safest-password-managers">Here&rsquo;s a list of the most secure password managers if you want to be extra careful when selecting one.</a>
<h2 id="doneed">Do I need a password manager?</h2>
Pretty much everyone needs a password manager. If you have any online accounts, then you need a password manager. Thankfully, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-manager-for-iphone">Apple</a> and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-for-android">Google</a> have created built-in password managers.While they aren&rsquo;t perfect, they are so far ahead of using the same password for every account that in a very real way they are making the world safer.

The question is really whether Apple Keychain or the Chrome Password Manager are sufficient. If you run a business, share accounts, switch between Apple and Windows environments, or want the added security of creating space between your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-do-hackers-want-your-email-address">email account and password manager</a> account, then you probably need a third-party password manager like TeamPassword.&nbsp;
<h2 id="whyuse">Why should you use a password manager?&nbsp;</h2>
Password managers are easy. That&rsquo;s the real answer. It is a rare case in the world where the easy way is also the right way, but for password managers that&rsquo;s the truth. They make your life easier while also making your Internet use safer.&nbsp;

Once you start using a password manager, you only need to remember your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/master-password-what-is-it-and-do-i-need-one">master password</a>. That one password unlocks all of your accounts so you don&rsquo;t need to remember over 200 passwords, and you won&rsquo;t be tempted to use the same password for over 200 accounts either.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/p5LBt2YETmqxABtyNwuA" alt="undefined" width="551" height="367">
<h2 id="benefitsof">What are the benefits of using a password manager?</h2>
Depending on the password manager you choose, there are many benefits to using one. Here are some of the primary benefits of using a password manager:

<ol>
<li>
It&rsquo;s easy: Password managers make it easier to create, store, use, and share passwords.
</li>
<li>
It&rsquo;s secure: Password managers create unique, strong, and random passwords for every new account and then store and retrieve them securely using military-grade encryption.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
It&rsquo;s collaborative: Using a password manager in your company makes it easier to share needed accounts without sharing the credentials so work can be done together.
</li>
<li>
It&rsquo;s cost effective: Password managers are an inexpensive way to improve cybersecurity, and through sharing expensive accounts securely businesses usually save money overall.
</li>
<li>
It&rsquo;s simple to implement: The right password manager can be set up on all your devices and browsers in minutes and then is unobtrusively waiting in the background for whenever you need it.
</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="allsame">Are all password managers the same?</h2>

While any password manager is better than no password manager, they are not all built the same. Some are locked to a particular system. For example, the iCloud Keychain is only available on your Apple hardware, whereas the Chrome Password Manager only works in the Chrome browser.

Some other password managers require complicated setup as they are open source solutions. For IT professionals, this might be considered a benefit but for most people, even most people in the tech sector, that makes them harder to use (and therefore less likely to be used).

Finally, not all password managers are designed for teams. If your team shares accounts, then you need a password manager that can help you share access to software securely without divulging the login credentials directly. Only TeamPassword is built for teams.
<h2>TeamPassword can keep you and your business safe</h2>
Password managers are an effective way to improve your online safety. They make it easier to manage passwords according to the best practices recommended by cybersecurity professionals.&nbsp;

By providing unique, strong, and random passwords for each new account and then remembering them for you, you're not tempted to reuse easy-to-crack passwords. This keeps every account safe and available when you need them.

Best of all, password managers are easy to use and available automatically through browser extensions. It&rsquo;s rare to find a situation where the easy solution is the best one. With password managers, that&rsquo;s the case.

TeamPassword can protect your important accounts from yourself. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

Password managers aren’t complicated. They create and store hard to guess passwords securely to keep you safe. Here’s what you need to know.

Password managers aren’t complicated. They create and store strong, random passwords securely so you don’t need to remember ...

What is a password manager, and how do they work?

Password managers aren’t complicated. They create and store strong, random passwords securely so you don’t need to remember them. Passwords are saved in an encrypted environment that can only be accessed by a user's unique login. Some are designed for individual use and have limited accessibility, while others are designed for teams and can be accessed on any device or browser.

The average person has 200 online accounts. Many of them come with a monthly subscription. To save money, businesses try to share these accounts as much as possible. With different email addresses associated with the different accounts, different renewal dates, and even different credit cards being used, this can be an organizational (and budgeting) nightmare. Here are two password sheet templates you can use to keep track of all of your web logins.&nbsp;

Be warned though, a Google Sheet or Excel file is never a safe option for storing sensitive login credentials. While it can be helpful to track all the other information, from who owns the account to whether it&rsquo;s still active, it&rsquo;s always recommended you use a password manager to safely store your usernames and password.

TeamPassword makes it easy to keep your accounts safe and organized. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What is a password sheet?</a></li>
<li><a href="#proscons" rel="follow">Password sheet pros and cons</a></li>
<li><a href="#explained" rel="follow">TeamPassword's password sheet templates explained</a></li>
<li><a href="#bestalternative" rel="follow">Best alternative to a password sheet</a></li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="whatis">What is a password sheet?</h2>

A password sheet is a place to store all information related to the varied accounts an organization, team, or individual uses to perform their job. It can help keep track of important renewal dates, who on the team owns the account (and therefore pays the subscription), whether the account is active or dormant, the email associated with the account, the login page for easy access to the tool, and any other relevant information.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: While some people use password sheets to also keep track of login credentials (usernames and passwords), TeamPassword strongly discourages this action. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-dangerous-ways-to-store-your-passwords">An unencrypted password sheet is a very dangerous place to store a password.</a>
<h3>Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel vs CSV password sheet</h3>

The choice between Google Sheets and Excel is one of access. Google Sheets can be easily accessed and edited by everyone on the team, so there is a single version of the password sheet. However, that access can also be seen as an even greater security risk, which is why some people may prefer to use Excel password sheets.&nbsp;

In this case, a single owner maintains all of the relevant information and shares it when necessary. This makes it a bit more time-consuming to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">share passwords with teams</a>, but it also adds another level of security.

To make it easier to use the spreadsheet program of your choice, our password sheet templates are in CSV (comma-separated values) format, which is fully compatible with both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3DhPtLgVTASiM9axds3L" alt="undefined" width="450" height="300">
<h2 id="proscons">Password sheet pros and cons</h2>
It&rsquo;s unquestionable that storing all of your passwords in one place provides huge value to your business. It makes it easier to share needed accounts, reduces the likelihood of being locked out of an account due to a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-find-a-lost-password-from-ages-ago">forgotten password</a>, and it gives you visibility into the cost of all your subscriptions.&nbsp;

That being said, there are better ways to store passwords, online and offline. Here are the pros and cons of using a password sheet to store web login credentials.
<h3>Password sheet advantages</h3>

Here are some of the main advantages of using a password sheet:

<ul>
<li>
Keep data together: All of your information is one place, making it easy to find account information.
</li>
<li>
Easy to share information: Google Sheets can be shared with your entire team. While this isn&rsquo;t <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023">the best way to store passwords</a>, it is very convenient.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Helps with budgeting: Keeping track of which accounts are active, how much they cost, and when they renew can help with budgeting and burn rate analysis. It can also prompt regular meetings about which accounts are still providing ROI to your business.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Password sheet disadvantages</h3>

While there are many disadvantages to password sheets, especially when compared to a password manager, here are three major reasons this is not a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">good password solution for teams</a>:

<ul>
<li>
Password sharing isn&rsquo;t granular: You either give an employee access to all logins or none of them.
</li>
<li>
Password sheets aren&rsquo;t secure: If someone gains access to the file, then they can access all of your accounts.
</li>
<li>
Credentials aren&rsquo;t automatically updated: If someone changes a password and forgets to update the password sheet, then people may be locked out of important accounts.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="explained">TeamPassword&rsquo;s password sheet templates explained</h2>

Here are simple explanations for each column of our two password sheet templates. To get the most out of these CSV templates, we recommend adding filters to the columns and color coding to the rows based on account status for better searchability.&nbsp;
<h3>Password sheet template 1</h3>
This password sheet is much simpler. It doesn&rsquo;t include as many columns, so more information is left to the notes. This can make it slightly less valuable, but it also increases the likelihood every team member will fill in all needed information and be able to do so without explaining the process.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Name: Place the name of the account owner here.
</li>
<li>
URL: This is a link to the login page. Username: This is the account username (or email address, depending on which is used).
</li>
<li>
Password: This is where you&rsquo;d place the account password. Remember: TeamPassword strongly discourages this unsafe security practice. As an alternative, you can list which <a href="https://teampassword.com/features">password manager</a> is storing this information.
</li>
<li>
Notes: You can put useful information about the account here. This can include the subscription cost, whether it is billed monthly or annually, when the renewal date is, why the account is needed, who on the team uses the account and for what function, etc.
</li>
<li>
Organization: This is where you place the name of the business, for example &ldquo;TeamPassword&rdquo; for your password manager.
</li>
<li>
Group 1/2/3: You can put the groups that use the account here, for example, &ldquo;Marketing&rdquo; or &ldquo;Sales.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13fhHW5dMWY5EHerRrkecKxelnJC9GB5_dDBsNro1_JU/edit?usp=sharing">Click here to download this password sheet template.</a>
<h3>Password sheet template 2</h3>

This password sheet template is a lot more in depth. It provides more columns and granular details. For larger teams with hundreds of accounts, this can make it much easier to sort the information.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Owner: This is the team member who owns the account. That might be the person in the role who uses the account the most, the person who created the account, or the person who pays the subscription on their credit card. When these three people are different, you should either be consistent about what ownership means or add two more columns.
</li>
<li>
Create date: This is the date that the account was first created. This is usually also the renewal day for annual subscriptions.
</li>
<li>
Cost (annual/monthly): This is the cost of the account and whether it is billed annually or monthly. You could separate this information into two columns to make it easier to sort subscription fees from high to low. In addition, it&rsquo;s worth keeping track of the previous prices in the &ldquo;Notes&rdquo; section.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Email Address Used: The email address (whether individual or a company-wide one) is worth keeping track of separately from the username because they are not always the same. If you need access to the email address for <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">2FA or MFA</a>, then this makes it easy to know where the confirmation email was sent.
</li>
<li>
Username: Similar to the first password sheet template, this is the account username&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Password: Again, this is where you&rsquo;d fill in the password information for the account. Remember: TeamPassword strongly discourages this unsafe security practice. As an alternative, you can list which <a href="https://teampassword.com/features">password manager</a> is storing this information.
</li>
<li>
Login URL: Again, as with above, this is a quick link to the login page for faster access to your account.
</li>
<li>
Active?: This simple column allows you to sort all accounts by active/inactive to review your subscriptions on a regular basis.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
MFA needed?: Put a &ldquo;no&rdquo; here if there is no multi-factor authentication needed or the method (email, Microsoft Authenticator app, text, etc.) otherwise.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Notes: Similar to the first password sheet template, this is a great place to add any other information needed. One other piece of valuable information could be a link to an internal &ldquo;how to&rdquo; video for complicated software.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sBrQGaSMN67LxcszndufbG0sXTmYTt5td0eRlBqLoic/edit?usp=sharing">Click here to download this password sheet template.</a>
<h2 id="bestalternative">TeamPasswords is the best password sheet alternative</h2>
Many companies use a password sheet because it is a cheap and easy way to keep track of and share all their web login credentials. While there is some value to this practice, the security risks far outweigh the benefits of such an unsafe password management system.&nbsp;

The better method, which gives all the benefits of a simple password sheet template along with superior security, easier sharing, and better tracking of usage, is a password manager. TeamPassword is built for teams and provides all the features you need to store and share passwords securely.

TeamPassword can protect your important accounts better than a password sheet. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

Looking for a password sheet template to use in your business? Download ours for free, but there's a better way to manage your passwords.

Are you looking for a password sheet template to use in your business? Download ours for free, but ...

Password Sheet Templates: Keep Track of Your Online Accounts and Subscriptions in 2024

Are you looking for a password sheet template to use in your business? Download ours for free, but it might not be the best idea to store your passwords in Google Sheets or Excel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When people are thinking about common vectors for cybercrimes, a voice phone call might not come to mind. However, over the last decades, criminals have found it increasingly profitable to gain information over the phone. Vishing, or voice phishing, is when a cybercriminal uses the phone to gain sensitive information from the recipient as part of a larger cyberattack. Here&rsquo;s what you need to know to keep yourself safe from vishing attacks in 2024.&nbsp;

TeamPassword makes it easy to keep your accounts safe from cybercriminals. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatisvishing" rel="follow">What is vishing?</a></li>
<li><a href="#vishingexample" rel="follow">Vishing example</a></li>
<li><a href="#vishingstats" rel="follow">Vishing statistics</a></li>
<li><a href="#commonvishingtactics" rel="follow">Common vishing tactics</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtoprevent" rel="follow">How do you prevent vishing attacks?</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What is vishing?</h2>
Here is a simple definition of vishing.&nbsp;

Vishing definition: Vishing (voice phishing), sometimes referred to as a phone scam, is when cybercriminals use phone calls to gain sensitive information from the recipient as part of a cyberattack.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/dJiqlM9S7a7v9O6WxBjJ" width="601" height="400">
<h2 id="whatisvishing">What is the goal of vishing attacks?</h2>

Ultimately, vishing attacks like most cyberattacks, are about gaining money from the victim. This can be done directly, by getting the person on the phone to transfer money during that phone call or subsequent ones, often using cryptocurrencies or gift cards to make it harder to reverse and track the payments.&nbsp;

However, for businesses, vishing attacks are often designed to get more money indirectly, by getting sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords, to further a larger sophisticated attack.&nbsp;

For example, vishing is often part of a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023#ransomware">ransomware attack</a>.
<h2 id="vishingexample">Vishing example&nbsp;</h2>
If you search news sites for vishing examples, you&rsquo;ll find dozens. Many of them are long-running scams that target the elderly and gain a few hundred to thousands of dollars per victim. However, <a href="https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/european-police-take-down-9m/">the total gained can reach the millions</a> as these scams are hard to investigate and easy to scale.&nbsp;

While less common, vishing attacks also threaten business, and the total dollar value of a single attack can easily exceed millions of dollars. Caesars and MGM, two Las Vegas casinos, were attacked using vishing and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing">spear phishing</a> techniques together.&nbsp;

Criminals used information found on LinkedIn to impersonate employees on the phone with the IT department. Then, they used the new credentials provided by IT to break into their systems and install ransomware.&nbsp;

The results were devastating. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahbarsky/2023/09/20/caesars-and-mgm-boards-lose-cybersecurity-gambles/?sh=256cf4974463">MGM</a> saw their cash flow drop by 10-20% and market capitalization decrease by $2 billion during the 10 days they were unable to operate.&nbsp;

Caesars, unlike MGM, decided to pay a reported $15 million to the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/resources-for-ransomware">ransomware-as-a-service</a> hackers. Indeed, if you allow the vishing scheme to get to the point where ransomware has been installed on your business&rsquo;s system, then paying the ransom is often the most economical route.
<h2 id="vishingstats">Vishing statistics</h2>

Phone scams have been around for decades, but the nature of these schemes has changed dramatically in the last decade. Criminals are now able to &ldquo;spoof&rdquo; local phone numbers, even your grandchild or coworker&rsquo;s phone number, to make their pitches seem more authentic.&nbsp;

In addition, they can use information publicly available on <a href="https://aag-it.com/the-latest-phishing-statistics/">Linkedin</a> to further benefit their case. These tools combined with lots of practice have made it very hard for even IT professionals to recognize a visher.&nbsp;

That&rsquo;s why about <a href="https://www.truecaller.com/blog/insights/truecaller-insights-2022-us-spam-scam-report">one third of all Americans</a> have fallen victim to a phone scam at some point. All of these attacks combined have pushed the economic cost higher, from $29.8 billion in 2021 to $39.5 billion in 2022.&nbsp;

Around <a href="https://www.proofpoint.com/sites/default/files/threat-reports/pfpt-us-tr-state-of-the-phish-2023.pdf">300,000 to 400,000</a> vishing phone calls were recorded daily in America in 2022. Despite this, only 30% of professionals were familiar with the term &ldquo;vishing&rdquo; in 2022, up from 25% in 2019.&nbsp;

Vishing represents the third most popular vector for cyberattacks on businesses, with the average loss from a successful attack reaching <a href="https://techreport.com/statistics/vishing-statistics/">$10.1 million</a>.
<h2 id="commonvishingtactics">Common vishing tactics</h2>

According to the Federal Trade Commission (<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams">FTC</a>), &ldquo;There is no prize&hellip; You won&rsquo;t be arrested&hellip; You don&rsquo;t need to decide now&hellip; Only scammers demand you pay certain ways&hellip; [and] Government agencies won&rsquo;t call to confirm your sensitive information.&rdquo;&nbsp;

That&rsquo;s a pretty good summary of common vishing tactics. Basically, they use the same tools as marketers to make you feel like you need to make a decision now and the stakes are high enough that you should listen to the visher instead of your gut.

Here are some common specific vishing strategies:

<ul>
<li>
Bank or other account problems: The visher pretends to be from your bank and says there is an issue with your account. They might have just enough information to make you think it is legitimate. For example, the first four digits of your credit card is likely the same as every other person using the same bank. They then get you to give up more sensitive information so they can steal money from your account.
</li>
<li>
Tax or other payment problems: In this case, the scammers pretend to be a member of a government organization (probably the IRS in America, CRA in Canada, and so on). They tell you that you must pay immediately as the fines on your tax return are increasing quickly. Remember, outside of Nicaragua, no government wants Bitcoin.
</li>
<li>
Technical support: In this case, the vishers are looking to gain entry into some of your personal accounts, especially your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-do-hackers-want-your-email-address">email account</a>. They can then use &ldquo;lost password&rdquo; functions or your tendency to reuse passwords to get into all of your other accounts.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Free prize: In this case, instead of scaring you into giving them money, they try to get payment information in exchange for the promise of a big prize.
</li>
<li>
Impersonation: Instead of posing as a bank or other organization, some vishing attacks include impersonating a specific person. Common examples include posing as the CEO or CFO of your employer, or as your grandchild.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Investment or timeshare scams. Vishers might convince you that, if you pay right now, you can lock in a great investment deal, or cheap vacation, or really anything else that someone might be tempted to accept.
</li>
<li>
Charity scams: Fear and excitement can get you to do something you might not otherwise, but so can sadness or guilt. Charity scams do just that by making you feel sad or guilty and therefore more inclined to hand over payment information.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/QCjkejDQfKiAtEYWEkuT" width="601" height="400">
<h2 id="howtoprevent">How do you prevent vishing attacks?&nbsp;</h2>

No vishing attack can succeed if you do three things: slow down, hang up, and call back.&nbsp;

<ol>
<li>
Slow down: The IRS is not going to put you in a position where you have to pay a fine while on the phone. They definitely aren&rsquo;t going to make you pay with crypto or gift cards! Whatever emotion they are pushing&mdash;fear, guilt, excitement&mdash;just take a couple of breaths and think about whether this is a scam.
</li>
<li>
Hang up: If you have even the slightest feeling something is a scam, then it&rsquo;s almost definitely a scam. Simply hang up. If the call was legitimate, then you can find out during Step 3.
</li>
<li>
Call back: If someone from the Bank of America calls you, then you can always hang up, find the number online, and call that number to ask about your account. If the issue was legitimate, then they&rsquo;ll know about it. Otherwise, pat yourself on the back for dodging a scam.&nbsp;
</li>
</ol>

As an IT leader, you should equip your team with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid vishing scams.&nbsp;

<ol>
<li>
Knowledge: A paltry 30% of Americans know the term vishing. While many more probably have a general idea of what phone scams are, they might not be aware of just how sophisticated they can be. You should be informing them of the pitfalls and how to protect the business from this major threat.
</li>
<li>
Tools: There are many types of software available to protect employees from vishing attacks. Foremost among the tools needed is a way to protect your most sensitive information. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams.</a> When your employees don&rsquo;t need to know the credentials to share them, they can&rsquo;t accidentally share them with hackers.
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Use TeamPassword to prevent vishing attacks</h2>

TeamPassword can help you stay safe from the threat of vishing attacks. By creating and securely storing unique, random, and strong passwords for each account, they are off limits to those trying to steal your information. The less information available publicly, the harder it is for vishing calls to sound legitimate.

Furthermore, by making it easy to securely share passwords within the company, employees know that anyone asking for such information over the phone is a scammer.&nbsp;

TeamPassword can protect your important accounts from vishers. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

Vishing is when hackers use the phone to get sensitive information from the recipient. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Vishing is when hackers use the phone to get sensitive information from the recipient as part of a ...

Vishing: What you need to know to stay safe in 2024

Vishing is when hackers use the phone to get sensitive information from the recipient as part of a sophisticated cyberattack. Here’s what you need to know.

Most of us are fully aware of all the potential risks associated with the Internet. From phishing scams to identity theft, we live with the knowledge that a relaxed attitude towards cybersecurity can have disastrous results. Still, many people stop thinking about these risks when they switch to their mobile device. Your first line of defense is the right password manager for Android.

For those who are already using an Android password manager, you might not be using the right one. If you have separate password lists on your laptop and mobile device or can&rsquo;t share accounts easily, then the right password manager for Android can simplify your life.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is the easiest way to manage passwords on your Android. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kgRunRy9RHOSec65TXQw" alt="undefined" width="492" height="277">
<h2>Questions to ask when deciding which Android password manager you should use&nbsp;</h2>

Before we can choose the best password manager for you to use on your Android, you need to answer the following questions:

<ol>
<li>
Do you use more than one device (phone, laptop, etc.)?
</li>
<li>
How &ldquo;Android&rdquo; are you?
</li>
<li>
Do you only use Chrome?
</li>
<li>
Do you use your Android for business?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Do you need to share accounts?
</li>
</ol>

Let&rsquo;s take a look at how these questions influence your answer.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Do you use more than one device (phone, laptop, etc.)?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

For the vast majority of people, the answer is, of course, &ldquo;yes.&rdquo; However, it&rsquo;s worth noting that many Android password manager options are tied to your phone or browser. In that case, you may end up with a separate password list on your laptop.&nbsp;

This can also make bulk management actions more difficult as it all needs to be done on your Android phone instead of a larger browser window on your laptop.

If you answer yes, then all three options below might work for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">How &ldquo;Android&rdquo; are you?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

People buy Androids for many reasons. It might be that they want a more budget-conscious phone than those offered by Apple. Others just like the phones (or cameras) offered by the Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.

For many, there is a real distaste for Apple. They don&rsquo;t like the perceived poor component value, focus on style, ease of use at the expense of functionality, or the locked nature of iOS.

This latter point is perhaps the most &ldquo;Android&rdquo; personality type of all. Especially early on but still today, some people choose Android because it is open source and you are free to modify it as you wish, download any apps from any marketplace, and generally get the most out of the operating system.&nbsp;

For this group, an open source Android password manager might be the only acceptable option. For others, it&rsquo;s likely that they use Windows or Apple devices at home or in the office and would be better served by a password manager for Androids that also works across other platforms seamlessly.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Do you only use Chrome?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

According to <a href="https://www.browserstack.com/guide/understanding-browser-market-share#:~:text=Overall%20Browser%20Market%20Share%202023,-Browser%20Market%20Share&amp;text=A%20recent%20market%20study%20by,the%20remainder%20of%20the%20list.">BrowserStack</a>, Chrome occupies about 62% of the browser market share. The next highest is Safari at a little under 25%. For this reason, it is safe to say that a sizable portion of the Android smartphone user base is solely using Chrome.&nbsp;

However, this isn&rsquo;t the case for everyone. Many people switch operating systems from device to device and therefore browser preferences as well. Others might not be allowed to download their preferred browser onto their work laptop. For the truly &ldquo;Android&rdquo; user types, they may prefer Firefox because of its history and brand image.

In the case of choosing a password manager for Androids, this is an important point. TeamPassword is a good option for this use case, since it functions with and has browser extensions for Chromium-based browsers, Safari, Firefox, and Edge (which is now Chromium-based). Alternatively, if you do use Chrome exclusively on your Android and laptop, then TeamPassword or Google Password Manager might be good options for you.
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Do you use your Android for business?&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Businesses are at greater risk of cyberattack because criminals can gain more from each <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing">phishing campaign</a>.&nbsp; As such, your company may require you to use the password manager of their choice&mdash;one built for business.&nbsp;

It may also put further requirements on the available features you need in your Android password manager.&nbsp;

If your Android is sometimes used for business, then you might get extra value out of the features only available with TeamPassword.&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Do you need to share accounts?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Lastly, do you share accounts? This is more often encountered in businesses where expensive software might require a per-seat licensing fee and businesses save money by sharing account credentials. However, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/sharing-passwords-with-family">individuals often share accounts with friends and family</a> (like Netflix!) for the same reason.

This is an important point to consider because there are safer and more dangerous ways to share passwords. In fact, the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">most secure way to share accounts</a> is through your password manager. That way you don&rsquo;t need to share the actual password at all and instead give access to the account directly as required.&nbsp;

TeamPassword provides the ability to safely share accounts without opening yourself up to the cybersecurity risks of sending passwords over email or text message.&nbsp;
<h2>3 best password managers for Android</h2>
Here are three of the best Android password managers:

<ol>
<li>
TeamPassword
</li>
<li>
Bitwarden
</li>
<li>
Google Password Manager
</li>
</ol>

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/VNvBs4beRwG5EZ3WV1lO" alt="undefined" width="333" height="250">
<h3>TeamPassword</h3>

TeamPassword is designed for the needs of businesses. With that in mind, you can <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">share accounts securely with teammates</a> by giving them access to the account without actually sharing the password. That reduces the risk of your passwords being discovered by someone reading your text messages or email.&nbsp;

Even if the accounts are for personal use (like Netflix!), this helps you keep control of who is using your account and for how long.&nbsp;

<a href="https://teampassword.com/features">TeamPassword offers loads of features that mean your Android password manager can grow with your needs</a>:

<ol>
<li>
Ability to share passwords across groups and subgroups
</li>
<li>
App-based multi-factor authentication
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">Strong, random password generator</a>
</li>
<li>
Extensions for every browser
</li>
<li>
Simple interface
</li>
<li>
Activity logs
</li>
<li>
Email alerts
</li>
<li>
Free trial
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">MFA</a>
</li>
</ol>

By working across browsers, apps, and devices, TeamPassword makes sure you only have one list of passwords that is accessible everywhere. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security between hackers and your accounts.&nbsp;

Want to see why TeamPassword is the perfect password manager for Android? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
<h3></h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ycApEMdCQSaFJzRA93H8" alt="undefined" width="250" height="158">
<h3>Bitwarden</h3>

Bitwarden is known as an open source password manager, which makes it particularly appealing to Android users who identify with that culture. It offers a password manager app for Android devices.&nbsp;

Biwarden makes it possible to use passwords across devices as well as share them with colleagues. It can generate strong passwords for users and store them securely. Bitwarden also offers MFA for added security.

There are free and paid versions of Bitwarden, which differ in the types of features available, the size of teams that can access the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-vaulting">password vault</a>, and how &ldquo;out of the box&rdquo; the password management solution is.&nbsp;

For Android power users, the open source system will be appealing. However, most Android users will prefer the ease-of-use and simple user interface of TeamPassword.

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/gXeXoZTTAaaaKFoARPOB" alt="undefined" width="200" height="200">
<h3>Google Password Manager</h3>

It&rsquo;s worth mentioning that <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe">Google Password Manager is safe</a>, so long as you keep your Google account safe. That means creating a strong password and enabling multi-factor authentication.&nbsp;

However, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-do-hackers-want-your-email-address">email accounts are the prime target of all hacking campaigns</a>, so tying your password manager to your email account is a risky endeavor. This is especially true for business accounts.

Furthermore, Google Password Manager is specific to Google apps, so if you use Chrome at home, in the office, and on your Android, this is a solid password manager option. However, if you have a MacBook for work or prefer Firefox on your home PC, then a separate password manager is going to simplify your life.&nbsp;

Finally, you may wish to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager">disable Google Password Manager</a> if you use your Android for business purposes. That&rsquo;s because it doesn&rsquo;t have account sharing capabilities, or any of the other features found in full password management solutions.&nbsp;
<h2>TeamPassword is the best password manager for Androids</h2>

Google Password Manager is available in Google apps such as Chrome as well as on Androids. Bitwarden occupies the same open source culture as Android. These are both reasonable options for some people.&nbsp;

Specifically, if you only use Chrome and you don&rsquo;t need advanced features including sharing accounts with teammates or family, then Google Password Manager is a simple solution. Similarly, if you are comfortable with a stripped-down open source password manager, Bitwarden is a reasonable option.&nbsp;

However, for those switching between their Android and laptop, business and private use, Chrome and Firefox, there&rsquo;s a better choice.&nbsp;

Only TeamPassword makes it easy to access your password from any device on any browser. In addition, TeamPassword has account sharing capabilities so you can give teammates access to shared accounts securely.&nbsp;

In addition, TeamPassword offers auditing functions that allow you to keep track of who is accessing accounts, creating accounts, and changing passwords so you are never locked out of software.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is the best password manager for Android. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

Here are the best password managers for Android to help you extend your cybersecurity best practices to your mobile device.

Most of us are fully aware of all the potential risks associated with the Internet. From phishing scams ...

3 Best Password Managers for Android (2024)

Most of us are fully aware of all the potential risks associated with the Internet. From phishing scams to identity theft, we live with the knowledge that a relaxed attitude towards cybersecurity can have disastrous results. Still, many people stop thinking about these risks when they switch to their mobile ...

Keeping yourself safe online is a constant struggle that requires staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. Spear phishing is one of the latest ways to make spoofed emails seem more legitimate. The right training and tools are the only way to prevent your business from falling victim to these sophisticated attacks.

TeamPassword makes it easy to keep your accounts safe from cybercriminals. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

<h3>[Table of Contents]</h3>
<a href="#whatisphishing" rel="follow">What is phishing?</a>
<a href="#whatisspearphishing" rel="follow">What is spear phishing?</a>
<a href="#phishingvsspear" rel="follow">Phishing vs spear phishing: What's the difference?</a>
<a href="#otherphishing" rel="follow">Other phishing variants</a>
<a href="#spearphishingtactics" rel="follow">Spear phishing tactics</a>
<a href="#spearphishingexamples" rel="follow">Spear phishing examples</a>
<a href="#spearphishingstats" rel="follow">Spear phishing statistics</a>
<a href="#howdoyouprevent" rel="follow">How do you prevent spear phishing attacks?</a>

<h2 id="whatisphishing">What is phishing?</h2>
Here is a simple definition of phishing.&nbsp;

Phishing definition: Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses seemingly legitimate emails, SMS messages, or social media posts to convince people to share sensitive login information, either directly or via a spoofed login page.&nbsp;

<h2 id="whatisspearphishing">What is spear phishing?</h2>
Here is a simple definition of spear phishing

Spear phishing definition: Spear phishing is a targeted version of the standard phishing attack, where a specific individual or group is targeted using personal information to make the message seem more legitimate and urgent.

Similar to how many <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">brute force attacks</a> use personalized dictionaries, spear phishing is a way to improve the likelihood of a targeted victim falling prey to a phishing attack.

Phishing and spear phishing are both considered <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">social engineering</a>, which is when an attacker convinces the victim that they are somebody else. A common example of a social engineering attack is when a person impersonating a bank official calls someone in an attempt to get them to divulge their username and password.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/d58ikVrvQROu10PwCfRX" alt="undefined" width="701" height="467">
<h2 id="phishingvsspear">Phishing vs spear phishing: What&rsquo;s the difference</h2>
Spear phishing is really just an upgraded, personalized version of phishing. A phishing attack might be sending a text message to every phone number in New York State saying they are from Chase Bank and you need to login immediately due to suspicious activity with a link to a spoofed Chase Bank homepage.&nbsp;

Conversely, a phishing attack might be sending a message to every employee of a small startup that looks like it is coming from the CEO to check their login details for some software that they know the company uses.&nbsp;
<h2 id="otherphishing">Other phishing variants</h2>

There are a few other variants of phishing. In the biggest, most sophisticated attacks, these tactics are often combined. Here are two other common phishing variants.

Whaling definition: Whaling is when a phishing attack targets a high-value individual, for example the CEO or CFO, with the goal of a maximum payday. It&rsquo;s a play on the word phishing as whales are big &ldquo;fish.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Vishing definition: Vishing is similar to a phishing attack, only it uses phone calls instead of emails to pull off the deception. Phishing is often the first step in a vishing attack, where the names and positions of several individuals are uncovered so they can be used to fool IT professionals with a vishing phone call.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nVVneUYhRyuNZIKkBTyO" alt="undefined" width="701" height="467">
<h2 id="spearphishingtactics">Spear phishing tactics</h2>

Spear phishers use many different tactics to convince prospective victims that the message is legitimate. Here are some common spear phishing strategies:

<ul>
<li>
Security alerts: The spear phisher sends a text message saying there is suspicious activity in an account. Credit card numbers often have a set starting sequence according to the bank issuing the card, so stating &ldquo;your card starting 9999&rdquo; makes the message seem more legitimate.
</li>
<li>
Customer complaints: If you&rsquo;ve recently written a negative review about a utility company or bank online, then spear phishers may have scraped that data to use it as part of a cyber attack. They can then pose as the customer service department of that entity in hopes of tricking you into providing sensitive information.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Impersonation: Instead of posing as a bank or other organization, some spear phishing attacks include impersonating a specific person. Common examples include posing as the CEO or CFO of your employer, or as your grandchild.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="spearphishingexamples">Spear phishing examples&nbsp;</h2>
The news is littered with famous and sophisticated companies falling victim to spear phishing and vishing attacks. Here are some of the biggest events of the last decade.&nbsp;

About 10 years ago, the <a href="https://threatpost.com/rsa-securid-attack-was-phishing-excel-spreadsheet-040111/75099/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">SecureID product by RSA</a> was compromised with a spear phishing attack. This attack involved circulating an Excel file via company emails that had embedded code. According to Symantec, even in 2023, Office files are increasingly being used for phishing attacks.&nbsp;

In 2015, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanvardi/2016/02/08/how-a-tech-billionaires-company-misplaced-46-7-million-and-didnt-know-it/?sh=7d1c13f650b3" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Ubiquiti lost $46.7 million</a> in a spear phishing attack. The billionaire CEO, Robert Pera, was targeted in this whaling effort. In this case, impersonation by an outside entity allowed the fraudsters to steal about 10% of the company&rsquo;s cash reserves. The missing money wasn&rsquo;t even noticed until the FBI informed them of the potential attack.

In one of the most recent major cyber attacks, on September 11th, 2023, <a href="https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/9/15/23875113/mgm-hack-casino-vishing-cybersecurity-ransomware" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">MGM and several other casinos</a> were brought offline by ransomware attacks. Phishing and social media made it possible for the hackers to gather enough information to impersonate employees. They then used a vishing tactic to get IT to reset password accounts, gaining entry into the computer system.&nbsp;

Caesars, another Las Vegas casino, was one of the other victims of this widespread attack. Unlike MGM, they decided to pay &ldquo;millions&rdquo; to the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/resources-for-ransomware" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">ransomware-as-a-service</a> hackers. MGM, meanwhile, spent 10 days unable to operate their business, losing untold millions in revenue.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s not just businesses that are being threatened by spear phishing attacks. Government infrastructure is also threatened. <a href="https://www.edweek.org/technology/schools-are-a-top-target-of-ransomware-attacks-and-its-getting-worse/2023/08" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Schools</a> are becoming a particularly popular target. They tend to have technical debt that makes them soft targets as well as staff who are often less trained on different cyberthreats than those working in tech.
<h2 id="spearphishingstats">Spear phishing statistics</h2>

Spam accounts for about 48% of all email sent, representing <a href="https://aag-it.com/the-latest-phishing-statistics/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">3.4 billion emails per day</a>. Over a fifth of that is from Russia, and they are mostly sent with phishing in mind. If you haven&rsquo;t trained your staff to detect potentially threatening emails, then it's only a matter of time before they open one.

Half of all social engineering attacks include emails, and <a href="https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/2023/master-guide/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">about three quarters of all attacks involve social engineering</a>. Overall, in 2022, about a quarter of all attacks targeting American companies were ransomware.

According to <a href="https://docs.broadcom.com/doc/istr-24-2019-en" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Symantec</a>, 65% of all cyber attacks involve phishing. Furthermore, the rise of crypto has made ransomware attacks harder to circumvent, prevent, or prosecute.&nbsp;

Often, the only recourse is payment. According to <a href="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">IBM</a>, the average cost of a data breach is nearly $5 million.

While phishing and spear phishing are traditionally done by email and more recently SMS, social media has also become a major source of fraud. This is especially true for <a href="https://aag-it.com/the-latest-phishing-statistics/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Linkedin</a>. The information individuals provide publicly about their employer, position, and location make it far easier for spear phishers and vishers to believably impersonate members of staff.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/LcHJlfkQliVpxntfEVOQ" alt="undefined" width="701" height="467">
<h2 id="howdoyouprevent">How do you prevent spear phishing attacks?&nbsp;</h2>

The fact is that your business is receiving spear phishing emails everyday. Therefore, the first line of defense has to be training. Whenever you open an email, check the address of the sender.&nbsp;

For example, official Bank of America email addresses will end &ldquo;@bofa.com&rdquo; and not &ldquo;@bankzofamerica.something.in&rdquo;. Next, before clicking on a link you can actually hover over the link with your mouse to see the destination. Does it match the expectation? If not, it&rsquo;s probably a spoofed login page.

If you think the email is legitimate, then there are further steps you can take. For example, if the email is warning you that an account is compromised, instead of clicking through the email to the website, type it in separately and navigate to your account.&nbsp;

If it is apparently an urgent and unexpected email from your coworker, send them a Slack message to confirm. If you do intend to call them, open up your HR software to get their number instead of using the one in the email.&nbsp;
<h2>Use TeamPassword to prevent spear phishing attacks</h2>

TeamPassword can help you stay safe from the threat of spear phishing attacks. By creating and securely storing unique, random, and strong passwords for each account, they are off limits to those trying to steal your information. This makes it harder for bad actors to get your personal information, which leads to their phishing attempts seeming less legitimate.&nbsp;

Furthermore, TeamPassword allows you to share credentials with coworkers. That way you know that anyone looking for a username or password is probably spam and can be safely ignored.

TeamPassword can protect your important accounts from spear phishers. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

Spear phishing is using personalized emails in an attempt to get you to divulge sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know.

Spear phishing is using personalized emails in an attempt to get you to divulge sensitive information. Here’s what ...

Spear phishing: What to know to stay safe in 2024

Spear phishing: What you need to know to keep yourself safe in 2024

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

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

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

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

Over the last decade, the gig economy boom has allowed professionals worldwide to switch to freelancing and build a network of international clients.&nbsp;
According to Upwork, 1 in 3 US workers engaged in freelance work during 2020. Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Does your company hire freelancers? How do you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share passwords with freelancers</a>? TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for small businesses, startups, and agencies to share credentials securely with team members and freelancers. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>10 Successful Freelancers</h2>
Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records&mdash;many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!
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<h3>1. Scott Luscombe - Graphic Designer / Shopify Expert / Website Developer / Copywriter&nbsp; - Canada</h3>
Scott Luscombe is a freelance graphic designer, Shopify expert, website developer, and copywriter from Uxbridge, Canada. He holds a degree in Illustration from Sheridan College and a degree in Marketing from the University of Toronto.
Scott has been a freelancer for most of his professional career and has earned over $500k on Upwork. He has completed over 311 jobs and worked&nbsp;10,956 hours!&nbsp;
Scott's work includes graphic design and branding, illustration and icons, copywriting, website design and development, UX/UI, and printing and packaging. He also provides freelance coaching and consulting. Scott is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $99 per hour for various creative gigs.
Some of Scott's most notable work includes designs for Coca-Cola, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nickelodeon, and Wallet Ninja (to name a few).&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1">Kathy Edens is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $300k platform earnings! Kathy has been self-employed as a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter for almost ten years from her home in Ohio, United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Psychology from Oregon State University, which she says "...helps me understand how to reach your target audience with words."&nbsp;
Kathy has ghost-written several non-fiction books on various topics, including social entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate investing, and the cannabis industry, to name a few.
Kathy also writes web content, sales pages, email marketing content, case studies, white papers, brochures, press releases, and more. Kathy's rates start at $86 per hour for her writing and marketing services.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>3. Koen van Oeveren - UX designer - Netherlands</h3>
Koen van Oeveren is a freelance UI &amp; UX designer from North Brabant, Netherlands, with almost ten years of experience. Koen works with several design agencies in the Netherlands, designing apps, websites, and eCommerce experiences for many international brands.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Koen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Multimedia Design from Avans University in the Netherlands. Koen's <a href="https://www.koenvo.com/index.html">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio">2021 awwwards. Award</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>4. Pascal Strasche - Product / UX designer - Germany</h3>
Pascal Strasche is a product and UX designer with more than ten years of design experience from Germany. He holds a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, both from HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
For almost a year over 2020/2021, Pascal worked as the sole product designer to design Con Cubo's SaaS tool that helps complex organizations visualize and manage teams. He's also worked with German steel giant XOM Materials to find product solutions to digitalize&nbsp;Germany's steel industry.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In 2019, Pascal founded Product Design Resources, a growing archive of 800+ design resources, weekly updated for the design community.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>5. Paul Hunkin - Developer - New Zealand</h3>
Paul Hunkin is a freelance software consultant and developer from Tauranga, New Zealand, but currently living in Portugal.&nbsp;
Paul has over ten years of experience as a software developer with an impressive work history, including Google, NASA, InfoSys, and the Chinese aerospace industry leader COMAC.
He's worked with several early-stage startups designing everything from high-performance big-data systems to complex web applications to 3D rendering engines. He's also built a lot of the foundational code for independent games on Android.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Paul is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. His rates start at $120 per hour for software development. <a href="https://paulh.consulting/">Check out Paul's website</a> for more about his impressive portfolio and work history.
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<h3>6. Jana Galat - Writer / Brand Strategist - Canada</h3>
Jana Galat is a freelance copywriter and brand strategist from Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Studies from King's University College and an Honors in Business Administration from Western University.
Jana has extensive experience writing landing pages, email campaigns, social media ads, and print materials and says, "I am obsessed with creating copy that sells..."
After several years of professional work experience, Jana went freelance in 2019 and has quickly built a reputation as a <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01bfa17a48301876dd">Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $70k in platform earnings. Jana's rates start at $100 per hour for copywriting and brand consulting.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>7. Kate H. - Logo Designer / Branding Expert - United States</h3>
Kate is a freelance professional logo designer and branding expert from Maryland, United States. Kate&nbsp;ran her own green wedding brand which she sold to mywedding.com in 2014, allowing her to focus on helping small&nbsp;businesses figure out what they want (and who they are) and translate that into design.
She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale School of The Environment, and a J.D. in environmental law from Pace Law School.&nbsp;
Kate's skillset includes redesigning and updating material to make it easier to understand, building a consistent brand from a simple starting point like a logo, and creating unique logos that guarantee results.
Kate is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer, and her rates start at $225 per hour. You can find out more about Kate on her <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~013ce73876c1c18126" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Upwork profile</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>8. Marcos Rezende - UX designer - Canada</h3>
Marcos Rezende is a UX Designer from Ontario, Canada, with more than 13 years of experience. Marcos has worked in over 30 industry sectors for multinational organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Brazil.&nbsp;
Some of Marcos' notable projects include apps for Ontario's COVID-19 dashboard, Urban Master Planning collaboration platform, and Reaction (kid's e-learning app), to name a few.&nbsp;
Marcos loves sharing his industry expertise with aspiring UX designers and regularly writes for the popular UX publication Career Foundry. Total recognizes Marcos as part of its "Top 3%" of global freelancer talent&mdash;a title given to elite freelancers in their given field.
We don't have access to Marcos' rates, but the best UX designers on Upwork earn upwards of $100 per hour. As a Toptal Top 3% freelancer, Marcos likely charges $200-$300 per hour.
<a href="https://www.marcosrezende.com/">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende">awwwards.</a> in 2021.
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<h3>9. Tanya Litvinova - UX/UI Designer - United States</h3>
Tanya Litvinova is a freelance UX/UI designer from New York City, United States. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design / Communication Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Tanya specializes in product, mobile, and web design as well as user experience flow, research, and validation.
"I have a passion to make the complex simple, shape behavior, design, plan, and strategize. Aiming for the best user experience, all the while balancing the needs of business and technology to create engaging, habit-forming digital products."
Tanya has worked with Fortune 100 &amp; Fortune 500 companies and successfully delivered business-transforming data-driven analytics, responsive BI dashboards, enterprise web apps, and management systems. Some of Tanya's notable clients include KOCH Industries, BlackRock Financial, BCG Group, and FireEye, to name a few.
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0165035041b26e96df">Tanya is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with more than $200k platform earnings. Her current rate starts at $162.50 per hour.
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<h3>10. Guangming Lang - Data Scientist - United States</h3>
Guangming Lang is a freelance data scientist from Michigan, United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from New College of Florida and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. Guangming has also completed several Coursera courses in data science and machine learning.
Guangming has been a freelancer since 2013 and has worked across several industries, including fintech, trading, medicine, biotech, advertising, and HR.&nbsp;
Guangming is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. He's completed 216 jobs on Upwork totaling 3,805 hours! Guangming's current rates start at $200 per hour.
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<h2>Secure Freelancer Workflows With TeamPassword</h2>
No matter how talented or reputable the freelancers and contractors you hire, your company must use secure workflows to protect your digital assets.
Freelancers often need access to shared accounts and tools. Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is the first step to securing these accounts and platforms. You can also use a password manager to share credentials with employees, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure you never expose raw passwords via email, spreadsheets, chat apps, and other non-secure methods.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> lets you create groups to share access with only those who need it. When they're done, revoke access with a single click. No need to change passwords every time someone leaves the team.
If you do need to change a password, TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
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Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password management solution</a>? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free trial</a> to secure your company's digital assets today!

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field.

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in ...

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records—many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!

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

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

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

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