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.
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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.
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<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!
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<h3>1. Scott Luscombe - Graphic Designer / Shopify Expert / Website Developer / Copywriter&nbsp; - Canada</h3>
Scott Luscombe is a freelance graphic designer, Shopify expert, website developer, and copywriter from Uxbridge, Canada. He holds a degree in Illustration from Sheridan College and a degree in Marketing from the University of Toronto.
Scott has been a freelancer for most of his professional career and has earned over $500k on Upwork. He has completed over 311 jobs and worked&nbsp;10,956 hours!&nbsp;
Scott's work includes graphic design and branding, illustration and icons, copywriting, website design and development, UX/UI, and printing and packaging. He also provides freelance coaching and consulting. Scott is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $99 per hour for various creative gigs.
Some of Scott's most notable work includes designs for Coca-Cola, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nickelodeon, and Wallet Ninja (to name a few).&nbsp;
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<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.
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<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>.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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 Environment, 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>.
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<h3>8. 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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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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!

I remember having a conversation with a friend many, many years ago, back when the world wide web was still in its infancy and most people were just buying their first family computer. Back in the halcyon days.
We were talking about passwords, and my friend volunteered proudly that his password was &ldquo;appletree&rdquo;, he thought it was brilliant. He used it everywhere, he never forgot it. If he ever had to update his password and was restricted from using the previous one, he simply used &ldquo;peartree&rdquo; instead. Simple.
You might think that in 2023, this is an absurd thing to bring up. We&rsquo;ve all changed. We&rsquo;ve got wiser to the dangers of the modern world. Applications and websites no longer let you enter passwords as simple as this anyway. We now use stronger passwords that are harder to guess. And we are all, most definitely, computer literate, even our 80-year-old parents and our teenage sons and daughters. Yes sir. No weak link in this chain.
But really, what is the difference between &ldquo;appletree&rdquo; and &ldquo;poochie726&rdquo; (one&rsquo;s adorable poodle, plus said poodle&rsquo;s D.O.B)? Are you telling me that you have never had (or, dare I say...still have!) a password like this? I just don&rsquo;t believe you. Taking it a step further, if we generate a strong password, and come up with this: &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; What is the point of using &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; to protect your login, if I know that you are using &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; to protect your login?
It is only strong if it is unknown, and, not easy to guess by brute force. An apartment block would not use a single key to open every door in the building, so what makes you think that &ldquo;poochie726&rdquo;, nay &ldquo;p00ch!3726&rdquo; for argument's sake, is ok to use for 100 different accounts that span both your personal life and your work life?
<h2>Why are we here?</h2>
Even when people understand that they need to use strong passwords, it doesn&rsquo;t change the fact that people are faced with the challenge of remembering passwords daily. It quite simply becomes impossible without a password manager, and so people choose to come up with one or two really good ones, and then they use these everywhere. This leaves them open to a type of cyberattack called Credential Stuffing.
Credential Stuffing is when a hacker has a list of known username/password combinations that they &ldquo;acquired&rdquo; (perhaps the result of a previous data breach), and that they then use to try to log in to many other, different website and services. Sometimes they get lucky, hit the jackpot, and find an appletree-kinda person. It might be that you signed up to a very insecure website 10 years ago that you no longer use or care about, and that this website was part of a data breach (pause &ndash; please go and check, I&rsquo;ll wait). But if you are still using the same password as you did back then, then it means that a hacker could very easily gain access to other accounts and data that you rely on in 2023. You might think that this type of attack would never work. But it does, and it is happening a lot. It is a growing trend (with a 45% year-on-year increase), that relies on human nature&rsquo;s laziness and reliance on convenience.
<h2>What can we do about this?</h2>
What can we, <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, do about this? For you? Pretty much nothing, unless you meet us in the middle. Look what happened to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/?guccounter=1" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Norton LifeLock</a> or <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-during-nintendos-data-breach-in-2021" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Nintendo</a>. Sure, we have security controls in place on our service to protect you from what happened with those other companies, but does each of the 100 services you use have the same controls in place? Does each of these 100 services you use give you the option of MFA? And did you enable that MFA on all 100 services?
The only solution to this problem is for you to take responsibility away from the services you use, and into your own hands. Let go of the apple tree and get into a new habit, that looks like this:
<ol>
<li>Use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a>.</li>
<li>Generate a random, strong password for every service you use.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn on <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">MFA</a> for every service you use.</li>
<li>Turn off convenience tools such as the &ldquo;remember this password&rdquo; feature of browsers and the &ldquo;stay signed in for 6 years&rdquo; checkboxes (ok that one is a joke, but you get the point).</li>
<li>Spend 10 minutes at the start of each work day signing in securely to everything. Not a big deal. If you follow these steps, you and the company you work for will be safe against Credential Stuffing attacks, and the only stuffing that you will need to worry about will be the turkey on Christmas day.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The important thing to remember about cybersecurity, is that when you read about data breaches and cyberattacks, they are often so avoidable. But more than that, we have to raise the tide, and all become aware of the threats, because there only needs to be one way in for an attacker. You might be following all these precautions, but is everybody in your team, everybody in your family, doing the same?
Oh, and that friend with the &ldquo;appletree&rdquo; password. I once asked him how he came up with it. He told me: &ldquo;Oh, I copied the idea from another friend, they had an apple tree outside their house and told me they used it as their password&rdquo;. True story.&nbsp;

A story about an all-too-human password, credential stuffing, and how to take responsibility for our own cybersecurity.

From Appletree to Anarchy: How Credential Stuffing Exploits Poor Password Hygiene

In recent years, many businesses have embraced using cloud services. The cloud offers numerous benefits, including greater scalability and accessibility; however, it also brings its own unique security challenges.&nbsp;
Why? Well, cloud platforms operate differently from traditional data centers, meaning existing security tools won&rsquo;t always cut it in a cloud environment. Plus, with less direct control over how things are set up, companies have less visibility and control in the cloud, often leaving them at the mercy of whatever security measures are provided by their cloud service providers.
Add to this that many companies operate a multi-cloud infrastructure. distributing sensitive data and critical applications across various cloud platforms, and things can start to get very messy. The complexity of managing multiple cloud environments introduces significant security threats and makes them even more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Conducting a cloud security risk assessment can help organizations understand their exposure to risk and take proactive steps to address potential issues.
 [Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyneeded" rel="follow">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#benefitsof" rel="follow">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.si8ond2aebx1"></a></li>
<li><a href="#craftinganassessment" rel="follow">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.e1k6kc7quqb3"></a></li>
<li><a href="#strengthening" rel="follow">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
Think of a cloud security risk assessment as a health check for your company's cloud setup.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;re essentially evaluating the system's overall security position and looking for any risks or gaps in security coverage. This involves examining different aspects of security, such as data protection, access controls, and network security, to give a 360-degree view.&nbsp;
The primary objective of a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cloud-security-keep-your-cloud-secure">cloud security</a> assessment is to uncover any vulnerabilities or potential areas where hackers could gain access to your network. If you&rsquo;re operating in a cloud environment, this is more than just a housekeeping exercise; it&rsquo;s a crucial step to ensure your system's safety.&nbsp;
Conducting these assessments can help you assess your overall security level, reduce risks, and implement better security measures to protect your cloud setup.

<img height="338" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/wNOq3Ck9sSTSB6gAHHKhV_oE56DiOUyQnwfz6kqpqxliC_Q2o0luAvTHszja0S14nTqEzfHVULNUpbQfuAKEm9xqowfQVn3RxeLzdFD7b7rSfCBp_uuwqfgO8NVh9jvup403i6BT1ml9VMstL2QEpFY" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
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<h2 id="whyneeded">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
The shift to enterprise cloud computing is happening fast, and traditional security measures and practices can't always keep up. The sheer scale of the cloud can be overwhelming when it comes to keeping your network secure, with infrastructures spread across numerous platforms, accounts, and applications.&nbsp;
Cracks and weak spots in your protection can easily appear and go unnoticed, yet even a tiny crack is all it takes for a cybercriminal to exploit your system.
Hackers can break into systems through flawed network settings, weak passwords, or compromised user credentials. Once inside, attackers can gather information to prepare for further malicious attacks, exploit overprivileged accounts to move around your network freely and find valuable assets, and ultimately wreak havoc on your business.
<h2 id="benefitsof">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</h2>
<h3>Preventing Cloud Misconfigurations</h3>
Cloud misconfigurations are among the most common issues that allow attackers to gain entry. These misconfigurations occur when controls within the cloud environment are either set up incorrectly or not used as they should be.
For example: failing to enable logging, exposing ports to the Internet, or leaving default access settings in place.&nbsp;
Correctly configuring these settings is essential for strong cloud security, and neglecting to do so is essentially like leaving the door wide open for hackers to walk in. However, the flexibility and scalability of the cloud often lead to frequent changes, increasing the likelihood of missed configurations or outdated settings.&nbsp;
For instance, let's say your team <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/Israel/.co.il">buys a domain co.il</a> for a new website. If they rush through setting it up without paying attention to things like DNS records and access controls, it could create openings for hackers. Just a few wrong settings could give hackers access to your whole cloud network.
Assessing things like network controls, access controls, where data is stored, and workloads can help spot and fix any weaknesses in your configuration before attackers can exploit them.
&nbsp;
<img height="348" width="522" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/rX-Ex18XgThn2vxHb8BBxqy_H-O9YlhgCK77xoVgOIOkdDrUdK5oowg77mrGsAyOGbBkd6ZTvGa4bmo_aUGrSUIpg5KIpUkhwN5X7qnAdL24aM3pXr8RDM1_FCYkvCpXdZSnpaMSYgImds8E9nlU-zA" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Managing Identity Security</h3>
Cloud systems rely heavily on microservices and various machine identities like APIs, roles, and service accounts. It&rsquo;s pretty common for developers to grant excessive privileges to these entities for convenience and adaptability.&nbsp;
However, this also opens you up to significant risk. Attackers can exploit these privileges to move between identities, accumulating a dangerous mix of permissions along the way. This could allow them to disrupt applications, delete infrastructure, or cause massive harm to your cloud environment.
A risk assessment should look for identity-related risks. These could include things like overprivileged entities, unused identities, insecure access keys, or opportunities for lateral movement through the system.

<h3>Detecting Compromise</h3>
When you do a cloud risk assessment, you're not looking for signs of compromise like you would in an audit. But, it is a good opportunity to spot any unusual changes from the normal setup.&nbsp;
For instance, if you see access controls being changed unexpectedly or someone accessing data from a new location, it could indicate a potential compromise. Catching these anomalies might help you uncover suspicious activity by attackers.
&nbsp;
<h3>Checking Identity and Access Controls</h3>
One of the biggest allies you have in protecting assets within the cloud is identity and access controls. These controls determine exactly who can get to what within your network. Doing a risk assessment helps you start with your most important data and then expand outward to identify who has access to this information and how they're able to access it.&nbsp;
You might think you&rsquo;ve got your access pretty locked down, but things can quickly get complicated in a cloud setup. Organizational policies, permissions given to individuals, and permissions set for different resources can create a complex network of privileges. It&rsquo;s not unusual to discover unintended pathways to sensitive assets due to the intricacies of cloud permissions which can jeopardize your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-security-for-cloud-computing">data security</a>.

<img height="341" width="512" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/oRrFf4zmeEl9lC8jvzW1jwMLfq1jJIjvKG69QBfHpWRkt32H5MUUO7rlUsfz48uyceeGZWiUGdq1yro62JtHqdzX73XFdGoYcTbW6JRoyAl0oc9h1a0clRc4cVKfhgLtHOGi17i-b4BF1zhr0G9Id7Y" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Remaining Compliant</h3>
Many compliance standards mandate audits or assessments of cloud setups to ensure all risks have been considered. Cloud Service Providers adhere to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, and NIST SP 800-53, all of which necessitate risk assessments. Additionally, organizations may have their own internal guidelines or industry-specific requirements to meet.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="craftinganassessment">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>1. Understand Your Data</h3>
Before initiating a cloud security assessment, get a clear understanding of the kinds of data your organization handles. Then, sort your data according to its sensitivity and any regulatory standards it must meet.
By identifying which data is most important or at high risk of malicious activity, you can focus on securing it first. This could be financial records, customer details, or intellectual property.&nbsp;
For example, running an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/enterprise-call-center-software/">enterprise call center solution</a> typically involves handling large volumes of sensitive customer data. In crafting a cloud security assessment for this scenario, you would prioritize ensuring that the cloud environment effectively safeguards this data through encryption, access controls, and secure transmission protocols.

<h3>2. Assess Data Encryption</h3>
Encrypting data is crucial for cloud security because it keeps your information safe whether it's stored or being sent somewhere. Check if your cloud service provider offers encryption for both storing and transferring data.
Also, ensure they use strong encryption methods and manage encryption keys well to keep your data private and intact. By using strong encryption, you can reduce the chances of unauthorized access and data leaks.

<img height="344" width="459" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/P5EN2ncWyo8TWD0p-3d9YqpvjE_ti0DBLCsmIEUR33nS40hjNm02oOQX8HKZoyK6N1BK1d6CPqVV1kamRQW5W767MrjFfaIFGbD9jJWMSCgZc3s3Tx5NRIPY2-PF5TnS7E9X2gGmOopDd7fVYCkBAIQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels

<h3>3. Evaluate Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)</h3>
Not all cloud service providers offer equal levels of security. When considering potential providers, assess their security certifications, compliance standards, and measures for protecting data. Check whether they encrypt data, access controls, and what incident response protocols they have in place to make sure they meet your security needs.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll want to look for providers that follow industry standards and have strong security frameworks. For instance, if you operate a cloud-based contact center, opt for a provider that adheres to security certifications, compliance standards, and data protection measures relevant to <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/call-center-compliance/">call center regulatory compliance</a>.&nbsp;

<h3>4. Establish Access Controls</h3>
Managing access to cloud resources is vital to stopping unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.&nbsp;
Use role-based access controls (RBAC) to give permissions based on user roles and responsibilities. This allows you to control access to sensitive data, permitting only those individuals who require it for their job responsibilities.
Regularly review and update access permissions in line with any changes in personnel and business requirements.

<h3>5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
Multi-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">MFA</a>) increases security by asking users to provide more than one type of verification before they can access cloud resources.&nbsp;
For example, an access code is sent to a mobile device before logging in on a laptop. This means that even if someone&rsquo;s login details fall into the wrong hands, they can't be used for unauthorized access.&nbsp;
Check what MFA options your cloud provider offers and urge your team to use them for better security.

<img height="349" width="523" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/WN3DgDJYMtpY1FpXRKPQmyZC258kDjHth5FOXvJxno-Mtvkezi_JoYKz-bag5vcmoOnOEocr6aVQIip3HdirF6KrGwqVvB0Cuj_brRjn5fy3XvqpCaz3dBJVNmPPE9XBp7otOv6sXTVTY29MHsOExdQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>6. Develop Incident Response Plans</h3>
No system is immune to cyber threats, despite your best efforts and strong security measures. If you do find yourself the target of an attack, you must have a clear plan for responding to security incidents to mitigate the damage.&nbsp;
Establish clear procedures for detecting, containing, and reducing the impact of security breaches in the cloud. Regularly practice your response plan with simulated exercises so you&rsquo;re prepared if a real incident happens.

<h3>7. Conduct Regular Security Audits</h3>
Security is a continuous effort, and regular checks are crucial for finding weaknesses and ensuring compliance with security policies.&nbsp;
Arrange regular security assessments to evaluate how well your cloud security measures are working and to identify any vulnerabilities or gaps that need to be fixed. You might want to consider engaging with third-party security experts to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="strengthening">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</h2>
Cloud security has become an increasingly vital part of organizations' cybersecurity strategies.&nbsp;
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud services, they're storing more important data and critical applications across these environments, and this can make it challenging to secure and monitor everything effectively. &nbsp;
Especially when we look at complicated setups with multi-cloud services, it can be easy to miss potential security concerns. Conducting a cloud security risk assessment is a helpful way for organizations to pinpoint any weaknesses in their cloud security and receive actionable suggestions for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2>Use a Password Manager to Better Control and Protect Cloud Accounts</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">Password managers built for teams</a> provide one secure location for your entire organization to store, access, and share the login credentials needed to access your cloud accounts. For example, TeamPassword uses industry-standard AES-256-bit client-side encryption to protect customer data before it is transferred it its servers. TeamPassword's intuitive user interface increases the likelihood that your users will use strong unique passwords for every account, which is made easier with its built-in password generator. Password managers also allow administrators to control account access using groups and user-role settings. Activity logs provide yet another means by which company administrators can monitor access to records holding login details.&nbsp;
No matter the size of your team, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager</a> is an essential cybersecurity and productivity tool that saves time when conducting a cloud security assessment.&nbsp;

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber threats.

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber ...

How to Secure Your Business Data with a Cloud Security Assessment

Picture this: You're going about your business as usual when suddenly, your organization faces a serious cyber threat. This sneaky attack that appears to come from almost nowhere? A third-party data breach that can wreak havoc on your business faster than you can say &ldquo;Password123&rdquo;. In fact, the average cost of a data breach in the United States in 2023 amounted to an eye-watering <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/273575/us-average-cost-incurred-by-a-data-breach/">$9.48 million</a>.
&nbsp;
Third-party data breaches can happen to anyone, at any time. The scary part? By the time they happen, they are largely out of your control. This type of breach happens when a third-party vendor or partner who holds your company data suffers a cyber attack themselves, and your sensitive data is exposed.
&nbsp;
So, while you might have all the right defenses in place to protect your data within your business, how do you keep your precious data safe from prying eyes once it&rsquo;s in the hands of a third party?
&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t panic. There are practical steps you can take to protect your business from a third-party data breach.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understand" rel="follow">Understand the Enemy</a></li>
<li><a href="#commonbreaches" rel="follow">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</a></li>
<li><a href="#assessrisk" rel="follow">Assess Your Risk</a></li>
<li><a href="#preventbreaches" rel="follow">Prevent Third-Party Data Breaches</a></li>
<li><a href="#securedata" rel="follow">Secure Your Company's Data</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understand">Understand the Enemy</h2>
Before we get into how to protect yourself from third-party data breaches, let's take a look at what we&rsquo;re up against. These breaches happen when <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">cyber attackers</a> gain unauthorized access to the systems of your partners or vendors, allowing them to get their hands on sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records.
&nbsp;
Now, you might wonder, "Why target my vendors?" Well, this is a strategic tactic for third-party breaches. They give hackers a way to sneak through the backdoor into your organization, bypassing your usual defenses. So, even if you have the right cyber security measures in place, a weak link in your supply chain could still spell disaster for your business.

<img height="346" width="520" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/bBIzjb7nl3cC7IHtEbz_ojp3RR8K1XwZnEEB83EiBbC2P1caUrWvJpMkgvERXq2OcZ6kfdfFCy2LTfkdvJI_PfnVV85bnlM5xZD_NzWCUDX4obiXG5d3LGBXH-hSml-P_li-UQvCaCFUVbaAdUlxgd4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="commonbreaches">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
Unauthorized Access: Third-party vendors with excessive access privileges might accidentally or intentionally access sensitive data, leading to breaches.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Misconfigured Services: Misconfigurations in third-party services or cloud environments can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access. For example, if storage or databases are set up incorrectly, they could be accessed by the public or unauthorized parties.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers may compromise third-party vendors to gain access to their clients' networks or data. They could do this by sneaking malware into software updates or finding weaknesses in the vendor's systems to infiltrate their clients' networks.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Vendor Compromise: If hackers break into a third-party vendor's systems, they could get into their clients' sensitive data. This might happen through tricks like phishing emails, spreading malware, or finding other ways to trick the vendor's employees or systems.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Insufficient Security Measures: Third-party vendors might not have sufficient security measures to safeguard sensitive data, including encryption, access controls, or intrusion detection systems. As a result, the data becomes vulnerable to exploitation by malicious attackers.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Data Sharing Practices: Sometimes, third-party vendors may share or transfer data without proper authorization or security measures, leading to data breaches or unauthorized disclosures.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="assessrisk">Assess Your Risks</h2>
Now that you know what we're dealing with, it's time to assess any potential vulnerabilities in your supply chain and strengthen your defenses. It can be easy to think, &ldquo;It won&rsquo;t happen to me&rdquo; &ndash; until it does, and you&rsquo;re left dealing with the repercussions. Leaked customer data can cripple your reputation, while unauthorized access to sensitive financial information could have devastating financial consequences for your business.
&nbsp;
Start with a thorough review of your third-party relationships, identifying all vendors and partners who have access to your sensitive data. Once you've got your list, categorize your vendors based on the level of risk they present to your organization.
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For example, a cloud service provider who has access to your financial data would pose a much higher risk than your <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/United-Arab-Emirates/.ae">ae TLD</a> provider with limited access to such sensitive information.

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qoRySz57feseWOApoaVJkm0_2Zgxe1B-jHFBJCAgqOg2LvNq580twpOOf15uNjzI1Iy3mhzHJ1LwsU8JtpcFX_aMeTpZ8WUIph6JD9pBzvNi_0glw5p6f6v8RHwDIxZvPm6C3pJcEJExBXWuCZdjg_k">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="preventbreaches">Prevent Third-Party Vendor Data Breaches</h2>
Once you've identified your high-risk vendors, it's time to come up with a defense plan to protect yourself from potential breaches.
<h3>Strict Security Protocols</h3>
Start by setting strict security protocols and standards for all third-party relationships. Clearly outline your expectations for data protection, access controls, and incident response. Reputable partners should have no problem complying with these measures and ideally, they ought to have their own strong security measures already in place to safeguard your sensitive data.
&nbsp;
Then, work closely with your vendors to ensure they stick to your security standards and implement adequate safeguards for your data. This might involve regular security assessments, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">encryption</a> protocols, or multi-factor authentication measures to prevent unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
Information security should be top of your priority list when choosing new vendors to work with, particularly those who will be granted access to sensitive data. It's crucial to discuss security measures with potential vendors from the start and have a good understanding of how they handle both their own data security and what measures they have in place to protect your information. Only work with vendors whose security practices match your own standards.
&nbsp;
<h3>Vendor Risk Management</h3>
Establishing that your third-party vendor has a security program in place is just the first step. When you&rsquo;re trusting a partner with highly sensitive data, you need to know that they're serious about managing risks and investing resources into protecting themselves from any vulnerabilities.
&nbsp;
Ask for their latest internal risk assessments, penetration testing, and compliance frameworks. They should have a comprehensive risk management plan, a strategy for mitigating supply chain risks, and protocols for addressing potential data breaches.
&nbsp;
Continuously monitoring third-party risks provides ongoing visibility into the vendor's cybersecurity practices. Conduct quarterly assessments to assess the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.
&nbsp;
Keep an eye on their cybersecurity practices regularly. Check how they're doing every few months with quarterly assessments of the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.

<img height="367" width="490" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RvM7vE0SM7kettNWqtGTwnqeQMVER31W0nNBq0Ih-1sKy2HpKpa-UGVW5HJQq-BkzyvdTEWsnWfbe-L36PQiLbQOI8Oyo5D58wZ2ai_RB9SZnQXR5gHZWDgs47cFR4HPTSue-XDl23H0FBBY13LMyyQ">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Regular Audits</h3>
Don&rsquo;t just take your vendor's word for it when it comes to data security. Conducting audits is crucial to understand the true state of your vendor's security. Perform audits regularly, especially when dealing with highly sensitive data entrusted to a vendor.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These audits assess how well the organization adheres to its security compliance framework and its track record from previous audits. Look out for any signs of compromise and evaluate how effectively the vendor manages cybersecurity risks.
<h3>Secure Data Storage and Transfer</h3>
Working with third-party vendors often involves exchanging or sharing data. For example, consider a company that uses an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-service-automation/">automated customer service system</a> provided by a third-party vendor. The customer details and interactions logged by the system are likely to involve data exchange.&nbsp;

Without a well-defined policy in place, the storage and transfer of data within this system could pose a whole host of risks for the organization. They could find themselves exposed to unauthorized access, non-compliance with data protection laws, and even a data breach.
&nbsp;
Establishing clear guidelines enables companies to outline boundaries and expectations for data storage and transfer. This makes sure that the third-party vendor handles your customer data with the same level of care and security standards as you do.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/w_pszyFdXI77M5NhZAoum-8m98bgfQ60HO1FlBfo6MFm0QhGbPE3a4L2iH_oA8aAB_j_71xfMoEuXEaG1kkUZ8j-kokzXonVJoVCXpmITRrszyvsyeIAWHrmUqdnsYcXOy2QXXT0WHBIYi4HGoFYRB4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Least-Privileged Access</h3>
Granting excessive access to third parties is a common cause of data breaches. To better protect yourself, it's important to be strict when it comes to access management. It might take a little more thought and management, but it could protect you from a lot of trouble further down the line.
&nbsp;
Implementing least-privileged access ensures that third-party service providers have only what they absolutely need for their tasks, minimizing the risk of breaches.
&nbsp;
Consider a situation where a company implements a third-party <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/features/contact-center-integrations/">contact center integration</a> into its operations. If this third-party provider is given unrestricted access to customer data, it would pose a huge security risk. Their representatives might gain access to sensitive personal details, including names, addresses, and credit card details. In this scenario, a data breach would be devastating.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
To mitigate this, the company can use least-privileged access. This means the provider only gets access to what they absolutely need, like customer contact details for making calls and access to customer support tickets.&nbsp;
<h3>Monitoring and Vigilance</h3>
Third-party vendors play vital roles in your supply chain, but they also bring risks like data breaches and compliance issues if not properly monitored. Just checking vendors at the beginning of your relationship isn't enough; ongoing monitoring is key. Keep a close watch on your third-party relationships for any unusual activity that could mean there's been a breach.
&nbsp;
For example, if you see a sudden increase in data transfers or access requests from a vendor's account at odd times, it could be a red flag. You should investigate any anomalies like this straight away to determine if they represent a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-6-security-threats-for-small-businesses">security threat</a> or indicate a breach in progress.
&nbsp;
Additionally, set up robust systems to monitor who can access critical data. This helps you quickly spot and stop any unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img height="333" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/LHMKLzJpW6F-2I-vivoUbNqxlbToK05MCuszuZI6ex2pcMstwaW9Zgq2mWYAH484VDLkVj59l9Av2HbxaxUsFwUd_9YKFWV9-LgrtjrOZxUwGZeroYoSuAUH8jQd_AaoLQxB5R1fGiLoIPm8y-aFO58">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="securedata">Secure Your Company's Data</h2>
While it might feel daunting to try to protect data that is outside your control, there are plenty of sensible precautions you can take to keep your company data safe.
&nbsp;
To help reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a third-party data breach, it&rsquo;s important to implement strong security protocols and conduct regular assessments to catch any issues.
&nbsp;
Stay alert, keep on top of any new security trends or threats as they emerge, and adapt your security measures to address evolving risks. By being proactive, businesses can handle third-party data breaches better, protecting their valuable data.

<h2>Use a Password Manager</h2>

A great way to mitigate the risks from third-party data breaches is by using a password manager like TeamPassword. A <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager </a>provides one secure location to store your company's online account information and other sensitive data. TeamPassword enables users to share records in groups, thereby limiting who has access to the login credentials. Creating a strong unique password for every account is made easy with TeamPassword's built-in password generator that can create a complex thirty-two-character password in milliseconds. Admins can also use TeamPassword's activity log to monitor who has accessed and changed each record to monitor access and meet compliance standards.&nbsp;

Whether you use TeamPassword or another password manager, a password manager is an essential tool to protect yourself from third-party data breaches.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On a final note, think about getting cybersecurity insurance to lessen the financial blow of a possible breach. While insurance can't stop a breach, it can give valuable protection against the expensive fallout of data loss or theft.

Find out how to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our ...

How to Mitigate the Risks of Third-Party Data Breaches

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

How to Mitigate Risks from Third-Party Data Breaches

<div dir="ltr" _ngcontent-ng-c1846838051="">
Cybersecurity might sound like a fancy term reserved for tech giants with budgets the size of Rhode Island. But here's the harsh truth: in today's digital Wild West, every company, regardless of size, is a potential target for cyberattacks.
<h2>Common Cybersecurity Risks for Small Networks</h2>
In their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/T3ec/reports/2019-data-breach-investigations-report.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2019 Data Breach Investigation</a>, Verizon showed that a whopping 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Ouch. That's right, nearly half of all cyberattacks are aimed squarely at businesses like yours &ndash; the ones without an army of IT security specialists and a fortress-like defense system.
Why are small businesses such attractive targets? Think of it like a bank robber casing the joint. Large banks have elaborate security measures, but a corner store with a single cashier? That might seem like an easier score for a cybercriminal. Small businesses often lack the resources to invest in robust cybersecurity, making them vulnerable to a wider range of threats.
Let's look at 4 common threats.&nbsp;
<h3 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:860">Phishing</h3>
Imagine you get a fake email that looks like it's from your bank. It asks you to click a link and update your account information. If you click the link and enter your details, a scammer steals your information!
Phishing attacks leverage social engineering techniques to manipulate users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Attackers employ various methods to craft believable emails, such as spoofing sender addresses, mimicking logos and branding elements, and exploiting urgency or fear tactics.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Spear phishing</a> is a targeted form of phishing that uses personal details about you scraped from other sources to add legitimacy - or urgency - to the scams.&nbsp;
<h3 data-sourcepos="7:1-7:16">SQL Injection</h3>
SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that interact with relational databases. Attackers craft malicious SQL queries disguised as user input (e.g., username, search field). These queries can bypass authentication mechanisms, manipulate data, retrieve sensitive information (e.g., customer records), or even take control of the underlying database server.
Common injection points include login forms, search bars, and any functionality that accepts user-controlled input. Secure coding practices, input validation, and parameterized queries can mitigate SQL injection risks.
<h3 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:10">Viruses</h3>
Viruses are self-replicating malicious programs that attach themselves to executable files or macros. Upon execution, the virus code replicates itself and injects malicious functionality into the host program. Viruses can disrupt system operations, corrupt data, steal information, or even act as payloads for further attacks.
Modern viruses often employ advanced techniques like polymorphism and obfuscation to evade detection by antivirus software.
Multi-layered security solutions, including endpoint protection platforms with behavioral analysis capabilities, are crucial for mitigating virus threats.
<h3 data-sourcepos="19:1-19:10">Malware</h3>
Malware is a broad term for any bad software that can harm your computer. It's like a toolbox with different tools for causing trouble. Some malware steals information, some mess with your files, and some even hold your data hostage!
Common malware types include viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, and botnets. Malware can be delivered through various vectors, such as phishing attacks, drive-by downloads on compromised websites, malicious email attachments, or social engineering tactics.
Malware functionality varies, but common goals include data theft, system disruption, financial extortion, and establishing footholds for further network exploitation. Comprehensive security strategies combining endpoint protection, network security controls, and user awareness training are essential to combat the evolving threat landscape of malware.
<h3 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:860">What do these cyber threats mean for you?</h3>
A successful attack on your small network could be devastating. Imagine losing access to your customer data, financial records, or that secret sauce recipe you've been perfecting for years. The financial repercussions can cripple your business, not to mention the damage to your reputation and customer trust. Data breaches can also lead to legal headaches and hefty regulatory fines.&nbsp;
In summary: cybersecurity for small businesses often hinges on the habits and practices of its users. Let's explore some best practices to fortify your small network's defenses and make it a fortress, not a flimsy shack, in the digital landscape.
<h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:68">Best Practices for Small Network Cybersecurity</h2>
The good news? You don't need a million-dollar security system to protect your small network. There are <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cybersecurity-checklist" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">steps you can take to fortify your defenses</a> and make yourself a less appealing target. However, effective cybersecurity relies heavily on a collaborative effort.
Before you start locking down your network with digital padlocks, it's crucial to get everyone on board &ndash; from leadership and team members to any partners you work with. A single weak link in your security chain, like an employee with a penchant for weak passwords, can leave your entire network vulnerable.
<h3 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:60">Create Password Protocols: The First Line of Defense</h3>
We all know this one, right? Strong passwords are the cornerstone of good cybersecurity. But let's be honest, how many of us use the same password over and over, or make passwords less than 12 characters long?
The problem is, weak passwords are like leaving your front door wide open with a neon sign that reads "Free Data Inside!" To address this, consider creating internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that establish clear guidelines for password creation, updates, and storage.
Here's the key takeaway: network security is only as strong as its weakest link. If even one employee uses weak passwords or stores them in insecure locations (I'll just email this password to myself...) it can compromise the entire system. Imagine a single rotten apple spoiling the whole bunch. That's what happens when one weak password opens the door for a cybercriminal.
The Password Manager Solution: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-risks-of-storing-your-passwords-in-google-sheets" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Ditch the Spreadsheet</a>
Let's face it, coming up with complex, unique passwords for every single account is a pain. That's where password generators come in like a digital knight in shining armor. These tools generate random combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols, making them significantly harder to crack than your birthday or your pet's name.
Most password managers offer features like auto-fill for websites and applications, saving yet more time. Think of it as having a personal vault for all your strong, unique passwords, readily accessible at your fingertips.
By establishing clear password protocols and leveraging the power of password generators, you can significantly bolster your network's first line of defense.
</div>
<div dir="ltr" _ngcontent-ng-c1846838051="">
<h3>Restrict and Monitor Access: Not Everyone Needs the Keys to the Kingdom</h3>
Imagine a bank where every employee has full access to the vault. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? The same principle applies to your network security. Establishing clear access controls is crucial for protecting sensitive data and minimizing the potential damage from a cyberattack.
Here's the idea: not everyone in your company needs access to everything. The marketing team likely doesn't need access to financial records, and your customer service reps probably shouldn't be able to modify administrative settings.
By creating tiered access levels, you can ensure that employees only have access to the data and systems they need to perform their jobs effectively. This minimizes the potential for accidental exposure of sensitive information and makes it harder for attackers to exploit any unauthorized access.
The best way to do this is with a <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a> that allows unlimited unique groups of passwords, and admin-controlled access to these groups.
Here's a key tip: document everything. Create a clear and concise record of who has access to what data and systems within your network. This not only helps with ongoing security management but also facilitates a smooth transition if an employee leaves the company or changes roles. Think of it as a digital map of your network, ensuring everyone knows where the valuables are kept and who has the keys.
<h3 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:77">Hold Consistent Employee Trainings: Knowledge is Power (and Security)</h3>
Even the most sophisticated security measures can be thwarted by human error. That's why employee training is a fundamental pillar of any robust cybersecurity strategy. Consider establishing internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that clearly outline:
<ul data-sourcepos="15:1-22:0">
<li data-sourcepos="15:1-16:0">
Proper Use of Networks: What activities are appropriate on company networks? Is it okay to browse social media during work hours? What about downloading personal software? Having clear guidelines helps employees understand their role in maintaining a secure network environment.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="17:1-18:0">
Identifying Threats: How can employees recognize phishing emails, malware downloads, and other common cyber threats? Equipping your team with the knowledge to spot these dangers is crucial for preventing them from becoming a security breach. Think of it as giving them a digital shield to deflect cyberattacks.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0">
Avoiding Popular Risks: How can employees protect themselves from common cybersecurity pitfalls? Trainings should cover topics like creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and being cautious about opening attachments from unknown senders. By understanding these risks, employees can make smarter decisions that safeguard your network.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="21:1-22:0">
What to Do if There is a Suspected Threat: What happens if an employee suspects a cyberattack or accidentally clicks on a malicious link? Having a clear reporting process in place ensures that potential threats are identified and addressed quickly before they escalate into major problems.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-sourcepos="23:1-23:59">Create a Response Plan: Don't Be Caught Flat-Footed</h3>
Imagine your fire alarm goes off, but you have no idea where the extinguishers are or who to call. That's the chaos that can ensue in the event of a cyberattack without a well-defined response plan.
A cybersecurity incident response plan outlines the steps your team should take if your network is compromised.
This plan should address key areas like:
<ul data-sourcepos="29:1-34:0">
<li data-sourcepos="29:1-30:0">
Identification and Containment: How will you identify a security breach? What steps will you take to isolate the threat and prevent further damage? Swift action is critical in minimizing the impact of a cyberattack.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="31:1-32:0">
Recovery: How will you recover your systems and data in the event of an attack? Having a robust backup and recovery strategy is essential for getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="33:1-34:0">
Communication: Who needs to be notified in the event of a cyberattack? How will you communicate with employees, customers, and partners? Clear and transparent communication is crucial for maintaining trust and minimizing reputational damage.
</li>
</ul>
By establishing a clear response plan, you ensure your team knows exactly what to do in the event of a cyberattack. It's like having a well-rehearsed fire drill &ndash; everyone knows their role and how to respond effectively to mitigate the damage.
<h2 data-sourcepos="37:1-37:84">Strengthen Your Small Network Security with TeamPassword</h2>
Here's the reality: cybersecurity isn't a luxury for small businesses &ndash; it's an investment in your organization's future. A successful cyberattack can cripple your operations, damage your reputation, and erode customer trust. By implementing the best practices outlined above, you can significantly bolster your small network's defenses and make yourself a less attractive target for cybercriminals.
TeamPassword offers a suite of features specifically designed to empower small businesses to take control of their network security:
<ul data-sourcepos="45:1-45:141">
<li data-sourcepos="45:1-45:141">Access passwords anywhere: TeamPassword allows authorized users to access their passwords securely from any device, at any time, only from a secure vault. This eliminates the need to Slack credentials to a coworker.&nbsp;</li>
<li data-sourcepos="45:1-45:141">Minimum necessary knowledge: Each user in your organization can be 'edited' individually, meaning you choose exactly what password groups they access.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="45:1-45:141">Robust <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">security</a>: Mandatory 2FA, SSO options, activity logs, and of course the AES 256-bit secured vault...TeamPassword gives you what you need to keep your small network secure.&nbsp;</li>
<li data-sourcepos="45:1-45:141">Intuitive&nbsp;interface: Look, you need a secure vault that stores passwords and autofills them when needed. You shouldn't be fighting with the UI to find what you need. TeamPassword keeps it simple, with a <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">price point to match</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Try TeamPassword <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">for 14 days on us</a>. Got any questions? <a href="https://teampassword.com/support" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Reach out</a> to our award-winning support team.&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword"></a>
</div>

Cybersecurity for small networks is as important as large network security. Come learn about the best practices to keep your network and team secure with TeamPassword!

Cybersecurity for small networks is as important as large network security. Come learn about the best practices to ...

Cyber Security for Small Networks | Protect Networks of Any Size

Cybersecurity for Small Networks | Protect Networks of Any Size

During historical gold rushes, panners and miners flocked in droves, hoping to make their fortunes. In the online age, however, the high-value resource of the day isn&rsquo;t gold; it&rsquo;s information.

Data-driven insights help businesses connect with their target markets. This means better products, more effective ads, and adjusting your business model.

That said, businesses aren&rsquo;t the only ones that benefit from data collection. Malicious actors can use sensitive data for all kinds of purposes, from harassment to financial and identity theft. They may even threaten businesses directly with denial of service or by holding information for ransom.

That&rsquo;s why you need to know everything you can about customer data security.

[Table of Contents]

<ul>
<li>
<a href="#prevalence" rel="follow">The Prevalence of Customer Data Today</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#whyessential" rel="follow">Why Strong Cybersecurity is Essential</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">10 Customer Data Security Best Practices</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#multifaceted" rel="follow">Take a Multi-faceted Approach to Data Security</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="prevalence">The Prevalence of Customer Data Today</h2>
You might not think of your business as being particularly data-driven, especially if it&rsquo;s a brick-and-mortar store selling physical goods. Yet, even these companies collect valuable data, such as credit card details from non-cash transactions.

These days, even small organizations use data-driven insights to increase conversions and reduce <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-churn/" rel="follow">customer churn</a>. The kinds of customer data you collect can vary widely. Along with transactional info like card details or email addresses, this can include:

<ul>
<li>
Demographic information, such as age, gender, and employment
</li>
<li>
Purchase, subscription, or content viewing histories
</li>
<li>
Medical information
</li>
<li>
Information on friends and family
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whyessential">Why Strong Cybersecurity is Essential</h2>
It&rsquo;s essential to have appropriate data <a href="https://teampassword.com/security">security measures</a> for your business. For one thing, you have a moral duty of care to protect sensitive data relating to both your customers and employees. This is especially important for anything considered Personally Identifying Information (PII).

Then there are the legal consequences of failing to provide customer data security and adhere to relevant privacy regulations. This includes state and sector-specific laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act.

International businesses must also adhere to the European Union&rsquo;s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Fines for violations can reach tens of millions of dollars or even a percentage of global financial turnover, which can lead to significant financial losses.

<img height="491" width="491" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/nB3dOLBU5JqNIt5t2thUyWDV4a_Va3nTIFWA5cklI2F_laAIVofrW9HqOdNYh7ZdrDxmfIXamjDkKxmrrKZ5ziqK8BfjSRyD9Ztho0qPeyMu6oYZMo69gVjVY48jexAVjMmJ9aEjMF7D5vq11cVdgK0">
<a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/30053/gdpr-data-protection-fines-timeline/">Image Sourced</a> from Statista
<h3>The Rise of Cybercrime</h3>
As computer and IoT technologies continue to advance, so too do the ways in which people break the law. Hackers, scammers, and other malicious online actors keep developing more complex ways of breaking into systems or tricking people.&nbsp;

These include:

<ul>
<li>
Phishing scams via email and social media
</li>
<li>
Malware to steal data or compromise systems
</li>
<li>
Ransomware to lock users out of devices or networks
</li>
<li>
Direct hacking attempts
</li>
<li>
Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks
</li>
</ul>

As such, the ways businesses secure their customer data need to keep up to protect their business from a potential data breach.
<h2 id="bestpractices">10 Customer Data Security Best Practices</h2>
Now that we&rsquo;ve established the various threats, let&rsquo;s talk tactics. Given how cybersecurity has advanced over the years, you might think you simply need good security software. But technology alone is not enough.

Don&rsquo;t get us wrong: having the right tools is essential, but there&rsquo;s more to it than that. Effective habits for data management and protection are equally as vital.
<h3>1. Regularly Audit Data and Stick to the Essentials</h3>
In theory, the longer your business operates, the more data it&rsquo;ll build up. While this can be useful for things like market research, it also poses a problem. The more data you have, the more damage will be done when it&rsquo;s leaked or stolen.

That&rsquo;s why you need to conduct regular data audits, which serve two functions. First, they&rsquo;re a form of virtual spring cleaning. It&rsquo;s an opportunity to discard old data that&rsquo;s no longer relevant, like personal details for a customer who unsubscribed from your service years ago.

Second, data audits help you to review the forms of data you&rsquo;re collecting and your motivation to do so. If there isn&rsquo;t a coherent reason for collecting a particular kind of information, get rid of it. By focusing strictly on the data you need, you minimize the risk to customers.

<img height="342" width="513" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/zgN_p55h5awJwu2J2hHTr5bIiuMY7Ix_CwTN3ztKXinmBLZnGmGNS0VfZMbZLd7NkZiIHRqyVNppdwnx_k-__XthYarzrT5DgEzzLYkd6yxZTA8tO52ZP0ZgDGIgqsIHl02jWuOYmfWDtW_sojuE4s4">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<h3>2. Form an Effective Data Privacy and Usage Policy</h3>
Your organization&rsquo;s usage and privacy policy forms your first line of defense in effective data protection. This includes everything from data access management protocols to security requirements for employees to use unique passwords.

As for creating a cybersecurity policy, start with the objectives behind it: what you&rsquo;re protecting and why. Then evaluate the risks and potential security threats as well as specific compliance requirements.

You should also make sure your written policy is as jargon-free as possible, so that your people understand it.
<h3>3. Train Staff and Inform Customers About Cybersecurity Practices</h3>
The point of a cybersecurity policy is that even non-tech savvy employees can understand it. But they still need to be trained on best practices.

Teach your team what makes for strong authentication security, how to spot things like phishing scams, and anything else they might need to know.&nbsp;

Cybersecurity training helps employees to identify risks and threats. In turn, this means they&rsquo;ll be less likely to land your business in hot water by making costly mistakes.

Let&rsquo;s look at what this means in practice. Say you run a private medical organization and need to maintain a <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/guides/hipaa-compliant-call-center/">HIPAA compliant call center</a>. You should explain to your staff not to share confidential medical details with anyone other than the patient.

<img height="372" width="602" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/k1cmoaM3JJ6ppMrM5ekyVnv3u84q79gjTlLAvXmd6jPHMtwtSRJdXLJkwmDU-WjqWfyji4L6bPnS0P5X5EKY8GnvjLkTwtjpN1mXu9xgtMEew5erEbFI9REITq_e5GAicsel9XXgDI-NUa0G2N45M8Q">
<a href="https://www.dialpad.com/guides/hipaa-compliant-call-center/">Image Sourced</a> from Dialpad

Beyond training any employees who take calls and manage data using this platform, you should also educate clients. Let them know what privacy measures you take to keep their data safe, and teach them how to use the platform securely.

If every user knows what information can and cannot be shared and with whom, then any unusual requests or behavior will be flagged, thereby mitigating the risk of a security breach.

Emphasizing customer data security practices isn't just the right thing to do; it's also great for your brand. It projects reliability by showing the public you take guarding their private data seriously.

<h3>4. Encrypt All Data</h3>
Now, let&rsquo;s look at some of the most critical cybersecurity techniques, starting with data encryption.&nbsp;

Encryption is the practice of converting sensitive data into a meaningless mess of useless code or text. The only way to revert the data into a usable form is to pass through layers of authentication like passwords or biometrics.

These security measures work as a key that unlocks the information you&rsquo;re accessing. Different types and distinctions of data encryption include:

<ul>
<li>
Bit-length encryption for emails and other communications
</li>
<li>
File-level encryption to protect systems and servers
</li>
<li>
Symmetric and asymmetric (private-key and public-key) encryption
</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Use Multi-factor Authentication</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">Strong passwords</a> might be enough for your personal computer or streaming service accounts, but not for professional data protection. That&rsquo;s why you need to implement multi-factor authentication for all employees.

Users should provide two or more different kinds of security evidence to access data. Different forms of secure authentication include:

<ul>
<li>
Password protection
</li>
<li>
Temporary security codes sent to a preset email
</li>
<li>
Secret security questions
</li>
<li>
Biometrics (such as fingerprints or facial recognition)
</li>
</ul>
<h3>6. Build a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Infrastructure</h3>
So far, we&rsquo;ve touched on a couple of important tools and methods for ensuring security. But, if you&rsquo;re serious about preventing data breaches, there are several more boxes you&rsquo;ll need to tick:

<ul>
<li>
Anti-adware
</li>
<li>
Anti-spyware
</li>
<li>
Virus protection and anti-malware
</li>
<li>
Firewalls
</li>
<li>
Pop-up blockers
</li>
<li>
Vulnerability scanning tools
</li>
<li>
Endpoint detection and response tools
</li>
</ul>

Let&rsquo;s say you run a web domain registrar service like Only Domains, and you recently onboarded numerous new customers through <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/Qatar/.qa">.com.qa domain registration</a>. Due to gaps in your cybersecurity infrastructure, sensitive client data gets stolen.

Now, those businesses and their websites are at risk &ndash; all because you didn&rsquo;t shore up your anti-malware systems. That won&rsquo;t just negatively affect them, but also the trustworthiness of your brand.

<img height="451" width="602" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/CS69cnz6SxeRiLAO5yt1F4qeaYYhiSwQzfvYgzPrRIlfcDvBduVfr_sR40ELr3Fudmt9UaIQC-BCoVrwL8VAuLhMPZNsY176HzBHTMybpo0dXz8PcbEi6CWv_rzKjcw6NTxSMnXBw3wSoEvqI030OkM">
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
<h3>7. Keep all Software Updated</h3>
Cybercrime and cybersecurity are locked in a perpetual arms race. If programmers find a way to close a gap in virtual security, criminals respond by finding new workarounds.&nbsp;

Of course, it&rsquo;s easy to think of this in terms of the big developments like the rise of multi-factor authentication, social media-based phishing techniques, or the impact of AI on both sides.

All too often, though, the small advances matter just as much. That&rsquo;s why you need to keep all software updated on a regular schedule. You never know when the latest patch will fix a small but dangerous gap in your security.
<h3>8. Limit Data Access</h3>
Sometimes, your own people can be your worst enemy. Perhaps they&rsquo;re a malicious actor trying to actively leak sensitive information or maybe they&rsquo;re just prone to mistakes. Either way, you need to know <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-prevent-insider-threats">how to prevent insider threats</a> or at least mitigate their impact.

Limit access to sensitive data based on the Principle of Least Privilege. In other words, only allow people to access data that is demonstrably essential for their work.
<h3>9. Maintain Secure Data Back-ups</h3>
So far, we&rsquo;ve talked about how to protect against phishing, malware and hacking, but what about mistakes and technical problems?

It isn&rsquo;t only the theft of data that can cause problems. Lots of businesses depend on regular access to their databases to be able to provide services, so what happens when your server goes bust?

Some data may be replaceable, but a lot of it isn&rsquo;t. Regular back-ups ensure you&rsquo;ll never be without your company&rsquo;s vital data, even in case of disaster.

Of course, accidents aren&rsquo;t the only reason to keep back-ups. If hackers use ransomware to hold your systems hostage, back-ups mean you can still provide essential services while you resolve the issue.

<h3>10. Use a Password Manager</h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">Password managers</a> provide one secure location to store your online account login details. Some even allow you save other data such as credit card information, secure notes, and even encrypt attachments.&nbsp;

While most browsers include a password manager, these can only be used by an individual. Saved records cannot be saved and shared with others, which limits their usefulness for a company or organization.&nbsp;

However, there are passwords managers, like TeamPassword, that are <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">built specifically for teams</a>. TeamPassword, and other password managers like it, allow users to share saved records with groups, thereby providing easy access to company accounts that multiple people need to access.&nbsp;

Password managers are an essential tool for any business as they allow administrators to control who has access to which accounts, safely encrypt login details and other saved data, provide logs for audits, and often include MFA.&nbsp;
<h2 id="multifaceted">Take a Multi-faceted Approach to Data Security</h2>
If you only take one lesson from today&rsquo;s blog, let it be this: There&rsquo;s no cure-all magic solution to cybersecurity issues.

For one thing, an effective customer data security plan should make use of the full range of tools available &ndash; anti-malware, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and so on.

But remember that software is only half the battle. You must also have a comprehensive cybersecurity policy and ensure employees and clients engage with it.

All businesses handle customer data, and keeping it safe is essential. This guide will help you keep customer data secure and build trust.

All businesses handle data, and keeping it safe is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together ...

Customer Data Security: 10 Best Practices

All businesses handle data, and keeping it safe is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together this best practice guide for customer data security.

Customer Data Security: 10 Best Practices for Ensuring Safety and Trust

Look, we all love the shiny promise of a new year. Fresh starts, new tech toys &ndash; it's enough to make you do a celebratory fist pump. But hold on a sec, because while we're busy geeking out over the latest gadgets, cybercriminals are hatching some seriously nasty schemes. Don't get me wrong, the internet's a goldmine for convenience, but it's also a jungle crawling with digital predators.
<h2>Fake and Counterfeit Products</h2>
Online shopping is booming, and cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity. Remember the <a href="https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/oregon-man-selling-fake-counterfeit-n95-masks-covid-charged-federal/283-b6f99c61-ee64-4e62-a25b-d21cc898b85d" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">fake N95 mask sellers</a> of 2023? Get ready for a new wave of tactics. Today's scammers target trending products &ndash; that hot new VR headset everyone's talking about? Fake listings abound. They'll create fake shipping labels, send phony delivery notifications, and do everything to deflect blame when your "cutting-edge meditation lamp" never arrives.
Here's the key: if a deal seems unbelievable, it probably is. Read reviews, stick to reputable retailers, and use a credit card with robust fraud protection. Don't let these digital pirates steal your money and leave you empty-handed.
<h2>Pretend Puppies and Other Pet Scams</h2>
With a large uptick in people turning to the internet to make purchases, many families in recent months have turned to the internet to adopt a pet into their household. This has led to a fivefold increase in pet-related scams, where con artists most often create websites to advertise animals up for adoption that, in the end, don't exist.
The average consumer loses <a href="https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/denver-woman-warns-others-after-losing-1000-in-online-puppy-scam/520-1cf9e9e9-617b-42d1-9a21-6b721530a699" target="_blank" rel="noopener">around $1,000</a> to these types of scams and pretend puppies are the most common culprit. However, parrots, cats, and other animals can also be involved in these scams, so you should&nbsp;always do your due diligence.&nbsp;
The pandemic has become a great excuse for not allowing a family to see a pet in person before adoption, and it's also given rise to fraudulent money requests to cover transport cages, shipping costs, and special vaccinations. Pets aren't the only lure, either. A variety of threats have <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/covid-password-management-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arisen from the pandemic</a>.
<h2>Work-from-Home Scams</h2>
Ah, the work-from-home dream. Flexible hours, sweatpants as your new work uniform &ndash; it's enough to make you want to do a celebratory fist pump.
But reef the sail, sailor, because lurking in the shadows of this digital utopia are cybercriminals just itching to exploit your desire for a comfy home office. Legitimate remote work opportunities exist, but before you start picturing yourself sipping margaritas by the pool while cranking out reports, let's talk about how to <a href="https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/work-from-home-scams/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sniff out the work-from-home scams</a> and avoid becoming yesterday's news.
While these scams often seek to steal sensitive data through phishing and other tactics, they can also try to leach funds from victims, too.
If you're applying for any job opportunity and you receive a "company check" with instructions to cash it right away, don't fall for it. Scammers will ask for you to cash it and then send back a large portion of it using a wire transfer or gift card. They then tell you to purchase equipment with the remainder, but by the time they've received the money you've sent, the check bounces and you're out of cash. Even if the check seemingly clears, no real employer would ever ask you to go through these steps, and the scammer surely has something up their sleeve.
<h2>Government Impersonation Scams</h2>
Across North America, one of the most expensive and widespread scams involves impersonation of government officials. These imposters, often posing as representatives of the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Services Canada, love to play on fear. They'll hit you with threats of legal action, hoping to pressure you into divulging personal information or sending them money.
Here's the golden rule: legitimate government agencies will never use scare tactics. They certainly won't ask for your social security number over the phone, and they definitely won't demand immediate payment via gift card (because, seriously, who does that?).
When Doubt Creeps In, Hang Up and Investigate
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official and they start wielding the legal action hammer, don't panic. Hang up. Take a deep breath, and resist the urge to react impulsively. Instead, verify the caller's information directly. Look for the official phone number of the agency they supposedly represent and contact them yourself to inquire about the issue. Never call back the number displayed on your caller ID &ndash; that could be a one-way ticket to Scam City.
<h2>Protect Yourself Everywhere On The Web</h2>
These scams are a masterclass in how cybercriminals adapt their tactics. They exploit our desire for a good job, the joy of a furry friend, and the fear of getting in trouble with the law. The key to staying safe? Active due diligence. Research any job offer thoroughly, never send money upfront for a pet you haven't met in person, and remember, the IRS isn't going to threaten you with jail time over the phone.
One of the most effective ways to fortify your online defenses is to utilize <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword#createstrongpasswords:~:text=Step%202%3A%20Create%20Passwords%20that%20Do%20Their%20Job" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">strong, unique passwords</a> for every single account. This significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to data breaches and credential stuffing attacks.
Consider a password manager like <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> &ndash; it's like having a personal security detail for all your login information.
TeamPassword is pleasantly intuitive, frustratingly secure (for threat actors), and predictably affordable. Before you get too excited, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">use TeamPassword's free trial</a> - no strings attached.&nbsp;
By staying informed, exercising caution, and implementing basic security practices, you can navigate the digital world with confidence, leaving cybercriminals with nothing but frustration and maybe a slightly bruised ego.

Criminals have become more and more sophisticated with each passing year. Here are the cybersecurity threats and scams to avoid in 2024.

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

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 ...

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