<p>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;</p>
<p>The issue of unsafe passwords has been around for a while. But have you ever thought about where and how to store them?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>But before we begin:</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p></p>
<h2>1. Email</h2>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>2. Online Documents</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>4. Online Note-taker</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>5. On a Non-Password-Protected Device</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>Use TeamPassword for Extra Protection</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>

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

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

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@towfiqu999999?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Towfiqu barbhuiya</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/em5w9_xj3uU?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a> &nbsp;</p>
<p>Cybercriminals are constantly developing increasingly sophisticated password-cracking/hacking methods. It is now possible to apply AI to crack simple passwords without fuss. You can find proof in emerging AI solutions like PassGAN, which cracked over half of the common passwords fed to its system&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/news/passgan-ai-password-cracking-time/" rel="noopener">in under 60 seconds</a>. The staggering developments in AI password cracking undoubtedly raise newfound security concerns for many IT teams and company decision-makers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Highly hackable passwords essentially leave the proverbial door open for major system breaches within your organizational network. These often result in catastrophic consequences for sensitive data and company assets, and not forgetting the far-reaching dangers of identity theft. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are five critical insights about the rapidly evolving developments of AI password cracking:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Your password is 100% crackable by AI as long as it has been breached or leaked.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Advanced AI password-cracking tools can bypass&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rd.com/article/ai-password-cracking/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20the%20AI%20cracked%2051,take%20online%20security%20more%20seriously." rel="noopener">81% of common passwords&nbsp;</a>within a month, and most of those coded strings within a day.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Top AI password cracking enables perpetrators to hide behind a veil of secrecy while they automate their breaching activities, making them more elusive than ever.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>AI password cracking tools advance their capabilities with breached password data. So, it is vital for your team to follow the latest cybersecurity practices for optimal protection. &nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Your team can significantly reduce the risk of AI password cracking by optimizing regular password hygiene practices.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Our guide shares how AI password cracking works, other cybersecurity threats to your company, and the best practices in password hygiene for preventing these highlighted issues. &nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#canAI" rel="follow">Can AI Be Used to Crack Passwords?</a></li>
<li><a href="#otherthreats" rel="follow">Other Threats to Consider Beyond AI Password Cracking</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtoprotect" rel="follow">How to Protect Your Passwords: 5 Critical Tips</a></li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<h2 id="canAI">Can AI Be Used to Crack Passwords?</h2>
<p>Modern cybercriminals may use emerging AI solutions like PassGAN to crack the most common passwords with unmatched ease. These advanced password crackers operate differently from conventional password-guessing tools based on human-generated rules.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Instead, these hacking tools function Like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-does-chatgpt-work/" rel="noopener">AI chatbots capable of improving</a>&nbsp;their performances based on machine learning. Advanced password-cracking software like PassGAN "learn passwords" through artificial neural networks that teach computers to process data in a way similar to the human brain. Specifically, PassGAN distinguishes the patterns between fake passwords (fed from data sets) and actual breached passwords to anticipate and crack future passwords. In other words, AI password cracking functions adaptively and can pose a significant threat to unprepared security systems.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/LHtWjX8Qd63gcpANHAcS" alt="undefined"></p>
<h2 id="otherthreats">Other Threats to Consider Beyond AI Password Cracking</h2>
<p>AI password cracking joins a long<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="noopener">&nbsp;list of cybersecurity threats</a>&nbsp;that continues to expand with more advanced technical capabilities. The following are some of the most prevalent threats to look out for when planning your company&rsquo;s cybersecurity protection and password management.</p>
<h3>Phishing</h3>
<p>Phishing refers to the social engineering method of deceiving users often by assuming a false identity that instills trust. Disguised attackers then leverage trusted user interactions to steal private information and credentials.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The malicious act of phishing remains the most common form of cybercrime and is expected to affect&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/phishing-attack-statistics/#:~:text=Phishing%20email%20statistics%20suggest%20that,attack%20occurring%20every%2011%20seconds." rel="noopener">33 million online records in 2023</a>&nbsp;with attacks occurring every 11 seconds.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Brute Force Attacks</h3>
<p>As the term might suggest, brute force attacks refer to the continuous bombardment of multiple passwords via trial and error until the security system finds a match. Brute force attackers usually input various combinations of commonly used passwords to increase the chances of infiltrating an account or network. Some attackers may rely on advanced scripts and bots for submitting multiple password attempts at a rapid rate.</p>
<h3>Dictionary Attacks</h3>
<p>Similar to brute force attacks, however, attackers take a more methodical approach by narrowing password attempts based on terms associated with the user. For instance, cybercriminals may include the words and characters found in a user&rsquo;s email address or the name of their pet (possibly inferred&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-keep-your-social-media-accounts-secure-from-burton/?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card" rel="noopener">from their social media profiles</a>).&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/CDgHrHpNSKSHz92iX6L1" alt="undefined"></p>
<h2 id="howtoprotect">How to Protect Your Passwords: 5 Critical Steps</h2>
<p>Reliable<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="noopener">&nbsp;password hygiene routines&nbsp;</a>can help safeguard your precious company network and account against evolving AI tools. We look at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/your-passwords-arent-safe-unless-youre-taking-these-5-steps" rel="noopener">five effective measures</a>&nbsp;that you can implement to keep AI password cracking at bay.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Stick With Strong Passwords</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="noopener">Strong passwords</a>&nbsp;make it extremely difficult for AI to guess their combination. Lengthy password strings that contain at least 15 characters and two instances of alphabets (including upper and lower case alphabets) numbers, and symbols like exclamation marks are effective because they keep AI guessing due to their complexity and unpredictability.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Don't Reuse Passwords Across Accounts</h3>
<p>The most complex passwords are ineffective (and risky) if they&rsquo;ve been stored in a breached database. Industry research shows that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/password-statistics#:~:text=More%20than%2080%25%20of%20confirmed,to%20their%20accounts%20or%20devices." rel="noopener">80% of confirmed data breaches</a>&nbsp;result from stolen, weak, or reused passwords. Advanced AI software can<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dunkin-brnds-new-york-idUSKBN2662PX" rel="noopener">&nbsp;leverage leaked information</a>&nbsp;to crack your password code in seconds through brute force attacks. Perhaps the worst part about reusing passwords across multiple accounts is that a single cyber breach could result in unauthorized access to every corner of your managed networks. &nbsp;</p>
<h3>Change Passwords Frequently</h3>
<p>Changing your company account passwords regularly lowers the risks of an AI security breach by keeping AI constantly guessing.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="noopener">TeamPassword&rsquo;s secure password generator</a>&nbsp;helps you create effective new passwords in a click without worrying about the effectiveness of your combinations.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Enable Two-Factor Authentication&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Governmental agencies, banks, and enterprises&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.okta.com/identity-101/which-industries-require-2fa/" rel="noopener">trust two-factor authentication</a>&nbsp;for optimized cybersecurity. Setting up the technology strengthens your passwords with an additional layer of protection against threats like AI password cracking since perpetrators must provide the unique one-time password (OTP) sent to a user&rsquo;s registered devices and email, on top of cracking a password.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Use a Password Manager Tool</h3>
<p>A quality password manager tool enables your company to store, share, and replace strong passwords frictionlessly while preventing the risks of getting locked out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>TeamPassword&rsquo;s<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="noopener">&nbsp;leading features</a>&nbsp;include group sharing for seamlessly managing multiple passwords across various departments and groups (and removing permissions when needed) and two-step verification synced to an authenticator for extra account protection. Plus, TeamPassword's password manager integrates with Google Sign-on, promoting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="noopener">safe collaborations</a>&nbsp;and convenient access for all of your authorized account users.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Stop Hackers in Their Tracks With TeamPassword</h2>
<p>As AI password cracking becomes more prevalent, organizations need robust password management solutions. TeamPassword provides a secure and convenient way to manage and safeguard your company's credentials.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://members.scripted.com/organization/bf9b16a3-4d1a-4e8e-8557-42bca5ce70a3/jobs/javascript%3Avoid(0)" rel="noopener">Sign up with TeamPassword today</a>&nbsp;and protect your accounts from the most sophisticated attacks.</p>

AI password cracking isn't a possibility, it's a reality. In this guide, we discuss what you should know to stay protected. Check it out.

AI password cracking is a possibility. In this guide, we discuss what you should know and how you ...

AI Password Cracking: What to Know & How to Stay Safe

AI password cracking is a possibility. In this guide, we discuss what you should know and how you can best protect yourself and your team. Check it out today.

<p>In the digital age, our brains are flooded with passwords. The average person is estimated to hold <a href="https://webtribunal.net/blog/password-stats/#gref" data-gc-link="https://webtribunal.net/blog/password-stats/#gref">34 active passwords</a>! If you consider this in combination with the login info we need at work, that number jumps significantly. Even with a great memory, no one should have to memorize all those numbers and symbols.</p>
<p>You never want to compromise security for memorability. While '123456' is easy to remember, it's also easy to guess. As our passwords get more complicated, we need a secure and accessible place to store them. Enter password managers.</p>
<p>Password managers have become an increasingly popular way to keep login info secure. With many helpful features that keep your passwords stored away safely while still being accessible to you and your whole team, you'll never have to worry about the security of your various accounts.</p>
<p>With so many password managers on the market, it's hard to know which one is best for you or your company. Fortunately, we've got you covered! We've compiled an in-depth comparison between the top passwords available so you'll have all the information you&rsquo;ll need to choose the best option for you.</p>
<p>In this article, we'll look at Dashlane, 1Password, and TeamPassword. Each manager has different strengths and weaknesses. What's good for personal use may not be the best fit for a business. With our side-by-side comparison, you'll be able to review the different features of each password manager and find what suits your needs.</p>
<p>[Table of Contents]</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="#overview" rel="follow">Features Overview</a></li>
<li><a href="#commonfeatures" rel="follow">Common Features</a></li>
<li><a href="#unique" rel="follow">Unique Features</a></li>
<li><a href="#sharing" rel="follow">Sharing Capabilities</a></li>
<li><a href="#security" rel="follow">Security</a></li>
<li><a href="#compatibility" rel="follow">Device Compatibility</a></li>
<li><a href="#pricing" rel="follow">Pricing</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="overview">Features Overview</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/zhKJXvuoRnCfZfhEJpXL" alt="undefined" width="828" height="828" class="butter-float-left"></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Dashlane Features</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/CnbgbwGJQOJQp93mDiNg" alt="Dashlane Homepage.webp" width="607" height="257" class="butter-float-left"></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dashlane brands itself as a "security-first password manager." Dark web monitoring and high-scoring encryption have protected the software from ever being breached. It includes an array of helpful features including on-the-go access, unlimited sharing, and a unique password generator.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">1Password Features</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/sysUqVPQqK2FVFjIEmLg" alt="1Password Homepage.webp" width="608" height="279" class="butter-float-left"></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>1Password is simple and accessible. It is a strong choice for those looking for a personal-use password manager but has less comprehensive options for teams and businesses. It scores high on encryption, using Watchtower to alert you of suspicious activity.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">TeamPassword Features</h3>
<p><a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/rpPzMTSMyzMUwfJKVwwH" alt="TeamPassword Homepage.webp" width="608" height="253" class="butter-float-left"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>TeamPassword prides itself on being the password manager built for teams and businesses. TeamPassword is arguably the most business-friendly of the three, with affordable rates and easy sharing capabilities. Its features include: a favorites list, automated reminders to update records and refresh passwords, and access to Google single sign-on. It has been voted one of the most user-friendly password managers for businesses.</p>
<h2 id="commonfeatures">Common Features</h2>
<p>Before we break down how each password manager is different, let's look at what they all have in common! Sometimes companies advertise certain features as if they're unique to their product, when in fact that feature is part of the industry standard. That's why it's important to know what's shared between password managers before you pick one.</p>
<h3>Common features of Dashlane, 1Password and Team Password:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Custom Groups for Team Organization</li>
<li>Two-Factor Authentication</li>
<li>Group Sharing</li>
<li>Password Generator</li>
</ul>
<p>Whichever password manager you choose, you can expect these helpful features! Keep in mind that while these features are shared among the different products, they will differ in how they operate based on the company.</p>
<h2 id="unique">Unique Features</h2>
<h3>Dashlane Unique Features</h3>
<p>Dashlane has a few features that aren't offered by the competition. Unlike 1Password and TeamPassword, Dashlane allows you to change all of your passwords with just one click. Other unique features include a public wi-fi VPN, advanced reporting, enterprise mass deployment and identity theft protection</p>
<h3>1Password Unique Features</h3>
<p>1Password's most significant unique feature is Travel Mode. Once you leave your local network, your data becomes more vulnerable. This risk increases when you cross national borders. 1Password allows you to choose which vaults you'd like to make accessible when you travel. That way, when you turn on Travel Mode, only vaults marked travel safe will be available to you and other vaults will have an added layer of security.</p>
<h3>TeamPassword Unique Features</h3>
<p>Unlike Dashlane and 1Password, TeamPassword is specifically built for teams, and unlike its competitors, TeamPassword prioritizes simplicity. This platform allows you to build an unlimited number of groups to easily share passwords with a small subset of collaborators or your entire team. This can be done in just a couple of clicks and is so intuitive that password management is one training you won't need to add to your onboarding process. TeamPassword's interface is designed to store information for many groups in one secure location.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Usability</p>
<h3>Dashlane Usability</h3>
<p>Dashlane features an elegant user interface. Like its competitors, it has many features that prioritize security like breach notifications and dark web insight alerts making it a multi-skilled platform.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1Password Usability&nbsp;</h3>
<p>1Password scores high on usability because of its many options. and changes can be made quickly without sacrificing security. However, users have criticized its complexity, meaning it may not be the answer for regular basic use.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>TeamPassword Usability&nbsp;</h3>
<p>TeamPassword has worked hard to create an intuitive UI experience that every user will love. Extensive <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/using-first-click-testing-to-improve-ux-for-teampassword-mobile" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/using-first-click-testing-to-improve-ux-for-teampassword-mobile">testing</a> has gone into TeamPassword's platform to ensure that managing your business' login info is as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Furthermore, TeamPassword has live customer support and routinely surveys its users to better meet their needs.</p>
<h2 id="sharing">Sharing Capabilities</h2>
<h3>Dashlane Password Sharing</h3>
<p>Dashlane sharing enables users to share multiple passwords with multiple people using sharing groups. However, users must have a Dashlane account.</p>
<h3>1Password Password Sharing</h3>
<p>With 1Password, sharing is an easily accessible feature. You can share your passwords with anyone regardless of if they have an account.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>TeamPassword Password Sharing</h3>
<p>Quite simply, TeamPassword was built for sharing. With TeamPassword, your organization is made up of groups of records. Typically, these Groups are attached to a department (Marketing, Sales, Billing) or projects (iOS Dev Team). Users can be added and removed from the Groups with a couple of clicks. Users can also add a record they've made to one or multiple Groups. However, like Dashlane, users must have an account in order to share passwords.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="security">Security</h2>
<h3>Dashlane Security Features</h3>
<p>Dashlane uses AES-256 encryption to securely transfer your data to its servers. They use dark web monitoring to prevent threats to your data. They also have a VPN Wi-Fi feature that keeps your information safe when you're on the go.</p>
<h3>1Password Security Features</h3>
<p>1Password also uses AES-256 encryption but instead of dark web monitoring, they use Watchtower, which alerts users of potential threats. 1Password uses end-to-end encryption so only you have access to your password information.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>TeamPassword Security Features</h3>
<p>TeamPassword uses, you guessed it, AES-256 encryption! Google Single Sign-on is available to all users regardless of the size of your plan. This makes it easier for admins to manage users and for users to log in. TeamPassword uses backend fraud analytics to detect and block suspicious activity. Its platform features built-in audit tools for admins that enables them to see which members have accessed, edited, and removed which records. Admins can also make two-factor authentication mandatory across the organization.</p>
<h2 id="compatibility">Device Compatibility</h2>
<p>When it comes to device compatibility, these three password managers match up evenly.</p>
<p>Dashlane, 1Password and TeamPassword are compatible with Windows and Mac OS. They all have a mobile app that is compatible with both iPhone and Android. All of them are also available as web browser apps, for faster access.</p>
<h2 id="pricing">Pricing</h2>
<p>All three password managers have great features but, when it comes down to it, price is going to place a huge role in which one is right for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dashlane Pricing</p>
<ul>
<li>$0 to $8.99 per month per user</li>
<li>Team plan: $5 per month per user</li>
<li>Business: $8 per month per user</li>
</ul>
<h3>1Password Pricing</h3>
<ul>
<li>$2.99 to $7.99 per user per month</li>
<li>Teams Plan: $19.95 per month</li>
<li>Business Plan: $7.99 per month per user</li>
</ul>
<h3>TeamPassword Pricing</h3>
<ul>
<li>$1.66 to $7.60 per user per month</li>
</ul>
<p>Of all the ways Dashlane, 1Password and TeamPassword differ, the price may be the most significant. Dashlane and 1Password offer similar price points across the board but their value will depend on your priorities. Dashlane is the only manager that offers a free version of its product, however, it has limited capabilities. This has little value for businesses.</p>
<p>TeamPassword is in a tier of its own. For the first 6 months, TeamPassword offers its yearly plans for just $1.66 per month per user. After six months, the cost rises to $4.16 per month per user, which is still less than the competition.</p>
<h2>Get Started with TeamPassword</h2>
<p>Each password manager has distinct strengths and weaknesses. Dashlane has an extensive list of features. 1Password has a refined user interface for administrative control. TeamPassword is the most affordable and is the only password manager of the three that is built specifically with teams and businesses in mind.</p>
<p>Only you can decide which password manager is the best option for you. Hopefully, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to find the platform that properly suits your needs!</p>
<p>Still not convinced you need a password manager at your company? Find out the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/seven-signs-you-need-a-password-manager" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/seven-signs-you-need-a-password-manager">seven signs</a> you do on the TeamPassword Blog.&nbsp;</p>

An in-depth comparison of 3 password managers Dashlane vs 1Password vs TeamPassword. Decide for yourself which is best!

An in-depth comparison of 3 password managers, Dashlane vs 1Password vs TeamPassword. Learn about their pros and cons ...

Dashlane vs 1Password | A 2023 Comparison With Competitors

An in-depth comparison of 3 password managers, Dashlane vs 1Password vs TeamPassword. Learn about their pros and cons and decide for yourself which is best!

<p>Whether you run your own firm or work in-house, you're at high risk of cyber attack as an accountant. After all, you work with critical financial data daily that's desired by bad actors. Other factors, such as remote work and a boost in the use of cloud technology are muddying the cybersecurity waters even further.</p>
<p>A <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.slideshare.net/DeloitteUS/almost-half-of-executives-expect-a-rise-in-cyber-events-targeting-accounting-and-financial-data-in-year-ahead" href="https://www.slideshare.net/DeloitteUS/almost-half-of-executives-expect-a-rise-in-cyber-events-targeting-accounting-and-financial-data-in-year-ahead">recent poll</a> by Deloitte found that almost half of executives expect the number and size of cyber events targeting accounting and financial data to increase in 2023. This comes after a staggering 300% increase in <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/the-rise-of-cybercrime-in-the-accounting-profession-continues" href="https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/the-rise-of-cybercrime-in-the-accounting-profession-continues">cyberattacks</a> that occurred in 2020 due to the pandemic.</p>
<p>The best way forward is to keep your accounting data under lock and key. In this guide, we dive into the basics of cybersecurity for accountants, so you can safeguard your data and protect your clients.</p>
<p>Before we get started, here are the five key things you should know:<em><br></em></p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Accountants access and use large volumes of financial and customer data making them a common target for cybersecurity threats.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">There are many types of data at risk in accounting firms or departments, including bank account numbers, tax records, and credit card information.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Common accounting cybersecurity risks range from data breaches and phishing to ransomware and data misuse.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">To protect your critical data, there are various best practices to follow, such as implementing data backups and developing a cybersecurity strategy.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Using a password management tool like TeamPassword is a simple way to protect your critical accounting data from security threats.</li>
</ul>
<h3>[Table of Contents]</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#Whyconcerned" rel="follow">Why Should Accountants Be Concerned With Cybersecurity?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#what%20are%20risks" rel="follow">What Are the Cyber Risks for Accounting Firms?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#safeguard" rel="follow">Cybersecurity for Accountants: 7 Ways to Safeguard Your Data</a></li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/mD7pZpF7QOeSi1zKzfMU" alt="undefined"></p>
<h2 id="Whyconcerned">Why Should Accountants Be Concerned With Cybersecurity?</h2>
<p>As technology expands, cyber threats follow suit, making <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-for-startups" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-for-startups">cybersecurity</a> a necessity. This is especially true for accountants, who must access, use, and manage large volumes of financial data.</p>
<p>Cybersecurity events of any kind can be detrimental to your organization. For example, a data breach can lead to severe financial loss. According to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach" href="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach">IBM</a>, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 is $4.45 million in the US. Other potential losses include reputational damage that could prevent the growth of your organization.</p>
<p>These events not only threaten to harm your business; financial or other personally identifiable information (PII) falling into the wrong hands can lead to many consequences for your clients too. For example, clients could become victims of identity theft or suffer financial loss from leaked social security or bank account numbers.</p>
<p>Rest assured, it's not all doom and gloom. Putting a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses">cybersecurity strategy</a> in place can help you prevent these consequences and protect everyone involved.</p>
<h3>Types of Accounting Data at Risk</h3>
<p>Protecting your data requires you to understand the types of data at risk. In accounting specifically, there are many critical data types, including:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Bank account numbers</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Tax records</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Client demographics (name, date of birth, address, etc.)</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Social security numbers (SSN)</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Credit card and payment information</li>
</ul>
<p>Of course, various data types are at risk across all industries, including passwords, emails, employee files, and beyond.</p>
<h2 id="what are risks">What Are the Cyber Risks for Accounting Firms?</h2>
<p>Accounting firms and organizations face a wide range of <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">cybersecurity risks</a> that threaten their critical data. Some of these risks include:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Data breaches: </strong>A data breach occurs when an unauthorized individual gains access to sensitive data. These breaches may happen due to hackers trying to steal data or by mistake. For example, an employee may accidentally share a confidential document.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Phishing: </strong>Phishing occurs when a cybercriminal pretends to be another entity to try and get personal or financial information. For example, they may pose as a bank looking for financial information about a client. Phishing can happen via phone, email, or even text message.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Ransomware: </strong>Ransomware is a type of malware used by cybercriminals to hold your data for ransom. This often happens after clicking a suspicious email link or visiting a website infected with ransomware.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Data misuse: </strong>Some threats happen simply due to the misuse of data. For example, data may be stored improperly or there may be a lack of access control for critical files.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/jbfmW7yKTmihXnMYM6La" alt="undefined"></p>
<h2 id="safeguard">Cybersecurity for Accountants: 7 Ways to Safeguard Your Data</h2>
<p>To protect your critical accounting data from the above risks, there are several <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cybersecurity-checklist" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cybersecurity-checklist">cybersecurity best practices</a> to put into place. And luckily, you can take many of these steps today.</p>
<h3>#1. Know Your Risks</h3>
<p>How can you prevent accounting cybersecurity risks when you're not sure what they are? The first step in securing your data is performing a risk assessment. This assessment will help you pinpoint the specific risks threatening your organization so you can take the necessary action to eliminate them.</p>
<p>To get started with a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">risk assessment</a>, take inventory of the devices and services you use to access and store data. Do a thorough review of these devices and services to pinpoint security risks. Then, determine your next steps based on which risks should be mitigated first.</p>
<h3>#2. Backup Your Data</h3>
<p>Data backups ensure your organization can continue serving your clients in the event of a breach or other security incident. In its simplest form, a data backup is simply a copy of all of your critical data. If something happens to your primary dataset, you'll still have access through your backup.</p>
<p>To get started, most experts recommend the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/3-2-1-backup-rule" href="https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/3-2-1-backup-rule">3-2-1 rule</a> for backups. This means you should:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Have <strong><em>one</em></strong> primary backup and <strong><em>two</em></strong> copies of your data.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Save backups to<strong><em> two </em></strong>different media types.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Keep <strong><em>one</em></strong> backup file in another location.</li>
</ul>
<h3>#3. Enable Data Encryption</h3>
<p>While the devices and services you use to access data are probably password-protected, that's simply not enough. For iron-clad data security, you must implement data encryption.</p>
<p>With encryption, even if an authorized individual were to get through using your password, they would be unable to read the "encrypted" data. Many apps, services, and devices include some level of encryption. However, it's best to reach out to a cybersecurity professional who can ensure your data is protected.</p>
<h3>#4. Use Email Safely</h3>
<p>It's a common practice for accountants to use email to communicate with colleagues and clients. While convenient, email comes with its own security challenges. For example, email inboxes are common targets for phishing scams and malware.</p>
<p>It's important to use email safely by following these best practices:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Don't click suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Avoid sending out sensitive information (such as bank account numbers or social security numbers) via email.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Log out of your email after every session (a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">password manager</a> makes this less of a pain).</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Use a spam filter to push suspicious emails out of your inbox.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Don't use your personal email for business, and vice versa.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Change your email password regularly (every three months at least).</li>
</ul>
<h3>#5. Share Files Appropriately</h3>
<p>Accounting requires numerous different types of files, from tax returns to balance sheets. Often, these documents must be shared between clients and colleagues. To avoid these documents being accessed by the wrong party, it's important to share them appropriately.</p>
<p>Use a secure file-sharing service that offers security features such as end-to-end encryption and access control. And for highly sensitive files, consider password-protecting them before you share.</p>
<h3>#6. Create a Cybersecurity Strategy</h3>
<p>A cybersecurity strategy outlines how your accounting team or firm secures its data and how you'll respond to security incidents when they occur. Having a clear strategy in place ensures all the necessary steps are followed in the event of a breach. Plus, it keeps all stakeholders on the same page, from threat detection to mitigation.</p>
<p>When developing your cybersecurity strategy, there are several components to include. Some of these components are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Inventory of devices, apps, and services</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Risk assessment</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Data privacy policy</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Acceptable use policy</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Security incident response plan</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Want to learn more about cybersecurity strategy? Check out the </em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://us.aicpa.org/interestareas/frc/assuranceadvisoryservices/cyber-security-resource-center" href="https://us.aicpa.org/interestareas/frc/assuranceadvisoryservices/cyber-security-resource-center"><em>Cybersecurity Resource Center</em></a><em> offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.</em></p>
<h3>#7. Improve Your Password Hygiene</h3>
<p>Passwords are the first line of defense when protecting your critical data. That's why it's important to follow these password best practices:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Use strong passwords: </strong>Avoid using easy-to-guess words and phrases such as your name and birthdate. Instead, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">create passwords</a> that are at least 12 characters long using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Update passwords regularly: </strong>Update those strong passwords at least every three months for the best protection.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Use two-factor authentication (2FA): </strong>Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a second factor for access, such as a passcode, in addition to your password. Using <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">2FA</a>, if your password was compromised, the individual would also need to have the second factor to gain access to your data.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Implement a password manager: </strong>For the best protection, use a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-management" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-management">password manager</a> to keep your passwords secure. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">TeamPassword</a> allows you to securely share passwords with your team while reaping the security benefits of robust <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/security" href="https://teampassword.com/security">access control</a>. Using a password manager, all of your passwords are stored in one centralized location&mdash;no risky spreadsheets required.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Manage &amp; Share Passwords Safely With TeamPassword</h2>
<p>Taking the above steps will help you protect your critical accounting data. And if you're ready to get started quickly, implementing a password manager is an excellent first step.</p>
<p>TeamPassword was built for teams who want to store and share passwords securely. We can help you in protecting your most valuable assets through access control, password generation, two-factor authentication (2FA), and more. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*12l6f5j*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial" href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*12l6f5j*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial">Sign-up for TeamPassword</a> to get started!</p>

Accountants use and store critical financial data. Learn how to safeguard that data with this cybersecurity guide for accountants. Find out!

Accountants use and store critical financial data. Learn how to safeguard that data with this guide focused on ...

Cybersecurity for Accountants: How to Safeguard Data

Accountants use and store critical financial data. Learn how to safeguard that data with this guide focused on cybersecurity for accountants. Check it out!

Cybersecurity for Accountants: How to Safeguard Your Data

<p>Seventy-eight percent of adults in the United States&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/banking-trends-and-statistics/#:~:text=As%20of%202022%2C%2078%25%20of,prefer%20to%20bank%20in%20person.">prefer to bank online</a>&nbsp;than visit a physical branch in person. But due to the&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://yacenter.org/young-americans-bank/internet-banking/benefits-risk-online-banking/">open nature of the internet</a>, online banking poses significant security risks, such as malware, phishing, and identity theft.</p>
<p>It's natural to worry about these risks, especially if you rely on online banking in your business. However, two-factor authentication, changing your passwords regularly, and using a password manager, among other simple steps, can keep you safe online. In this guide, get online banking security tips and learn how to securely manage your finances on the internet.</p>
<p>Here are five things you should know about online banking security:</p>
<ul>
<li>Thirty-one percent of banking customers have recently experienced data security issues, according to research</li>
<li>Internet banking security risks include malware, phishing, and hacking</li>
<li>You can take various steps to protect your online banking security, including checking your accounts frequently</li>
<li>Changing passwords regularly, using a password manager, and being aware of scams can also reduce internet banking threats</li>
<li>TeamPassword helps you manage your online banking passwords and increase internet security</li>
</ul>
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#howsecure" rel="follow">How Secure Is Online Banking?</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#risks" rel="follow">Online Banking Risks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#7tips" rel="follow">Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Securing Your Info</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#strongpasswords" rel="follow">1. Choose Strong Passwords</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#changereg" rel="follow">2. Change Passwords Regularly</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#2FA" rel="follow">3. Use Two-Factor Authentication</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#skeptical" rel="follow">4. Stay Skeptical of Scams</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#useofferings" rel="follow">5. Use Your Financial Institution's Security Offerings</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#usepasswordmanager" rel="follow">6. Use a Password Manager</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#checkreg" rel="follow">7. Check Your Accounts Regularly</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#improvewithTeamPassword" rel="follow">Improve Your Online Banking Security With TeamPassword</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#FAQ" rel="follow">Online Banking Security FAQs</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#bestway" rel="follow">What Is the Best Way to Protect Online Banking?</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#examplegoodpw" rel="follow">What Is an Example of a Good Password for Online Banking?</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/i85EvY7qQiSyTo3blsQC" alt="undefined"></h2>
<h2 id="howsecure">How Secure Is Online Banking?</h2>
<p>Online banking is generally safe. That's because financial institutions follow&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/how-to-protect-your-online-banking-information/#:~:text=Online%20banking%20is%20a%20safe,or%20256%2Dbit%20data%20encryption">strict security protocols</a>&nbsp;to protect your information, such as 128-bit or 256-bit data encryption. However, that doesn't mean your bank account isn't at risk. Thirty-one percent of banking customers have recently had their accounts hacked, information compromised, or experienced other&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.securityinfowatch.com/cybersecurity/information-security/article/21279033/the-state-of-security-in-digital-banking">data security issues</a>.</p>
<p>If you experience one of these issues, your bank should refund any fraudulent deposits from your account. The FDIC also&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/#:~:text=Deposit%20insurance%20is%20one%20of,for%20each%20account%20ownership%20category.">protects the money</a>&nbsp;in your account up to a specific amount in case of a bank failure. However, you should take additional steps to keep your money safe, especially from hackers. These steps include ensuring your online banking&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-do-to-keep-passwords-safe">passwords are safe</a>.</p>
<h3 id="risks">Online Banking Risks</h3>
<p>Here are some of the most common online banking security risks:</p>
<ul>
<li>Phishing: When someone pretending to be from your bank asks for account information such as passwords and credit card numbers via email or text.</li>
<li>Hacking: When hackers break into your bank account and steal your money or change your details. Also known as account takeover (ATO).</li>
<li>Identity theft: When someone steals your identity, often by hacking into your bank account, and opens up new credit accounts in your name.</li>
<li>Malware: When malicious software infects your computer, allowing cybercriminals to capture your login information and other online banking credentials.</li>
</ul>
<p>It's impossible to prevent all online security banking risks. However, many scams happen because of the way people use their accounts. For example, using the same password across different banks can increase the chances of fraud. If you're guilty of doing this, it's time to&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-habits-that-put-your-accounts-at-risk">break this habit</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/dA1AL5D2Ti6g0jv4CqG3" alt="undefined"></p>
<h2 id="7tips">Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Securing Your Info</h2>
<p>Securing your online banking credentials might sound like a chore. However, it can significantly reduce the chances of a fraud event. Follow these seven tips for better banking security:</p>
<h3 id="strongpasswords">1. Choose Strong Passwords</h3>
<p>The stronger your internet banking password, the better. That's because hackers can easily crack weak passwords and infiltrate your online accounts. A&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong password</a>&nbsp;consists of at least 12 random letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, and special characters such as the "$" symbol.</p>
<p><a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword#whyaresomepasswordsstrong">Passphrases</a>&nbsp;&mdash; strings of words that form a memorable phrase &mdash; are effective passwords if done correctly. However, hackers will guess famous quotes, sayings, and lyrics.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="changereg">2. Change Passwords Regularly</h3>
<p>Changing your passwords, preferably every few months, will limit the amount of time hackers can access your account if they already have your credentials. A&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a>, such as the one offered by TeamPassword, can help you with this. It automatically generates random passwords, simplifying the password creation process. Creating strong and unique passwords for&nbsp;<em>every one of your accounts</em>&nbsp;is the best way to prevent an attack.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="2FA">3. Use Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
<p><a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">Two-factor authentication</a>&nbsp;(2FA) provides an additional layer of protection for banking online. It requires you to confirm your identity twice before accessing your account. For example, entering your login information and a security code from a text message on your bank's website. Some banks require you to set up 2FA before using your online account. However, others give you the option to enable 2FA in your account settings. This process involves linking your account to an additional electronic authentication method, such as your phone.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/4n1zyq64SuKdk2Q6t6GK" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3 id="skeptical">4. Stay Skeptical of Scams</h3>
<p>Common&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">online banking scams</a>&nbsp;include phishing attacks, social engineering, and password cracking &mdash; when hackers guess your password with nefarious technology. Fraudsters can also steal your information if you log into your bank account over an unstable public Wi-Fi connection. It's critical to be aware of the latest scams and look for any red flags that suggest your security is at risk. For example, if you receive a suspicious-looking email from someone purporting to be from your bank, don't click on any links in the message. Instead, reach out to your financial institution to confirm the email is genuine.</p>
<h3 id="useofferings">5. Use Your Financial Institution's Security Offerings</h3>
<p>Banks often provide security features that can keep you safe online. For instance, text alerts if the institution suspects suspicious activity on your account. You might have to opt into these features in your account settings or talk to someone from your bank about setting them up. Whatever the process is, you must use all of your institution's security offerings to protect yourself on the internet.</p>
<h3 id="usepasswordmanager">6. Use a Password Manager</h3>
<p>You likely use multiple passwords for different online accounts, including your bank accounts. Using a&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-password-managers-are-a-need-and-not-a-want">password manager</a>&nbsp;is the safest way to store and protect all your credentials for various internet services. It keeps your passwords in one secure place so you don't have to remember them.</p>
<p>TeamPassword's Password Manager lets you create, manage, and access passwords across the internet on your computer or mobile devices.&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/features">Features</a>&nbsp;include activity logging, 2FA,&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/security">secure encryption technology</a>, and the ability to share credentials with groups. You can create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, which provides peace of mind on the internet.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="checkreg">7. Check Your Accounts Regularly</h3>
<p>Checking your bank accounts online at frequent intervals will help you identify any fraudulent transactions. You can flag these charges with your institution and get your money back. Aim to check your accounts every 1-2 weeks to look for unauthorized activity. If fraud has taken place, you'll need to change your online banking password immediately.</p>
<h2 id="improvewithTeamPassword">Improve Your Online Banking Security With TeamPassword</h2>
<p>There are multiple online banking security risks you need to know about. However, you can reduce these risks by protecting your information online. Following the seven tips above can decrease the chances of a fraud event.</p>
<p>TeamPassword can also help you reduce online banking fraud. For example, our Password Manager lets you create, store, and access strong passwords for your online bank accounts in one place, making it harder for hackers to steal your credentials.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*bfcsrm*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">Try TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;and start protecting your business now.</p>
<h2 id="FAQ">Online Banking Security FAQs</h2>
<h3 id="bestway">What Is the Best Way to Protect Online Banking?</h3>
<p>The best way to protect your credentials is to follow the seven online banking security tips listed above. These tips are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Choose strong passwords</li>
<li>Change passwords regularly</li>
<li>Use two-factor authentication</li>
<li>Stay skeptical of scams</li>
<li>Use your financial institution's security offerings</li>
<li>Use a password manager</li>
<li>Check your accounts regularly</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="examplegoodpw">What Is an Example of a Good Password for Online Banking?</h3>
<p>A good password consists of at least 12 random letters, numbers, and special characters. For even better security, use a combination of lower and upper case letters. Here are some examples of good passwords:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ju!4hPONg&amp;u1</li>
<li>PP9*g5nW91%H</li>
<li>J&amp;"Hfwp01H&pound;n</li>
</ul>
<p>While online banking is generally safe, your business could still be at risk of a fraud event. Take a little time to protect your information online and invest in a password manager to make your life easier. After safeguarding your bank accounts, consider securing your other online accounts, including social media profiles.</p>

Online banking security is more important than ever before. Learn how to keep your critical personal information safe with this guide.

Online banking is generally safe. However, there are significant security risks that put users at risk. Knowing what ...

Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Keeping Your Info Safe

Online banking is generally safe. However, there are significant security risks that put users at risk. Knowing what vulnerabilities exist and what steps can be taken to reduce the threat is essential for any individual or business that does banking online.

<p>The legal industry is one of the most susceptible to cyberattacks. According to <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_practice/publications/techreport/2022/cybersecurity/" href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_practice/publications/techreport/2022/cybersecurity/">recent data</a> compiled by the American Bar Association, 27% of law firms experienced a security breach in 2022.</p>
<p>Cybercriminals know the gold that lies hidden in your law firm's files, including personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and so much more. Illegal or accidental unauthorized access to a single file could harm both your firm and your clients.</p>
<p>But while the risks are great for your firm, your data security can be even greater. In this guide, we'll discuss the ins and outs of law firm data security so you can build an impenetrable wall between hackers and your data.</p>
<p>First, here are five key things you must know about law firm data security:<em><br></em></p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Law firms can experience many types of security risks, including phishing, ransomware, and data leaks.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Data security incidents can result in serious monetary losses for your firm, identity theft for your clients, and other serious consequences.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Various laws and regulations exist that law firms must abide by, including (but not limited to) HIPAA and GDPR. Law firms also have an ethical duty to protect their clients' personal information at all costs.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Law firms can protect their critical data by following several best practices, including conducting risk assessments, providing security training, and implementing access control.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">A simple way to boost law firm data security is by implementing a password manager tool such as TeamPassword. These tools enable the secure creation, sharing, and management of passwords across your firm.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Table of Contents</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#Risks" rel="follow">Law Firm Data Security Risks to Know</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#regulations" rel="follow">Law Firm Data Security Regulations &amp; Guidelines</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">Data Security Best Practices for Your Law Firm</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#FAQs" rel="follow">FAQs</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/i3VFWN7DTRSceKpGOkwJ" alt="Data Risk.webp"></h2>
<h2 id="Risks">Law Firm Data Security Risks to Know</h2>
<p>Law firms can experience a <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-security-threats-for-small-businesses" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-security-threats-for-small-businesses">wide range of cyberattacks</a>. However, there are four specific risks that are the most common in the industry. These risks include:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Phishing: </strong><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">Phishing</a> occurs when someone reaches out to you via text, email, or phone acting as someone else in hopes of gaining sensitive information. For law firms, individuals may act as potential clients or other businesses looking for information about current clients or employees.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Ransomware: </strong>Ransomware, a form of malware, works by encrypting critical files on your devices. Once encrypted, the cybercriminal can then use the files to extort you. For example, they may claim that to gain access to your data, you'll need to pay a ransom.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Data leaks: </strong>Data leaks occur when data is exposed by internal parties. In many cases, data leaks occur accidentally due to errors. For example, data may be exposed by sending a confidential email to the wrong recipient. However, in some cases, data leaks can happen through the malicious intent of internal parties.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><strong>Subpar security policies: </strong>Bad password hygiene, a lack of strong backups, and other subpar practices can result in data loss for your firm.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Impact of These Risks on Law Firms</h3>
<p>Any of the above risks have the potential to wreak havoc on your law firm. For example, a successful ransomware attack could cause monetary losses for your firm. And data loss of any kind could result in serious consequences for your employees and clients, including identity theft.</p>
<p>In addition to the above, other consequences are of special interest to law firms. For example, data loss could damage your firm's reputation, which is a critical factor in building a successful law firm. And in some cases, you could be faced with a costly malpractice claim due to a data breach.</p>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/pWkR6SWpQ2GAj9JrfEnG" alt="Regulations.webp"></h2>
<h2 id="regulations">Law Firm Data Security Regulations &amp; Guidelines</h2>
<p>The data security risks for law firms are not to be taken lightly. Regulations and ethical guidelines exist to ensure the protection of law firm data.</p>
<p>For example, the American Bar Association outlines attorney ethical requirements. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_6_confidentiality_of_information/" href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_6_confidentiality_of_information/">Rule 1.6</a> states, "A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client."</p>
<p>This means you must do what it takes to safeguard your clients' personal information. Beyond ethical requirements, specific data security laws exist, including (but not limited to) HIPAA, GDPR, and other state-specific laws.</p>
<p>Understanding these legal and ethical requirements is the first step in protecting your firm, employees, and clients.</p>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/XgOHgXhGR6yMs54jjGf7" alt="Risk Assessment.webp"></h2>
<h2 id="bestpractices">Data Security Best Practices for Your Law Firm</h2>
<p>Sure, the potential consequences of subpar data security are scary. However, there <em>is</em> a silver lining. By following law firm <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-breaches-best-practices-and-laws-you-should-know" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-breaches-best-practices-and-laws-you-should-know">data security best practices</a>, you can protect your firm from all breaches, whether accidental or malicious in nature.</p>
<p>These best practices include:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Conducting a risk assessment to determine your firm's unique data security risks</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Creating a data security plan so you can be prepared for any security incident</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Providing internal and external data security training for both employees and clients</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Improving your password practices to safeguard your accounts, apps, and services</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Implementing access control to ensure data doesn't fall into the wrong hands</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Developing and following a mitigation plan to stop breaches in their tracks</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Reviewing security policies regularly to ensure processes and procedures are up-to-date</li>
</ul>
<h3>1. Conduct a Risk Assessment</h3>
<p>While virtually all law firms are subject to the same data security risks, some firms are at higher risk than others. This is due to many factors, such as technology use and a firm&rsquo;s security posture.</p>
<p>The first step in reducing risk is to understand the specific risks threatening your firm the most so you can take action. This is done through a risk assessment. An assessment can help you identify and fix data security flaws. It can pinpoint issues involving access, data misuse, and more.</p>
<p>To <a data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">conduct a risk assessment</a>, start by taking stock of all of your assets, from client data to laptops. This ensures you know what you must protect. Then you can start defining the potential threats to these assets and their impact.&nbsp;Finally, you can begin to prioritize the risks in need of mitigation based on their severity.</p>
<h3>2. Create a Data Security Plan</h3>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve identified potential risks, you can create a data security plan. This plan outlines the policies and procedures your firm will follow to safeguard your data.</p>
<p>Having a plan in place acts as your guide in the event of security incidents. A plan can also help you remain in compliance with regulations such as the GDPR.</p>
<p>An effective data security plan will include elements such as:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">The roles and responsibilities of your team regarding security procedures</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">The steps you plan to take to mitigate security risks and breaches</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">The safeguards you have in place to protect data, such as firewalls, two-factor authentication, etc.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Other policies and procedures, such as those for acceptable use and employee security training</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Provide Internal &amp; External Training</h3>
<p>Many data breaches occur due to simple human error. For example, an employee may open a suspicious email or accidentally share a critical file with the wrong client.</p>
<p>The modern-day law firm is also a digital one that serves clients via email, video chat, and messenger apps. This means client errors could also result in data loss.</p>
<p>The first step in preventing these mishaps is ensuring you have security training in place to educate both employees <em>and</em> clients on security risks and preventative measures. For example, you should implement security programs that cover critical topics such as:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Password hygiene</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Internet browsing safety</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Phishing, malware, and fraud</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Email and social media use</li>
</ul>
<p>For the best results and to keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape, you should ensure your employees receive monthly or quarterly security training. As for your clients, it's a good practice to send security reminders just as often.</p>
<h3>4. Improve Your Password Practices</h3>
<p>Passwords often stand between a hacker and your critical data. This is why it's so important to follow <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword">password best practices</a> to secure your apps and services.</p>
<p>First, you'll want to ensure all employees and clients are creating and using <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong passwords</a>. A strong password is:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">At least 12 characters long</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">A combination of numbers, letters, and special characters</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Not your name, your pet's name, or any other easy-to-guess words and phrases</li>
</ul>
<p>You should also refrain from using the same password across accounts. Passwords should be changed at least every three months for the best protection.</p>
<p>Next, you'll want to champion the use of <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">two-factor authentication</a> (2FA). This security feature adds another layer of security to your accounts. Even if a hacker could guess your password, they would then need the second factor, such as a special code, to gain access.</p>
<p>Finally, you must implement a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">password manager</a> within your firm. A password manager is a secure tool used to store and manage passwords. For example, with TeamPassword, your employees can share credentials securely, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">generate strong passwords</a> automatically, and easily enable two-factor authentication.</p>
<p>A password manager allows you to get rid of cumbersome and dangerous spreadsheets of credentials. Plus, it helps you safeguard your team's passwords through robust access control.</p>
<h3>5. Implement Access Control</h3>
<p>Access control is the practice of managing who can access what digital assets. Access control limits access to critical information to only those authorized to use it. As a result, it prevents data from falling into the wrong hands.</p>
<p>A simple way to implement access control is with a password manager. For example, with TeamPassword, you can create password groups that only have access to specific accounts using saved credentials. Plus, you can revoke their access at any time.</p>
<h3>6. Develop &amp; Follow a Mitigation Plan</h3>
<p>Data security grows in complexity daily, and new threats emerge just as fast. Even the most secure firms may experience new security threats over time. That's why it's important to have a plan in place should you experience a data breach.</p>
<p>A mitigation plan outlines your team's responsibilities and the steps to follow after a <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide">potential breach</a>. For example, a mitigation plan may include information such as:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">How you'll identify the source of a breach</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">How you'll secure digital and physical assets</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Who's responsible for what steps in your plan</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">How you'll communicate the breach to employees, clients, and other relevant third parties</li>
</ul>
<p>Not sure where to start? The Federal Trade Commission provides a <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/data-breach-response-guide-business" href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/data-breach-response-guide-business">Data Breach Response Guide</a> you can use as a starting point.</p>
<h3>7. Review Security Policies Regularly</h3>
<p>Any data security policies and procedures you develop should be reviewed and updated at least quarterly to ensure they're still useful for preventing risks. The security landscape changes fast, and you'll want to ensure your firm is protected from any new threats.</p>
<h2>Secure Your Law Firm's Data With TeamPassword</h2>
<p>Data breaches can be detrimental to your law firm. However, following the best practices above can help you protect your critical data and better serve your clients.</p>
<p>TeamPassword can support your security initiatives through improved password management. From robust password-generating capabilities to easy password sharing, we have the tools you and your team need to safeguard your firm&rsquo;s data. Get started today and <a data-gc-link="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*acot20*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial" href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*acot20*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">sign up for TeamPassword</a>.</p>
<h2 id="FAQs">Law Firm Data Security FAQs</h2>
<h3>Why Is Cybersecurity Important for Law Firms?</h3>
<p>Cybersecurity is important for law firms because they're common targets for attacks. Law firms store and use the types of data hackers often exploit, such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial account numbers, and medical record data.</p>
<p>The right cybersecurity measures prevent law firms from succumbing to attack methods such as phishing, ransomware, and beyond. As a result, firms shield not only their businesses from data loss but also their clients, whom they have an ethical duty to protect.</p>
<h3>What Do You Do If Your Law Firm Has Been Hacked?</h3>
<p>If you feel as if you've <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure">been hacked</a>, there are some specific actions you should take. First, you'll want to reset all of your passwords for all apps and services to help contain the breach. You'll also want to take your devices offline and alert your employees to the breach.</p>
<p>You'll also be required to report the breach to the proper third parties. The organizations you must contact will vary based on federal and state laws and regulations. If you're a small firm without security expertise, it's best to contact an expert, such as an attorney skilled in data breaches.</p>

Law firms are often targets of cyberattacks. Protect yourself, team, and clients with this guide on law firm data security. Check it out!

Law firms are often targets of cyberattacks. Protect yourself, your team, and your clients with this guide on ...

Law Firm Data Security: How to Keep Your Firm Secure

Law firms are often targets of cyberattacks. Protect yourself, your team, and your clients with this guide on law firm data security. Check it out today!

<p dir="ltr"><span>Years after the COVID-19 pandemic required many companies to allow their teams to work from home, it&rsquo;s clear that this remote arrangement is here to stay. While there are many </span><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>perks associated with remote work</span></a><span>, if your team isn&rsquo;t managed correctly, they may become overworked and experience burnout.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>To create a successful remote work culture, companies need to streamline their processes and ensure that their employees have what they need to succeed. Having the right tools and systems in place can reduce work related stress and improve efficiency.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Below are ways your company can create a more productive workforce.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>The Connection Between Remote Work and Burnout</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While remote work offers plenty of freedom and flexibility, the downside is that many employers fail to provide structure. In an office setting there is a work location, often with set hours, and constant communication. Without these, problems can arise.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Without streamlined processes providing clarity and order, employees may unnecessarily duplicate work, perform the same tasks differently, or apply inefficient strategies that prolong projects. Because of this, it may take a remote worker more time to complete an assignment. <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nhXlk5AIT9O9opQVhcvg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Image Source: Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/tiny-people-huge-sand-glass_9176917.htm#page=5&amp;position=24&amp;from_view=author" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pch.vector</a> on Freepik</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Studies show that </span><a href="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/pages/remote-employees-are-working-longer-than-before.aspx" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>remote workers already tend to work longer hours</span></a><span>. Without a train to catch or traffic to beat, many remote workers extend their day beyond the scheduled endpoint. The temptation to respond to emails or finish projects is too great when their work computer is sitting in their home office or living room.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Streamlined processes and tools built to improve efficiency reduce the need employees feel to work longer hours and enables them to complete tasks during their planned schedule.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In addition to wasting your company&rsquo;s resources, employees who work an unnecessary amount of time on arduous tasks can become overwhelmed and stressed, which can contribute to more significant mental health issues.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Over </span><a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/how-your-job-can-impact-your-mental-health/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>44 million American adults</span></a><span> deal with conditions like depression and anxiety. And stress is a significant contributing factor to both conditions. A poor work-life balance is often listed as one of the greatest causes of stress. Without intervention, stress, depression, and anxiety often get worse.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Poor mental health not only affects employees directly, it also impacts businesses through depreciated job performance and employee turnover. Therefore, it is in a company&rsquo;s best interest to ensure that their entire workforce is productive and happy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/sqjabqRRMKgXwtOw2RGw" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Image Source: Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/tiny-people-huge-sand-glass_9176917.htm#page=5&amp;position=24&amp;from_view=author" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pch.vector</a> on Freepik</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Ensure Your Teams Are Secure</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The first aspect of your company that should be streamlined is your company&rsquo;s cybersecurity. When employees are working at the office, they know that they can summon the IT team when they see a suspicious email or fear a data breach.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Remote workers are not oblivious to the fact that working from home creates a higher </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hillennevins/2021/05/19/new-dangers-of-working-from-home-cybersecurity-risks/?sh=2adbd03f22fb" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>risk of cybercrime than those in the office</span></a><span>. However, many remote employees are lost when it comes to cybersecurity because they don&rsquo;t have the same resources they would have in an office environment.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>As a company, you need to </span><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>talk to your remote employees about cybersecurity</span></a><span> and train them on common threats and the tactics they can use to protect their home setup.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Start by streamlining how your employees report cybersecurity issues when they see them. Give your team a direct phone number, email, or an online portal where they can make a report. Knowing that they can take action and that their concern will be addressed provides them with peace of mind while protecting your organization from cybercrime.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Remote workers know the importance of having strong passwords for the programs that they use every day. However, using strong unique passwords for every account can be burdensome without the right tool and can quickly become overwhelming. Any company that hires remote employees would be wise to streamline this issue by </span><a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>implementing a password manager</span></a><span> that can store all of their passwords for them, while also allowing employees to share records across the team. By providing secure and easy access to online accounts they need to perform their job, password managers can help reduce remote worker anxiety.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0CCt8xQU5gE2H7sGFVQp" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></h2>
<p><span>Image Source: Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/tiny-people-huge-sand-glass_9176917.htm#page=5&amp;position=24&amp;from_view=author" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pch.vector</a> on Freepik</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Tech Can Help With Productivity</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If your teams need to be on top of numerous projects at once, then consider the use of </span><a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-project-management-software" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>project management software</span></a><span>. This tech provides an easy way for your employees to keep track of individual progress on any given task. Project managers also help employees understand where their efforts fall into the overall project.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Remote workers can feel like they are on their own island and that it&rsquo;s difficult to reach out to management when they need them the most. Project management software can help. Business messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams allow your team to reach out to anyone in the organization with a few clicks. Most of these programs also enable employees to share files and screenshots, and even start a virtual meeting. When your team can get quick answers, they can accomplish their work faster and avoid working longer hours.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Consider pairing all of this technology with </span><a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/news/how-5g-can-help-make-hybrid-work-work" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><span>5G connectivity</span></a><span>. This reliable, high-speed connection is essential, especially when your team is not in the same office. A reliable network will give your employees the confidence that their computer programs will continue to work efficiently and that they won&rsquo;t lose connection when they need it most. Sometimes, a strong internet connection is all you need to improve your team&rsquo;s morale.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Ultimately, your company needs to streamline its processes to reduce burnout and improve efficiency. Follow these tips and have a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.</span></p>
<p></p>

Help remote workers avoid burnout by streamlining processes. Follow these tips for a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

While there are many perks associated with remote work, if your team isn’t managed correctly, they may experience ...

Streamline processes to avoid remote worker burnout

While there are many perks associated with remote work, if your team isn’t managed correctly, they may experience burnout. Companies need to streamline processes to create a successful remote work culture and ensure that their employees have what they need to succeed. These tips provide

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

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

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

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

What is password encryption and how does it work?

<p><span>So you think hackers have stolen your password? You're not the only one. </span></p>
<p><span>Perhaps you've noticed strange activity on your email account or frequent pop-ups on your computer. Perhaps it's just a hunch. </span></p>
<p><span>But how can you know&nbsp;</span><em>for sure</em><span>?</span></p>
<p><span>There are many warning signs that you've been the victim of a data hack:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Your device is slower than normal.</span></li>
<li><span>You use more data than normal.</span></li>
<li><span>Videos take longer to load.</span></li>
<li><span>You received an email notification about a password change you didn't make.</span></li>
<li><span>An online account no longer accepts your password.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>However, hackers can steal your passwords and identity&nbsp;</span><em>without you ever knowing</em><span>. That's why it's so difficult to tell if you're the victim of a hack.</span></p>
<p><span>This guide will help you work out if hackers have stolen your information and tell you how to stop it from happening again.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span><em>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;</em><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sign up for a free trial</em></a><em>&nbsp;today.&nbsp;</em></span></p>
<p><em></em></p>
<h2><span>Have I Been Hacked? How Do I Know?</span></h2>
<p><span>There are various ways to tell whether hackers have access to your information:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>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;</span></li>
<li><span>Look for security emails from account providers that warn about failed login attempts or password changes you didn't make.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>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;</span></li>
<li><span>Look at your browser's password manager (if you use one) and check that nobody has changed these credentials.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>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. </span></p>
<p><span>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. </span></p>
<p><span>Here's how to use this stolen password list:</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span>Enter your email address on the main page.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>Click "pwned."</span></li>
<li><span>The website will search thousands of databases to see if hackers have stolen your personal information.</span></li>
<li><span>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.</span></li>
<li><span>If you receive the "Good news &ndash; no pwnage found!" message, it means the website could not find your information on the internet.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span>Note: Just because the website can't find your data on the internet, it doesn't mean hackers haven't compromised your personal information.</span></p>
<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;</em><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-for-small-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Password Manager for Small Businesses</em></a></p>
<p><em></em></p>
<h2><span>Which Passwords Did Hackers Steal?</span></h2>
<p><span>Establish which passwords hackers stole in a data breach so you can take quick action. Websites like "Have I Been Pwned"&nbsp;</span><em>won't</em><span>&nbsp;tell you which passwords are at risk. You'll only learn whether hackers have compromised the data associated with a particular email address. </span></p>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><span>If hackers have access to your data, it's a good idea to change&nbsp;</span><u>all passwords</u><span>&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.)</span></p>
<p><span>Here are some other tips:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>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.</span></li>
<li><span>Don't write your passwords down because this increases the risk of identity theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>Don't tell anyone your new passwords.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;</em><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-most-secure-way-to-share-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Most Secure Way to Share Passwords</em></a><span>.</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<h2><span>How Common Is a Data Hack?</span></h2>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<h2><span>What Kind of Information Do Hackers Steal?</span></h2>
<p><span>Hackers steal all kinds of personal and financial information:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Names</span></li>
<li><span>Email addresses</span></li>
<li><span>Usernames</span></li>
<li><span>Passwords</span></li>
<li><span>Addresses</span></li>
<li><span>Phone numbers</span></li>
<li><span>Bank account details</span></li>
<li><span>Credit card numbers</span></li>
<li><span>Social Security numbers</span></li>
<li><span>Insurance information&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>IRS information</span></li>
<li><span>Photos</span></li>
<li><span>Private message</span></li>
<li><span>SMS messages</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;</em><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-scariest-data-breaches-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Scariest Data Breaches of All Time</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p><em>TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams. Features include two-step verification, password encryption, easy password sharing, and more.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Get a free trial now</em></a><em>&nbsp;and learn how TeamPassword keeps you safe online.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><em></em></p>
<h2><span>Have I Been Hacked? How to Stay Safe.</span></h2>
<p><span>There are several ways to improve online security and prevent hackers from accessing your personal information:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Use the latest security software and apps when using devices and browsing the internet.</span></li>
<li><span>Carry out regular risk assessments where you evaluate your security software.</span></li>
<li><span>Back up personal data to a reputable cloud service instead of keeping it on your device.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>Don't share personal information with other people.</span></li>
<li><span>Create a security management strategy for your organization and share it with all team members.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><span>If you work alongside a team, consider TeamPassword. It's the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password manager for teams</a><span>&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;</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<h2><span>How Can TeamPassword Help?</span></h2>
<p><span>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.</span></p>
<p><span>Here are some&nbsp;</span><a href="https://teampassword.com/features" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword features</a><span>&nbsp;that prevent situations involving a stolen password:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Random password generation that creates unique passwords for websites.</span></li>
<li><span>Two-step password verification.</span></li>
<li><span>Activity and logging tools so you can discover who has access to password management features.</span></li>
<li><span>Secure encryption technology.</span></li>
<li><span>Email notifications about password management actions.</span></li>
<li><span>Passwords stored securely in one place.</span><span><br /></span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span>Final Word</span></h2>
<p><span>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;</span></p>
<p><em>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;</em><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sign up for a free trial</em></a><em>&nbsp;now.</em></p>

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

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