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. ...

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

Technology advances minute by minute, and so do cybersecurity threats. To best protect your business from nasty risks such as cybercriminal hacks and data leaks, there are cybersecurity best practices your employees must follow. After all, they're the first line of defense.
In this guide, we discuss 10 non-negotiable cybersecurity best practices for employees. Plus, we share the most common threats to businesses today, so you know exactly what to watch out for.
But first, here are the key things to know about cybersecurity best practices: 
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Businesses today are susceptible to many cybersecurity threats, from data breaches and ransomware to social engineering.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">One of the most critical risks affecting businesses today is the rapidly expanding digital landscape. Businesses are now using the cloud, IoT devices, and more, all of which must be secured.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Employees are the first line of defense against cybersecurity risks. They must follow best practices such as developing strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and installing antivirus software.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Employers must train employees on these best practices through monthly or quarterly cybersecurity training.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">One of the quickest ways to boost data security now is by implementing a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">password manager</a>. Employees can use the manager to share, store, and manage passwords securely from anywhere.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whatare" rel="follow">What Are the Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#10cybersecurity" rel="follow">10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Employees</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#howshould" rel="follow">How Should Employers Train Employees to Ensure Cyber Safety?</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatare">What Are the Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses?</h2>
Due to the nature of technology, many cybersecurity threats exist for businesses in all industries, from data breaches to social engineering.
<h3>Data Breaches</h3>
These threats occur when an unauthorized party gains access to your critical business data. Breaches can be especially costly and difficult to recover from.
According to IBM's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach" href="https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach">Cost of a Data Breach</a> report, 83% of companies will experience a data breach (some more than once). And the average cost of a data breach has now reached $9.44 million in the US, which is over $5 million more than the global average.
<h3>Ransomware &amp; Social Engineering</h3>
Ransomware is a type of malware used by cybercriminals to prevent you from accessing your critical data. They gain access to your data using methods such as phishing, then require you to pay a ransom to get your access back. In 2022, there were 493.33 million reported <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.statista.com/statistics/494947/ransomware-attacks-per-year-worldwide/#:~:text=During%20the%20first%20half%20of,million%20cases%20to%20133%20million." href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/494947/ransomware-attacks-per-year-worldwide/#:~:text=During%20the%20first%20half%20of,million%20cases%20to%20133%20million.">ransomware attacks</a> globally.
Ransomware is a common <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-engineering.asp" href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-engineering.asp">social engineering</a> method, along with <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks">baiting</a>, vishing, and pretexting. These methods are especially insidious as they use deception to trick your employees into giving up information.
<h3>An Expanding Digital Landscape</h3>
Businesses are constantly working to boost efficiency to deliver on consumer demands and remain competitive. This means many are taking advantage of innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud-based services, and AI.
And while innovation is critical to business success, it also brings additional threats. For example, this ever-expanding digital landscape results in many entry points, complicating access control.
<h2 id="10cybersecurity">10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Employees</h2>
The above threats are only a few examples of the risks you must protect your organization from. To do so, your first step should be to work with your team to implement the below <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">cybersecurity</a> best practices.
<h3>#1. Develop Strong Passwords</h3>
Passwords stand between your business data and those who want to exploit it. This is why it's critical to develop complex passwords that are next to impossible to guess.
What does a strong password look like? Strong passwords are longer in length and feature both lowercase and capital letters. They also include special characters (#, !, etc.). Employees should avoid using personal information such as their name or date of birth.
Want an easy way to create robust passwords? TeamPassword's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> can help. Give it a try!
<h3>#2. Use a Password Manager</h3>
Having complex passwords is only the first step in protecting your data. You should also implement a password manager, a tool used to create, store, share, and manage credentials.
For example, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">TeamPassword</a> enables you to store and manage all logins in one centralized location. This makes it easy for your employees to access the apps and services they need without sacrificing <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/security" href="https://teampassword.com/security">security</a>.
Plus, with TeamPassword, you can easily control who has access to what credentials and enable additional security layers through two-step verification.
<h3>#3. Don't Share Unencrypted Passwords</h3>
Employees should refrain from sharing unencrypted passwords via email, text, or other methods. Passwords sent this way can be easily compromised. For example, email accounts are relatively easy to hack, and cybercriminals have been known to successfully intercept emails and messages using the "<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">man in the middle</a>" technique.
Instead, employees should use an encrypted password manager to share their credentials. Encryption renders your passwords unreadable should a third party gain access to them.
<h3>#4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication</h3>
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires employees to verify their identities using two or more methods. For example, after entering a password, your employee may need to authenticate using an app and enter a one-time password (OTP) sent via text to their device.
Using MFA, even if a third party gains access to a password, they won't be able to access the app or service without taking the other steps. And according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2019/08/20/one-simple-action-you-can-take-to-prevent-99-9-percent-of-account-attacks/" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2019/08/20/one-simple-action-you-can-take-to-prevent-99-9-percent-of-account-attacks/">Microsoft</a>, implementing MFA prevents 99.9% of attacks on accounts.
<h3>#5. Avoid Suspicious Emails &amp; Links</h3>
One of the most common scams used by cybercriminals is phishing. This occurs when a scammer sends you an email or text message that compels you to give them information. And unfortunately, they're getting better at their craft.
For example, your employees may receive an email saying their credentials have been compromised, prompting them to log in using a fake website. Once the employee enters their info, the scammer now has access to it.
You should ensure your employees know what these phishing emails look like. For example, phishing emails may feature a lot of misspellings and not address the employee by name. They may also include a link to click on or an attachment to download.
To prevent phishing scams, employees should refrain from opening suspicious-looking emails (or texts) and clicking unknown links.
Read more: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide">What to Do If You've Been Hacked: An In-Depth Guide</a>
<h3>#6. Use a VPN</h3>
Do you have employees who work remotely from home or on the go? If so, you'll want to ensure they're using a VPN when accessing business apps and services.
A virtual private network (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/25-best-startup-tools-you-need" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/25-best-startup-tools-you-need">VPN</a>) creates a secure and encrypted connection between the employee's device and your network.
A VPN works to encrypt the business data shared between the device and your network, keeping it private (even when using a public internet connection). As a result, your business data is protected from prying eyes.
<h3>#7. Don't Ignore Tech Updates</h3>
When your to-do list is a mile long, it's easy to hit "remind me later" when you see the "your device needs an update" pop-up. However, your employees should never ignore tech updates. Many device updates include security patches that are critical to protecting the device.
Whether on the phone they're using for business or their laptop, updates should be installed whenever they're available.
<h3>#8. Do Your Part to Prevent Viruses</h3>
Computer viruses come in all shapes and sizes, from macro viruses to resident viruses. Unfortunately, they can all be detrimental to your critical business information.
To understand the severity of the virus, consider the attacks of the past. For example, the infamous <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://usa.kaspersky.com/blog/cybersecurity-history-iloveyou/26869/" href="https://usa.kaspersky.com/blog/cybersecurity-history-iloveyou/26869/">ILOVEYOU</a> virus caused an estimated $10 billion in damage.
The best defense is virus protection. Employees must implement virus protection on all of the devices they use to access business data. Antivirus software can help prevent, detect, and eliminate viruses before they take hold.
<h3>#9. Implement Firewall Protection</h3>
Every device that can connect to the internet is a potential door that hackers can use to gain access to your data. This is where a firewall comes in.
Firewalls protect your data by monitoring the incoming and outgoing traffic on your organization's private network. The firewall can then permit or deny traffic based on the security rules you set.
Not only should you have firewall protection within your business, but your employees should implement firewalls in their home offices too. This ensures your data is protected, no matter where it's accessed.
<h3>#10. If You See Something, Say Something</h3>
Your employees are in the trenches of day-to-day work. They're the ones receiving suspicious emails, sharing passwords, and using your apps. They're also the ones more likely to spot a potential <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide">cybersecurity risk</a>.
Empower your employees to speak up when they see a potential threat. For example, ask your employees to alert you if they receive a suspicious email or if they notice passwords being shared via the team messaging app.
<h2 id="howshould">How Should Employers Train Employees to Ensure Cyber Safety?</h2>
While your employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats, it's your responsibility to ensure they're aware of the above best practices.
Regular <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-easy-cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-businesses">cybersecurity training</a> can ensure your employers are kept up-to-date on the latest threats and tactics to prevent them. We recommend holding training sessions monthly or quarterly.
In addition, make sure to communicate any security incidents or updates with your team. It's also helpful to share security tips and tricks with your team periodically to keep best practices top of mind.
For example, you could send out a weekly cybersecurity-related email newsletter or cover some quick tips in your weekly meetings.
<h2>Boost Your Team's Password Security With TeamPassword</h2>
By following these best practices, you can empower your team to do their part in protecting your business. The simplest way to get started is by implementing a password management tool.
TeamPassword was built for teams that need a simple and centralized way to store, share, and manage logins. Take control of your passwords by <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">signing up for TeamPassword</a> today!

Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Learn the cybersecurity best practices for employees here so you can protect your business.

Technology advances minute by minute, and so do cybersecurity threats. To best protect your business from nasty risks ...

10 Cybersecurity Best Practices Your Employees Must Follow

Technology advances minute by minute, and so do cybersecurity threats. To best protect your business from nasty risks such as cybercriminal hacks and data leaks, there are cybersecurity best practices your employees must follow. After all, they're the first line of defense. In this guide, we discuss 10 non-negotiable cybersecurity ...

There are countless cybersecurity threats facing modern companies, and with a huge <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">39% of UK businesses</a> reporting a cyberattack through 2021 and 2022, this isn&rsquo;t an issue that startup owners can afford to ignore.

Hackers, fraudsters, and all manner of other cybercriminals know that startups have limited resources and a focus on risk-taking and innovation, often making them soft targets for attacks.&nbsp;

Though reviewing your cybersecurity capabilities may not be the most exciting part of developing your startup, it&rsquo;s essential to protect your assets and ensure your future ability to scale.

In this post, we&rsquo;ll go over five of the most important cybersecurity tips that startups need to take on board.
The five essential tips are to:
<ul>
<li>Ensure your cybersecurity policy is compliant with regulations</li>
<li>Create and enforce a strong password policy, ideally using a password manager</li>
<li>Train your employees about cybersecurity and update that knowledge regularly</li>
<li>Use and enforce a VPN for your entire team</li>
<li>Fina a reliable firewall and use it</li>
</ul>
<h3>Table of Contents</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#compliance" rel="follow">Ensure Regulatory Compliance</a></li>
<li><a href="#passwordpolicy" rel="follow">Create and Enforce a Strong Password Policy</a></li>
<li><a href="#trainemployees" rel="follow">Train Your Employees and Keep Them In The Know</a></li>
<li><a href="#usevpn" rel="follow">Use and Enforce a VPN</a></li>
<li><a href="#usefirewall" rel="follow">Find a Reliable Firewall</a></li>
<li><a href="#finalthoughts" rel="follow">Final Thoughts</a></li>
</ul>

<img height="401" width="602" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/NUMg6tIYRfqFnFrRiWXl">
Image credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Im_cQ6hQo10" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Unsplash.com</a>
<h2 id="compliance">Ensure Regulatory Compliance</h2>
One of the most straightforward and important things small businesses should do for their cybersecurity in those early days is to research security compliance requirements and plan a thorough review to get the business aligned with them.

Whether your operations begin and end in the UK or you&rsquo;re a global business interacting with customers and entities all over the world, there&rsquo;ll be many different laws and regulations you&rsquo;ll need to ensure compliance with, including but not limited to:

<ul>
<li>
GDPR: A far-reaching piece of legislation aimed at protecting peoples&rsquo; personal data and giving them greater control over how this is used by businesses. Compliance will require you to maintain policies about deleting unnecessary data after a certain period of time, giving customers the option to have their personal data deleted, and ensuring certain protections against breaches.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
PCI DSS: An information protocol that sets minimum security controls over the personal data of cardholders, with the aim to prevent the theft or loss of cardholder data. Any business that processes cardholder data through online payments must ensure compliance with this initiative.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
SOC 2: If you&rsquo;re in the SaaS niche or provide other tech services to third parties, you&rsquo;ll need to show SOC 2 compliance to prove you&rsquo;ve taken adequate steps to protect user data and ensure the privacy of your clients.
</li>
</ul>

&lsquo;Cyber threats are everywhere and are becoming more sophisticated and complicated by the day&rsquo;, states cybersecurity support experts <a href="https://www.counterpoint.co.uk/pages/cyber-security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Counterpoint</a>. Ensuring compliance can be a long and complex process, but it&rsquo;s essential if you want to have a robust general level of cybersecurity at your company.&nbsp;

Whether you hire a contractor to spearhead a compliance project yourself or seek compliance certification services from a company, knowing your requirements and getting your business aligned with them is an essential step for any startup.&nbsp;

<h2 id="passwordpolicy">Create and Enforce a Strong Password Policy</h2>
Passwords are one of the most universal layers of security that every business relies on to ensure their privacy, and this makes them a prime target for cybercriminals. Though the name of the band you formed in uni followed by &lsquo;123&rsquo; may have served you well so far, it&rsquo;s important that the passwords protecting your business assets are kept to a higher standard and not inviting opportunistic hackers.

To <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">make passwords hard to crack</a>, it&rsquo;s important to enforce clear rules about complexity, such as requiring passwords that are at least eight characters long, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, and at least one number and special character each.

Aside from enforcing these standards with the passwords themselves, it&rsquo;s also a good idea to use an extra layer of security in the form of a password management system. These tools, like our own <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a>, allow you and your team to generate strong passwords whenever it&rsquo;s time to refresh them and keep these passwords in a secure location where they&rsquo;re only available to people who certifiably need them.

<img height="328" width="515" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/goYyrdrQvaxfRjrTLBAk">
<h2 id="trainemployees">Train Your Employees and Keep Them In The Know</h2>
Many small business owners have a tendency to think that all their most valuable digital assets begin and end in the upper echelons of the business. However, breaches can come from practically any team and any individual within your business, especially if they&rsquo;re not adequately trained to recognize security weaknesses or the signs of an attempted cyberattack.

The specific risks you&rsquo;re most likely to come up against will depend largely on your industry, company size, and other variables. But no matter the specifics of your business, it&rsquo;s important to remember that any of your employees could be at the center of a serious breach.&nbsp;

<img height="401" width="602" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/XnkybOQkqipKnUxZsSYA">
Image credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/iar-afB0QQw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Unsplash.com</a>

Lost devices, opening phishing emails, and simply falling victim to cleverly-worded fraudulent communications, can all lead to damaging employee-initiated attacks. To make sure you&rsquo;re protecting your assets from any possibility of internal threats, it&rsquo;s important to invest in cybersecurity training at all levels of your business, covering everything from the basics of your device policy to the more nuanced schemes that cybercriminals can use to trick people into divulging sensitive information.

For more detailed information on making sure your entire workforce is staying smart about cybersecurity threats, check out this helpful guide from <a href="https://cybeready.com/complete-guide-cyber-awareness" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Cyber Ready</a>.
<h2 id="usevpn">Use and Enforce a VPN</h2>
In the modern business arena, more people are working remotely than ever before, and this is especially true when it comes to small businesses.&nbsp;

Having a workforce who&rsquo;s spread around the world and could be working from any private network they choose multiplies the potential points for entry that cybercriminals can use to steal your data and disrupt your operations.&nbsp;

In order to patch this vulnerability, getting a business-grade VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Nord can help you provide your workers with secure access to your online assets no matter where their internet access is rooted. Furthermore, you can provide access to clients during meetings in public spaces, minimizing the risk to their data through their interactions with your business.

<img height="401" width="602" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/YDPgyqESRlyHYEV3fcnu">
Image credit: <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/z-upQITw4fY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Unsplash.com</a>

Furthermore, getting a VPN will allow your employees to access geographically-restricted online content in the course of their work. This means that if you have a remote-working international team, with some people based in nations where UK-hosted content is restricted, you can enable them to browse the web in the same way as your other workers, ensuring a more seamless, collaborative experience.
<h2 id="usefirewall">Find a Reliable Firewall</h2>
Firewalls are security elements that work by monitoring all traffic coming in and out of your organization&rsquo;s IT network, flagging suspicious activity and preventing viruses from causing any serious damage.

Firewalls have been a mainstay of business cybersecurity setups for years now, not least of all because of how effective they are at deterring the most common threats that companies of all sizes have to deal with.&nbsp;

By communicating threats as they arise to other security systems, reducing the entry points for viruses by blocking harmful websites, and more, getting a good firewall will instantly improve the overall security of your operations and probably save you from at least one disaster as you work to develop your business.

There are many variables to consider when finding a firewall that&rsquo;s right for your needs, such as the size of your team, your access to in-house IT expertise, and any cybersecurity products that you may already have in place. To maximize your chances of a long and hassle-free relationship with your company&rsquo;s firewall, be sure to research your options thoroughly, and where possible seek expert advice to better understand how different features can fit the needs of your business.
<h2 id="finalthoughts">Final Thoughts&hellip;</h2>
Cybersecurity can be easy to forget when you&rsquo;re in that intense initial period of developing your business, but it&rsquo;s just as essential as the basic systems that make your business tick.

We hope these tips have made life easier as you build a solid foundation for your startup&rsquo;s cybersecurity, and helped you towards developing a more comprehensive strategy in the future.

Most startups have limited resources, making them soft targets for cyberattacks. These tips will help you improve your startup's defenses.

Cyberattacks are on the rise, which means startup owners cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity. Here are five essential ...

5 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Startups

Cyberattacks are on the rise, which means startup owners cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity. Here are five essential tips to improve your startups cybersecurity.

Every modern business has digital assets, and those assets come with cybersecurity vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

As a start-up owner, you&rsquo;re probably rearing to dive head first into some of your most ambitious and exciting business ideas, but before you do, it&rsquo;s essential that you first establish a basic safety net to keep threats at bay and your systems running efficiently.

In this guide, we&rsquo;ll take a closer look at the need for cybersecurity for small businesses, and how you can formulate an effective cybersecurity strategy from day one.
Here are the most important steps to take when building a cybersecurity strategy for your startup:
<ul>
<li>Understand what your cybersecurity strategy needs to include</li>
<li>Review the systems and tools you currently have in place</li>
<li>Add additional systems and tools to fill any gaps</li>
<li>Provide regular cybersecurity training to your employees</li>
</ul>
<h3>Table of Contents</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What is a Cybersecurity Strategy?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howto" rel="follow">How to Build a Cybersecurity Strategy for Your Start-Up</a></li>
<li><a href="#reviewyour" rel="follow">Review Your Technical Defenses</a></li>
<li><a href="#makeeveryone" rel="follow">Make Cybersecurity Everyone's Business</a></li>
<li><a href="#putfirst" rel="follow">Putting Security First</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Cybersecurity Strategy?</h2>
Simply put, a cybersecurity strategy is a set of plans and established practices aimed at guaranteeing the continuation of a business&rsquo;s IT systems in the face of cyber threats.&nbsp;

Typically headed by a CISO (or the company founders in the case of a start-up) this strategy will outline preventative measures that a business will take in order to minimize their risks, keep their assets secure, and ensure swift and effective responses in the case of a cyber attack happening.&nbsp;

With the global cybersecurity sector expected to <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/04/25/2654196/0/en/Global-Cybersecurity-Mesh-Market-Report-2023-Sector-is-Expected-to-Reach-3-1-Billion-by-2028-at-a-CAGR-of-27-5.html" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reach $3.1 billion in the next 5 years</a>, the scope and development of cybersecurity threats is a force to be reckoned with, and it&rsquo;s essential for businesses of all sizes to formulate strategies that ensure privacy and data security, require the authentication of all employees, and mobilize training resources to instill the most important best practices for all situations.

With a robust cybersecurity policy, start-ups can rely on a number of direct benefits for their business, including:

Operations Continuity: With the huge scope of threats in the modern cybersecurity landscape, it&rsquo;s more a matter of when you&rsquo;ll have to deal with an attack, rather than if. With a reliable security strategy in place, your business will ensure that its operations will be able to survive the worst onslaughts of hacking attempts and cybercrime, and keep trading as usual.

Meet Regulations: Every business sector has certain security regulations that it has to comply with, especially when it comes to ensuring the privacy of customers and employees. With the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/02/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-national-cybersecurity-strategy/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">White House recently announcing a national cybersecurity strategy</a>, new regulations are sure to come. Making sure that your business complies with this legislation is one of the fundamental aspects of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

Instill Trust In Customers: Airtight privacy policies and a lack of recorded breaches will earn the trust of your existing customers and new ones, helping you to uphold people&rsquo;s confidence in your brand.

Maintain Productivity: Severe cyberattacks can put your operations on hold and bring your business grinding to a halt. With reliable cybersecurity, you&rsquo;ll be able to mitigate the effects of cyberattacks, and minimize the downtime caused by breaches.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ENqqd4TutwHP6GU0gVgw" alt="undefined">
<h2 id="howto">How to Build a Cybersecurity Strategy for Your Start-Up</h2>
Cybersecurity can fall by the wayside in those high-intensity early days of building a startup, but without a reliable strategy in place, you could be burdening your business with an intolerable degree of risk.

Here&rsquo;s the most important phases of building a cybersecurity strategy for your startup.
<h3>Develop Your Framework</h3>
All cybersecurity strategies revolve around a cybersecurity framework - a set of documents and policies that relevant personnel can refer back to in order to know how to handle various threats, where responsibilities lie in given situations, and how the wider organization should react when threats emerge.

The particulars of your framework will depend on the nature of your business, but by and large, strategy frameworks should always include a few core elements:

Incident Response Plan: Incident response plans are the documents which outline the steps your start-up needs to take in the event of an attack or breach.&nbsp;

This should include various scenarios and details for escalation, the responses necessary to contain the breach, and the steps that should be taken to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

Access Controls According to Role: As a fledgling startup, there may not be a lot of distinction between the roles of your employees at present, but establishing user access control will quickly become important as your business begins to scale. These controls are used to create a system to manage who has access to the most sensitive information or assets owned by your organization.

The degree of access afforded to different teams or individuals at your startup will often be a matter of common sense. Your financial team won&rsquo;t need access to your employees&rsquo; right to work documentation or addresses, but your HR people will. A more important part of this is backing up your access controls with the correct tools and resources, such as robust authenticators, <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password management systems</a>, and more.

Regular Vulnerability Checks: Even the most well-thought-out security frameworks need to be backed up by regular testing for vulnerabilities, and making sure that your cybersecurity is up to the challenges it could be facing.

Advanced data analytics can provide a great benefit in this area, as it will allow you to monitor your business&rsquo;s soft spots in real time. This will ensure that any new potential threats will be detected as quickly as possible, giving you the insights you need to stay one step ahead of hackers, streamline the processes needed for an effective reaction, and strengthen your business security on all fronts.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kFlPpPSOSyauD7x6oibp" alt="undefined">
<h2 id="reviewyour">Review Your Technical Defenses</h2>
Next up, we have the more hands-on and practical phase of building your cybersecurity strategy - reviewing and strengthening the tools and systems that are actually going to defend your business from threats.

Some of the key examples of security software you may want to review and acquire include:

<ul>
<li>
Password Managers to create, store, and share encrypted passwords with your team.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Firewalls to protect your systems from unauthorized access and hacking.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Intrusion Detection Systems so you can get better visibility of unauthorized access attempts.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) that will allow remote workers to access company resources without compromising sensitive assets.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Two-Factor Authentication to add a secondary layer of protection to anyone logging into company systems.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
SSLs (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt any data that moves between your site and its users.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Importance of Regular Backups</h3>
On the subject of reviewing your defenses, it&rsquo;s also essential to have a system for regularly backing up your crucial data, and ensuring it can be recovered in the event of an attack, system failure, or data loss from another cause.

According to cloud computing firm <a href="https://www.acronis.com/en-us/blog/posts/cost-of-data-loss/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Acronis</a>, even small data loss incidents &ldquo;can cost a business an average of $18,120 to $35,730&rdquo;, depending on the scope of the assets at risk.

When you&rsquo;re still grinding to take your business from bright ideas to a profitable reality, this isn&rsquo;t the kind of risk you can afford to take. To make sure you have ample protection from this kind of event, be sure to find a well-reputed B2B data warehouse and any auxiliary backup resources you might need to minimize the potential for damage from a data breach.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/YZz9TNScQmuxLoIIMmjY" alt="undefined">
<h2 id="makeeveryone">Make Cybersecurity Everyone&rsquo;s Business</h2>
When it comes to getting protections in place and responding to immediate threats, cybersecurity is only going to involve a select few people within your business. However, threats and breaches can affect any facet of a company.&nbsp;

For long-term, sustainable protection, you need to make cybersecurity a part of your company culture, build from the ground up, and make protective best practices second nature for all echelons of your company.
<h3>Provide Quality Training Regularly</h3>
Providing regular training sessions that hammer home the importance of cybersecurity is essential to ensure you can trust people of all roles to make the right calls and respond to threats as they arise, while taking a preventative attitude that will stop new vulnerabilities from ever arising.

Wherever possible, we recommend tailoring your security training to specific teams and departments. This will not only help workers stay more engaged in the courses you give them, but will ensure your training efforts provide an effective return on the resources they require.&nbsp;

If you&rsquo;re training HR professionals, for example, you might want to place special emphasis on the ethical gathering of employee data, or the role that firms like <a href="https://www.fcra.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Fair Credit</a> can play in background check disputes. If you&rsquo;re delivering courses to your financial controllers, you may want to pay more attention to the kinds of data hackers need to steal from bank accounts, and the kind of schemes they use to attain it.
<h3>Sweat the Small Stuff</h3>
While your organize your training and assign it to your most relevant teams and professionals, it&rsquo;s equally important to ensure your entire workforce stays aware of general best practices that will reduce the risk of attacks and breaches.

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Keeping passwords long and complex</a>, changing passwords at least once every 90 days, recognizing suspicious links, messages, and phishing attachments, and always using a VPN when working remotely, should be everyone&rsquo;s concern. Be sure that these general &ldquo;digital hygiene&rdquo; practices remain a core part of any training strategies you put in place, no matter how much or little a person&rsquo;s role has to do with your actual IT infrastructure.
<h2 id="putfirst">Putting Security First</h2>
When you&rsquo;re growing your start-up, you&rsquo;ll have a million and one things to address. Although cybersecurity may feel like a minor footnote in your wider vision for your business, it needs to be treated as a top priority to avoid leaving your business open to potential disaster.

We hope that this guide has helped you understand the three phases of establishing a strong foundation for your start-up&rsquo;s cybersecurity, and given you the best start possible for a secure and worry-free future.

Every startup needs a cybersecurity strategy to protect the business and meet regulations. Learn how by following these easy steps.

Every startup needs to have a cybersecurity strategy that meets the regulations of its industry. This guide explains ...

How to Build a Cybersecurity Strategy for Startups

Every startup needs to have a cybersecurity strategy that meets the regulations of its industry. This guide explains how to build a strategy and what systems and tools need to be included.

If you've ever given in to the temptation of Microsoft Edge's "save this password" prompt, you're not alone. If you're concerned about the security and privacy risks associated with Edge's built-in password manager or already have a dedicated password manager, this article will guide you through disabling it.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Security concerns</a> often drive the decision to disable Microsoft Edge's built-in password manager. Storing and syncing passwords within your Microsoft account can pose a significant risk. If a cybercriminal gains access to your Microsoft account, they could potentially breach all your other accounts. Disabling the password manager can help mitigate this risk.
Instead, we highly recommend utilizing a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications offer enhanced security features, compatibility across various platforms, and additional functionalities such as customizable password generators and secure sharing. By disabling the browser's password manager, you can fully rely on your preferred third-party solution for comprehensive password management.
By following the steps outlined in this article to disable Microsoft Edge's password manager and transitioning to a trusted third-party alternative, you can ensure heightened security and alleviate the annoyance of constant popups. Say goodbye to the frustrations and safeguard your passwords effectively.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#isedgesafe" rel="follow">Is Microsoft Edge Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableedge" rel="follow">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeleteedgepasswords" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="isedgesafe">Is Microsoft Edge Password Manager Safe?</h2>
Microsoft Edge's built-in password manager offers some level of security, but it's not as robust as dedicated password managers. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating its safety:
<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li>
Microsoft Edge Password Manager stores passwords using strong encryption techniques. It encrypts your saved passwords and stores them locally on your device or optionally syncs them to your Microsoft account. This provides a certain level of protection against unauthorized access.
</li>
<li>
Limited platform support: One limitation of Microsoft Edge Password Manager is its limited platform support. It primarily works within the Microsoft Edge browser, which means your passwords are not easily accessible on other browsers or platforms. This lack of cross-platform functionality is a drawback for users who frequently switch devices or use different browsers.
</li>
<li>
Feature set: Dedicated password managers often offer a more extensive set of features focused on password security. They include features like advanced two-factor authentication, password auditing, password generators, and secure password sharing. These additional features enhance the overall security of your passwords and provide a more comprehensive solution.
</li>
<li>
Third-party audits: Dedicated password managers often undergo regular third-party security audits to ensure the highest standards of security and privacy. These audits are conducted by independent security firms to identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for improvement. While it's not clear whether Microsoft Edge Password Manager undergoes similar audits, dedicated password managers generally have a stronger track record in this area.
</li>
</ol>
In conclusion, while Microsoft Edge Password Manager offers basic password management functionality and employs encryption measures, it may not provide the same level of security and feature-rich experience as dedicated password managers.&nbsp;
We recommend using a dedicated third-party tool that works on all your devices and browsers and protects your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.
<h2 id="howtodisableedge">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</h2>
For Edge users on Windows and Mac:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dot menu in the top right and click Settings.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Under the Profiles section, click Passwords.</li>
<li>Turn off Offer to save passwords. Go back, and do the same for Personal info and Payment info.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Tprk6L5VQqyxoVeNkvLF" alt="undefined" width="799" height="527">
For Edge users on iOS:
<ol>
<li>Tap Settings.</li>
<li>Tap Privacy.</li>
<li>Turn off Offer to save passwords and Automatically save passwords.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
For Edge users on Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap the hamburger Menu icon in the bottom left and tap Settings.</li>
<li>Tap Account, then&nbsp;Passwords.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn off&nbsp;Save passwords. Tap the back arrow do the same for Addresses and more and Payment info. &nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="howtodeleteedgepasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Edge Password Manager, follow these 3 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dot menu in the top right and click Settings.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Under the Profiles section, click Passwords.</li>
<li>Check the box next to the password you want to delete, and click Delete. You can also check the box next to Website to select all your passwords.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
You may want to first export your passwords from Microsoft Edge.&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots to the right of Add Password, and click Export.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
This exports all your passwords into a CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Edge password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Edge's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers an Edge extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Edge's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="820" height="461">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Edge offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Edge offers a built-in solution, which might not be ...

How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager in 3 Steps

How to Disable Microsoft Edge Manager in 3 Steps

If you're tired of the constant "save this password" popup from Safari or concerned about the security and privacy risks of its built-in password manager, this article is for you. We'll guide you through the quick steps to disable it and explore better alternatives.
The main reasons to disable Safari's built-in password manager are security and compatibility. By storing and syncing passwords within your Apple account, you run the risk of a cybercriminal gaining access and compromising all your other accounts. And if you use non-Apple devices, and thus need a different solution to manage passwords there, you're left managing the security of multiple fronts. Disabling Safari's password manager minimizes this vulnerability.
Instead, we recommend using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications offer stronger security features, compatibility across multiple platforms, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and secure sharing. By disabling Safari's password manager, you can exclusively rely on your preferred third-party solution for efficient password management.
By following the steps to disable Safari's password manager and switching to a trusted third-party alternative, you can enjoy improved security and a more personalized password management experience. Say goodbye to the constant popups and ensure your passwords are in safe hands.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#issafarisafe" rel="follow">Is Safari Password Manager (iCloud Keychain) Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablesafari" rel="follow">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletesafaripasswords" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Safari Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="issafarisafe">Is Safari Password Manager (iCloud Keychain) Safe?</h2>
The Safari password manager is closely connected to Apple's iCloud Keychain, which we've written about <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-are-icloud-keychains-and-why-are-they-better-than-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. When Safari offers to save a password, it saves it to Keychain; you can choose whether to sync that data between devices, however.&nbsp;
If you're fully committed to the Apple ecosystem - that is, you own iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and pretty much only use Safari - then using the iCloud keychain is convenient and relatively safe. If you have non-Apple devices or use other browsers, then using Safari's password manager is probably just a security hazard. It's one more place where your passwords are stored, and if someone gains access to your device password, they can view all the passwords you have saved in Safari.&nbsp;
Additionally, the Safari password manager won't cut it if you need to share passwords with colleagues or family members. While you can airdrop passwords to Apple devices, this is a bit clunky and limiting.&nbsp;
Most people are better off with a dedicated third-party password manager that works on all your devices and browsers, protects your data with advanced encryption and 2FA, and offers additional features like secure sharing.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablesafari">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</h2>
For Safari users on Mac:
<ol>
<li>Click the Safari menu at the top bar.</li>
<li>Click Settings.</li>
<li>Click the Autofill icon.</li>
<li>Uncheck all settings in Autofill.</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/KMgVTphzQwmKzPtYhv5P" alt="undefined" width="687" height="194">
For Safari users on iOS:
<ol>
<li>Tap Settings</li>
<li>Head to Passwords and Accounts</li>
<li>Tap AutoFill Passwords&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn off iCloud KeyChain.</li>
</ol>
Pro-tip: Don't forget to delete all cached passwords and auto-fill passwords before using a third-party password manager!
<h2 id="howtodeletesafaripasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Safari Password Manager</h2>
<ol>
<li>Click the Safari menu at the top bar.</li>
<li>Click Settings.</li>
<li>Select Passwords</li>
<li>Right-click the password you wish to delete, and select delete. You'll be asked if you're sure you want to delete the password.&nbsp;</li>
<li>To delete all passwords, hit Cmd+A, then right-click and select delete.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing passwords with greater compatibility than Safari and Keychain. You can create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device and access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords stay secure, even if your device falls into the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires a separate "master" password for login and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While not as convenient as Safari's built-in features, password managers offer significantly enhanced security.
With TeamPassword's Safari extension, you can enjoy autofill capabilities on most websites and view record information conveniently in a dropdown, eliminating the need to navigate to separate pages. Moreover, TeamPassword offers extensive features for secure credential sharing, a feature that Safari's password management lacks, particularly for users without Apple devices. Passwords are organized into Groups, and access can be granted to team members as needed. Managing member access and editing records is just as simple.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="862" height="485">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Safari's built-in solution might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Safari's built-in solution might not be right for you. ...

How to Disable Safari's Manager in 3 Steps

How to Disable Safari Password Manager in 4 Steps

If you've made the switch to a dedicated password manager or are tired of Firefox's prompt to "save this password," you've come to the right place.&nbsp;
While the Firefox built-in password manager is a decent choice if you exclusively use the Firefox browser for personal use, its shortcomings are apparent when used in a business setting or even if you use multiple browsers and need to save various kinds of data securely.&nbsp;
Many prefer (and we recommend) using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications provide more robust security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and sharing. Disabling Firefox password manager allows users to rely solely on their preferred third-party solution.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#isfirefoxsafe" rel="follow">Is Firefox Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablefirefox" rel="follow">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletefirefoxpasswords" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="isfirefoxsafe">Is Firefox Password Manager Safe?</h2>
Does Firefox password manager keep your passwords safe? It depends on how you use it. By default, your passwords are synced across devices using your Firefox account. If you leave your Firefox account logged in on a device that someone else can access or your Firefox account gets hacked, your passwords are vulnerable. Firefox does not have a safe way to share passwords, nor the ability to store notes or documents.&nbsp;
However, Firefox does offer the option to create a Primary Password that locks your Firefox passwords. This primary password is set locally, meaning you'll need a&nbsp;different one for every device or profile where you use Firefox password manager. It is more secure than no primary password, but lacks the convenience of a dedicated password vault available anywhere and encrypted with one master password.&nbsp;
Firefox checks your saved websites against a database of breached websites to alert you if your logins may be vulnerable.&nbsp;
In summary, Firefox is a fine option if you set a Primary Password on each device and exclusively use the Firefox browser. But if you need to safely share passwords or want greater protection such as 2FA, Firefox doesn't cut it. We recommend using a&nbsp;dedicated third-party tool that works on all&nbsp;your devices and browsers and encrypts your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablefirefox">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</h2>
For Firefox users on Windows:
<ol>
<li>Click the Menu button in the top right of your browser and click Settings</li>
<li>Click&nbsp;Privacy and Security on the left</li>
<li>Scroll down to the&nbsp;Logins and Passwords section</li>
<li>Uncheck Ask to save logins and passwords for websites.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/7HK1k8EpQkG9KNfoYXxX" alt="undefined" width="687" height="308">
For Firefox users on Mac:
<ol>
<li>In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Preferences.</li>
<li>Click&nbsp;Privacy and Security on the left</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Logins and Passwords section.</li>
<li>Uncheck Ask to save logins and passwords for websites.</li>
</ol>
For Firefox users on iOS:
<ol>
<li>Tap Menu.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tap Passwords - you may have to use Touch ID or enter a password</li>
<li>Turn off Save Logins.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
For Firefox users on Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap the three dots Menu and tap Settings</li>
<li>Tap Logins and passwords, then Save Logins and passwords. Select Never save.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tap the back arrow twice, then choose Autofill from the selections. Unselect Save and autofill addresses and Save and autofill cards</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="howtodeletefirefoxpasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Firefox Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Firefox password manager, follow these 2 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click the Menu button in the top right of your browser and click Passwords.</li>
<li>Here, you can either select the password you wish to delete and click&nbsp;Remove, or click the three dots in the top right and select&nbsp;Remove All Logins...</li>
</ol>
Beware that the latter will permanently delete your saved logins and cannot be undone.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ilx1jODQT9u9sy9gn77t" alt="undefined" width="901" height="217">
If switching to a dedicated password manager, you may want to export your passwords from Firefox.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Firefox Menu &gt; Passwords &gt; three dots on the top right &gt; Export Logins...&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
This exports all your passwords into a CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Firefox password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Firefox's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers a Firefox extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Firefox's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="764" height="430">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

Keeping track of passwords is tough. Firefox offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. Learn how to disable it!

Keeping track of passwords is tough. Firefox offers a built-in solution, which might not be right for you. ...

How to Disable Firefox Password Manager in 4 Steps

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.

Over the last decade, the gig economy boom has allowed professionals worldwide to switch to freelancing and build a network of international clients.&nbsp;
According to Upwork, 1 in 3 US workers engaged in freelance work during 2020. Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Does your company hire freelancers? How do you <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers">share passwords with freelancers</a>? TeamPassword is an affordable password management solution for small businesses, startups, and agencies to share credentials securely with team members and freelancers. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>10 Successful Freelancers</h2>
Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records&mdash;many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>1. Scott Luscombe - Graphic Designer / Shopify Expert / Website Developer / Copywriter&nbsp; - Canada</h3>
Scott Luscombe is a freelance graphic designer, Shopify expert, website developer, and copywriter from Uxbridge, Canada. He holds a degree in Illustration from Sheridan College and a degree in Marketing from the University of Toronto.
Scott has been a freelancer for most of his professional career and has earned over $500k on Upwork. He has completed over 311 jobs and worked&nbsp;10,956 hours!&nbsp;
Scott's work includes graphic design and branding, illustration and icons, copywriting, website design and development, UX/UI, and printing and packaging. He also provides freelance coaching and consulting. Scott is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer currently charging $99 per hour for various creative gigs.
Some of Scott's most notable work includes designs for Coca-Cola, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nickelodeon, and Wallet Ninja (to name a few).&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1">Kathy Edens is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $300k platform earnings! Kathy has been self-employed as a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter for almost ten years from her home in Ohio, United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Psychology from Oregon State University, which she says "...helps me understand how to reach your target audience with words."&nbsp;
Kathy has ghost-written several non-fiction books on various topics, including social entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate investing, and the cannabis industry, to name a few.
Kathy also writes web content, sales pages, email marketing content, case studies, white papers, brochures, press releases, and more. Kathy's rates start at $86 per hour for her writing and marketing services.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>3. Koen van Oeveren - UX designer - Netherlands</h3>
Koen van Oeveren is a freelance UI &amp; UX designer from North Brabant, Netherlands, with almost ten years of experience. Koen works with several design agencies in the Netherlands, designing apps, websites, and eCommerce experiences for many international brands.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Koen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Multimedia Design from Avans University in the Netherlands. Koen's <a href="https://www.koenvo.com/index.html">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio">2021 awwwards. Award</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>4. Pascal Strasche - Product / UX designer - Germany</h3>
Pascal Strasche is a product and UX designer with more than ten years of design experience from Germany. He holds a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, both from HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
For almost a year over 2020/2021, Pascal worked as the sole product designer to design Con Cubo's SaaS tool that helps complex organizations visualize and manage teams. He's also worked with German steel giant XOM Materials to find product solutions to digitalize&nbsp;Germany's steel industry.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In 2019, Pascal founded Product Design Resources, a growing archive of 800+ design resources, weekly updated for the design community.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>5. Paul Hunkin - Developer - New Zealand</h3>
Paul Hunkin is a freelance software consultant and developer from Tauranga, New Zealand, but currently living in Portugal.&nbsp;
Paul has over ten years of experience as a software developer with an impressive work history, including Google, NASA, InfoSys, and the Chinese aerospace industry leader COMAC.
He's worked with several early-stage startups designing everything from high-performance big-data systems to complex web applications to 3D rendering engines. He's also built a lot of the foundational code for independent games on Android.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Paul is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. His rates start at $120 per hour for software development. <a href="https://paulh.consulting/">Check out Paul's website</a> for more about his impressive portfolio and work history.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>6. Jana Galat - Writer / Brand Strategist - Canada</h3>
Jana Galat is a freelance copywriter and brand strategist from Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Studies from King's University College and an Honors in Business Administration from Western University.
Jana has extensive experience writing landing pages, email campaigns, social media ads, and print materials and says, "I am obsessed with creating copy that sells..."
After several years of professional work experience, Jana went freelance in 2019 and has quickly built a reputation as a <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01bfa17a48301876dd">Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $70k in platform earnings. Jana's rates start at $100 per hour for copywriting and brand consulting.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>7. Kate H. - Logo Designer / Branding Expert - United States</h3>
Kate is a freelance professional logo designer and branding expert from Maryland, United States. Kate&nbsp;ran her own green wedding brand which she sold to mywedding.com in 2014, allowing her to focus on helping small&nbsp;businesses figure out what they want (and who they are) and translate that into design.
She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale School of The Environment, and a J.D. in environmental law from Pace Law School.&nbsp;
Kate's skillset includes redesigning and updating material to make it easier to understand, building a consistent brand from a simple starting point like a logo, and creating unique logos that guarantee results.
Kate is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer, and her rates start at $225 per hour. You can find out more about Kate on her <a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~013ce73876c1c18126" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Upwork profile</a>.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>8. Marcos Rezende - UX designer - Canada</h3>
Marcos Rezende is a UX Designer from Ontario, Canada, with more than 13 years of experience. Marcos has worked in over 30 industry sectors for multinational organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Brazil.&nbsp;
Some of Marcos' notable projects include apps for Ontario's COVID-19 dashboard, Urban Master Planning collaboration platform, and Reaction (kid's e-learning app), to name a few.&nbsp;
Marcos loves sharing his industry expertise with aspiring UX designers and regularly writes for the popular UX publication Career Foundry. Total recognizes Marcos as part of its "Top 3%" of global freelancer talent&mdash;a title given to elite freelancers in their given field.
We don't have access to Marcos' rates, but the best UX designers on Upwork earn upwards of $100 per hour. As a Toptal Top 3% freelancer, Marcos likely charges $200-$300 per hour.
<a href="https://www.marcosrezende.com/">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende">awwwards.</a> in 2021.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>9. Tanya Litvinova - UX/UI Designer - United States</h3>
Tanya Litvinova is a freelance UX/UI designer from New York City, United States. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design / Communication Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Tanya specializes in product, mobile, and web design as well as user experience flow, research, and validation.
"I have a passion to make the complex simple, shape behavior, design, plan, and strategize. Aiming for the best user experience, all the while balancing the needs of business and technology to create engaging, habit-forming digital products."
Tanya has worked with Fortune 100 &amp; Fortune 500 companies and successfully delivered business-transforming data-driven analytics, responsive BI dashboards, enterprise web apps, and management systems. Some of Tanya's notable clients include KOCH Industries, BlackRock Financial, BCG Group, and FireEye, to name a few.
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0165035041b26e96df">Tanya is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with more than $200k platform earnings. Her current rate starts at $162.50 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>10. Guangming Lang - Data Scientist - United States</h3>
Guangming Lang is a freelance data scientist from Michigan, United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from New College of Florida and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. Guangming has also completed several Coursera courses in data science and machine learning.
Guangming has been a freelancer since 2013 and has worked across several industries, including fintech, trading, medicine, biotech, advertising, and HR.&nbsp;
Guangming is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer with over $400k in platform earnings. He's completed 216 jobs on Upwork totaling 3,805 hours! Guangming's current rates start at $200 per hour.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Secure Freelancer Workflows With TeamPassword</h2>
No matter how talented or reputable the freelancers and contractors you hire, your company must use secure workflows to protect your digital assets.
Freelancers often need access to shared accounts and tools. Using a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password manager</a> is the first step to securing these accounts and platforms. You can also use a password manager to share credentials with employees, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure you never expose raw passwords via email, spreadsheets, chat apps, and other non-secure methods.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> lets you create groups to share access with only those who need it. When they're done, revoke access with a single click. No need to change passwords every time someone leaves the team.
If you do need to change a password, TeamPassword's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">password management solution</a>? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a free trial</a> to secure your company's digital assets today!

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

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

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

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

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

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

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

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