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

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

If you are a service organization that handles sensitive customer data, you may have heard of SOC 2 compliance. SOC 2 is a set of standards that evaluates how well you protect your data from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. Achieving SOC 2 compliance can boost your reputation, trustworthiness, and customer satisfaction.
One of the key aspects of SOC 2 compliance is password management. Passwords are the first line of defense against cyberattacks, and they need to be strong, secure, and updated when necessary. In this blog post, we will explain what SOC 2 password requirements are and how you can meet and exceed them with some best practices. Here are the key things you need to know about SOC 2 password requirements:
<ul>
<li>SOC 2 is based on five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.</li>
<li>Password requirements fall under the security criterion, which covers logical and physical access controls.</li>
<li>Passwords should be at least 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.</li>
<li>Passwords should be changed every 90 days or less and not reused for at least six months.</li>
<li>Accounts should be locked out after five or more failed login attempts.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#overview" rel="follow">An Overview of SOC 2</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whypasswordrequirementsarecrucial" rel="follow">Why Password Requirements Are Crucial in SOC 2</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#passwordrequirementsexplained" rel="follow">SOC 2 Password Requirements Explained</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">Best Practices to Meet and Exceed SOC 2 Password Requirements</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#othercriticalsoc2requirements" rel="follow">Other Critical SOC 2 Requirements for Compliance</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="overview">An Overview of SOC 2</h2>
SOC 2 is a report that provides assurance on how well a service organization manages its customer data. It is issued by an independent auditor who evaluates the organization's controls against the Trust Services Criteria (TSC) established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The TSC has five categories that cover different aspects of data security:
<ul>
<li>Security - ensures the protection of information and systems from unauthorized access, disclosure, and damage that could jeopardize availability, integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, impacting the entity's objectives.</li>
<li>Availability - guarantees that information and systems are accessible to support the entity's goals.</li>
<li>Processing integrity - ensures that system processing is accurate, timely, valid, complete, and authorized, aligning with the entity's objectives.</li>
<li>Confidentiality - safeguards designated confidential information in alignment with the entity's objectives.</li>
<li>Privacy - governs the collection, use, retention, disclosure, and disposal of personal information to meet the entity's objectives.</li>
</ul>
Depending on the nature and scope of their services, organizations may choose to comply with one or more of these criteria. However, security is the most common and essential criterion for all service organizations that handle customer data.
<h2 id="whypasswordrequirementsarecrucial">Why Password Requirements Are Crucial in SOC 2</h2>
Passwords are one of the most basic and important controls for securing data. They prevent unauthorized access to systems, applications, databases, networks, devices, and other resources that store or process customer data. However, passwords are also one of the most vulnerable and exploited controls by cybercriminals. According to Verizon's 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report , 80% of hacking-related breaches involved compromised or weak credentials. Some of the common ways that passwords can be compromised include:
<ul>
<li>Brute-force attacks: Trying different combinations of characters until the correct password is found.</li>
<li>Dictionary attacks: Trying common or predictable passwords based on words, names, dates, or other information.</li>
<li>Phishing attacks: Tricking users into revealing their passwords through fake emails, websites, or messages.</li>
<li>Keylogging attacks: Capturing the keystrokes of users when they type their passwords.</li>
<li>Credential stuffing attacks: Using stolen or leaked passwords from one site or service to access another.</li>
</ul>
These attacks can have serious consequences for both the service organization and its customers. They can result in data breaches, identity theft, fraud, ransomware, malware, reputation damage, legal liability, and financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial for service <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-tips-for-startups" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">organizations to implement and enforce strong password requirements</a> as part of their SOC 2 compliance. These requirements help to reduce the risk of password compromise and enhance the security of customer data.
<h2 id="passwordrequirementsexplained">SOC 2 Password Requirements Explained</h2>
SOC 2 does not specify exact password requirements for service organizations. Instead, it provides general guidelines and best practices based on the AICPA's Trust Services Criteria and the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission's (COSO) framework for enterprise risk management.
According to these guidelines and best practices, service organizations should consider the following password requirements:
<h3>Password Length &amp; Complexity</h3>
Password length and complexity are two factors that affect the strength and security of a password. The longer and more complex a password is, the harder it is to guess or crack.
A common recommendation for password length is to use at least 12 characters. This is based on the assumption that an attacker can try 1 trillion guesses per second, which would take about 200 years to crack a 12-character password .
However, length alone is not enough. Passwords should also include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This increases the possible combinations of characters and makes passwords more unpredictable.&nbsp;For example, a password like "password123" is easy to guess and crack, even if it meets the minimum length requirement.&nbsp;
<h3>Password Rotation &amp; History</h3>
Password rotation and history are two factors that affect the freshness and uniqueness of a password. The more frequently and regularly a password is changed, the less likely it is to be compromised or reused. A common recommendation for password rotation is to change passwords every 90 days or less. This is based on the assumption that an attacker can obtain a password through phishing or other means and use it for unauthorized access before it expires. Passwords should also not be reused for at least six months. This prevents an attacker from using a previously compromised or leaked password to access other accounts or services. For example, a password like "86c1^Y#m'DHc=c_N" may be strong and complex, but if it is used for multiple accounts or services, it increases the risk of compromise. A better practice would be to use different passwords for different accounts or services and change them regularly.
<h3>Account Lockouts</h3>
Account lockouts are a factor that affects the security and usability of a password. They prevent an attacker from trying multiple passwords until they find the correct one. A common recommendation for account lockouts is to lock out an account after three or more failed login attempts. This is based on the assumption that an attacker can try thousands of passwords per minute using automated tools or scripts. However, account lockouts also have drawbacks. They can inconvenience legitimate users who forget their passwords or make typos. They can also be abused by malicious actors who deliberately lock out users to cause denial-of-service attacks. Therefore, service organizations should balance account lockouts with other measures such as:
<ul>
<li>Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to require additional verification beyond passwords.</li>
<li>Monitoring login attempts and sending alerts or notifications to users or administrators when suspicious activity is detected.</li>
<li>Providing self-service options or support channels for users to reset their passwords or unlock their accounts.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="bestpractices">Best Practices to Meet and Exceed SOC 2 Password Requirements</h2>
<h3>Training Employees</h3>
In the context of SOC 2 compliance, it is imperative to educate employees on the creation of robust passwords. This entails conducting comprehensive training sessions aimed at imparting knowledge about crafting strong and secure passwords.
The objective of such training is to emphasize the importance of avoiding easily guessable information, such as birthdays or simple sequences like "password123." Employees should be encouraged to create passwords that are complex, unique, and resistant to brute-force attacks. The ultimate goal is to establish a formidable defense against unauthorized access.
<h3>Using a Password Manager</h3>
Password managers are indispensable tools for secure password management. They serve as secure repositories for storing and accessing passwords, minimizing the risk of compromise.
There are many good solutions in this domain. One of the best password managers for teams is&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>. It streamlines password management by allowing controlled access to credentials, easy and secure sharing, and industry-standard vault encryption. Access can be tailored to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">specific team members</a>, reducing the chances of unauthorized access.
TeamPassword also offers features such as <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generation</a>, expiration reminders, and audit logs, enhancing overall security and compliance efforts.
<h3>Implementing Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
To fortify password-based security measures, organizations should consider implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). 2FA introduces an additional layer of security, significantly enhancing the difficulty of unauthorized access.
With 2FA, even if an intruder gains access to a password, they would require a second, time-sensitive code typically sent to a mobile device or email. This supplementary step serves as a substantial barrier against unauthorized entry, aligning seamlessly with SOC 2's stringent security requirements.
Organizations are advised to employ 2FA wherever applicable, particularly for systems and data repositories that hold sensitive information.
<h2 id="othercriticalsoc2requirements">Other Critical SOC 2 Requirements for Compliance</h2>
While password security is a pivotal aspect of SOC 2 compliance, it is essential to recognize that overall compliance encompasses a wider spectrum of security measures.
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Firewalls: One of the cornerstone measures in the SOC 2 compliance framework is the deployment of robust firewalls. Firewalls act as formidable barriers against external threats, acting as the first line of defense for your systems and data. By analyzing incoming and outgoing network traffic, firewalls are instrumental in preventing unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and data breaches.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): In today's dynamic threat landscape, where cyberattacks constantly evolve, intrusion detection systems are indispensable. These systems function as vigilant sentinels, tirelessly monitoring network activity. They use sophisticated algorithms to identify anomalies and potential security breaches. When unusual patterns or suspicious activities are detected, IDS sends out alerts, allowing your security team to respond swiftly and mitigate threats before they escalate.
Routine Security Audits: SOC 2 compliance requires an ongoing commitment to security. Routine security audits are essential to assess and validate the effectiveness of your security controls and policies. These audits provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement and ensure that your security measures are up to date and in compliance with evolving standards.
Data Encryption: Encryption is a non-negotiable component of SOC 2 compliance. It ensures that sensitive data is protected during transmission and storage. Data encryption translates information into a code that can only be deciphered with the appropriate encryption key. This security measure safeguards against data interception and unauthorized access, maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of your data.
Stringent Access Controls: Controlling who has access to your systems and data is fundamental to SOC 2 compliance. Implementing stringent access controls ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. This includes user authentication, role-based access control, and continuous monitoring of user activity to detect any suspicious actions.
In conclusion, SOC 2 compliance requires a multifaceted approach to security. While strong password management is essential, it should be integrated into a broader security framework that includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, routine audits, data encryption, and strict access controls. By addressing these critical components comprehensively, organizations can establish a robust security posture and meet the rigorous standards of SOC 2 compliance.<button></button>
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What are the SOC 2 password requirements for compliance? TeamPassword can help. Learn more about these requirements by checking out our in-depth guide.

What are the SOC 2 password requirements for compliance? TeamPassword can help. Learn more about these requirements by ...

What Are the SOC 2 Password Requirements?

Though businesses understand the importance of keeping their confidential data safe, many IT managers and entrepreneurs tend to focus their cybersecurity resources on day to day activities, allowing less common one-off tasks to fall by the wayside.

When you&rsquo;re hiring new employees, especially if they&rsquo;ll be working remotely, keeping your network secure must take absolute priority for the long-term safety of your business and your employees.

Here, we&rsquo;ll take a closer look at how collaboration between HR and IT departments is essential to a seamless onboarding process and the longevity of your data.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li>Understanding the onboarding process</li>
<li>Ensuring data security in onboarding</li>
<li>IT department responsibilities in implementing security measures</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3YnQ3wBTRZOACykIHB6w" alt="undefined" width="674" height="450">
<h2 id="understandonboarding">Understanding the Onboarding Process</h2>
Though they may not be cybersecurity experts, the role of a modern HR professional is closely intertwined with some of the major security concerns that businesses like yours are up against.

The administrative responsibilities of HR departments in onboarding new employees, such as collecting personal data and processing contracts, tend to create huge stores of sensitive information. HR departments need to be actively protecting this data and ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws.

Many modern companies like to streamline their onboarding process with employee software like <a href="https://www.ultrahr.com/features/employee-management/new-employee-onboarding-software/">Ultra HR</a>, which comes with &ldquo;several layers of security and business continuity&rdquo; built-in to defend from breaches. However, this doesn&rsquo;t protect from human error and complacency that could cause issues later on.

State-level legislation like the <a href="http://godaddy.com/help/what-does-ccpa-mean-for-my-business-32310">CCPA</a>, and international directives like GDPR, mean that any onboarding process needs to abide by strict regulations when it comes to handling employee data.

To proactively ensure the onboarding process is as secure as possible, HR professionals should familiarize themselves with regulations surrounding key areas of personal data security, such as:

<ul>
<li>
Personal data encryption and how HR software ensures this
</li>
<li>
Data erasure and the &lsquo;right to be forgotten&rsquo;
</li>
<li>
Employee consent
</li>
<li>
Data quality checks
</li>
<li>
Protections against data loss
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ensuredata">Ensuring Data Security in Onboarding</h2>
Whenever a new employee joins your organization, you&rsquo;ll need to do everything in your power to prevent attacks or breaches targeting confidential data. Aside from getting new hires familiar with your at-work cybersecurity policies and teaching them smart data management, it&rsquo;s essential that you have a plan in place for employee access control.

Access control is all about preventing sensitive information from being accessed from outside actors. Enacting a good access control policy is a challenge for many IT managers, as it requires a balance between employees having the data and apps they need to do their job, and robust <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-Teampassword">security measures</a> to ensure effective prevention and response.

Two of the most serious kinds of data breaches of in your onboarding process include:

Phishing scams: Phishing scams represent a huge proportion of all cybersecurity attacks, for one simple reason: they tend to work! Even if it&rsquo;s rare that your organization gets targeted by these kinds of scams, it&rsquo;s essential that it&rsquo;s addressed in the onboarding process, and that all employees are able to recognize the signs of phishing attacks should they arise.

Unauthorized access identity attacks: Identity based attacks are extremely hard to detect, as they work by using a valid user&rsquo;s access credentials to compromise sensitive information, often making it look like a trusted employee is carrying out a completely normal process as part of their work. As it&rsquo;s easy for these kinds of attacks to slip through the net, your organization has to take strong measures against unauthorized access, such as <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">maintaining a strong password</a> policy, using a reputable password manager like <a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a>, and using rule-based alerts to detect suspicious activity.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/NPlMuYbmQ4O58jYiTt3g" alt="undefined" width="674" height="450">
<h2 id="ITresponsibilities">What are the responsibilities of the IT department in implementing security measures?</h2>
Though every employee and department has a role to play in organization-wide security, the essential preventative and responsive measures are the responsibility of the IT department.&nbsp;

Here are some of the most crucial steps you&rsquo;ll need to bear in mind to make sure your employee onboarding process doesn&rsquo;t create unnecessary security risks&hellip;
<h3>Setting Up Secure Access Controls</h3>
To ensure the onboarding process stays as secure as possible, IT departments must find a robust access management solution that safeguards sensitive data while also being able to maintain a seamless experience for the user, whether that be your employees or the end customers using your systems.

Within this solution, IT managers must also decide on clearly-defined policies adapted to different data sets used by your company. These policies should cover details such as which users, teams, or projects should be included or excluded from a certain policy, what pieces of software the policy applies to, and what kind of employee actions the policy is relevant to.

With secure access controls serving the security needs of your business, you&rsquo;ll be able to use templates and automation to make the onboarding process both safe and efficient.

<h3>Configuring Devices</h3>
In the post-Covid business landscape, it&rsquo;s more and more common for remote employees to use personal devices for their work. In this scenario, it&rsquo;s essential to make sure these devices are configured with the right security measures to protect your most valuable data.

Unsecured WiFi networks, malicious or fake apps, and unsecure cross-usage between work and personal files, are all potential security risks you&rsquo;ll need to enforce against. Be sure to communicate these risks to HR and ensure that your device policy involves configuring all devices to the same high standard.
<h3>Monitoring Network Activities</h3>
Like any business, your network is going to be host to countless requests, data transfers, and other kinds of activity, all of which can be the vessel for malicious attacks.&nbsp;

A robust set of Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) tools and policies will help you maintain an accurate record of what&rsquo;s happening in your network and detect malicious activity, while also helping you troubleshoot common issues that can lead to your network slowing down and sapping productivity.

Though it may not affect most employees&rsquo; work directly, covering your NTA activities as part of the onboarding process can help them understand the kinds of threats faced by your business and keep them vigilant wherever their role warrants it.
<h3>Implementing a Secure Offboarding Process</h3>
Though fairly uncommon, some serious security breaches come from former employees who weren&rsquo;t offboarded properly. Sooner or later, every worker who&rsquo;s privy to sensitive data will leave your organization, and it&rsquo;s important to make sure you have a set of policies in place that will deactivate the user completely.

Your offboarding checklist should ensure that passwords are changed on all the employees&rsquo; shared accounts, that former employees can no longer access company applications and files, and that the employee is logged out of active online sessions. There should also be a set process for retrieving all laptops, USBs, and other devices owned by the company.
<h2>Secure From The Start&hellip;</h2>
Protecting a company&rsquo;s sensitive data requires contributions from across the organization, especially in today&rsquo;s remote-first landscape. By keeping these pointers in mind, you&rsquo;ll be able to build a robust and collaborative security culture at your business, and ensure your employees are staying safe from day one.

Collaboration between HR and IT departments is essential to a seamless onboarding process and the longevity of your data. Here's why.

Collaboration between HR and IT departments is essential to a seamless onboarding process and the longevity of your ...

The Role of HR and IT in Collaborative Onboarding Security

Collaboration between HR and IT departments is essential to a seamless onboarding process and the longevity of your data. Here's why and how it should be done.

The average person has about 200 accounts. Most of them have an associated iPhone app. For this reason, nearly everyone is already using a password manager for iPhone.&nbsp;

However, they haven&rsquo;t taken the time to make the best decision. In fact, many have some passwords in their iCloud Keychain and others in their Chrome Password Manager. Still others are stuck on their laptop and can&rsquo;t be accessed on the go.&nbsp;
To make the decision easier, we break it down into which iPhone password manager is best for you with five simple questions.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is the easiest way to manage passwords on your iPhone. Don&rsquo;t believe us? Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.
<h2>Questions to ask when deciding which password manager you should use for iPhone</h2>

Before we can choose the best password manager for you to use on your iphone, you need to answer the following questions:
[Table of Contents]
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#morethanone" rel="follow">Do you use more than one device (phone, laptop, etc.)</a>?
</li>
<li>
<a href="#stillonapple" rel="follow">Are you all in on Apple?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#useChrome" rel="follow">Do you use Chrome on your iPhone?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#useforbusiness" rel="follow">Do you use your iPhone for business?&nbsp;</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#needtoshare" rel="follow">Do you need to share accounts?</a>
</li>
</ol>

Let&rsquo;s take a look at how these questions influence your answer.
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="morethanone">Do you use more than one device (phone, laptop, etc.)?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

For most people, this is an obvious &ldquo;yes&rdquo; answer. However, it&rsquo;s worth bearing in mind that many built in iphone password manager options are tied to your phone or browser. In that case, you may end up with a separate password list on your laptop.

If you answer yes, then all three options below might work for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/wCoLLlQkQ6qB7yCXOAAQ" alt="undefined">
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="stillonapple">Are you all in on Apple?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Many people swear by Apple (myself included) and don&rsquo;t switch between Mac and PC. Others like the iPhone but still use a PC for gaming or work.&nbsp;

When choosing a password manager for iPhone, keep this in mind. Some of the Apple options are ecosystem-specific and will not give you access to your passwords when you are using a PC or Android device.&nbsp;

If you are all in on Apple, then TeamPassword or iCloud Keychain could work for you.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="useChrome">Do you use Chrome on your iPhone?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Safari has come a long way as a browser. A few years ago, its sole job for most people was to download Firefox or Chrome. Now, many people use it exclusively on their iPhone and even laptop.&nbsp;

However, if you are still using <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-clear-autofill-on-chrome-protect-your-internet-security-by-clearing-chromes-saved-information">Chrome</a>, then this is another point to consider. Since both Chrome and Safari have their own password managers, you may end up with separate password lists. The same is true if you use Safari for browsing but have the Google app for quick searches and tasks.&nbsp;

If you use Chrome exclusively on your iPhone and laptop, then TeamPassword or Google Password Manager might be good options for you.
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="useforbusiness">Do you use your iPhone for business?&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>

The demands on cybersecurity for business are greater. Your company may require you to use the password manager of their choice&mdash;one built for business. It may also put further requirements on the available features you need in your iPhone password manager.

If your iPhone is sometimes used for business, then you might get extra value out of the features only available in TeamPassword.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/bvO6waXpTEa9InGtbBZp" alt="undefined">
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="needtoshare">Do you need to share accounts?</h3>
</li>
</ol>

Finally, do you share accounts? This is usually a business-related question, where, for example, a team of marketers might share a single seat on their chosen MarTech platforms to save money. However, even<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/sharing-passwords-with-family"> individuals might share accounts with friends and family</a> (like Netflix!) or groups of freelancers may go in together on some expensive software.&nbsp;

This is an important point to consider because there are safer and more dangerous ways to share passwords. In fact, the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers">most secure way to share accounts</a> is through your password manager, as then you don&rsquo;t need to share the actual password and just give access to other people as required.&nbsp;

Only TeamPassword provides the ability to safely share accounts without opening yourself up to the cybersecurity risks of sending passwords over email or text message.&nbsp;
<h2>3 best password managers for iPhone</h2>

<ol>
<li>
TeamPassword
</li>
<li>
iCloud Keychain
</li>
<li>
Google Password Manager
</li>
</ol>

<h3>TeamPassword</h3>

TeamPassword is designed for the needs of businesses. With that in mind, you can <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">share accounts securely with teammates</a> by giving them access to the account without actually sharing the password. That reduces the risk of your password being discovered by someone reading your text messages or email. Even if the accounts are for personal use (like Netflix!), this helps you keep control of who is using your account and for how long.

<a href="https://teampassword.com/features">TeamPassword offers loads of features that mean your iPhone password manager can grow with your needs</a>:

<ol>
<li>
Extensions for every browser
</li>
<li>
Strong, random password generator
</li>
<li>
Ability to share passwords across groups and subgroups
</li>
<li>
App-based multi-factor authentication
</li>
<li>
Activity logs
</li>
<li>
Email alerts
</li>
<li>
Free trial
</li>
<li>
Simple interface
</li>
</ol>

By working across browsers, apps, and devices, TeamPassword makes sure you only have one list of passwords that is accessible everywhere. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security between hackers and your accounts.&nbsp;

Want to see why TeamPassword is the perfect password manager for iPhone? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
<h3>iCloud Keychain</h3>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-are-icloud-keychains-and-why-are-they-better-than-passwords">iCloud Keychain</a> is the built-in password manager for iPhone. In addition to passwords, iCloud Keychain can save your personal details such as name, address, email address, and credit cards. This makes it a convenient tool to use for filling out forms.&nbsp;

In fact, even if you choose to disable the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager">Safari password manager</a> and opt for the more feature-rich TeamPassword, you&rsquo;ll likely keep using iCloud Keychain for the other stored information.&nbsp;

iCloud Keychain uses facial recognition to unlock your password list. This form of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-biometric-identification">biometrics</a> is fairly secure for individuals. However, it isn&rsquo;t perfect. For example, during the pandemic, many people found that they couldn&rsquo;t login with biometrics when they had a mask on. If you are wearing a hoodie or winter attire, this can also be an issue.&nbsp;

Some people train their facial recognition while wearing hoodies or scarves to prevent this, but that can lead to security issues, where the face ID system uses fewer depth points to recognize the person. That being said, Apple and <a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-face-id-everything-iphone-x-users-need-to-know/">third-party testers</a> are fairly confident that the newest iPhone models cannot be fooled by a picture.&nbsp;

Overall, iCloud Keychain is a convenient built-in password manager. If you only use Apple hardware (iPhone, iPad, iMac, etc.) and the Safari browser, then this is a good option for your iPhone password manager so long as you don&rsquo;t need to share accounts.
<h3>Google Password Manager</h3>

First, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe">Google Password Manager is safe</a>, so long as you keep your Google account safe. That means creating a strong password and enabling multi-factor authentication.&nbsp;

Google Password Manager is specific to Google apps, so if you use Chrome instead of Safari on your iPhone, this is a solid password manager option. If you use a PC at home for gaming, then it&rsquo;s a safe bet that you&rsquo;ll be able to access your passwords from your other devices as well.&nbsp;

However, you may wish to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager">disable Google Password Manager</a> if you use your iPhone for business purposes. That&rsquo;s because it doesn&rsquo;t have account sharing capabilities, or any of the other features found in full password management solutions.&nbsp;
<h2>TeamPassword is the best password manager for iPhones</h2>

iPhones have a built in password manager option (iCloud Keychain). Google Password Manager is available in Google apps such as Chrome. These are both reasonable options for some people.&nbsp;

Specifically, if you only use Safari or Chrome and you don&rsquo;t need advanced features including sharing accounts with teammates or family, then iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager are secure and simple.&nbsp;

However, for those switching between their iPhone and laptop, business and private use, Chrome and Safari, there&rsquo;s a better option.&nbsp;

Only TeamPassword makes it easy to access your password from any device on any browser. In addition, TeamPassword has account sharing capabilities so you can give teammates access to shared accounts securely.&nbsp;

In addition, TeamPassword offers auditing functions that allow you to keep track of who is accessing accounts, creating accounts, and changing passwords so you are never locked out of software.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is the best password manager for iPhone. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

Are you looking to improve your mobile cybersecurity practices or make life a little easier? Here are the best password managers for iPhone.

Are you looking to improve your mobile cybersecurity practices or make life a little easier? Here are the ...

3 Best Password Managers for iPhone (2023)

Cyber threats are continuing to increase globally. According to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://blog.checkpoint.com/2023/01/05/38-increase-in-2022-global-cyberattacks/" href="https://blog.checkpoint.com/2023/01/05/38-increase-in-2022-global-cyberattacks/">recent data</a>, global cyberattacks increased by a whopping 38% in 2022 and are expected to continue on an upward swing.
There are many potential reasons for the uptick, from an ever-expanding attack surface to IT budget cuts due to inflation. However, simple human error is also a leading cause of dangerous breaches. According to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.verizon.com/business/en-gb/resources/2022-data-breach-investigations-report-dbir.pdf" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/en-gb/resources/2022-data-breach-investigations-report-dbir.pdf">Verizon</a>, 82% of breaches involved the human element, including errors.
This fact underscores the importance of cybersecurity training for all within an organization, from the C-suite down. The best way to champion cybersecurity training within your enterprise is to start at the top by training the influencers: your business leaders.
In this guide, we discuss the importance of cybersecurity training for executives, critical topics to cover, and courses that might just be the perfect jumping-off point.
Before we dive in, here are five things to know about cybersecurity training for executives: 
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Cybersecurity training involves teaching executives and their teams about common threats and the methods used to prevent them.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Cybersecurity training for executives is critical for preventing costly data breaches and remaining in compliance, among other reasons.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">There are various critical topics that training should cover, including password hygiene, mobile device security, and data security.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">There's a wide range of cybersecurity courses and classes available for executives, including options from MIT and LinkedIn Learning.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">One way to quickly boost organizational security is by implementing a password management tool such as TeamPassword.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whyistrainingcritical" rel="follow">Why Is Cybersecurity Training Critical for Business Leaders?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#7topics" rel="follow">Cybersecurity Training for Executives: 7 Topics to Know</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#4courses" rel="follow">4 Top Cybersecurity Courses for Executives</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whyistrainingcritical">Why Is Cybersecurity Training Critical for Business Leaders?</h2>
Cybersecurity training involves educating executives and their teams on cybersecurity threats and the best practices required to prevent them. Training can be completed in many ways, from seminars to in-depth courses.
Regardless of how it's delivered, cybersecurity training for executives is critical for:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Preventing costly data breaches and attacks: Humans are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Proper education empowers your executives to know what to do and what not to do when it comes to accessing company files, using customer data, sending sensitive information, and beyond. This knowledge prevents costly data breaches and attacks. And when the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach" href="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach">average cost</a> of a data breach is $4.45 million, it's easy to see the benefit of training to prevent them.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Building a culture that prioritizes cybersecurity: Your executives are influencers within your organization. If they learn to prioritize cybersecurity, you can start to build a company culture that does the same.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Protecting your customers: It's your responsibility to protect your customers' personal information. Data breaches can result in that data falling into the wrong hands, which can be detrimental to those you serve. Cybersecurity training ensures your executives understand how to best handle customer data and what to do in the event of a breach.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Remaining in compliance: As a business, there are various cybersecurity and data protection laws you must follow. For example, some laws govern how organizations gather and use employee and customer data. Through training, your executives can get to know these requirements and what must be done to comply. As a result, your business can remain in compliance, preventing <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-cybersecurity-mistakes-every-boss-should-be-aware-of-in-2023" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-cybersecurity-mistakes-every-boss-should-be-aware-of-in-2023">serious consequences</a> such as large fines.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="7topics">Cybersecurity Training for Executives: 7 Topics to Know</h2>
When developing or seeking out cybersecurity training programs, there are some <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-the-most-important-topic-your-team-can-learn-about-this-year" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-the-most-important-topic-your-team-can-learn-about-this-year">critical topics</a> you should ensure are covered. These topics include everything from data security principles to password hygiene.
<h3>#1. Data Security</h3>
Whether you're a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-for-startups" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-for-startups">startup</a> or an established global enterprise, one thing's for sure: your executives are dealing with data daily. From company financial data to customer data, critical information is flowing freely throughout your business.
Unfortunately, that data is something many cybercriminals would do anything to get their hands on. And they'll use a wide range of tactics to do so, from phishing to malware.
Data security training ensures your executives know how to properly use, store, and manage this data to thwart cyber threats. It can also help your team understand what a potential threat looks like, so they can respond quickly.
<h3>#2. Mobile Device Security</h3>
In business today, work isn't reserved for the office desktop computer. In fact, many executives are <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity">working remotely</a> or on the go using laptops and mobile devices.
While the ability to work from anywhere is convenient, mobile devices increase your potential attack surface. Executives should be trained on mobile device best practices, such as keeping apps up-to-date, using encryption, and taking advantage of virtual private networks (VPNs).
<h3>#3. Phishing &amp; Other Threats</h3>
Cybercriminals are creative, and there are <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">many attack methods</a> they use to break into your systems. For example, phishing is a method used to trick your employees into giving away sensitive information such as passwords or other sensitive data.
Executives should be kept informed of current threats and new threats as they emerge. By understanding the threats, they'll know exactly what to look for and how to best respond.
<h3>#4. Email Security &amp; Use</h3>
Hundreds of emails are sent throughout your organization daily. Unfortunately, each of these emails presents a potential cyber threat.
For example, cybercriminals are known to send malicious links that, when clicked, infect business systems with malware. Executives should understand how to safely use email and what to avoid to prevent these risks.
<h3>#5. Social Media Security</h3>
Whether using LinkedIn for networking or Facebook for staying connected with family, social media is a big part of our lives. Due to its use, social media is ripe for threats. Nine in 10 people know someone whose social media accounts have <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://nordvpn.com/blog/fears-over-social-media-hacking-rising/" href="https://nordvpn.com/blog/fears-over-social-media-hacking-rising/">been hacked</a>.
Social media threats include everything from malware attacks to password theft. Executives should understand how to secure their social media accounts and what to avoid when using different platforms.
For example, executives should understand what they can and can't share on social to prevent critical company info from falling into the wrong hands. They should also understand the importance of security tools such as <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">two-factor authentication</a> that can help protect their accounts.
<h3>#6. Cloud Security</h3>
Many organizations are moving their operations to cloud-based environments. And while there are many benefits to doing so, the cloud comes with unique security challenges.
For example, complex cloud environments can be misconfigured, leading to gaping security holes. In addition, a lack of visibility is common with cloud-based environments, making securing data a challenge.
Executives should be trained on how to access cloud services securely and how to protect their accounts by using <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong passwords</a> and other methods.
<h3>#7. Password Hygiene</h3>
Every app, system, or service that executives use is gated by a password. These seemingly simple strings of letters, numbers, and other characters are often standing between a cybercriminal and your sensitive data.
That's why it's critical for executives and all members of an organization to practice good password hygiene. This includes everything from <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">creating strong passwords</a> to understanding how to share passwords safely.
Executives and teams alike should also know how to utilize a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">password manager</a> like TeamPassword. Password managers boost <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/security" href="https://teampassword.com/security">security</a> by keeping all logins in one secure location instead of a spreadsheet. They also enable secure password sharing and access management.
<h2 id="4courses">4 Cybersecurity Courses for Executives</h2>
Luckily, there's no need to start from scratch when developing training materials and programs for business leaders. There are many robust cybersecurity courses available you can take advantage of.
<h3>#1. Cybersecurity for Managers: A Playbook by MIT</h3>
The <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://executive-ed.mit.edu/cybersecurity/?utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=c&amp;utm_term=%2Bcybersecurity&amp;utm_location=1018704&amp;utm_campaign=B-365D_US_GG_SE_CYB_GENERIC&amp;utm_content=Cybersecurity_BBT&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtqL-BRC0ARIsAF4K3WHY0vrNvjil3IEo7uxjzAjP5-zWmKj_EsMAuOpzDOsvMX_pNTagndwaAnsaEALw_wcB" href="https://executive-ed.mit.edu/cybersecurity/?utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=c&amp;utm_term=%2Bcybersecurity&amp;utm_location=1018704&amp;utm_campaign=B-365D_US_GG_SE_CYB_GENERIC&amp;utm_content=Cybersecurity_BBT&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtqL-BRC0ARIsAF4K3WHY0vrNvjil3IEo7uxjzAjP5-zWmKj_EsMAuOpzDOsvMX_pNTagndwaAnsaEALw_wcB">Cybersecurity for Managers: A Playbook</a> course is a six-week-long deep dive for business leaders, managers, and executives. Throughout the program, students learn cybersecurity frameworks, leading approaches to cybersecurity (such as NIST), and more. This course has a one-time fee of $2,950 with early-bird pricing options.
<h3>#2. Foundations: Computers, Technology &amp; Security by SANS</h3>
The in-depth <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/foundations/" href="https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/foundations/">Foundations: Computers, Technology &amp; Security</a> course by SANS includes over 120 hours of content on everything from networking fundamentals to digital forensics. The course is a perfect option for business leaders without IT or cybersecurity experience. A one-time fee of $3,020 is required.
<h3>#3. Cybersecurity Leadership by Northwestern University</h3>
The <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://getsmarter.mccormick.northwestern.edu/presentations/lp/northwestern-university-cybersecurity-leadership-online-short-course/?irclickid=ULZ3JE2M-xyPRBuWV7XlJViKUkFw9JX-FTtfVw0&amp;utm_source=strategic_partnership&amp;utm_medium=Digital%20Defynd%20-%20S&amp;utm_campaign=Northwestern%20Cybersecurity%20Leadership_&amp;utm_content=TEXT_LINK&amp;irgwc=1" href="https://getsmarter.mccormick.northwestern.edu/presentations/lp/northwestern-university-cybersecurity-leadership-online-short-course/?irclickid=ULZ3JE2M-xyPRBuWV7XlJViKUkFw9JX-FTtfVw0&amp;utm_source=strategic_partnership&amp;utm_medium=Digital%20Defynd%20-%20S&amp;utm_campaign=Northwestern%20Cybersecurity%20Leadership_&amp;utm_content=TEXT_LINK&amp;irgwc=1">Cybersecurity Leadership</a> course is a six-week-long class that instructs leaders on how to lead cyber response strategies. During the course, students explore cybersecurity strategies, learn how to inspire strategy adoption, and discover how to implement security initiatives within their companies.
<h3>#4. Cybersecurity for Executives by LinkedIn Learning</h3>
The <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/cybersecurity-for-executives-15086426" href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/cybersecurity-for-executives-15086426">Cybersecurity for Executives</a> course was made for executives who wish to understand how to manage cybersecurity risks within their organizations. Students dive into common cyberattacks and the basics of security hygiene. This course can be accessed for just $34.99 through LinkedIn Learning.
<h2>Secure Your Organization With TeamPassword</h2>
Cybersecurity training for executives is a surefire way to protect your organization from damaging security threats. However, there are some additional security measures you can take now to secure your data, including implementing a password management tool.
TeamPassword helps you protect your data and systems with a robust password manager, password generation capabilities, and more. Secure your critical data today by <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://app.teampassword.com/signup?_gl=1*ay530c*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2" href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup">signing up for TeamPassword</a>.

Cybersecurity training for executives is a must for leaders who must champion the security of their organizations. Discover topics and courses here.

Cybersecurity training for executives is a must for leaders who must champion the security of their organizations. Discover ...

Cybersecurity Training for Executives: Critical Topics & Courses

There&rsquo;s a lot of conflicting advice about how to manage passwords:&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Do you need a password or a passphrase?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Are complex or long passwords better?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Do you really need to change your passwords every three months?&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Is two-factor authentication always better?&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

Here&rsquo;s concise advice on exactly how to manage your passwords safely and securely.

TeamPassword is the easiest way to manage passwords. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

<h2>7 steps to safely manage passwords</h2>

Password management isn&rsquo;t difficult conceptually. It&rsquo;s really a series of intuitive steps that help keep all of your accounts safe. However, some of the individual steps are tedious, and doing better at one sometimes leads to doing worse at another. For example, stronger passwords are harder to remember, leading some people to write them down on sticky notes or using other unsafe password storage systems.&nbsp;

Here are seven steps to better password management:

<ol>
<li>
<a href="#stop" rel="follow">Stop reusing passwords</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#check" rel="follow">Check if you&rsquo;ve been pwned</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#change" rel="follow">Change your passwords regularly</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#make" rel="follow">Make your passwords hard to crack</a>
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
Consider passphrases
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
Employ a password generator
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#turn" rel="follow">Turn on multi-factor authentication</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#store" rel="follow">Store and share your passwords securely</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#use" rel="follow">Use a password manager</a>
</li>
</ol>

Note that, while the first six steps are critical to securely managing your passwords, they can all be accomplished automatically once you follow through on Step 7.
<h3 role="presentation" id="stop">1. Stop reusing passwords</h3>

There&rsquo;s no bigger cybersecurity mistake than reusing passwords. Unfortunately, despite warnings for more than two decades, people still reuse passwords.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s totally understandable, too.&nbsp;

The average person has 200 accounts. The average password is 12+ characters long and usually gibberish. Trying to remember even one of those passwords is difficult, but 200 is impossible.

Still, there is no single better cybersecurity tip you can walk away with from this discussion on how to manage passwords than to stop reusing passwords. Step 2 explains why this is the case.
<h3 role="presentation" id="check">2. Check if you&rsquo;ve been pwned</h3>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-pwnd-what-to-do-when-it-happens">Have you been pwned?</a> Pwned is the industry term for your password being leaked online, and there&rsquo;s a friendly tool that matches your email address to all of the leaked password lists found on the dark web.&nbsp;

These passwords need to be changed immediately! If you reuse the same password on other accounts (like your bank website or email), then those accounts have been compromised as well. That&rsquo;s why you never reuse passwords.

The last thing you want is for your leaked Neopets password to give hackers access to your bank account.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/f2TdrDWTIyNvVHn1r5sI" alt="undefined" width="975" height="512">
<h3 role="presentation" id="change">3. Change your passwords regularly</h3>

At this point, you&rsquo;ve basically gone from your company&rsquo;s cybersecurity weak point to at least neutral. Steps 3 and 4 are really about bringing our password management up to best practices.&nbsp;

First, you should be updating your passwords regularly. That&rsquo;s because even the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2023/03/03/why-you-should-stop-using-lastpass-after-new-hack-method-update/?sh=75fdd4c428fc">most secure websites do get hacked</a>. Sometimes those password lists don&rsquo;t get released for months because it takes hackers that long to decrypt the password information and export it to a plaintext file.&nbsp;

By updating your passwords every three months, there&rsquo;s a good chance that by the time your hacked account is uploaded to the dark web you&rsquo;ve already changed your password and can safely ignore the security breach.&nbsp;
<h3 role="presentation" id="make">4. Make your passwords hard to crack</h3>

Passwords are usually cracked by two methods, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk">brute force</a> or dictionary attacks. Brute force attacks start at 11111111, then 11111112, and so on until the password is discovered. Basically, it tries every possible password in sequential order.

Dictionary attacks use a list of commonly used passwords such as &ldquo;password&rdquo; or &ldquo;qwerty&rdquo;, as well as the derivatives such as &ldquo;passw0rd&rdquo; or &ldquo;QwErTy&rdquo;. They can also include customized lists that come from <a href="https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/incident-response/glossary/what-is-social-engineering">social engineering</a>, for example your pet&rsquo;s name, the street you grew up on, or your birthday.&nbsp;

Most cyberattacks start with the standard dictionary attack, move on to social engineering lists, and finish with a brute force attack.&nbsp;

The single best way to prevent these attacks is to use a random, strong password that is at least 12 characters long, but the longer, the better. Here are two ways that can help you make your passwords hard to crack.
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<h4 role="presentation">Consider passphrases</h4>
</li>
</ol>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-passphrase">Passphrases</a> are passwords that come from putting three or four medium to long words together and then mixing in capitalization and special characters, for example &ldquo;D0g-Baseball-Co1n-Sh3lf!&rdquo;. Passphrases help manage passwords by making long, secure passwords easier to remember.&nbsp;

<ol start="2">
<li style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<h4 role="presentation">Employ a password generator</h4>
</li>
</ol>

If you can&rsquo;t come up with 200+ random passwords on your own, then use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/strong-password-generator">password generator</a>. This helps guarantee you won&rsquo;t fall into lazy patterns of reusing passwords or making them easy to remember.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/JedfgOqS4CFNXBUr9W9U" alt="undefined" width="975" height="512">
<h3 role="presentation" id="turn">5. Turn on multi-factor authentication</h3>

Multi-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">MFA</a>) forces individuals to prove their identity in more than one way, first with a password and then some sort of secondary confirmation. The most common MFA systems are SMS message, email, authentication app, and phone call.&nbsp;

Of these methods, authentication apps are the most secure as a separate system only used for authentication. Since phone numbers and email addresses can be compromised, they are not recommended when the option to use an authentication app is available.

However, even though SMS and email are not preferred MFA systems, they are still better than no second authentication requirement!&nbsp;
<h3 role="presentation" id="store">6. Store and share your passwords securely</h3>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023">Store your passwords somewhere safe.</a> The best place to store written backups is in a safe (and definitely not on a sticky note on your computer monitor). The best way to manage passwords online is using a password manager (and definitely not an unsecure Google Sheets list).&nbsp;

When it comes to sharing passwords, remember that emails can be compromised, as can text messages, Facebook chats, etc. If your password manager doesn&rsquo;t have a password sharing function and you really need to share accounts, consider making a phone call and then change the password when your friend/colleague/family member is done using your account.

<h3 role="presentation" id="use">7. Use a password manager</h3>

The first six steps are how to manage passwords securely. If you want to know how to manage passwords securely and easily, then here it is: use a password manager. Password managers have built in password generators to help you pick strong, random passwords. They store those passwords for you. Password managers also make it easier to change passwords when needed.&nbsp;

If you plan to share accounts, then you need a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">password manager designed for teams</a>. That way accounts can be shared securely, so one team member doesn&rsquo;t unintentionally leak your account credentials by sharing them via email or leaving them on a sticky note on their laptop.
 
<h2>How to manage passwords FAQ</h2>

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to manage passwords online.
<h3>Why do you need a strong password?</h3>

Your accounts are only as secure as the passwords chosen. They need to be long and complex to protect your data.
<h3>How do you create a strong password?</h3>

The easiest way to create strong, random passwords is to use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">free password generator</a>.
<h3>How often should you change your passwords?</h3>

Recommendations vary, but changing your passwords every three months is generally considered acceptable.&nbsp;
<h3>Should you use passwords or passphrases?</h3>

Passphrases make it easy to remember longer, and therefore more secure, passwords. If you need to remember your password, passphrases are probably easier.&nbsp;
<h3>Do you need a password manager?</h3>

Password managers are the most secure way to store passwords. They also make it easier to use a new strong, random password for every account by remembering all of them for you.
<h3>Should you use your browser password manager or a separate one?&nbsp;</h3>

Browser password managers have two main deficiencies. First, they make it hard to use the same password list across all of your devices. Second, they don&rsquo;t have password sharing features.&nbsp;

For many individual users, these features aren&rsquo;t necessary. However, for companies where multiple employees share key accounts, separate password managers like TeamPassword bring time-saving features and improved cybersecurity.
<h2>TeamPassword is the best way to manage your passwords</h2>

Managing passwords is usually a six-step process. You use unique passwords for every account, make sure you haven&rsquo;t been pwned, update the passwords regularly, make sure those passwords are hard to crack, turn on multi-factor authentication, and store and share passwords securely.&nbsp;

That&rsquo;s a lot of work. It also goes against human nature. Difficult to crack passwords are hard to remember, so you need to write them all down&mdash;but writing them down violates another step.&nbsp;

Here&rsquo;s the one-step method to better manage your passwords: use a password manager. TeamPassword generates strong, unique passwords for each account, stores them securely, updates the passwords when necessary, and makes it possible to share them with teammates securely.

TeamPassword is designed to help teams manage passwords. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
 
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 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Stop Reusing Passwords",
 "text": "Avoid the cybersecurity mistake of reusing passwords by creating unique passwords for each account."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Check if You've Been Pwned",
 "text": "Use a tool to check if your email address and passwords have been leaked online. Change compromised passwords immediately."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Change Your Passwords Regularly",
 "text": "Update your passwords every three months to stay ahead of potential security breaches."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Make Your Passwords Hard to Crack",
 "text": "Create strong passwords with at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using passphrases or a password generator."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication",
 "text": "Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Prefer authentication apps for the most security."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Store and Share Your Passwords Securely",
 "text": "Securely store passwords using a password manager. When sharing passwords, use secure methods such as phone calls and change passwords afterward."
 },
 {
 "@type": "HowToStep",
 "name": "Use a Password Manager",
 "text": "Utilize a password manager for easy password management, secure storage, and password generation. Choose a team-oriented password manager for shared accounts."
 }
 ]
}
</script>

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
 "@context": "https://schema.org",
 "@type": "FAQPage",
 "mainEntity": [
 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "Why do you need a strong password?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "Your accounts are only as secure as the passwords chosen. They need to be long and complex to protect your data."
 }
 },
 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "How do you create a strong password?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "The easiest way to create strong, random passwords is to use a free password generator."
 }
 },
 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "How often should you change your passwords?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "Recommendations vary, but changing your passwords every three months is generally considered acceptable."
 }
 },
 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "Should you use passwords or passphrases?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "Passphrases make it easy to remember longer, and therefore more secure, passwords. If you need to remember your password, passphrases are probably easier."
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 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "Do you need a password manager?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "Password managers are the most secure way to store passwords. They also make it easier to use a new strong, random password for every account by remembering all of them for you."
 }
 },
 {
 "@type": "Question",
 "name": "Should you use your browser password manager or a separate one?",
 "acceptedAnswer": {
 "@type": "Answer",
 "text": "Browser password managers have two main deficiencies. First, they make it hard to use the same password list across all of your devices. Second, they don’t have password sharing features. For many individual users, these features aren’t necessary. However, for companies where multiple employees share key accounts, separate password managers like TeamPassword bring time-saving features and improved cybersecurity."
 }
 }
 ]
}
</script>

Managing passwords online the right way involves creating strong passwords, and then updating and storing them safely. Here's how to do it.

Password management is the full lifecycle of creating strong passwords and then updating and storing them safely. Here’s ...

How to manage passwords securely and easily (2023)

Password management is the full lifecycle of creating strong passwords and then updating and storing them safely. Here’s how to manage passwords online the right way.

Passkeys are a new way of signing in to your online accounts with a biometric sensor or PIN, eliminating the need for passwords. They are predicted to dethrone passwords as the most popular form of identity verification in the coming years.&nbsp;
It's time you learn how passkeys work!
Passkeys can be hard to wrap your head around. There's a good bit of magic happening behind the scenes that goes beyond the scope of this article. In the Technical Overview section, I've linked to several resources that will help you understand passkeys from an implementation perspective.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whatispasskey" rel="follow">What Is Passkey Technology?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#howpasskeyswork" rel="follow">How Passkeys Work: A Technical Overview</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#passkeyloginexamples" rel="follow">Passkey Login Examples</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#passkeyvspasswordauthentication" rel="follow">Passkeys vs. Passwords: The Authentication Process</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#howtoimplement" rel="follow">How to Implement Passkey Technology</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatispasskey">What Is Passkey Technology?</h2>
Multi-device FIDO credentials, commonly known and advertised as passkeys, had their earliest iterations decades ago as hardware security keys like smart cards. These hardware solutions required specialized readers and were expensive to deploy and maintain, and never achieved ubiquity in consumer security.&nbsp;
In 2015, the <a href="https://fidoalliance.org/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO Alliance</a>, a group of industry leaders whose goal is to "help reduce the world&rsquo;s over-reliance on passwords," developed and published a set of specifications for phishing-resistant authentication mechanisms. By 2020, most browsers had implemented the WebAuthn specification, which eliminated the need for special hardware and paved the way for relying parties (websites/applications) and platform vendors like Apple and Google to bring passkey technology to the average consumer.&nbsp;
With Apple syncing your passkeys through its iCloud Keychain and Google doing the same with its password manager, and with passkey storage/syncing just around the corner for third-party password managers, the last roadblock for passkeys is being eliminated.&nbsp;
You can now use the biometric or PIN that unlocks your phone to sign in to any compatible website. Your passkeys cannot be phished, guessed, or brute-forced - a threat actor would need both your physical device and the PIN or biometrics to unlock it.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howpasskeyswork">How Passkeys Work: A Technical Overview</h2>
Unless I were to turn this blog into a treatise on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-key_cryptography" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">public key cryptography</a>, device security (such as&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_execution_environment" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Trusted Execution Environments</a>), and the history of Authentication in general - none of which I'm qualified to do - I can't truly give a technical explanation of passkeys. If you wish to understand passkeys at that depth, you may be better served by the <a href="https://media.fidoalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/How-FIDO-Addresses-a-Full-Range-of-Use-Cases-March24.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO Alliance whitepaper</a>&nbsp;or peruse their library of whitepapers <a href="https://fidoalliance.org/content/white-paper/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;
In <a href="https://auth0.com/blog/our-take-on-passkeys/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">this excellent review of passkeys by Vittoria Bertocci</a>, we learn how the FIDO2 specification allows passkey implementation: "...by using the Javascript API defined in the WebAuthn specification, developers can leverage either hardware keys (e.g., YubiKeys) or secure hardware on the device (e.g., secure elements on your phone, TPMs on your laptop) gated by biometric sensors to authenticate users without using passwords."&nbsp;
Additionally, Apple's <a href="https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10670/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">15-minute video introducing passkeys for developers</a> explains important concepts - you can watch the full video or read the transcript.&nbsp;


<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/xSMibgN5QsSyT3DVRZQq" alt="undefined" width="409" height="448">
Credit: <a href="https://fidoalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/How-FIDO-Addresses-a-Full-Range-of-Use-Cases-March24.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO Alliance whitepaper</a> on multi-device FIDO credentials
<h2 id="passkeyloginexamples">Passkey Login Examples</h2>
Note:&nbsp;Below is just one example of creating and logging in with passkeys. The process looks different depending on the website/application you're signing in to, the device you're signing in from, and whether or not you use one platform vendor's ecosystem or several (Google, Microsoft, Apple etc).&nbsp;&nbsp;
For this example, I'm using the demo at <a href="https://www.passkeys.io/">https://www.passkeys.io/</a>.
First, I'm signing up on a Pixel 4A running Android 13.&nbsp;
Since it's my first time logging in, I'm asked to create an account using my email address.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Wspirk2tQqGOy2bjXA3R" alt="undefined" width="294" height="374">

Next, I'm asked to save a passkey.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/JesHzofhRvO9omSKqzpq" alt="undefined" width="282" height="186">
By tapping "Save a passkey," I prompt my device to display its own popup confirming that I really want to save a passkey. This popup looks different depending on your platform vendor (Macbook, Android smartphone, etc.).&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/LqjPYDzURQWg6M6J3yjC" alt="undefined" width="262" height="406">

Tapping continue displays a prompt to confirm passkey creation by unlocking my device with my fingerprint or PIN. Doing so authorizes the creation of a public/private cryptographic key pair. The private key is stored on your device, and the public key is stored by the relying party - in this case, passkeys.io.&nbsp;
I touch my fingerprint sensor and am instantly logged into passkeys.io. Account setup is complete.
The device on which I created the private key will now take care of roaming - more on that in a moment.&nbsp;
That's it!
Well - not quite.
It's pretty sweet that I didn't have to create, remember, or save a password. The trade-off is that I've only authorized this specific device to sign in to this account - or, if syncing is enabled, other Android devices synced to the same Google account.&nbsp;
Now, I need to log in on my Macbook.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>On the passkeys.io homepage, I select "Sign in with a passkey."&nbsp;</li>
<li>Selecting "Use a different phone or tablet" displays a QR code (if Bluetooth isn't on, your devices will ask permission to turn it on).</li>
<li>I scan the QR code with my phone.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/73UpITpNSTSO9jQOVPpw" alt="Screenshot 2023-08-28 at 4.27.36 PM.webp" width="283" height="284" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/KjyQiIAQSQmjgmT9Sk0G" alt="undefined" width="281" height="512">
<ul>
<li>This initiates a Bluetooth handshake.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Note: The passkey authentication ceremony is not done over Bluetooth. Bluetooth is used to confirm that the devices are geographically near each other. This thwarts remote phishing attempts and a host of other remote attacks.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Once this virtual handshake has taken place and the devices agree that they're close to one another, they go to an authorized verification server to authorize the new device.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Note: The private key on device 1 (Android smartphone, in my case) is not transferred to device 2 (Macbook). Device 1 has simply confirmed that device 2 is in close proximity and performs a passkey authentication ceremony to allow device 2 to log in.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Optimally, the website would automatically ask if I want to create a passkey for this new device - but it's up to the website (relying party). On passkeys.io, I need to click + Add a passkey to create a passkey on the Macbook so I can log in without my phone.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0aKqd6k8QoKmrdjXZCtC" alt="undefined" width="337" height="267">
When I sign in to passkeys.io on my Macbook, I can now do so with my fingerprint or device password.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3GtshXT0aFlnwhgYArrQ" alt="Screenshot 2023-08-28 at 4.34.19 PM.webp" width="285" height="336">
This screenshot drives home the point that passkey security = device security
If your device does not have a passkey and cannot set it up (or you choose not too), an alternative authentication method is provided such as a one-time code to your email. Security is then dependent on your email's security.&nbsp;
Lastly, I'd like to point out a side-effect of public-private cryptography. While you can delete your account on the website or application, this only deletes your public key. Your device doesn't know that its public key pair has been deleted, so when you sign in, you will be prompted to "Use saved passkey." However, selecting this option and verifying with your fingerprint causes the sign-in form to say, "This passkey cannot be used anymore." You need to delete your private keys separately.
<h3>Device-bound passkeys vs. synced passkeys</h3>
Apple and Google support syncing passkeys within their ecosystem. As you can read on Apple's memo <a href="https://developer.apple.com/passkeys/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>, this greatly increases convenience while placing the security of your private cryptographic key in Apple's hands.&nbsp;
If you don't want this, you can disable passkey syncing and use the alternative method of turning on Bluetooth to confirm proximity and authorizing a new device to create its own passkey, thus adding a new device to the list of those that can log into the given account.&nbsp;
<h2 id="passkeyvspasswordauthentication">Passkeys vs. Passwords: The Authentication Process</h2>
With passwords, anyone with your password can log into your account.*
With passkeys, anyone with your physical device and the ability to unlock that device (through PIN, pattern, or biometrics) can log in to your account.&nbsp;
Because the private key is device-based and invisible, phishing is impossible.&nbsp;

*Additional safeguards in the form of various Multi-factor Authentication technologies have been created to bolster the inherent weaknesses of passwords, but <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2022-uber-breach#:~:text=How%20did%20the%20Uber%20breach%20happen%3F" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">these also have their pitfalls</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtoimplement">How to Implement Passkey Technology</h2>
As a consumer, you are at the mercy of the website or application. Old devices may not support passkey technology. The app/website will recognize this and won't offer to create a passkey.&nbsp;
As Android 14 rolls out in September 2023, third-party password managers will be able to store and sync your passkeys.
Currently, Google Password Manager syncs passkeys between your Android devices that are signed into the same Google account.&nbsp;
For Apple, the iCloud Keychain takes care of syncing your passkeys.&nbsp;
With both ecosystems, syncing can be turned on and off.&nbsp;
<h3>Implementing passkey technology as a developer</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://fidoalliance.org/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO Alliance</a>: The Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance provides open standards for strong authentication. Their resources include specifications and guides for implementing passwordless and passkey-based authentication.</li>
<li>Online Development Communities: Platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/programming, and GitHub discussions offer spaces for developers to ask questions, share experiences, and seek guidance on implementing passkey technology.</li>
<li><a href="https://fidoalliance.org/specifications/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO 2 Specifications (including WebAuthn)</a>: A great page to get started learning the necessary specifications. Has a link to download the full specifications.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Implementing passkey technology requires a blend of understanding user needs, cryptography principles, and security best practices.
<h3>Boost Password Security With TeamPassword</h3>
Passkeys are not yet universally supported, so password security deserves your attention. If you share passwords with colleagues and need an easy, secure, and cost-effective way to do so, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">try TeamPassword</a>. If you have questions, <a href="https://teampassword.com/support" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reach out to our support team</a> - we're happy to hear from you.&nbsp;
TeamPassword focuses on frictionless implementation, <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">ease of use</a>, <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">security</a>, and exceptional customer support.
Need proof? Read what <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/teampassword/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">our customers are saying about us on G2</a>.&nbsp;

Passkey technology will eventually replace the passwords we use today. But how does the technology work? Learn about passkeys and the tech behind them here.

Passkey technology will eventually replace the passwords we use today. But how does the technology work? Learn about ...

Passkey Technology: How Do Passkeys Work?

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

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

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login

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

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

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

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

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

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

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

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

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