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!
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<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!
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<h2>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>
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<h2>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>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>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.

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

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

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

Passwords serve as digital locks for confidential information and access within an organization. Organizational leaders need to prioritize safety in sharing passwords to ensure that files remain exclusively accessible by authorized parties. The need for quality password management becomes more pressing as cyber breaches continue to affect industries, compromising professional reputations and millions of dollars.
Compromised<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/microsoft-security-report-reveals-how-passwords-are-at-risk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> passwords remain a common attack vector</a> among modern malicious actors. A dedicated password manager can help your organization deter unwanted access and facilitate password-sharing practices.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s advanced password manager provides organizational teams with easy access to shared passwords with leading security standards.<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sign up for a trial</a> to optimise password sharing within your organisation.

<h2>Unmatched Transparency&nbsp;</h2>
Quality password managers enable administrators to monitor the activities of multiple password access across entire teams, all from a single vantage point. Rather than cycling through various spreadsheets or data files, users can request the combinations they need from password managers without fuss or confusion.
As such, users can quickly identify the slightest anomalies and respond by revoking or rejecting user access. A single intuitive dashboard in a password manager can<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/the-most-secure-way-to-share-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> significantly improve accountability</a> among internal teams and external vendors.

<h2>Encryption and Two-step Authentication</h2>
Reliable password managers enable encrypted user end-points and two-step authentication for enhanced security among teams.
Encryption jumbles up passwords as meaningless strings of values and unusable if intercepted by unauthorized external parties. End-to-end encryption runs on a zero-knowledge architecture where servers simply store information in encrypted form without exposing its data.
Two-step authentication gives password holders enhanced control over password management by including a one-time PIN sent to registered devices, confirming user login.

<h2>Prevents Lock Outs</h2>
Many modern websites and applications have a security feature that freezes user accounts upon multiple failed attempts at a login. These situations can prove to be&nbsp;problematic for teams and professionals sharing passwords in a time-sensitive environment.&nbsp;
Password managers will help users with &ldquo;remembering,&rdquo; keeping the combinations secure for future use. Additionally, users may implement more complex and stronger passwords (i.e., multiple symbols and alternating cases) without remembering these combinations.

<h2>Updated Information</h2>
Manual password management from spreadsheets and similar analog files may result in outdated combinations. Additionally, dynamic activity by multiple teams and users could lead to confusion and lapses in sharing passwords.&nbsp;
TeamPasswords&rsquo;s password manager syncs every password login in real-time, eliminating the risks of outdated credentials. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for a trial</a> to experience seamless password management.

<h2>Faster User Logins</h2>
Password managers enable users to set auto login settings that optimize online experiences. The process reduces the time taken to access multiple applications and programs.&nbsp;
While internet browsers such as Chrome and Safari may offer password-remembering features, these lack the encryption provided by dedicated password managers.

<h2>Remote Accessibility&nbsp;</h2>
Quality password managers support remote operations by safeguarding credentials from the safety of the cloud. As such, teams can log in from any location through the convenience of their mobile devices or remote workstations.&nbsp;
Additionally, users may continue to use password managers without fears over environmental or physical damage to organisational hardware. Password managers enable out-of-state and international teams to collaborate from a single trusted access point for accessible passwords.

<h2>Versatility</h2>
An advanced password manager might offer cybersecurity features beyond protecting company passwords. For example, organisations may record confidential company information such as corporate credit card details and tax ID with encrypted storage.
Password managers enable authorized parties to autofill these recorded details across various online fields with confidence and security. Autofill processes enable organizational teams to maintain total security compliance across multiple devices and applications. In contrast, manual processes may lead to omissions and errors that could result in delays that reduce organisational productivity.

<h2>Specified Password Sharing&nbsp;</h2>
A trusted password manager empowers administrators to share specific password-protected files with authorized individuals. Users can achieve this by managing the privileges and access of each employee conveniently with a master password.&nbsp;
Similarly, password managers enable organisational leaders to appoint trusted employees with temporary access to confidential accounts in their absence during emergencies that require a swift response.

<h2>Take Additional Precautions&nbsp;</h2>
In addition to utilising password managers, organisations should promote <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-do-to-keep-passwords-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">optimal password hygiene </a>among teams. Measures may include arranging workshops and courses that raise awareness on safeguarding personal devices/workstations, avoiding easily hacked combinations, and sharing passwords with peer-to-peer (P2P) programs such as chat applications.&nbsp;
Additionally, employers should maintain strict employee policies such as immediately deactivating all related workplace accounts when an individual leaves the organisation or completes a collaborative project.

<h2>TeamPassword&rsquo;s Solution for Leading Teams</h2>
TeamPassword&rsquo;s solution offers all the core features of an advanced password manager and more. Users may apply a built-in password generator to create strong passwords before adding them to the app. Password generators offer new conveniences that deter the reuse of passwords, a common security risk.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s password managers feature Safari, Firefox, and Chrome extensions that provide quick and easy applications for browser-based projects.&nbsp;With a few simple clicks, administrators can add or remove passwords from a list. A reliable password manager expedites situations when organisations require creating and managing multiple temporary passwords (i.e., internships).
Teams sharing passwords will become increasingly common as organisations move toward more remote settings across various locations. TeamPassword&rsquo;s password managers retain trust by enabling teams (up to fifty users per account) to share passwords while safeguarding confidential credentials and driving productivity within organizations.

<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start a trial today </a>to empower your teams with comprehensive password management.&nbsp;

Password sharing remains vital among organizations learn how TeamPassword can maintain security and accessibility among teams of all sizes.

Password sharing remains vital among organizations learn how TeamPassword can maintain security and accessibility among teams of all ...

How to Keep My Company’s Passwords Accessible

Password theft remains a constant concern among organizations in the digital world. External malicious actors have stolen passwords through<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/the-scariest-data-breaches-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sophisticated cyber attacks</a> that involve social engineering and phishing tactics. However, at times,&nbsp;the threat of cyber theft may stem from within an organization - dissatisfied former employees with malicious intentions.&nbsp;
The consequences of data breaches from ex-employees can be devastating to the organization. Some examples include the loss of corporate secrets, service disruptions, and compromised customer data. To avoid insider threats, organizations should implement reliable password management software and safety procedures to safeguard their networks.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s advanced password management features, such as multi-factor authentication, and random password generation, can help teams ward off an internal password theft attack.<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sign up for a trial</a> to protect your precious company assets.&nbsp;

<h2>1) Systematic Password Handovers&nbsp;</h2>
The first and most direct step involves obtaining all account passwords from employees before they leave the company. Additionally, organizations should change the passwords or reset them before entrusting accounts to the next position holder. By doing so, organizations can reduce the risks of former employees remotely accessing workplace accounts.&nbsp;
Additionally, employers should revoke all access privileges from ex-employees immediately. For greater assurance, organizations should implement a real-time monitoring system that tracks the permissions granted to each user within each component of the organizational network.&nbsp;
An advanced monitor system enables administrators to maintain surveillance over user interactions and identify unusual behaviour, suggesting a sign of a data breach. These include a spike in user activity, large file transfers, and the access of rarely accessed documents.&nbsp;

<h2>2) Consider Professional Shredding Services</h2>
In some cases, organizations may consider hiring the services of a professional digital shredder. Like conventional office shredders on paper documents, professional digital shredders render digital information unreadable and prevent the risks of unauthorized access. The method works best for obsolete documents that may contain highly confidential information - such as workplace passwords.&nbsp;

<h2>3) Password Protection Training&nbsp;</h2>
Regular password protection training can help current and future employees safeguard their credentials, especially in unprotected online conversations with former colleagues. Employees will also learn the importance of setting up complex passwords and <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/top-five-mistakes-when-sharing-passwords-with-your-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoiding easily hacked combinations</a> (i.e., repeated letters or birthdates).&nbsp;
Through specialized training, employees will also learn how to spot the signs of password theft and avoid sharing confidential information in personal communication apps and other high-risk peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications.&nbsp;

<h2>4) Deploy Encryption</h2>
Encryption provides confidential information with an additional layer of protection. By encrypting communication channels and account logins, organizations prevent former employees from accessing and using unauthorized information without the required key.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s password manager offers built-in encryption that protects valuable credentials from unauthorized parties. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Begin with a trial </a>to start benefitting from improved password protection.&nbsp;

<h2>5) Remove Unused Accounts</h2>
Resourceful ex-employees may resort to locating and accessing idle/inactive organizational accounts as a backdoor into the network. As such, employers should perform regular audits to detect and deactivate unused accounts that may potentially serve as a medium for stealing passwords. 
Typically, organizations should consider enforcing&nbsp;a security protocol that eliminates accounts that have been inactive for more than three months.&nbsp;

<h2>6) Enforce Principle of Least Privilege&nbsp;</h2>
The principle of least privilege (POLP) is an information security policy that restricts employee accounts to the minimum permissions required to perform their routine tasks and roles.&nbsp;
While POLP does not prevent data theft, it reduces the impact of password theft and compromised accounts. Organizations should consider enforcing&nbsp;POLP in addition to password protection initiatives to optimize their network security.&nbsp;

<h2>7) Implement Anti-theft Surveillance&nbsp;</h2>
Organizations should apply constant surveillance at workstations to prevent opportunistic physical access and theft of hard drives, laptops, and other portable devices. BYOD practices may lead to increased vulnerabilities, with employees storing passwords on personal devices.&nbsp;
Therefore, employees should provide constant reminders on the importance of password protection beyond the workplace. Alternatively, employers may consider adopting employee policies that ban the storage of corporate passwords in personal devices (because of limited surveillance and higher risks of a compromise).&nbsp;

<h2>8) Adopt Strict Data Policies</h2>
A clear and systematic series of employee policies will help deter password theft in the long term. For example, companies may exclude employees from administrator roles/groups containing a wide range of permissions that have devastating consequences if compromised. Data classification and retention policies identify all data generated within an organizational system and how long it stays.&nbsp;
Well-defined data policies enable more reliable tracking and management of data end-points and user access to minimize the risks of password theft.&nbsp;

<h2>9) Apply a Trusted Password Manager&nbsp;</h2>
TeamPassword&rsquo;s reliable password manager application enables teams to conveniently store and access their respective passwords while keeping them encrypted and secure. The advanced program works from desktops, laptops, and other mobile devices. The software syncs in real-time, providing unmatched accountability by logging the activities of each user.&nbsp;
Teams may look forward to <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/the-most-secure-way-to-share-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sharing their passwords with peace of mind</a> with TeamPassword&rsquo;s intuitive solution. With a few simple clicks, organizations can provide users with access or remove them from a group. Whether it is a collaboration within the departments and internal teams or with external coordinators, TeamPassword makes password management safe and effortless.&nbsp;
With TeamPassword, you can reduce the risks of internal threats and.<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Start a free trial today</a> to optimize your organization&rsquo;s password management practices.&nbsp;

Password theft may occur at times from ex-employees with bad intentions. Companies can prevent threats by adopting these safety measures.

Password theft may occur at times from ex-employees with bad intentions. Companies can prevent threats by adopting these ...

Prevent Password Theft From Ex-Employees

Passwords have become a quintessential part of the modern digital workplace. However, the practice of sharing passwords come fraught with vulnerabilities that make companies susceptible to cyber breaches, identity theft, and confidentiality issues. You will need to ensure constant and reliable password protection with the proper measures, even when sharing them with the most trusted co-workers at the office.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/common-password-problems-faced-small-organizations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Various problems may arise</a>&nbsp;when sharing passwords, especially in smaller organizations that lack a robust cybersecurity infrastructure due to budget constraints. That&rsquo;s where a password manager can come in to save your organization valuable time and provide advanced passwords that deter the most determined cyber attackers.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s password management solution can help avoid common mistakes when sharing passwords. Try a<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;free trial today</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Common Mistakes in Sharing Passwords #1 - Creating Simple Passwords</h2>

Simple passwords make it easier for malicious attackers to mimic and compromise. Common examples of such vulnerable passwords include &ldquo;123456&rdquo;, repeated numbers (e.g., 1111, 2222), and digits of personal value criminals can find with quick research across social media accounts.&nbsp;
Organizations should change default passwords upon account creation and make immediate changes when employees leave a company. Former employee accounts may threaten an organization&rsquo;s network if they fall into the wrong hands - an issue worsened with weak passwords.&nbsp;
While some software and platforms require users to include a set of mandatory rules (e.g., capitalized letters and symbols) in their passwords, they may remain vulnerable to the most resourceful malicious parties.&nbsp;

<h2>Common Mistakes in Sharing Passwords #2 - Storing Passwords in Plaintext</h2>

The plaintext is the unencrypted and vulnerable version of your files and documents. When you store your list of passwords in a word document on your workplace computer, it exists in plaintext format. A sophisticated malware invasion easily compromises Plaintext files and siphons the information to unauthorized third parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s advanced password manager tool keeps your passwords secure and encrypted, reducing the risks of data theft and cyber breaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Common Mistakes in Sharing Passwords #3 - Applying the Same Password Everywhere</h2>

It is common for users to<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-state-of-the-password-problem-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;rely on a single password</a>&nbsp;for every account login across multiple programs and devices. The practice reduces the risks of forgetting a password and getting locked out from a system with numerous failed attempts. However, this also means that a single compromised password may jeopardize every other account accessible by a user.&nbsp;
Some users may choose to add numerical variations to the back of a password as an additional measure. Still, sophisticated actors can negate efforts with brute force attacks that try all possible&nbsp;combinations. Instead, before sharing passwords, users should stick to memorable but superficially meaningless strings of values, which should differ among platforms and devices.&nbsp;

<h2>Common Mistakes in Sharing Passwords #4 - &ldquo;Remembering Passwords&rdquo;</h2>

The &ldquo;remember my password&rdquo; feature enables quick logins with minimal fuss. However, the shortcut feature may prove to be a severe security issue when sharing passwords at the workplace. A remembered password enables an unauthorized user to bypass an organization&rsquo;s network security, resulting in compromised data from insider threats.&nbsp;
Remembered passwords should only apply to personal devices and networks, and with the rise of home-based offices, manual key-ins should be a priority. Password managers can help users enhance the infrastructure of their smart homes and&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/7-tips-to-secure-your-smart-home-and-iot-devices" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secure their IoT devices.</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Common Mistakes in Sharing Passwords #5 - Changing Passwords Frequently</h2>

Users should only change their passwords when they suspect a threat or compromised account. Frequent password changes with no good reason may lead to unforeseen account vulnerabilities. For example, users tend to&nbsp;stick to similar passwords when making the change, resulting in predictable transformations that malicious actors can easily detect and exploit.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Try TeamPassword&rsquo;s password manager</a>&nbsp;to discover how you can enhance your login security across all networks and devices.&nbsp;

<h2>Sharing Passwords with TeamPassword&rsquo;s Leading Solution</h2>

TeamPassword provides you and your team with the additional measures necessary when sharing your passwords. Our suite of services caters to your team&rsquo;s specific needs and demands to minimize the risks of external threats. TeamPassword&rsquo;s password manager generates long and unique passwords that organizations can safely share across teams.&nbsp;
Password managers can eliminate the account management hassle by limiting to a single login and password combination. With a password manager, organizations can effectively share passwords among users and prevent unwanted access along the way.&nbsp;
We provide password protection for teams of all sizes and backgrounds, ranging from solo digital nomads to full-fledged tech agencies. The TeamPassword solution avoids time-consuming onboarding to help your teams benefit from improved security without delay. Our password manager supports real-time access control to authenticate every login on your protected end-points while sharing passwords across teams.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s time to replace those spreadsheets and outmoded first-gen solutions with a reliable system for your most precious credentials. Visit TeamPassword today to&nbsp;experience advanced and fuss-free password sharing for teams to focus on your business with peace of mind.&nbsp;Start today with the&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a>.

Avoid these five common mistakes when sharing passwords to keep your workplace systems and networks free from common cybersecurity threats.

Avoid these five common mistakes when sharing passwords to keep your workplace systems and networks free from common ...

Top Five Mistakes When Sharing Passwords with Your Team

Amid a global pandemic, studies have found that nearly <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/06/29/snapshot-new-working-home-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">42 percent of the United States workforce</a> has shifted to remote work. This unprecedented reliance on technology, while effective in maintaining an operational business, presents a challenge for remote work security. While those in the IT field have grown accustomed to working remotely over the years, the practice remains foreign to most employees.
Because of the sheer volume of unpracticed employees who are working remotely, cybercriminals are fully embracing the situation. This makes the risk of cyberattacks that lead to data breaches and theft greater than ever. With <a href="https://www.educationconnection.com/resources/12-must-know-cybersecurity-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">53 percent of these cyber-attacks</a> resulting in damages that exceed $500,000, remote work security must be a priority to protect the business and individual employees.
TeamPassword offers&nbsp;the best software to generate and have your passwords managed correctly. If you would like to learn more about it, please&nbsp;click <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">here</a>&nbsp;to sign up today.&nbsp;
here are five tips uncovered to increase security for your remote workforce:
<h2>1. Use TeamPassword</h2>
Unfortunately, collaborative efforts in the virtual realm mean passwords are shared frequently. Whether through email, Zoom meetings or digital documents, the risk of passwords being intercepted by unauthorized individuals is extremely high. Using a password manager can prevent this from occurring as it allows shared passwords to be encrypted or created with a <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/password-generator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password generator.</a>
TeamPassword is a highly regarded password manager designed specifically with teams in mind. It offers a plethora of security-enhancing features like a unique password generator, encryption, activity logs and two-step verification.
<h2>2. Educate Employees</h2>
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve remote work security is to educate employees of the potential dangers lurking behind their screens. While they may be familiar with using some same applications and software systems, others may be foreign which can make them more susceptible to threats. Be sure to educate employees on safe practices with each of the tools that are being used.
Additionally, cybercriminals are using the nationwide increase in remote work environments to their advantage by ramping up e-mail phishing scams. In some cases, they may send malware as an attachment or a link that appears to come from a co-worker or an authoritative resource regarding the pandemic itself. While spam filters and anti-virus protection software can help weed out some of these threats, it is much more effective to make others aware of these attacks.
<h2>3. Don&rsquo;t Delay Updates</h2>
As those in the IT field know all too well, software updates are frequent yet necessary. This is because updates often address security flaws and provide additional upgrades to safeguard data. Updates should be installed as soon as they are released to offer the most protection.
To ensure this is done on all devices, companywide e-mails can be sent instructing employees to install updates after they are released. For those that are unfamiliar with such actions, it may be helpful to e-mail a simple, step-by-step tutorial to ensure that all employees are protected. This same method can also be used when introducing new remote work security features like <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">TeamPassword</a> to ensure all employees understand how to use them.
<h2>4. Use Separate Devices</h2>
Another important step that remote workforces can take to ensure the security of all employees is to insist that personal and work devices are kept separate. Employer-provided laptops should be distributed along with strict rules that prohibit the use of devices for personal activities like online shopping, bill payments or video streaming. Additionally, friends and family members must not use the devices.
Despite these efforts, many employees find the use of personal devices necessary to complete their work daily. In these cases, they should make use of a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure that data is encrypted. Likewise, all business messages and documents should be handled using corporate software that focuses on remote work security instead of personal accounts which are often laxer with security and encryption.
<h2>5. Activate Multi-Factor Authentication</h2>
To prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive data, multi-factor authentication is highly effective. With this method, users are required to provide more than one form of authentication. This may mean that they utilize biometrics, voice recognition or a code on their smartphone.
Although many dread the thought of taking an extra step to access their business accounts, it is one of the most effective measures that a remote workforce can take to secure remote work for all parties. Another option for implementing multi-factor authentication is the 2-step verification process offered with TeamPassword.
<h2>Try TeamPassword</h2>
If your business is searching for a way to enhance security for remote work, explore all of the benefits that TeamPassword has to offer. Get started now with a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">14-day free trial</a> before making a commitment.

Remote work security is a crucial concept when working at home/abroad. Learn and Discover our top tips to keep your remote workforce secure.

Remote work security is a crucial concept when working at home/abroad. Learn and Discover our top tips to ...

5 Tips to Increase Security for Your Remote Workforce

Five Tips to Increase Security for Your Remote Workforce

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure online. The influx of malware and ransomware and the fact that 70% of all cyber attacks are against small businesses rightfully have a lot of small business owners concerned. But, the reason for these risks are surprisingly simple in most cases. The vast majority of hacks are because of human error or small security holes that can be easily patched - primary among them, password management. To address this issue and ensure your business is prepared against common hacks and social engineering that target user passwords, here are some of the most common problems faced and how to address them:
<h2>Employees Using Their Own Devices</h2>
More than 70% of employees access company data from a personal smart phone or tablet at some point. These devices are not always secured the same as your company computers and there's no way to manage their use of passwords or to ensure they avoid open public networks. A strong BYOD policy can ensure employees are more rigorous in protecting company data, and that they use the password manager or system that you put in place to protect against data loss. With employees increasingly working from home or remotely, small businesses should consider what sensitive information is needed for employees to do their jobs, and whether that could end up on a personal device. In cases where this is necessary, providing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and a password manager that supports secure sharing is essential. Also, consider doing regular training to ensure employees understand the potential risks and threaten from connecting on unsecure networks (see below).
<h2>Shared or Default Passwords</h2>
Default passwords setup during development or when a new account is created are often not changed, and worse, they can be shared easily between users. In small organizations and startups especially, this is a common problem as software seats may be limited or resources may be shared from a single account. All users should use unique passwords that meet strict guidelines and that they are updated regularly. Default passwords should require update immediately upon account creation, and you should utilize a password manager for all account sharing, and cloud storage for file access sharing. It is far better to use a <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow">password generator</a> to set a long, unique password. These generators are built into most password managers, and those passwords can be safely shared with multiple teammates.
<h2>Passwords Aren't Secure to Start</h2>
One of the most common problems with passwords is if they are easy to remember, they are also easy to guess! Many people erroneously think that a short password with lots of different character types is secure, when in reality the only way to ensure a truly secure password is to make it at least 12 characters long and somewhat arbitrary. Length is better than complexity in almost every situation with passwords, and keeping them long and complex is the way to go. Random password generators can ensure you have this for all passwords, but without a password manager to organize them, they become impossible to remember and quickly revert for many employees to something simple. In cases where a password must be memorized (like the master password for your password generator), consider using a passphrase (like TeamPassword-is-a-Blue-Padlock) or a mix of different things (like color+animal+place to get Blue-Flamingo-from-Timbuktu). These are surprisingly easy to remember, and if they are over 12 characters and use unusual or&nbsp; non-dictionary words they are very hard to crack.
<h2>Untrained Employees Posing a Risk</h2>
The single most common access point for hackers is your staff. Social engineering through unsolicited attachments, spoofed phone calls, or even looking over the shoulder of someone in a coffee shop leads to more hacks and data loss than malicious data breaches. Train your employees to spot phishing emails and protect with common sense procedures and best practices that you can followup on. With the right combination of password management, training, and procedures for your business, you can greatly reduce the risk of a hack and data loss for your business. The reason so many hackers target small businesses is that they are easy targets without the protocols of enterprise level organizations. Remove the low hanging fruit, and you can keep your company much safer from cyber risk.
<h2>Try TeamPassword</h2>
Using a secure password manager that supports sharing helps address these problems. TeamPassword's intuitive interface makes it the simplest and most secure way to store and share passwords with your team. Find out today by starting <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">our free 14-day trial.</a>

To ensure your business is prepared against hacks that target user passwords, here are some common problems faced and how to address them.

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure ...

Most Common Password Problems Faced by Small Organizations

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure online. To address this issue and ensure your business is prepared against common hacks and social engineering that target user passwords, here are some of the most common problems faced and how to address them.

One of the top tips for password creation is to make a complex password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that would be difficult to guess. However, the most secure password doesn't stand a chance if anyone on your team falls prey to something called <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/2124681/what-is-social-engineering.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social engineering</a>. There are several social engineering tactics that fool employees into giving out sensitive company information, including passwords to your business's most important assets.
<h2>What is Social Engineering, Exactly?</h2>
With this tactic, fraudsters use psychology against their targets to gain access to information or physical spaces. In opposition to hacking, it uses actual interaction rather than technical skill to get access to the desired information. One might simply call it manipulation or trickery. Scammers usually use either a threat or some kind of reward to trick people into giving them what they want.
<h2>Types of Social Engineering</h2>
<h3>Phishing</h3>
<a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/2117843/what-is-phishing-how-this-cyber-attack-works-and-how-to-prevent-it.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The phishing scheme</a> has been around since the beginning of the internet. Phishers send out e-mails that appear to be from a legitimate institution, like your bank or even your employer. They try to appear trustworthy - using the same branding.&amp; graphics as the business they are trying to copy. They use this trust to try to get you to give them information like passwords or essential data. Sometimes, phishing attempts try to get users to click a link or download a file that will then install a virus. However, many times they just try to get the user to tell them the information.
The word phishing sounds just like fishing, because that's basically what it is. Hackers put out thousands of lines and see who bites.
<h3>Spear Phishing</h3>
<a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/3334617/what-is-spear-phishing-why-targeted-email-attacks-are-so-difficult-to-stop.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spear phishing</a> is basically the same as phishing. However, in regular phishing, hackers send out thousands of untargeted e-mails. Even if just a few people bite, they may still get a big payout. With spear phishing, hackers heavily research one targeted victim, usually an executive or someone with a high profile.
<h3>Vishing</h3>
<a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/3411439/smishing-and-vishing-how-these-cyber-attacks-work-and-how-to-prevent-them.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vishing</a> brings together the words "voice" and "phishing." It is a phishing attempt that happens via a phone call. One common example these days is a call from the "IRS" stating that you're in big trouble in the taxes department. Then they ask for your social security number. However, there are many different types of vishing calls one may receive.
<h3>Smishing</h3>
Put together "SMS" and "phishing" and you've got smishing. It is a phishing attempt performed via text message. Scammers use similar tactics as they do in e-mail and voice attempts. They may send a link to the victim's phone to receive a prize, or track a fake package. When the user clicks on the link, they may be brought to a page that asks them to put in sensitive information or simply a payment method that will then be charged.
<h3>In Person Attempts</h3>
Most of these types of attacks are performed online these days. However, they can also be done in person. It may be as simple as someone holding a heavy package asking you to hold the door for them to gain access to a restricted space. Most people have been taught to be nice and hold doors for people holding heavy objects, and these social engineers exploit that quality. In-person social engineers may also try to impersonate someone trustworthy, going as far as getting the right uniform or badge, and doing a lot of research to sound like they are who they say they are.
<h2>How to Help Employees Avoid Social Engineering</h2>
This all sounds scary, right? Con artists are very skilled at gaining access to information, and there are so many attempts performed daily. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of a social engineering attack exposing your passwords and company data.
<h3>In-Person Training</h3>
You can bring a trainer into the office for a day of education. This type of class will teach your teams what to look for to verify that messages, calls, and e-mails are from who they say they are. They will also teach employees what type of information they should never give out. Social engineering training may also give your colleagues an idea of what an in-person attempt might look like.
<h3>Online Classes</h3>
Online training reaches the same goal as in-person, except employees can do it on their own time. It doesn't take away a whole day from the business, and workers can break it up into smaller chunks to absorb the information in a way that best suits their learning style.
<h3>Testing</h3>
After training, an important component of social engineering training is testing. You can hire a specialist to send out e-mails, messages, or phone calls to employees to see if they have absorbed the lessons. Once the testing is complete, the specialist will go over the results with you and your team, and see where the weak points are, to help avoid the same mistakes in the future when a real attempt occurs.
<h2>Why It's Worth It?</h2>
This type of hack has led to some expensive mistakes. In 2016, Hillary Clinton's e-mail account famously got exposed through a <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-phishing-email-that-hacked-the-account-of-john-podesta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spear phishing scheme performed on John Podesta</a>, the campaign's chairman. More recently, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/twitter-breach-exposes-one-tech-s-biggest-threats-its-own-n1234076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter had a huge breach</a> in which someone took over several high profile accounts, including those belonging to Elon Musk &amp; Joe Biden, to send messages to get people to send them Bitcoin. It was revealed that this breach happened because access to Twitter's "God mode" was gained through social engineering.
The average cost of a successful phishing attack on a <a href="https://smallbiztrends.com/2019/07/phishing-statistics.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small business is over $50,000</a>. Nearly 1% of all e-mails sent are phishing attempts. As these attempts get more sophisticated, more and more of them break past spam filters, exposing your employees to scammers no matter how secure they make their passwords. Using a secure password manager like Team Password is just one way to reduce risk of a breach. Make sure to also inform your teams about social engineering so your information stays safer.
<h2>Are You Protecting your Passwords and your Team?</h2>
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<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;is here to protect and defend you from these types of cyber attacks. Our simple, secure password manager, designed from the ground up with security and best in-class encryption in mind can protect your company from data breaches and your passwords from hackers. For training and other cybersecurity needs, check out our partner <a href="https://strontium.io/" rel="follow">Strontium.io</a>.
Get TeamPassword today!&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">Try our free 14-day trial.</a>
</div>
</article>
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</aside>

Learn how hackers use social engineering rather than technical skill to get access to critical information.

One of the top tips for password creation is to make a complex password with a combination of ...

Your Passwords Are Only As Secure As Your Teams

One of the top tips for password creation is to make a complex password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that would be difficult to guess. However, the most secure password doesn't stand a chance if anyone on your team falls prey to something called social engineering . ..

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 Facebook password?

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.

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

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