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

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<p>We often focus on external cyber threats, but what about threats from within?</p>
<p></p>
<p>With <a href="https://surfshark.com/blog/data-breach-statistics-2022-q3">108.9 million</a> accounts reportedly breached in Q3 2022 alone, mitigating the risk of a data breach should be high on any business owner's agenda. But with the increase in remote work, it&rsquo;s harder than ever before to keep an eye on internal threats.</p>
<p></p>
<p>In this article, we&rsquo;ll look at what insider threats are, how to spot them, and crucial steps to prevent them.</p>
<p></p>
<p>[Table of Contents]</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="#whatare" rel="follow">What are insider threats?</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="#howto" rel="follow">How to detect existing insider threats</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="#preventby" rel="follow">Five ways to prevent insider threats</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatare">What are insider threats?</h2>
<p>An insider threat refers to a security risk caused by any individual, third-party, or entity that has access to confidential data, files and applications. This could be through a back door in a <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/virtual-call-center/">virtual call center platform</a>, clever social engineering, or simply weak passwords.</p>
<p></p>
<p>These threats are growing increasingly common - sometimes, they&rsquo;re an accident or the actions of a disgruntled individual. However, they can also be part of a larger scheme where outside parties target and approach your staff.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img height="393" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qcBte0DJWzJ63D0YdaALOs1sASWutaUdp_F--P_YsMgwivgzhCp7CSrr-WtQH-JXytFjcYm_7Pi5kZ3HhMm02yN9h0RYw1am4pMb0S8URXoM95t9UigwJcBBbb-2BK-jl7lGvaUjpS-6YJG0_VEUqpI"><br><a href="https://www.hitachi-id.com/hubfs/Hitachi_ID_Resources/Marketing_Content_Library/Infographics/Infographic__Employees_Have_Been_Approached_to_Assist_in_Ransomware_Attacks_2021_10_23.pdf"><em>Image</em></a><em> from Bravura Security&rsquo;s report</em></p>
<p></p>
<h3>What are the Types of Insider Threats?</h3>
<p>In general, we can classify most insider threats into three categories.</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Malicious insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Some bad actors may be current or former employees, third parties, or partners. These criminal and malicious insiders use their privileged access to intentionally steal company data or intellectual property for revenge, fraud, blackmail, sabotage, and even espionage.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One such threat is departing employees stealing trade secrets. This is a tricky one to monitor, with even computer security software giant McAfee filing a lawsuit against three ex-employees who had moved confidential data like customer lists, sales tactics, and pricing data to unauthorized USBs and email addresses.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Negligent insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Employees who lack cybersecurity awareness are often the source of negligent insider threats due to carelessness or inexperience.</p>
<p></p>
<p>A small-scale example of a negligent insider is when an employee breaches cybersecurity protocols by leaving their computer unlocked in a busy office environment. At the other end of the scale, Pegasus Airline reported in 2022 that a misconfigured database accidentally exposed 23 million sensitive files - including insurance documents and plain-text password information.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Read more: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">What is password encryption and how does it work?</a></p>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Accidental insider threats</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Although most accidents contain a degree of negligence, accidental insider threats are usually oblivious that they've been compromised in the first place.</p>
<p></p>
<p>An example of an unintentional threat is an <a href="https://www.realvnc.com/en/discover/remote-support/">online remote support</a> agent mistyping an email address and sending confidential business secrets to a competitor. They might not even notice this event has occurred until the competitor acts. This is an unfortunate, unintentional accident - but a threat, nonetheless.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img height="293" width="440" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/C9Cq_3iM5Vfla4BuBFuQ9JlRc7F-HtwDMqcTOeL7qle94rurtkSRAn3Ri7ZEs-jbHZD_szgJ-6FYVRxsJ-rxHTm3PIHhLzwVV47-2fwj-36kmUhR-WTrHniZLP-mWGy0naSdkwNyM53RdNGoIWKS_fk"></p>
<p><em>Free to use image from Unsplash</em></p>
<h2 id="howto">How to detect existing insider threats</h2>
<p>Insider threats are increasingly difficult to detect because they have legitimate access to the system and data. As they say, prevention is better than cure. But what if you have potential threats within your business? Here are three ways to spot any existing risks:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Audit, Audit, Audit!</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>An effective insider threat security audit should pinpoint any vulnerabilities, close any backdoors, and eliminate any flaws in the system.</p>
<p></p>
<p>To get the most from your security audit checklist, the following points should be considered:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Company security policies</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Security policy training&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Computer software and hardware asset lists</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Password training and implementation</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Automated software patch management</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>Auditing these aspects of your business should highlight any areas that might be at risk and let you make changes before they become a threat. For instance, your BYOD policy might have no restrictions on how data can be downloaded. This means that if someone did download confidential data, they could easily share it - and you may have no way of tracking it. To counter this, you could make data accessible only through authorized apps, with no option to download the data.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Read more: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">What is a Security Audit and Does My Business Need One?</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Review how you organize your data</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Data is valuable, and that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s usually the target of insider threats. You should review how data is accessed in your audit, but it&rsquo;s worth going beyond that. Access policies can help minimize risk, but you're still open to potential breaches without a strong data quality management framework in place.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Take stock of your existing storage system, any data-related processes, and what exactly you collect. Is there sensitive data being gathered that you don&rsquo;t strictly need? Remove it, and you remove one area of interest to malicious actors. Is your data stored on-site? Consider moving it to a secure cloud solution to reduce physical threats.&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">User behavior and activity monitoring software</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>User behavior analytics (UBA) are used to gather valuable observations on how users are behaving. It&rsquo;s often used alongside user activity monitoring (UAM), which gives you insights into what websites are being accessed, among other things.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you have this in place, you will be able to see any staff that could be a threat - and again, this doesn&rsquo;t have to be malicious. It could be entirely accidental. So, if you notice a particular user keeps mistyping your <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/New-Zealand/.co.nz">.NZ domain from Only Domains</a>, and doesn&rsquo;t notice when it takes them to the wrong place, you can intervene with targeted training before it becomes a problem.</p>
<p></p>
<p><img height="285" width="427" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/uQ1iuyrw1WWZ8WCek9bgUcdeQ-CHBZPfH0YYvBRQyLdeRnluEutCxnQEQdXaol_kzM5kmHyd1f2qLw3dbp_-le-wbL_YVIdT2iYoxO2IrmRnRBdw7rPI0vfU0rPXaygeYbpbxU96hZU__RZ5SgVivd0"></p>
<p><em>Free to use image from Unsplash</em></p>
<h2 id="preventby">Five ways to prevent insider threats</h2>
<p>We&rsquo;ve spoken about how to address existing risks, but how do you prevent future ones? Here are five important steps to consider.</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation">Develop security policies</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Developing a robust security policy for insider threats is essential for protecting all sensitive data and company assets. This should cover everything from your public websites to your intranet and CRM tools.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>They should be broad and encompass areas like:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Password requirements</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>BYOD and other hardware restrictions</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Data management</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Acceptable use&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Remote access&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Permission-based access</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>Ideally, you should work with security specialists to design these policies, which may include bringing in external consultants. This should also not be treated as a &lsquo;one-off&rsquo; - instead, this should be an ever-evolving document that changes in response to new software and the most up-to-date cybersecurity trends.</p>
<h3>2. Company-wide training</h3>
<p>Knowledge is power, especially in the complex world of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity">cybersecurity</a>. Every employee in your business, not just your IT staff, should be provided with training about insider threats (and cybersecurity more broadly).&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is one of the best ways to combat threats caused by negligence or by accident. As well as providing company-wide training, it&rsquo;s worth running smaller, targeted sessions based on particular needs as well. For instance, do your sales department regularly take down personal details from your customers? Then they should be trained in data privacy methods.</p>
<h3>3. Password rules and restrictions</h3>
<p>Ultimately, passwords are the first line of defense against potential insider threats. So, establishing a strong password culture within your team will help keep them at bay. Make sure that your staff aren&rsquo;t reusing passwords across multiple apps and sites, and provide details on what makes a strong password.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The safest and easiest way to manage your company's passwords is by using a password manager, like <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a>. Password managers provide an encrypted environment where your employees can create, store, and share login details and other sensitive records.</p>
<p></p>
<p>This should also factor into your software purchases. For instance, the <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/contact-center-software">best contact center software</a> should include two-factor or multi-factor password authentication to remain secure - and if it doesn&rsquo;t, you should avoid it! Ensuring the tools you provide have strong password protection and encryption protect your employees, and in some instances, can even make their jobs easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p><img height="340" width="418" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/IUQcMsO8VybHauf2jHuac6UUfUcs755Q91F69_urdyXIKi_t5Z4nYbytUFLYqUmtQuPL6pqEk0r4lyKRsAK524R4t_V8lBJSZNsJjkQjPbSKuuqIYes0q98qvWxnK2BjcsmkWf_FAC5_kF70jr5QpMs"></p>
<p><a href="https://xkcd.com/936"><em>Image</em></a><em> from XKCD</em></p>
<h3>4. Clear employee exit strategy</h3>
<p>Having solid strategies in place for departing employees is just as important as having an onboarding process. Not only does it allow you to gather feedback through exit interviews, it also gives you the chance to reduce potential threats.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>Some methods that you can use during offboarding include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Immediately delete account access after their departure</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Deactivate mobile app access from personal devices</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Inform relevant parties about the departure</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Change shared login details</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>This is particularly important in cases where an employee has been fired or let go - but it should be applied across the board.</p>
<h3>5. Physical security methods</h3>
<p>If all else fails, regularly backing up your data means you won't lose any important information, even if your systems are compromised. Most tools, such as <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/outbound-call-center/">outbound call center software</a> or data analysis platforms, come with cloud storage options, and it&rsquo;s worth making use of them.</p>
<p></p>
<p>However, not everything can be kept in the cloud - staff might have laptops with confidential data on them, or you might have some new product prototypes in the office. It&rsquo;s important to factor in physical threats just as much as digital ones.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Restrict access to your office via keycards or codes, and provide members of staff with safe places to store technology if needed. It&rsquo;s important to include this aspect in your training too - people tend to be nice and might be inclined to hold a door open to a visitor. This kind of &lsquo;social engineering&rsquo; can be used to gain access to off-limits areas.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What now&hellip;?</h2>
<p>Early threat detection and mitigation is essential for your organization's survival and future success.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Providing employees, stakeholders, and board members with the right knowledge to detect and protect against insider security breaches can help shore up your defenses. Take the time to create clear security policies and design a clear offboarding process. Just remember: insider threats are always evolving, and you should too.</p>
<p></p>

What are insider threats, and why are they dangerous? Learn what they are, how to detect them, and crucial steps to prevent them right here.

What are insider threats, and why are they dangerous? Learn what they are, how to detect them, and ...

How to Prevent Insider Threats Within Your Organization

<p>Consider a typical day at a digital marketing agency. How many client and company accounts do you think you log into over the course of a day? Ten? Twenty? Amongst all the employees at a digital marketing agency, there could be hundreds of logins each day into private accounts.</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s why password protection for digital agencies should be a top priority and not an afterthought.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many digital marketing agencies fail to follow password management best practices. Perhaps the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-state-of-the-password-problem-in-2021" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">most concerning example</a> of poor password management is that nearly <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/world-password-day-the-first-thursday-in-may" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">70% of all Americans use the same password</a> for multiple accounts, at home and at work. And when you consider that over <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99529-3-in-4-people-at-risk-of-being-hacked-due-to-poor-password-practices" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">80% of all data breaches result from poor password</a> security, the potential for a data breach in a digital marketing agency is monumental.</p>
<p>For the safety and reputation of your company, as well as the security of the many client accounts accessed on a daily basis, password protection for digital agencies is a critical necessity. Thankfully, password management best practices are fairly easy to follow, and can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach.</p>
<p><em>Here are five key takeaways to act upon now:</em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Strong, Unique Passwords</strong>: Use strong, unique passwords for each account to minimize the risk of a major data breach. Utilizing a password manager can help generate highly secure, encrypted passwords.</li>
<li><strong>Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</strong>: Add an extra layer of protection by enabling 2FA on work accounts. This acts as a deterrent to hackers and enhances security, especially when combined with strong passwords.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid Password Sharing</strong>: Ensure that employees do not share passwords. Each individual should have a unique password for every login or application, making it easier for IT admins to manage security and control account access.</li>
<li><strong>Secure Wi-Fi Practices</strong>: Remote workers should secure their home Wi-Fi networks, and employees working outside the office should avoid using public Wi-Fi for logging into accounts to prevent data hijacking by hackers.</li>
<li><strong>Use a Password Manager</strong>: Implement a password manager, like TeamPassword, to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account. Password managers simplify the process of adhering to password management best practices and enhance overall security for digital agencies.</li>
</ul>
<p>[Table of Contents]</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="#stronguniquepasswords" rel="follow">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</a></li>
<li><a href="#enable2fa" rel="follow">Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</a></li>
<li><a href="#dontsharepasswords" rel="follow">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords</a></li>
<li><a href="#donotaccessprivateaccounts" rel="follow">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</a></li>
<li><a href="#useapasswordmanager" rel="follow">Use a Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Password Management Best Practices</h2>
<p>Hackers and cybercriminals don&rsquo;t always choose random targets, and they don&rsquo;t just target large corporations as the media might make it seem. Instead, they target smaller businesses where the chances of a successful cyberattack are high. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-security-threats-for-small-businesses" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Digital marketing agencies are at particular risk</a> and a common target due to the high number of accounts a hacker might be able to access. Hackers are relying on employees not following password management best practices. Don&rsquo;t make it easy for them.</p>
<h3 id="stronguniquepasswords">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</h3>
<p>The first defense against a major data breach is using strong, unique passwords for each account. That way, even if one account is breached, the hacker will not have the password to access additional accounts. However, it is also important to realize that even user-generated passwords can be vulnerable &mdash; in fact, a Deloitte study revealed that over <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/90-percent-of-passwords-vulnerable-to-hacking-2013-1" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">90% of user-generated passwords are still vulnerable</a> to cyberattacks.</p>
<p>So how can digital marketing agencies combat cyber threats? Simply by using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/">password manager</a> to generate highly secure, encrypted passwords that help keep your accounts and critical data safe. More on using password managers in a bit. First, consider the next important step in password protection for digital agencies.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="573" height="436"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(149, 165, 166);"><em>Built-in password generator</em></span></p>
<h3 id="enable2fa">Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</h3>
<p>You may have experienced <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2FA</a> already with some of your own personal accounts. But by enabling two-factor authentication on as many work accounts as possible, you can add an extra layer of password protection for digital agencies. Accounts enabled with 2FA make data much more secure and are a major deterrent to hackers.</p>
<p>Understandably, employees who aren&rsquo;t apt to change their passwords much probably aren&rsquo;t going to enjoy the extra login step required by 2FA either. But when used in conjunction with a strong password, 2FA offers additional protection against other <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">types of password attacks</a> such as social engineering and phishing attempts as well.</p>
<h3 id="dontsharepasswords">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords with Anyone</h3>
<p>Another important step in ensuring strong password protection for digital agencies is for all employees to avoid sharing passwords. Each employee should have their own unique password for every login or app. This makes it easier for IT admins to keep a good handle on security, and also ensures that only those who are authorized can access an account.</p>
<p>When using a tool where shared credentials are necessary, they should only be shared and accessed within an encrypted environment - i.e., a password manager.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="donotaccessprivateaccounts">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</h3>
<p>Much of today&rsquo;s workforce consists of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">hybrid and remote workers</a>. Digital marketers working from home must take care to ensure that their Wi-Fi network is secure and that their systems and software are updated. Likewise, employees working in the field or while out on a lunch break must avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into accounts. It is too easy for hackers and cybercriminals to hijack data being sent over a public network.</p>
<p>VPNs make this safer by encrypting your data so it's harder to intercept. Understand, however, that you must trust your VPN provider - they're handling your data!</p>
<h3 id="useapasswordmanager">Use a Password Manager</h3>
<p>As we mentioned earlier, using a password manager serves a multitude of benefits. For starters, it eliminates the need for employees to attempt to remember a number of unique passwords. Password managers work by generating strong, unique passwords for each account, which are then stored in an encrypted account. Employees then need only remember one password to access the information in the password manager, which subsequently grants entry to the desired account.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1).gif" width="871" height="490"></p>
<p>Additionally, password managers are much more adept at generating strong passwords, using a long string of random upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, as opposed to patterns that make passwords weaker.</p>
<p>Password managers also make it easy to change passwords for multiple accounts as often as you&rsquo;d like. That means you can have all your employee&rsquo;s passwords changed without causing a ripple in productivity while still adhering to password management best practices.</p>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<p>TeamPassword is a business-oriented password manager specially designed to solve many of the security threats that small businesses and digital marketing agencies face daily.</p>
<p>The biggest challenge, of course, is managing passwords and providing secure access to team members. TeamPassword solves these challenges and more with flexible password management to suit the size of your teams and your business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Protect your agency today with&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword's free 14-day trial</a>!</p>

Password protection for digital agencies is essential as hackers continue to target businesses that work with multiple client accounts.

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with ...

Password Protection Best Practices | TeamPassword

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with multiple business and client accounts.

Password Protection Best Practices for Digital Agencies

<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>

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

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

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

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

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

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