Over the last decade, the gig economy boom has allowed professionals worldwide to switch to freelancing and build a network of international clients.&nbsp;
According to Upwork, 1 in 3 US workers engaged in freelance work during 2020. Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Does your company hire freelancers? How do you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share passwords with freelancers</a>? TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for small businesses, startups, and agencies to share credentials securely with team members and freelancers. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>10 Successful Freelancers</h2>
Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records&mdash;many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>1. Marcos Rezende - UX designer - Canada</h3>
Marcos Rezende is a UX Designer from Ontario, Canada, with more than 13 years of experience. Marcos has worked in over 30 industry sectors for multinational organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Brazil.&nbsp;
Some of Marcos' notable projects include apps for Ontario's COVID-19 dashboard, Urban Master Planning collaboration platform, and Reaction (kid's e-learning app), to name a few.&nbsp;
Marcos loves sharing his industry expertise with aspiring UX designers and regularly writes for the popular UX publication Career Foundry. Total recognizes Marcos as part of its "Top 3%" of global freelancer talent&mdash;a title given to elite freelancers in their given field.
We don't have access to Marcos' rates, but the best UX designers on Upwork earn upwards of $100 per hour. As a Toptal Top 3% freelancer, Marcos likely charges $200-$300 per hour.
<a href="https://www.marcosrezende.com/">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende">awwwards.</a> in 2021.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1">Kathy Edens is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $300k platform earnings! Kathy has been self-employed as a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter for almost ten years from her home in Ohio, United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Psychology from Oregon State University, which she says "...helps me understand how to reach your target audience with words."&nbsp;
Kathy has ghost-written several non-fiction books on various topics, including social entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate investing, and the cannabis industry, to name a few.
Kathy also writes web content, sales pages, email marketing content, case studies, white papers, brochures, press releases, and more. Kathy's rates start at $86 per hour for her writing and marketing services.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>3. Koen van Oeveren - UX designer - Netherlands</h3>
Koen van Oeveren is a freelance UI &amp; UX designer from North Brabant, Netherlands, with almost ten years of experience. Koen works with several design agencies in the Netherlands, designing apps, websites, and eCommerce experiences for many international brands.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Koen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Multimedia Design from Avans University in the Netherlands. Koen's <a href="https://www.koenvo.com/index.html">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio">2021 awwwards. Award</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>4. Pascal Strasche - Product / UX designer - Germany</h3>
Pascal Strasche is a product and UX designer with more than ten years of design experience from Germany. He holds a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, both from HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
For almost a year over 2020/2021, Pascal worked as the sole product designer to design Con Cubo's SaaS tool that helps complex organizations visualize and manage teams. He's also worked with German steel giant XOM Materials to find product solutions to digitalize&nbsp;Germany's steel industry.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In 2019, Pascal founded Product Design Resources, a growing archive of 800+ design resources, weekly updated for the design community.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>5. Paul Hunkin - Developer - New Zealand</h3>
Paul Hunkin is a freelance software consultant and developer from Tauranga, New Zealand, but currently living in Portugal.&nbsp;
Paul has over ten years of experience as a software developer with an impressive work history, including Google, NASA, InfoSys, and the Chinese aerospace industry leader COMAC.
He's worked with several early-stage startups designing everything from high-performance big-data systems to complex web applications to 3D rendering engines. He's also built a lot of the foundational code for independent games on Android.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Paul is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. His rates start at $120 per hour for software development. <a href="https://paulh.consulting/">Check out Paul's website</a> for more about his impressive portfolio and work history.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>6. Jana Galat - Writer / Brand Strategist - Canada</h3>
Jana Galat is a freelance copywriter and brand strategist from Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Studies from King's University College and an Honors in Business Administration from Western University.
Jana has extensive experience writing landing pages, email campaigns, social media ads, and print materials and says, "I am obsessed with creating copy that sells..."
After several years of professional work experience, Jana went freelance in 2019 and has quickly built a reputation as a <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01bfa17a48301876dd">Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $70k in platform earnings. Jana's rates start at $100 per hour for copywriting and brand consulting.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>7. Kate H. - Logo Designer / Branding Expert - United States</h3>
Kate is a freelance professional logo designer and branding expert from Maryland, United States. Kate&nbsp;ran her own green wedding brand which she sold to mywedding.com in 2014, allowing her to focus on helping small&nbsp;businesses figure out what they want (and who they are) and translate that into design.
She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale School of The Environmental, and a J.D. in environmental law from Pace Law School.&nbsp;
Kate's skillset includes redesigning and updating material to make it easier to understand, building a consistent brand from a simple starting point like a logo, and creating unique logos that guarantee results.
Kate is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer, and her rates start at $225 per hour. You can find out more about Kate on her <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~013ce73876c1c18126" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Upwork profile</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>8. Xhensila Zemblaku - Art Director - Canada</h3>
Xhensila Zemblaku is a freelance art director, UX/UI designer, and illustrator from Markham, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University with almost ten years of experience.
Xhensila has been a freelancer for most of her professional career and earned over <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a08d1fcc6ea8fbcb">$400k on Upwork</a>, completed over 150 jobs, and 4,663 hours!&nbsp;
Xhensila's work includes typography, print design, UX/UI design, web, and mobile design. She's a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $200 per hour for various creative gigs.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>9. Tanya Litvinova - UX/UI Designer - United States</h3>
Tanya Litvinova is a freelance UX/UI designer from New York City, United States. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design / Communication Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Tanya specializes in product, mobile, and web design as well as user experience flow, research, and validation.
"I have a passion to make the complex simple, shape behavior, design, plan, and strategize. Aiming for the best user experience, all the while balancing the needs of business and technology to create engaging, habit-forming digital products."
Tanya has worked with Fortune 100 &amp; Fortune 500 companies and successfully delivered business-transforming data-driven analytics, responsive BI dashboards, enterprise web apps, and management systems. Some of Tanya's notable clients include KOCH Industries, BlackRock Financial, BCG Group, and FireEye, to name a few.
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0165035041b26e96df">Tanya is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with more than $200k platform earnings. Her current rate starts at $162.50 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>10. Guangming Lang - Data Scientist - United States</h3>
Guangming Lang is a freelance data scientist from Michigan, United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from New College of Florida and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. Guangming has also completed several Coursera courses in data science and machine learning.
Guangming has been a freelancer since 2013 and has worked across several industries, including fintech, trading, medicine, biotech, advertising, and HR.&nbsp;
Guangming is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. He's completed 216 jobs on Upwork totaling 3,805 hours! Guangming's current rates start at $200 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Secure Freelancer Workflows With TeamPassword</h2>
No matter how talented or reputable the freelancers and contractors you hire, your company must use secure workflows to protect your digital assets.
Freelancers often need access to shared accounts and tools. Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is the first step to securing these accounts and platforms. You can also use a password manager to share credentials with employees, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure you never expose raw passwords via email, spreadsheets, chat apps, and other non-secure methods.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> lets you create groups to share access with only those who need it. When they're done, revoke access with a single click. No need to change passwords every time someone leaves the team.
If you do need to change a password, TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password management solution</a>? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free trial</a> to secure your company's digital assets today!

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

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

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

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

Explore what a password manager is, why they are so important for startups, and which password manager is best for your team.

Explore what a password manager is, why they are so important for startups, and which password manager is ...

Best Password Manager for Startups

With security threats around every corner, no business, large or small, is safe from cyberattacks. Some cybercriminals want millions of dollars, while others go for easy targets, picking off a few hundred dollars here and there.
These might seem like small sums, but in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, where the average monthly wage is less than $500, cybercriminals can earn a decent living working just a few hours a week.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Mitigating security threats starts with effective password management. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day trial</a> of TeamPassword's robust credential management solution for small businesses.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>What are Cybersecurity Threats?</h2>
Cybersecurity or security threats are the risks and vulnerabilities an organization has which are open for attacks. Companies can identify these risks through a comprehensive <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">security audit</a> and determine how to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Why do Cybercriminals Attack Small Businesses?</h3>
Cybercriminals attack small businesses for many of the same reasons they breach large corporations, including:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Financial gain</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sensitive data or intellectual property</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supply chain attack strategies - infiltrating a weaker network as a conduit to a bigger target</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ransomware</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Installing malware</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corporate sabotage or espionage</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Small businesses are significantly easier to breach than larger organizations with sophisticated security systems.
Most of the time, it's low-level criminals trying to hack small businesses&mdash;hijacking digital assets, stealing data, or holding systems ransom. Still, occasionally, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/category/hacking-groups">cyberespionage groups</a> infiltrate small companies to gather intel or as a means to a much larger target.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Top 6 Security Threats for Small Businesses</h2>
Small businesses face many security threats every day&mdash;and most of the time, they never realize it!&nbsp;
For example, hackers use automated tools (bots) to crawl platforms and networks, trying username and password combinations in an attempt to breach the system&mdash;sometimes hundreds or thousands of times a day. Firewalls and anti-virus software works in the background, shielding businesses from these constant attacks.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here are the top six security threats for small businesses in 2021.&nbsp;
<h3>1 - Reusing and Weak Passwords</h3>
Two of the most common password errors small businesses make are:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reusing passwords for multiple accounts</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Using weak, easy to guess passwords</li>
</ul>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Reusing passwords is a dangerous practice. Hackers only need to steal one set of credentials, and they have access to multiple company accounts using the same password.&nbsp;
Hackers use stolen credentials from a data breach and attempt to use the same username and password for other platforms until they find a match&mdash;also known as a credential stuffing attack.
Weak passwords are also common among small businesses. Team members create weak passwords to manage multiple accounts logins using words anyone can guess.
Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager like TeamPassword</a> can eliminate reusing credentials and weak passwords.&nbsp;
TeamPassword features a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> so that team members can create and store secure passwords with just a few clicks. You can create passwords from 12-32 characters using uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers.
You can also use TeamPassword's password generator to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/username-generator-why-you-need-one">create secure usernames</a>, increasing your credential security and mitigating credential and brute force attacks.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2 - Poor Password Storage and Sharing</h3>
Small businesses with limited resources often use spreadsheets, emails, or messaging apps to store and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">share passwords with team members</a>. Employees <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-save-passwords-in-chrome-and-alternatives">save passwords in browsers like Chrome</a>, exposing the company to further vulnerabilities.
These unsecure password storage and sharing methods make it easy for attackers to steal many or all of a company's credentials in a matter of minutes! In some cases, these storage methods could violate GDPR or CCPA regulations.
Secure password storage and sharing must be every company's priority. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> makes it easy for small businesses to store company and client credentials safely.
TeamPassword is an accredited secure hosting provider using state-of-the-art encryption to store your company's credentials. We use AES 256-bit encryption&mdash;trusted by many multinational organizations and government institutions (including the United States).
TeamPassword also makes it easy to share credentials with team members. You can create groups to share access with only those that need it. When someone no longer needs access, remove them with a single click.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Explore more of TeamPassword's security features to protect your business with a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">free 14-day trial</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>3 - Social Engineering (Phishing Attacks)</h3>
Social engineering is an umbrella term for multiple types of cyberattacks based on psychological manipulation.&nbsp;
The most common example of social engineering is a phishing attack&mdash;where criminals send "spoof" communications to employees with links that download trojans and malware.
Most phishing attempts arrive via email, but criminals also use text, social media, chat, phone calls, and other communication means.
Spear phishing is a focused phishing attack where criminals use personal information or familiar communications to target a specific individual or group.
Spear phishing attacks can be challenging to identify, often fooling well-trained, security-conscious professionals and government employees.
The only way to combat social engineering attacks is through constant training and even mock drills, so employees learn how to spot inconsistencies and suspicious communications.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>4 - Malware, Spyware &amp; Ransomware Attacks</h3>
There are many ways cybercriminals deploy malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks. Most often, criminals use social engineering to install these malicious packages, giving them access to a company device or network.
Another method criminals deploy these packages is over public WiFi networks. Criminals often set up spoof networks to mimic a popular local WiFi network, like Starbucks. Anyone logging onto this network will install malicious code, giving attackers access to their device.
Once hackers access one employee's device, they can move laterally through company networks infecting other employees, devices, and networks&mdash;installing malware, spyware, ransomware, or other malicious software.
Small businesses are particularly susceptible to ransomware because they have little or no defense against this sophisticated technology. And don't think criminals are only after the millions from big corporations!&nbsp;
Many low-level cybercriminals will be happy with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, money they know small businesses have on hand.
Like with social engineering, combating malicious code comes down to education. Companies must restrict internet browsing and educate employees about the dangers of clicking links or downloads.
Small businesses must also avoid using free software and applications. Criminals often use freeware and free apps to infect devices with malware. Once they have access to your device, it's difficult to remove them, even after deleting the app or with anti-virus software.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>5 - Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks</h3>
Cybercriminals use a large number of computers in a coordinated attack on a system&mdash;usually overwhelming the root access authentication in an attempt to shut it down.
Most DDoS attacks aim to create confusion or divert attention from a more subtle breach where hackers can pass through undetected. Like how pickpockets work in a busy public space&mdash;one person creates a distraction while another steals your wallet.
Most small businesses don't have the capacity to deal with DDoS attacks, but tools and systems are available to mitigate the fallout.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>6 - Insider Threats</h3>
Although more common in large corporations with disgruntled employees, insider threats are still a security threat for small businesses&mdash;which could include contractors, clients, and freelancers.
Insider threats are complicated to identify and defend. One way companies mitigate insider threats is through an effective <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses">cybersecurity strategy</a> that limits access to systems, data, and applications.
Small businesses can achieve a similar strategy by using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a>. With TeamPassword, you can create groups for sharing and only provide access to those who need it.
Using TeamPassword for sharing access to freelancers, temps, and contractors will prevent these individuals from stealing passwords or sharing access. TeamPassword's activity log keeps track of every team member, and you can set up email notifications for instant alerts to sensitive data and applications.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Mitigating Security Threats With TeamPassword</h2>
We built TeamPassword to solve many of the security threats small businesses face every day. The biggest small business challenge is managing passwords and providing secure access to team members.
TeamPassword reduces those problems with an affordable password manager for small businesses.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Here are five reasons to choose TeamPassword for your company's password management solution.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Accessible Everywhere - TeamPassword features browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, so your team can use our password manager on their preferred operating system. Additionally, the TeamPassword app provides access to mobile-only applications.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure Unique Password Generator - create unique, robust passwords with a single click for every account using TeamPassword's built-in password generator.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - Team members can secure their TeamPassword account with 2FA. Even if attackers manage to steal an employee's TeamPassword credentials, 2FA prevents a full breach. We use Google Authenticator, available on iOS and Android devices.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Secure Encryption - TeamPassword uses state-of-the-art encryption technology to hash, salt, and encrypt passwords locally on your computer before uploading them to our servers&mdash;mitigating the chance of attackers intercepting your data. With your passwords encrypted in your TeamPassword account, not even our employees can view your data!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Access Management - Control your company's assets by sharing credentials only with those who need them. Create groups to share access and remove team members when they no longer need it.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Get a Free 14-Day Free Trial</h3>
Minimize security threats with an advanced password management solution from TeamPassword. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test our password manager with your team, systems, and assets&mdash;no obligation or credit card required!

These are the top 6 security threats for small businesses, and how to protect against them using a password manager like TeamPassword.

These are the top 6 security threats for small businesses, and how to protect against them using a ...

Top 6 Security Threats for Small Businesses

This article explains what Identity as a Service (IDaas) is, its components, and how businesses can benefit from its level of security.

This article explains what Identity as a Service (IDaas) is, its components, and how businesses can benefit from ...

What is Identity as a Service (IDaaS)?

With cyber threats on the rise, a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential to protect your company, employees, clients, and end-users. If you think cybersecurity strategies are only for large organizations or government agencies, think again.
Criminals are always looking for the low-hanging fruit. Small businesses often have poor or non-existent cybersecurity strategies, with staff whose knowledge doesn't extend past basic phishing attacks&mdash;which most email software filters anyway!
Every company must have a cybersecurity strategy, including solopreneurs and freelancers.&nbsp;
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
A good cybersecurity strategy starts with securing your credentials with a password manager. TeamPassword is a password management solution for small businesses. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a>!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>What is a Cybersecurity Strategy?</h2>
A cybersecurity strategy is a three to five-year plan detailing how a company will secure its assets and prevent attacks. Effective cybersecurity strategies are working guidelines, able to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
A cybersecurity strategy is a preventative approach to cyberattacks with reactive measures for when incidents occur. The goal is to stay one step ahead of attackers, with a plan for all eventualities.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>How to Develop a Cybersecurity Strategy</h2>
Before you can implement a cybersecurity strategy, you have to take stock of your business and its vulnerabilities. Conducting a <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one">security audit</a> is one way to establish your baseline from which to build an effective strategy.
<h3>Evaluate the Threat Landscape</h3>
If you're a small business developing a cybersecurity strategy yourself, you must understand the threat landscape concerning your business practices, including the types of vulnerabilities and attacks.
You may also research competitors to see what <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/category/data-breaches">breaches</a> occur at companies like yours. In addition, you'll want to understand cyber-threat trends&mdash;what kinds of attacks are criminals deploying most often?
Make a list of all possible cybersecurity threats in a spreadsheet and prioritize them based on your company's operations.
<h3>Implement a Framework for Cybersecurity Maturity</h3>
With an understanding of the threat landscape, you can begin to assess your company's cybersecurity maturity. The <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework">National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)</a> provides a framework and extensive training to help businesses manage cybersecurity risk.
Companies must assess all areas of the business, including technology, location/geography, employees, suppliers, and other vulnerabilities.
You can use the NIST framework to look ahead to the next three to five years to determine your goals and objectives for each category. It's critical to prioritize each category relevant to your business.
<h3>Improving Your Cybersecurity</h3>
It's time to identify the tools, training, and procedures required to meet your cybersecurity goals and objectives. Setting KPIs and budgeting resources will enable you to determine a realistic cybersecurity strategy for your business.
Depending on the size of your company, you may need to involve stakeholders from several departments.&nbsp;
<h3>Documenting Your Cybersecurity Strategy</h3>
You must document your cybersecurity strategy so that every team member is aware of key roles and responsibilities. Your cybersecurity strategy should include (this list is not exhaustive):
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Risk assessments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cybersecurity plans</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Policies</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guidelines</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Procedures</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Training</li>
</ul>
Remember that a cybersecurity strategy will grow and evolve with technological and threat changes.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Top 10 Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses</h2>
Here are our top 10 cybersecurity strategies for small businesses. This list isn't exhaustive but gives small businesses a great starting point to build an effective cybersecurity strategy.
<h3>1 - Cybersecurity Training</h3>
Team members are your company's first line of defense. Even the most sophisticated cybersecurity technology is ineffective if you don't train and educate your team.
Most hackers breach small businesses through social engineering attacks targeting employees. Continuous training keeps team members up-to-date with the latest scams and tactics.
Cybersecurity training isn't a one-off event. Companies should host monthly or quarterly cybersecurity training to instill best practices. A cybersecurity Slack channel or Wiki is also effective in providing alerts and updates.
The most important thing to reiterate is that employees must never share their system or <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> credentials, even with the CEO or IT head.
<h3>2 - Use a Password Manager</h3>
A password manager protects your company's credentials while preventing unauthorized access to shared accounts like marketing tools, social media platforms, accounting systems, or research tools, to name a few.
TeamPassword's password manager encrypts your passwords, so employees can't preview credentials to share them outside the app.
TeamPassword's <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-should-i-use-a-password-generator">built-in password generator</a> ensures you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords">never reuse credentials</a> or create weak passwords&mdash;which can result in credential stuffing and brute-force attacks.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to explore all of <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">TeamPassword's robust security features</a>.
<h3>3 - Create Access Levels</h3>
Part of your cybersecurity strategy must identify different access levels for employees, freelancers, clients, users, and contractors. Limiting access to data, software, and other systems is an effective way to minimize a breach fallout.
Companies should also recognize that some attacks happen due to internal bad actors&mdash;employees assisting or carrying out an attack.
In 2021, some hackers offered employees up to $1 million to install <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/resources-for-ransomware">ransomware</a> on their company network!
Creating access levels will also help when it comes to sharing credentials through your password manager. For example, in <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a>, you can create groups that align with your security access levels to share access with coworkers safely.
<h3>4 - Using VPNs and Firewalls</h3>
Installing firewalls between your office network and the internet prevents outsiders from accessing network data. For remote teams working from home (WFH), invest in similar firewalls for their home networks.&nbsp;
If any WFH team members work with sensitive data, consider installing an additional internet connection at their home used ONLY for your company.
If team members work from coffee shops, coworking spaces, and other public WiFi networks, they must <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-and-vpn">use a VPN (virtual private network)</a>.&nbsp;
VPNs and firewalls won't stop all cybercriminals, but they definitely make breaching your network and devices more challenging&mdash;like adding multiple padlocks and locks to a steel door.
<h3>5 - Avoid Using Personal Devices</h3>
Where possible, employees must only use company-issued computers and devices for work. If employees need a company phone, they should not install social media applications, private email, and other personal applications.
Many companies allow employees to open company emails and messaging apps like Slack using their personal devices. If hackers breach your employee's device, they have access to your company's internal communications&mdash;a hazardous cybersecurity scenario.
An attacker can pose as the employee, sending emails and messages malicious links to breach further victims and company networks.
At the very least, employees must not share their devices with friends, family members, and children especially. Kids love to open apps and tapping links and buttons randomly. If a malicious email notification appears, they could innocently install malware on your device.
<h3>6 - Protect Against Viruses, Malware, Spyware, and Ransomware</h3>
Every device should have robust protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. You can use your company's cybersecurity messaging channel to notify employees of software updates to ensure you're always getting the best protection.
<h3>7 - Updates &amp; Upgrades</h3>
One of the easiest ways to maintain secure software and hardware is by updating regularly. Product updates provide patches for vulnerabilities or to prevent the latest attacks.
There are countless examples of hackers exploiting product weaknesses to launch an attack. Without regular updates, hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to breach your systems and networks.
<h3>8 - Securing Networks</h3>
There are many tools and procedures for securing company networks, but the first step is restricting your company's WiFi and internet access.&nbsp;
Install a separate internet connection for visitors, and use an authentication system for team members connecting to your company network.
<h3>9 - Data Backups</h3>
Data backups are critical to minimize the fallout from natural disasters, ransomware attacks, human error, and other catastrophic incidents. Companies should consider both on-site and off-site backups to safeguard against multiple eventualities.
A separate server could provide on-site backup for small businesses, while cloud storage could be an effective off-site solution.
<h3>10 - Secure Your Premises</h3>
Cybersecurity involves effectively protecting your physical assets as well as your digital assets. The most advanced cybersecurity is useless if someone can walk into your office and steal a server!
A company must secure its offices, including internal access to sensitive departments, servers, and other equipment. Your IT department and servers should be access controlled to prevent internal and external attacks.
<h3>Bonus Cybersecurity Strategy&mdash;Avoid Freeware!</h3>
Freeware is free software that often provides the same service and functionality as its premium counterparts.
There are two major freeware issues:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Freeware often contain ads or mine and sell your data to make money</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It's not uncommon for criminals to use freeware to install malicious code</li>
</ol>
Ensure every software or application comes from an accredited organization with a good track record for privacy and security.
For example, <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">TeamPassword is a secure hosting provider</a> with multiple international accreditations. Our <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> encrypts your passwords, so not even our employees or engineers can access your data!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Protect Your Credentials With TeamPassword</h2>
Every cybersecurity strategy must provide effective password management processes and procedures.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword is an affordable password management</a> solution for small businesses. Get robust password protection without enterprise software costs.

As an accredited secure hosting provider, you can rest assured TeamPassword gives you safe and reliable password protection.

<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword for your company's cybersecurity strategy.

with cyber threats on the rise online. Learn what are the !0 easiest and critical ways to protect your buisness data from neferious people.

With cyber threats on the rise online. Learn what are the !0 easiest and critical ways to protect ...

10 Easy Cybersecurity Strategies For Small Businesses

With cyber threats on the rise online. Learn what are the !0 easiest and critical ways to protect your buisness data from neferious people.

As cyberattacks continue to increase and criminals find new methods for breaching networks, regular security audits are crucial to securing company, client, and user data.
Companies can conduct a security audit themselves, but it's usually best to hire a professional cybersecurity firm. Outsourcing a security audit will expose vulnerabilities your IT department might not consider while testing systems against the latest hacking techniques.
Part of a security audit is testing an organization's password management. Using an encrypted password manager like TeamPassword can mitigate password vulnerabilities. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial to test TeamPassword</a> with your team today!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>What is a Security Audit?</h2>
A security audit (also referred to as an information security audit or IT audit) assesses an organization's data security by looking for physical, technical, and administrative vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity auditors conduct scans and penetration tests to expose security loopholes or where attackers might breach the organization's systems.
A professional security audit will conduct more than a thousand tests (sometimes thousands of tests) to thoroughly inspect the organization.
Auditors produce a security audit report on completion with recommendations for security upgrades, training, and other cybersecurity considerations.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Why Are Security Audits Important?</h2>
Like any technology, cybersecurity is constantly evolving to prevent attacks. Cybercriminals and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/category/hacking-groups">advanced persistent threats</a> are continually working to develop new tools and techniques to find vulnerabilities.
A system or tool that prevented a cyberattack five years ago might not be effective today.
A security audit effectively looks at an organization from a criminal's point of view&mdash;examining flaws and weaknesses where one might launch an attack.
Organizations also have to ensure they comply with ever-changing regulations to stay compliant. In some cases, a security audit might be a regulatory requirement to protect consumer data.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>How Often Should an Organization Conduct a Security Audit?</h2>
The frequency of security audits depends on many factors, including the organization's size, industry, data sensitivity, state/federal regulations, and corporate structure, to name a few examples.
For example, financial services and healthcare providers might have to conduct security audits several times a year, with lots of smaller vulnerability sweeps in between.
Most small to medium-sized companies that don't handle sensitive data will conduct security audits at least once or twice a year. While bigger corporations and multinationals will carry out more frequent security audits&mdash;monthly or quarterly.
Some national and multinationals might have separate security audits at different tiers of the organization:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Organization-wide security audits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regional security audits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Location/site security audits</li>
</ul>
In some cases, departments within an organization will conduct security audits separately from the rest of the company. For example, the accounts department will have completely different systems, data storage, and communication channels than the logistics department.
While security audits are essential to protect an organization against attacks, they also require valuable time and resources. So, monthly or quarterly audits might be all a company can realistically afford.
<h3>When an Organization MUST Conduct a Security Audit</h3>
There are instances where an organization must conduct a security audit or seriously consider the risk of not performing an audit!
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">After a data breach&mdash;or if a significant supplier/contractor/client experienced a data breach</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Network or system upgrade</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Data migration</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Implementation of new legislation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">New system/software implementation (CMS, ERP, CRM, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Significant workforce or department expansions</li>
</ul>
These are just a few examples where companies might introduce new vulnerabilities. Organizations should always consider a security audit after significant changes or rapid growth cycles.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Security Audit Process</h2>
Security audits follow a structured process to ensure auditors fully understand the organization and how it operates.
A typical audit process happens in four steps:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Security audit plan &amp; preparation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Security Audit objectives</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conducting the security audit</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compiling a security audit report</li>
</ul>
<h3>Audit Plan &amp; Preparation</h3>
During audit planning and preparation, auditors will meet with the relevant stakeholders to educate themselves about the business and its audit objectives.
During the audit preparation, audits might consider a few key points:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The company's organizational chart</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Departmental management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Review job descriptions</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Credential management</a> and access</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Review &amp; research systems, software, equipment, etc.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Review company policies&mdash;IT, cybersecurity, data processing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evaluate cybersecurity &amp; IT budgets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Review IT &amp; cybersecurity disaster recovery plans</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consider industry and geographic standards (HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, etc.)</li>
</ul>
As you can imagine, audit planning and preparation can take auditors considerable time to complete for a large organization!
Auditors will also assess previous security audits to identify areas for review.&nbsp;
<h3>Audit Objectives</h3>
With research complete, auditors outline the security audit's objectives to align with the organization and its audit goals. The auditors will define each test including tools required, the methodology, KPIs, and other factors.
The audits&rsquo; objectives will also include the security baseline auditors must test against to measure a pass or fail.&nbsp;
The organization or its IT/cybersecurity head will review the objectives and sign off for the auditors to continue.
<h3>Conducting the Security Audit</h3>
Auditors take great care to document every action and result during a security audit. This documentation will help prepare the security audit report and allow auditors to double-check and review their work.
While conducting a security audit, auditors will assess many critical vulnerabilities:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Team members: training, ability to spot suspicious activity, do they follow security policies, possible insider threats, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-do-i-need-a-password-manager">password management</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Premises vulnerabilities: gate security, physical access points, restricted areas, natural disaster response, fire safety, etc.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Devices: what devices employees use, antivirus, spam filters, external hard drives, WiFi routers, servers, etc.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Data security: physical data center access, employee access levels, data backups, firewalls, antivirus</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Software: test known manufacturer vulnerabilities</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyberattack simulations: social engineering, DDoS attacks, phishing, brute force attacks, malware, trojans, ransomware, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Compiling a Security Audit Report</h3>
The final step in the security audit process is compiling and delivering the final report. The security audit report details test results along with the auditor's findings and recommended actions.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Types of Security Audits</h2>
There are three types of security audits:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Black Box Security Audit</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">White Box Security Audit</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Grey Box Security Audit</li>
</ul>
<h3>Black Box Security Audit</h3>
For a black box security audit, auditors simulate real-world external attacks. Auditors will assess an organization from an outsider's perspective using publicly available information&mdash;similar to a typical hacker's approach.
<h3>White Box Security Audit</h3>
White box security audits provide auditors with in-depth knowledge of the organization&mdash;similar to an employee's access.
The purpose of a white box security audit is to simulate an insider threat scenario where a contractor or employee supports or carries out an attack.
White box security audits are more thorough than black-box audits because auditors have access to more systems and data.
<h3>Grey Box Security Audit</h3>
A grey box security audit gives auditors enough information to complete specific tests against systems, departments, or employees.&nbsp;
Grey box security audits are excellent for exposing social engineering vulnerabilities&mdash;where attackers might steal enough company data to target a specific employee or department.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Team Members - A Organization's First Line of Defense</h2>
An organization's first line of defense is its employees. Even with the most expensive and sophisticated cybersecurity tools and protocols, inadequate training will expose cyber security vulnerabilities.
For example, the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-with-the-cam4-data-leak">CAM4 leak in 2020</a> exposed 11 billion records with emails and hashed passwords because an employee misconfigured an internal database!
Even at large organizations, employees fall for phishing attacks, exposing their credentials to attackers. A perfect example is the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-during-the-twitter-spear-phishing-attack">2020 Twitter spear-phishing attack</a> where a 17-year-old managed to trick low-level employees into sharing their credentials over the phone.
Educating employees about cybersecurity vulnerabilities is crucial to preventing attacks. Security audits help to determine if that training is effective!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Improving Password Management</h2>
Your company's passwords provide the keys to your systems and networks. Protecting credentials must be your employee's top cybersecurity priority.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword is a robust password manager</a> designed to store your company's credentials while providing a safe way for employees to share passwords.
TeamPassword is an accredited secure hosting provider using state-of-the-art encryption technology to store your company's passwords. Not even TeamPassword employees can view passwords, making it impossible for attackers to steal your credentials.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security to your TeamPassword account. Even if someone steals an employee's TeamPassword credentials, 2FA will prevent access.
Track logins, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">credential sharing</a>, password changes, and more using TeamPassword's activity tracker. You can also set up email notifications for instant alerts to any TeamPassword action.
Weak passwords and reusing credentials pose a severe security risk. TeamPassword's built-in secure password generator ensures you create strong, unique passwords for every account.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Getting Started With TeamPassword</h2>
Sign up for a free 14-day TeamPassword trial to secure your company's credentials from attackers.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a TeamPassword account</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add your team to TeamPassword</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Create groups to share access only to those who need it</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ensure employees set up 2FA&mdash;TeamPassword uses Google Authenticator, available on iOS and Android devices</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employees install their preferred TeamPassword browser extension&mdash;we support Chrome, Firefox, and Safari</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Employees log in using the browser extensions, so you never share or expose passwords</li>
</ol>
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
With an effective password management solution, your company won't fail credential tests during a security audit. Let <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword protect your company's credentials</a>, so you can focus on growing your business!

Learn how a Security Audit can protect your business. Why you need them, how often to get them, and the different types available to you.

Learn how a Security Audit can protect your business. Why you need them, how often to get them, ...

What is a Security Audit and Does My Business Need One?

Getting a joint credit card account is common for married couples - but you&rsquo;re not married to your coworkers. Usually married people will eventually combine their finances to some degree, and sharing credit cards to increase their rewards points or cashback is a natural part of that process.
But what about coworkers? Is it ever safe to share credit cards with coworkers? Although many companies will be tempted to share credit card numbers across teams to make small purchases easier, there really is no safe way to share credit cards.&nbsp;
While sharing credit cards with coworkers safely isn&rsquo;t really possible, you can share passwords across your team with <a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a>.&nbsp;
As your company increases the number of different online services you utilize to compete in the modern ecommerce landscape, it becomes harder for your employees to keep track of all of their login information. This leads to password <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords">reuse</a> or weak passwords.&nbsp;
TeamPassword can increase productivity at the same time as improving your security.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your team members today.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>What is a joint credit card account?</h2>
A joint credit card allows you to share a credit card with another person, usually your spouse or family member. It is very rare to share credit cards with coworkers in this way.
This is different from adding an authorized user to your account because, as joint account holders, both users of the credit card are legally responsible for the combined debt accrued by both users.
Conversely, an authorized user is permitted to make purchases with the card, but they are not responsible for the debt. Only the account owner may be penalized if they fail to repay the debt or miss payments.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Should you open a joint credit card account?</h2>
Sharing a credit card requires a lot of trust. It also requires a firm understanding of the spending habits of each joint account holder. In the case of sharing credit cards with coworkers, all of these issues are exacerbated.
That&rsquo;s why at TeamPassword we are inundated with emails from clients asking about how to share credit cards with coworkers using our password manager.&nbsp;
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;&lrm;
<h2>The problem with opening a joint credit card account</h2>
Here is a composite of several emails we have received recently:
Hi there,

We have recently started using TeamPassword to share login information across our team and it's been great.&nbsp;
However, we&rsquo;d also like to be sharing credit cards with coworkers. We are a small business and usually only an account manager needs to have access to the cards, but at times other team members also need to pay for expenses.
We are currently using TeamPassword to share credit card numbers.&nbsp;
Right now, we have the cardholder name as a username, the credit card number as a password, and use the notes section for the three-digit code on the back, the expiry date, and the billing address.
Is this safe? Is this advisable? Is there a better way of doing this?

Thank you!
Basically, some clients are using their password manager vault to share credit card numbers with coworkers. Let&rsquo;s answer the questions asked in this email.&nbsp;
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Is it safe?</h2>
TeamPassword is an incredibly secure system, based around two-factor authentication (2FA) and the latest cryptography best practices. While your credit card is stored in your TeamPassword vault, it is safe.
When you save new passwords, or your credit card number to share with coworkers, the data is hashed, salted, and encrypted locally on your computer before being uploaded to TeamPassword via an encrypted connection. This level of encryption makes it impossible for criminals to intercept your passwords.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
Sign up today for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">free 14-day TeamPassword trial</a> and protect your company's digital assets from cybercriminals.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Is it advisable?</h2>
While the password is safe in the Internet security sense of the word, we cannot say this is an advisable solution. There are a couple main reasons why we recommend against using a password manager to share credit cards with coworkers.&nbsp;
First, since your team members are not authorized users on the account, giving them access to your private information is not a good idea.&nbsp;
It might even void your credit card&rsquo;s anti-theft/fraud insurance if they find out that the thief got your credit card information from you sharing your credit card information contrary to the terms of service agreement for your card.
Second, as much as we all love our teammates and hope our time together never ends, sadly, employees leave from time to time, and in this case, they could leave after writing your credit card number down.&nbsp;
With a password, you can easily get TeamPassword to create new passwords for every account after a team member departs. However, this is not so easy or convenient with a credit card number.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2>Is there a better way?</h2>
While there might not be a better way to share your credit card number with coworkers, especially when they are not next to you in the office during these COVID-19 times, there are two better ways to deal with this issue.&nbsp;
<h3>Reimbursement</h3>
The classic approach to this problem is to have your employees use their own credit cards, send you a copy of the receipt, and then reimburse them.&nbsp;
Keep in mind that employees will be aggravated if they find themselves jumping through a lot of hoops to be reimbursed, waiting months to be reimbursed, or find reasonable purchases being denied reimbursements.&nbsp;
Conversely, if you are prompt about reimbursing your team members, the perk of earning air miles or cash back at work might make this their preferred solution.
<h3>A special corporate credit card</h3>
While corporate credit cards are becoming less common over time, Stripe has recently released The Stripe Corporate Card, a corporate card designed for the modern work experience.
<a href="https://stripe.com/corporate-card">The Stripe Corporate Card</a> is an easy way for everyone in your company to handle expenses.&nbsp;
While we recommend against using <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> for sharing credit cards with coworkers, our secure password manager is still great at keeping your other information secure online while being accessible to the whole team.&nbsp;
&lrm;&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your team members today.

This article explains when, how, and with whom to share credit cards safely and whether sharing credit cards with coworkers is safe.

This article explains when, how, and with whom to share credit cards safely and whether sharing credit cards ...

Sharing Credit Cards with Coworkers

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

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

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

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames and give you the best username ideas out there.

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames, why ...

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

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

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

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

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

TeamPassword Blog

Browse our carefully created articles about Information Security, Password Management, Product Information, and Modern Business, all written with your team's safety and success in mind.

Most popular articles

Business

November 14, 2021 ∙ 9 min read

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

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

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

Product Information

October 21, 2021 ∙ 10 min read

Best Password Manager for Startups

Cybersecurity

October 19, 2021 ∙ 10 min read

Top 6 Security Threats for Small Businesses

Cybersecurity

October 18, 2021 ∙ 11 min read

What is Identity as a Service (IDaaS)?

Cybersecurity

October 5, 2021 ∙ 9 min read

10 Easy Cybersecurity Strategies For Small Businesses

Cybersecurity

September 28, 2021 ∙ 10 min read

What is a Security Audit and Does My Business Need One?

Business

September 22, 2021 ∙ 6 min read

Sharing Credit Cards with Coworkers

The Password Manager for Teams

Product

Support

Channels

Legal