In an increasingly digital world, we&rsquo;re switching more and more of our daily lives over to the Internet. While this brave new world is exciting and convenient, it&rsquo;s not without its problems.&nbsp;
The issue of unsafe passwords has been around for a while. But have you ever thought about where and how to store them?
Most of us have several passwords, and we&rsquo;re encouraged to never duplicate them. Some people simply write them all down on a piece of paper &mdash; which is fraught with danger. But others store their passwords electronically.
As you&rsquo;re about to find out, not all electronic systems of password storage are <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">safe</a>. Here are five of the most dangerous ways to store your passwords.&nbsp;
But before we begin:
Avoid bad idea passwords and dangerous storage methods with TeamPassword. This advanced <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">password manager for teams</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#email" rel="follow">Email</a></li>
<li><a href="#Documents" rel="follow">Online Documents</a></li>
<li><a href="#instantmessaging" rel="follow">Instant Messaging Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#onlinenotetaker" rel="follow">Online Note-taker</a></li>
<li><a href="#nonpasswordprotecteddevice" rel="follow">On a Non-Password-Protected Device</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 id="email">1. Email</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/efPCc2QZQ7C0OT1KeoKe" alt="" width="655" height="88">
We've all been there: struggling to remember a new password and considering emailing it to ourselves for safekeeping. While it might seem convenient, emailing passwords is a terrible security practice with far-reaching consequences. Here's why:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="7:3-7:245">Unencrypted Transmission: Emails often travel in plain text, like postcards. Anyone with access to the data stream &ndash; hackers, scammers, or even compromised servers &ndash; could easily intercept the email and steal your password in its entirety.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:33">Multiple Vulnerable Points: Even if the email itself is encrypted, your password is exposed at several stages. It's stored on your device before sending, sits unencrypted on email servers during transit, and resides in your sent folder &ndash; all potential points of entry for attackers.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:248">Local Storage Risks: Many email platforms store data locally on your devices. If your computer, phone, or tablet is stolen or infected with malware, even deleted emails containing passwords might be recoverable, putting your accounts at risk.</li>
</ul>
The ease with which cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities makes emailing passwords a high-stakes gamble. A stolen password could grant them access to your bank accounts, social media profiles, email itself, and more. The <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">damage can be immense</a>, so why risk it for a temporary convenience?

<h2 id="Documents">2. Online Documents</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Hh6oH8AzTMSnQFUaPHR9" alt="" width="216" height="235">
A lot of people like the convenience of saving crucial information using online document systems such as Google Docs. But this is a bad idea for passwords, as these systems are designed for text &mdash; not sensitive data.
Yes, a password might protect your online document manager from unauthorized access. But what happens if that password is compromised? Many document software platforms don&rsquo;t offer encryption, two-step verification, or even the most basic security measures.&nbsp;
If you use online documents regularly, you&rsquo;re probably accessing your account on a regular basis &mdash; across several devices. What happens if you step away for a moment to buy a coffee, speak to a friend, or use the bathroom?
A criminal can access an unattended online document platform in seconds. And if this happens, it doesn't take a lot of effort to steal your unsafe passwords.&nbsp;
<h2 id="instantmessaging">3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging (IM) services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat offer a convenient way to communicate, but they are not designed for securely storing passwords. While some IM platforms offer end-to-end encryption for message content, they lack crucial security features necessary for password management.
People who store their passwords on these apps do so because they believe they&rsquo;re fully encrypted. While that&rsquo;s often the case, it&rsquo;s important to remember that instant messaging services are often left open and operating in the background.
Imagine someone picks up your phone while you&rsquo;re not paying attention. If you left your device unlocked, that person would be able to access your password in seconds.
Here's why storing passwords on IM apps is a security risk:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: IM apps are designed to run in the background on unlocked devices. This means anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone or computer could potentially view your unencrypted passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:164">Accidental Sharing: A single inadvertent tap or screenshot could send your password to someone unintended, compromising the security of your online accounts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Limited Security Features: Unlike dedicated password managers, IM applications typically lack features like secure password generation, two-factor authentication, and strong encryption specifically designed to protect passwords.</li>
</ul>
Dedicated password management applications offer robust security features like encryption, secure storage, and auto-fill functionality for logins.
<h2 id="onlinenotetaker">4. Online Note-taker</h2>
While online note-taking applications like Apple Notes offer a convenient platform for managing everyday tasks and reminders, they are demonstrably unsuitable for storing sensitive information, particularly passwords. These platforms, designed for general purpose note-taking, lack the robust security features essential for safeguarding confidential credentials.
Here's why online note-taking apps pose a significant security risk for passwords:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:314">Absence of Multi-Factor Authentication: Unlike dedicated password managers, these applications typically do not offer multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond a simple password, significantly hindering unauthorized access attempts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:322">Limited Encryption Capabilities: While some note-taking applications may offer basic encryption features, they often fall short of the robust encryption protocols employed by dedicated password management solutions. This weaker encryption leaves sensitive data vulnerable to potential decryption by malicious actors.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="13:3-13:97">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: Online note-taking apps are designed for ease of use and accessibility. This ease of access translates to a vulnerability. If a user's device remains unlocked and unattended, a perpetrator would only need to access the specific application to view unencrypted passwords.</li>
</ul>
In a world of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is critical to prioritize robust security practices. Online note-taking applications simply do not provide the necessary safeguards for password management. Users are strongly advised to consider secure alternatives, such as dedicated password managers or offline password vaults, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their login credentials.
<h2 id="nonpasswordprotecteddevice">5. On a Non-Password-Protected Device</h2>
Of all the bad ideas for passwords, storing them on non-password-protected devices is about the worst. You might think that your tablet or laptop never leaves your side. But if your device is ever stolen, you&rsquo;ve given the criminals the easiest possible opportunity to access your saved passwords.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re determined to store passwords on a physical device &mdash; which is never a good idea &mdash; make sure the device password is a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. And it should contain at least 12 characters.&nbsp;
<h2 data-sourcepos="7:1-7:6">Control Your Security and Choose Convenience with TeamPassword</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="The TeamPassword Extension for Chrome lets you sign into any account in seconds" width="828" height="466">
Our digital vault safeguards your passwords with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and ironclad two-step authentication. Stop wasting time remembering &ndash; TeamPassword empowers you with secure, one-click logins across all your devices.
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Divide passwords into groups to share with appropriate team members</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Enforce 2FA for all users</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">View activity logs for all of your records</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Use the TeamPassword browser extensions and mobile apps for lightning-fast access everywhere</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Save money with affordable plans configured for YOU</li>
</ul>
Don't settle for password purgatory. Take control with TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for your FREE trial today</a> and experience the power of effortless security!

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

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

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

Passwords inundate our brains in this technological era.
While simple passwords like '123456' may be easy to remember, it&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword#whyaresomepasswordsstrong" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">poses a security risk</a>. Password managers are an excellent solution that provides secure storage for all your passwords while remaining easily accessible.
The abundance of password managers available in the market can make it challenging to determine the best fit for you or your organization.
We're here to help! Our article thoroughly compares Dashlane, LastPass, and TeamPassword, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses so you can make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Table of Contents
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#featuresoverview" rel="follow">Features Overview</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#commonfeatures" rel="follow">Common Features</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#uniquefeatures" rel="follow">Unique Features</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#usability" rel="follow">Usability</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#sharingcapabilities" rel="follow">Sharing Capabilities</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#security" rel="follow">Security</a></li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#devicecompatibility" rel="follow">Device Compatibility</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="#pricing" rel="follow">Pricing</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="featuresoverview">Features Overview</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane Features</h3>
Dashlane is a password manager that prides itself on being "security-first." It boasts top-notch encryption and dark web monitoring to protect your information from breaches. Additionally, Dashlane offers convenient features such as on-the-go access, unlimited sharing, and a unique password generator to help you easily manage your passwords.
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass Features</h3>
LastPass is the biggest password manager by far, though we&rsquo;ve watched those numbers slide after the recent breach. LastPass aims to overwhelm you with features such as a security dashboard that helps you identify weak or duplicate passwords and the ability to grant emergency access to your account to trusted family members or friends in case of an emergency.
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword Features</h3>
As a password management solution built with teams and businesses in mind, TeamPassword prides itself on its affordable rates and easy sharing features that set it apart from its competitors. Its key features include a favorites list, password refresh reminders, and access to Google Single Sign-on offered with all plans. It has been recognized as one of the most user-friendly business password managers.
<h2 id="commonfeatures">Common Features</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Common features of Dashlane, LastPass, and TeamPassword:&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Custom Groups for Team Organization</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Two-Factor Authentication</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Group Sharing</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Password Generator</li>
</ul>
These features come standard with most password managers including the topics of this article. They&rsquo;ll operate differently based on the company, but the functionality is the same.&nbsp;
<h2 id="uniquefeatures">Unique Features</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane Unique Features</h3>
Dashlane&rsquo;s most unique offering is the ability to change all your passwords at once on supported websites with one click. They also offer a public Wi-Fi VPM, advanced reporting, identity theft protection, and enterprise mass deployment.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass Unique Features</h3>
LastPass provides an Emergency Access feature that allows you to grant trusted family or friends access to your account in an emergency. They boast 1,200+ pre-integrated SSO apps and 100+ customizable policies, though you&rsquo;ll need to pay extra for these features.
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword Unique Features</h3>
Designed for teams, TeamPassword places a premium on simplicity. It has learned that if password hygiene is too complicated, employees won&rsquo;t do it. TeamPassword enables you to create an unlimited number of groups to share passwords with a small team or your entire organization, all with just a few clicks. It offers live customer support and frequently adds features based on the user feedback that it gathers.&nbsp;
<h2 id="usability">Usability</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane Usability</h3>
Dashlane's sleek user interface makes it a standout option. This platform is equipped with a range of security features that prioritize your protection, such as breach notifications and dark web insight alerts, placing it alongside its competitors as a powerful and versatile tool.
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass Usability</h3>
LastPass has been criticized for being overly complicated. It&rsquo;s loaded with features; if you find a feature unique to LastPass that you absolutely must have, it may be your best option. But the complexity can keep employees from adopting it as part of their workflow.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword Usability</h3>
TeamPassword has created a UI that is intuitive and user-friendly through extensive testing. As with its competitors, it offers browser extensions and built-in password generators for an efficient, enjoyable experience. TeamPassword is so intuitive your new staff will catch on quickly. No need to add another element to their onboarding schedule.
<h2 id="sharingcapabilities">Sharing Capabilities&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane password sharing</h3>
Dashlane's sharing functionality allows users to share multiple passwords with multiple individuals using sharing groups, but it requires that those individuals have a Dashlane account.
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass password sharing</h3>
LastPass allows you to share passwords with an individual user by entering their email address, so any changes to that password will sync between your accounts. You can also share folders of passwords with other people. All users must have a LastPass account.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword password sharing</h3>
TeamPassword's main emphasis is on sharing, and the platform is organized into groups of records that correspond to different departments or projects, such as Marketing, Sales, or the iOS Dev Team. Adding or removing users from these groups is simple, and users can easily share their own records with one or more groups. However, just like LastPass and Dashlane, sharing passwords requires that users have an account and be part of your organization.&nbsp;
<h2 id="security">Security</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane Security</h3>
With AES-256 encryption, Dashlane securely transfers your data to its servers while dark web monitoring is in place to safeguard against potential threats.
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass Security</h3>
LastPass uses AES-256 encryption and the other safeguards expected in the industry.&nbsp; However, due to <a href="https://www.privacytools.io/guides/7-publicly-known-lastpass-security-breaches-since-2011">seven breaches</a> in the last few years - by far more than any other password manager - some of LastPass&rsquo;s security practices have come under <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/28/23529547/lastpass-vault-breach-disclosure-encryption-cybersecurity-rebuttal">intense scrutiny</a> from experts. In its current state, many experts do not recommend LastPass.
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword Security</h3>
TeamPassword uses AES-256 encryption, and Google Single Sign-on is included with all plans. TeamPassword employs backend fraud analytics to identify and prevent suspicious activity. Its platform is equipped with audit tools for admins, allowing them to monitor access, changes, and removal of records by team members. Additionally, admins can enforce two-factor authentication throughout the organization.
<h2 id="devicecompatibility">Device compatibility</h2>
Dashlane, LastPass, and TeamPassword are similarly matched. These password managers work seamlessly on Windows and Mac OS, as well as on mobile devices running iOS or Android. They are used primarily through web browser apps and extensions, but LastPass does offer a Windows desktop application - though not to users on their free plan. They also tell you to expect performance degradation after 2,500 items are added.&nbsp;
<h2 id="pricing">Pricing</h2>
Although all three password managers offer excellent features, the price factor will play a major role in determining which one is the best fit for you.
<h3 dir="ltr">Dashlane Pricing</h3>
$0 to $8.99 per user / month
Team plan: $5 per user / month
Business: $8 per user / month
<h3 dir="ltr">LastPass Pricing</h3>
Solo users and families: $0 to $4 per user / month
Teams: $4 per user / month
Business: $6 per user / month
<h3 dir="ltr">TeamPassword Pricing</h3>
$1.66 to $7.60 per user / month
Dashlane and Lastpass offer variable prices depending on your needs. They do offer free plans, which are great for individual users, but businesses will want more feature-rich options.&nbsp;
TeamPassword is designed for businesses, and this extends to pricing. TeamPassword offers its yearly plans for just $1.66 per user per month for the first six months. After six months, the cost rises to $4.16 per month per user, with additional discounts based on plan size.&nbsp;
As an example, TeamPassword offers Google SSO with all of its plans, whereas SSO is locked to the $8 and $6 plans for Dashlane and LastPass, respectively.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Secure Your Passwords with TeamPassword</h2>
Dashlane, LastPass, and TeamPassword each have unique advantages and disadvantages. Dashlane stands out for its comprehensive security features, while LastPass offers many add-ons. Its security has come into question, however.&nbsp;
TeamPassword is the most cost-effective and easy-to-use option and is tailored specifically to the needs of teams and businesses.
Choosing the right password manager is entirely your decision. We&rsquo;ve outlined the pertinent differences related to a password manager for your business. Hopefully, you feel equipped to make the best decision for your needs!
Get started with a <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial of TeamPassword</a> today!
Interested in how 1Password stacks up against Dashlane and TeamPassword? Check out our comparison&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/dashlane-vs-1password-vs-teampassword" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is here with a detailed comparison of Dashlane vs LastPass. Discover the differences between some of the top password managers on the market. Learn about their most unique features to help you choose the best one.

Passwords inundate our brains in this technological era. While simple passwords like '123456' may be easy to remember, ...

Dashlane vs. Lastpass (vs. TeamPassword)

Passwords inundate our brains in this technological era. While simple passwords like '123456' may be easy to remember, it poses a security risk . Password managers are an excellent solution that provides secure storage for all your passwords while remaining easily accessible. The abundance of password managers available in the ...

Dashlane vs. LastPass (vs. TeamPassword)

The number of businesses still clinging to outdated software like a toddler to a soggy security blanket is frankly embarrassing. It's like leaving your front door wide open and inviting the neighborhood raccoons in for a Cheetos binge.&nbsp;
Now, if you're a manager with employees under your wing, then cybersecurity needs to be a top priority. These folks are on the front lines, facing down phishing scams and malware attacks every single day.
Here's the deal: there are a bunch of rookie mistakes that can leave your company vulnerable. Let's tackle the big five and make sure you're not committing them.
<h2>1. Failing to Train Employees on Cybersecurity</h2>
One of the most important things you can do as a manager is to <a href="https://www.chanty.com/blog/security-best-practices-for-remote-teams/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">train your staff on cybersecurity</a>. This means they understand the risks they face and how to mitigate them.&nbsp;

You don&rsquo;t want to scare them, but you want to make sure they know how to protect themselves and the company from cyber threats. This can include understanding the latest <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">hacking techniques</a> and how they&rsquo;re used to target businesses like yours, how ransomware works, how to avoid phishing (a common method hackers use to try to steal data), and more.&nbsp;
If they find the topic overwhelming, start them with a video such as this one:
<iframe width="560" height="314" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wBgWJFVt2RI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
You can even ask your IT department to create a cybersecurity training module that all employees can access. This can help ensure that everyone knows the latest threats and knows what to do if something happens. Plus, it can help prevent employees from panicking when an incident does occur.
<h2>2. Using Outdated Hardware and Not Updating Software</h2>
If your employees use outdated hardware and software, that may put your business at risk. For example, if they&rsquo;re using computers with Windows 7, security patches for that version have stopped being released. That means that hackers could easily exploit any bugs that might be present in the software.&nbsp;

You don&rsquo;t want computers with outdated software on your network. This could increase your risk of malware infections and other security incidents. If possible, you should provide employees with the newest hardware and software.&nbsp;

If you&rsquo;re managing a large business, replacing every computer in the company might not be feasible. However, you can ensure your IT team is putting in the effort to keep computers secure. This means installing security patches and updating antivirus software regularly.
<h2>3. Not Using Strong, Unique Passwords</h2>
Employees might have habits that could put your company at risk. For example, some employees might have old habits from their personal lives, such as refusing to change their passwords. Or, they might be using a password that&rsquo;s easy to guess.&nbsp;

Cybercriminals know that many people don&rsquo;t change their passwords regularly, so they try to target people who use the same password. If <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-dangerous-ways-to-store-your-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">they get access to one of your employee&rsquo;s accounts</a>, they can use it to try to get access to a lot of other accounts. You don&rsquo;t want this to happen to your business.&nbsp;

Make sure that all of your employees use strong, unique passwords. Ideally, they should be fully randomized using something like <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">this password generator</a>. Consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) on your sensitive accounts. This means that employees must enter a unique code and their password to log in. 2FA makes it much harder for hackers to break into their accounts.
<h2>4. Storing Sensitive Data in the Cloud Without Encryption</h2>
If you&rsquo;re using the cloud for storage, you might have employees storing sensitive data there. While this can be useful for sharing documents with clients and partners, you must also ensure that information is safe. Some <a href="https://blog.internxt.com/best-private-cloud-storage/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">cloud providers</a>, like Internxt, let you encrypt your data.&nbsp;

You could risk your business if you&rsquo;re storing sensitive data in the cloud without encryption. Hackers could access it if they get into the cloud account, which is very relevant to SaaS businesses and can be one of the <a href="https://blog.coupler.io/saas-challenges" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">SaaS management challenges</a>. This could lead to a breach that has severe financial and reputational consequences for your business.&nbsp;

You want to ensure you&rsquo;re storing sensitive data in the cloud with encryption. This way, even if a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">hacker gets into your account</a>, they won&rsquo;t be able to read your data. Some providers also charge less if you encrypt your data. So, it could actually be cheaper to use encryption than not.
<h2>5. Having No Processes for Detecting Breaches and Incidents</h2>
Another type of common cybersecurity mistake does not have processes in place to detect breaches and incidents. You might have employees who are logging in from unsecured computers. Or computers that have malware, viruses, or other programs installed that could lead to a breach. You might not even realize something has gone wrong until it&rsquo;s too late.
&nbsp;
You might have employees accidentally sharing sensitive material with the wrong person. Or someone who inadvertently sends sensitive information to the wrong person. You might have an employee falsifying data, or another malicious employee could be trying to frame someone else. You don&rsquo;t want to miss any of these things.&nbsp;

You want to make sure you&rsquo;re prepared for them so you can resolve the situation as quickly as possible. To do this, you can create a list of events you want to be aware of, such as a new computer being added to your network or someone logging in from an unusual IP address.
<h2>Managing Employees While Protecting Your Company Online</h2>
Finally, while you want to protect your business from cybersecurity mistakes, you also don&rsquo;t want to create a culture of fear. You don&rsquo;t want employees to be so scared of making a mistake that they stop taking any action at all.&nbsp;

Instead, make sure that you&rsquo;re providing resources for employees to learn about cybersecurity. And encourage them to ask questions if they don&rsquo;t understand something. You can also provide employees with the tools they need to protect themselves online.<a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"> Password managers</a> are one of the best tools available to protect teams from cybersecurity threats. Also consider security services like antivirus software, a <a href="https://internxt.com/virus-scanner" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">virus scanner</a>, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password strength checker</a>, or an add-on to help them avoid phishing attempts.&nbsp;

You must protect your company from cybersecurity mistakes, and you can only do so by being aware of the risks and putting in the effort to make sure those risks don&rsquo;t become real problems.
 Author bio: Mia Naumoska is a Chief Marketing Officer at <a href="https://internxt.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Internxt</a> - the world's most secure cloud storage. With over a decade of experience in marketing, Mia is responsible for Internxt&rsquo;s overall marketing strategy, managing a fantastic team of marketing experts. Feel free to connect with Mia on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mianaumoska/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.

If you manage employees, it’s crucial that you understand the risks they face and how you can protect them from cyber threats.

If you manage employees, it’s crucial that you understand the risks they face and how you can protect ...

5 Cybersecurity Mistakes Every Boss Should Be Aware Of In 2023

If you manage employees, it’s crucial that you understand the risks they face and how you can protect them from cyber threats. You’d be surprised how many businesses still haven’t updated their software or how many don’t have antivirus software installed on their computers.

5 Cybersecurity Mistakes Every Boss Should Be Aware Of In 2024

We've all worked with agencies who don't have their processes together, causing projects to run over schedule and over budget. Password managers provide a built-in procedure for handling sensitive information so you can win clients&rsquo; trust and outperform the competition. Not all password managers are created with business security in mind. Make sure yours has the following features so that you're improving security&nbsp;and&nbsp;saving time.&nbsp;
<h2>Control Access</h2>
Follow two simple steps to ensure your team members have the up-to-date information they need, and clients feel secure knowing that only the people directly involved in their project have access to their information.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Create an individual Group for the client where you&rsquo;ll store all their specific logins</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add agency team members working on that client&rsquo;s account</li>
</ol>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/K8IRmYGKRDGsltcdm3Om" alt="undefined" width="335" height="261" class="butter-float-left" /></h2>
<h2>Generate Secure Passwords</h2>
Show clients that you take the threat of hacking very seriously. Utilizing <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword&rsquo;s password generator</a> to create long, randomized passwords for you and your clients adds yet another layer of security to protect your (and their) online information.
<h2>Store and Share Client Passwords Securely</h2>
I&rsquo;d hate to be the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2022-uber-breach#:~:text=In%20this%20case%2C%20one%20Uber%20contractor%20unknowingly%20allowed%20the%20hackers%20the%20access%20they%20needed." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">contractor targeted</a> during the 2022 Uber data breach. In that instance, poor password hygiene opened the door for the cybercriminal to bully the contractor into giving up their multi-factor authentication code. Help your employees, your clients, and ultimately yourself by using a product built to share passwords securely. TeamPassword allows you to add and remove users with the click of a button.&nbsp;
<h2>Streamline Processes</h2>
With TeamPassword, we give you a centralized, client-friendly way to request logins so you can start providing value to your client (and start logging billable hours) immediately. Our streamlined process makes you look like the pro you are &mdash; and promises that you&rsquo;ll never waste your clients time having to go back to ask for passwords.
If you&rsquo;re interested in trying TeamPassword with a 14-day free trial, sign up <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>!

Having good password processes in place shows new clients that your agency is credible, efficient and security conscious.

We've all worked with agencies who don't have their processes together, causing projects to run over schedule and ...

Improve your Agency's Security - Get a Password Manager

We've all worked with agencies who don't have their processes together, causing projects to run over schedule and over budget. TeamPassword provides a built-in procedure for handling sensitive information so you can win clients’ trust and outperform the competition. Having good password processes in place shows new clients that your ...

Solving Common Agency Problems with a Password Manager

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

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

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

How to Talk to Remote Employees About Cybersecurity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Remote Work Improves Developer Engagement and Retention

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

Online businesses can be lucrative, but they come with the risk of cyberattacks, which have become routine events these days.&nbsp;

We regularly hear news about data breaches and other types of attacks using new techniques to steal customers' information and hack websites.&nbsp;Many businesses have suffered massive losses because of cybercrimes. To succeed in the e-commerce business it is essential to create a safe environment for your customers.&nbsp;

How can you ensure online business security? This article is a comprehensive guide to help you secure your online business and prevent a potential cyber-attack. Let's get started.

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Want to Secure Online Business? Follow These 8 Effective Tips</h1>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Install Anti-virus Software</h3>
Virus, <a href="https://ransomware.org/">ransomware</a>, and trojan horse attacks are common. However, using anti-virus software can mitigate the risk of cyberattacks to a considerable degree.&nbsp;

Anti-virus software prevents diverse <a href="https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-types-of-malware.html">types of malware</a> from attacking your e-commerce website and other web applications. When someone tries to install a malicious program or access sensitive data, the anti-virus program will alert you and prevent them from completing the action.&nbsp;

However, not all anti-virus software is equally effective. Assess their features and benefits before subscribing to one. At a minimum, make sure the one you choose has real-time protection, scheduled scans, and automatic updates.

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Use an SSL Certificate</h3>
When you run an online business, thousands of people visit your website daily. Presumably, your customers will pay online, which increases the risk of their payment details getting exposed to criminals.&nbsp;
If your website does not have an SSL certificate, it is easier for attackers to access your customers' data. When you use an SSL certificate users' input data is encrypted on the website and then transferred in an unreadable form. This prevents hackers from deciphering the information even if they have access to it, which is essential to secure online business.&nbsp;
Using an SSL certificate makes your website more dependable, increases shoppers&rsquo; sense of security, and builds trust between you and your customers.
You can easily purchase and install a reliable single-domain or multi-domain SSL certificate for your online business from an online provider. Some, such as <a href="https://www.clickssl.net/cheapest-wildcard-ssl-certificate-for-sub-domains">Wildcard SSL Certificate</a>, offer reliable protection at comparatively lower prices.

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Ensure Everyone Uses a Strong Password</h3>
Password breach is a major threat to online business security. The majority of e-commerce employees not only access the business website regularly but also require access to numerous other web applications and sites. Many people use simple passwords like a sequence of numerals or letters, which increases the risk of hacking as criminals can crack them easily. If a cybercriminal successfully hacks an employee&rsquo;s account, they may be able to access your data and that of your customers. Requiring your employees to use strong passwords can protect your business from <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk">brute force attacks</a>.&nbsp;
You can test the <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">strength of your passwords</a> and use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> to ensure that your passwords are secure. Do your employees share login details? Try TeamPassword&rsquo;s password management tool <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*1pfz5ua*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2NTc1Njg3OTkuQ2owS0NRandsSy1XQmhEakFSSXNBTzJzRXJTUFY4LTNHdnRNT0gxY3dhYkRqWkVham43bm5IRjVTZkVqbERJWWVwMl9fdkgxT2lrdTI0MGFBcDFMRUFMd193Y0I.#signup/testimonial">free for 14-days</a>.
Many e-commerce sites require customers to create an account. This too can create vulnerabilities. Once cybercriminals create an account they are part of your online community and can potentially access sensitive data or negatively affect your credibility. To protect your business you should require everyone creating an account on your website to use a strong password. A minimum of 12 characters that combine numbers, letters, and special characters is best.

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Train Your Employees to Identify a Threat</h3>
Many organizations don't train their employees to detect cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;
Not all of your employees may be tech savvy or aware of cyber security risks. As a result, they might do something unintentionally like respond to a phishing email or download files that install malicious programs.&nbsp;
Criminals are becoming increasingly clever at finding ways to breach websites&rsquo; security in order to access sensitive data. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-the-most-important-topic-your-team-can-learn-about-this-year">Educating your employees</a> to understand their methods in order to identify threats is essential to prevent cyberattacks and secure your online business.&nbsp;

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Scan your website regularly&nbsp;</h3>
Your website is the most crucial part of your online business as most transactions take place here. Many people visit your website for shopping, or to get information about your products. Hackers scan websites to identify ones that will be easier to exploit.&nbsp;
A little security lapse can put your website at great risk, as miscreants can access critical data or hack your website before you know they&rsquo;re there. Securing your e-commerce website plays a crucial role in online business security. A <a href="https://pentest-tools.com/website-vulnerability-scanning/website-scanner">regular scan</a> of your website helps detect vulnerabilities and bridge security gaps. This can be done internally or externally by a cybersecurity company.&nbsp;

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Have Security Policies in Place</h3>
A cybersecurity policy is essential for every organization. You need to adopt a security policy that meets the needs of your business and ensure everyone in the organization adheres to it.&nbsp;
How do you design a security policy? There are templates available online. However, hiring professional cybersecurity personnel is an excellent way to secure your online business, whether you add them to your payroll or contract with a cybersecurity provider. Cybersecurity professionals will have the ability to detect vulnerabilities in your website, make improvements, and recommend a security policy that is best suited for your business.&nbsp;
Remember that any hardware you connect to the Internet is vulnerable, not just your computer. Digital ordering tools, smart appliances, and your <a href="https://solink.com/resources/ultimate-guide-to-pos-security/" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener" class="sh-color-blue sh-color">point of sale (POS) system</a> can all be hacked. &nbsp;

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Don't Store Customer's Sensitive Information</h3>
When you run an e-commerce business, you will have access to users' personal and payment details. Storing customers' credit card information and other sensitive information in your database can be a threat to your online business&rsquo; security as it may attract cybercriminals to your site and expose you to a breach.
Instead of storing the credit card information yourself, hire a third party to manage the financial transaction. Many <a href="https://www.shopify.com/">third-party e-commerce platforms</a> provide top-of-the-line protection and are easy to implement.&nbsp;

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Backup Your Data</h3>
You can implement the best online security policies, but still, you may not be able to mitigate the risk completely. Preparing for the worst situation is a wise way to reduce the impact of a cyberattack.&nbsp;
In the event that a hacker takes over your website and other applications, you may lose some data forever. It is wise to backup both your and your customers&rsquo; critical data. Even though it won't help in preventing the attacks, backing up your data will ensure you don't lose it forever.

Conclusion:&nbsp;

Online business is a lucrative profession that allows you to sell your products or services to customers from another part of the country or even abroad. However, it involves cybersecurity threats as well.&nbsp;
To succeed in this business, you have to ensure your website, mobile application, and other online tools are secure.&nbsp;
A security breach can damage your reputation, and your competitors will exploit the opportunity. You must take measures to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of customers' data.&nbsp;
We have discussed a few tips to help you secure online business. Implementing these will help you minimize the risk and earn your customer's trust.

Online businesses can be lucrative, but they come with the risk of cyberattacks. These simple steps will help protect your online business.

Online businesses can be lucrative, but they come with the risk of cyberattacks. How can you ensure online ...

How To Secure Your Online Business Against Cyberattacks?

Online businesses can be lucrative, but they come with the risk of cyberattacks. How can you ensure online business security? This article is a comprehensive guide to help you secure your online business and prevent a potential cyber-attack.

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

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

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login

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

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

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