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://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023" target="_blank" rel="follow 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://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">password manager for teams</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;
<h2 id="email">1. Email</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/efPCc2QZQ7C0OT1KeoKe" alt="" width="655" height="88">
We've all been there: struggling to remember a new password and considering emailing it to ourselves for safekeeping. While it might seem convenient, emailing passwords is a terrible security practice with far-reaching consequences. Here's why:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="7:3-7:245">Unencrypted Transmission: Emails often travel in plain text, like postcards. Anyone with access to the data stream &ndash; hackers, scammers, or even compromised servers &ndash; could easily intercept the email and steal your password in its entirety.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:33">Multiple Vulnerable Points: Even if the email itself is encrypted, your password is exposed at several stages. It's stored on your device before sending, sits unencrypted on email servers during transit, and resides in your sent folder &ndash; all potential points of entry for attackers.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:248">Local Storage Risks: Many email platforms store data locally on your devices. If your computer, phone, or tablet is stolen or infected with malware, even deleted emails containing passwords might be recoverable, putting your accounts at risk.</li>
</ul>
The ease with which cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities makes emailing passwords a high-stakes gamble. A stolen password could grant them access to your bank accounts, social media profiles, email itself, and more. The <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">damage can be immense</a>, so why risk it for a temporary convenience?

<h2 id="Documents">2. Online Documents</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Hh6oH8AzTMSnQFUaPHR9" alt="" width="216" height="235">
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 id="instantmessaging">3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging (IM) services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat offer a convenient way to communicate, but they are not designed for securely storing passwords. While some IM platforms offer end-to-end encryption for message content, they lack crucial security features necessary for password management.
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.
Here's why storing passwords on IM apps is a security risk:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: IM apps are designed to run in the background on unlocked devices. This means anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone or computer could potentially view your unencrypted passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:164">Accidental Sharing: A single inadvertent tap or screenshot could send your password to someone unintended, compromising the security of your online accounts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Limited Security Features: Unlike dedicated password managers, IM applications typically lack features like secure password generation, two-factor authentication, and strong encryption specifically designed to protect passwords.</li>
</ul>
Dedicated password management applications offer robust security features like encryption, secure storage, and auto-fill functionality for logins.
<h2 id="onlinenotetaker">4. Online Note-taker</h2>
While online note-taking applications like Apple Notes offer a convenient platform for managing everyday tasks and reminders, they are demonstrably unsuitable for storing sensitive information, particularly passwords. These platforms, designed for general purpose note-taking, lack the robust security features essential for safeguarding confidential credentials.
Here's why online note-taking apps pose a significant security risk for passwords:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:314">Absence of Multi-Factor Authentication: Unlike dedicated password managers, these applications typically do not offer multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond a simple password, significantly hindering unauthorized access attempts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:322">Limited Encryption Capabilities: While some note-taking applications may offer basic encryption features, they often fall short of the robust encryption protocols employed by dedicated password management solutions. This weaker encryption leaves sensitive data vulnerable to potential decryption by malicious actors.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="13:3-13:97">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: Online note-taking apps are designed for ease of use and accessibility. This ease of access translates to a vulnerability. If a user's device remains unlocked and unattended, a perpetrator would only need to access the specific application to view unencrypted passwords.</li>
</ul>
In a world of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is critical to prioritize robust security practices. Online note-taking applications simply do not provide the necessary safeguards for password management. Users are strongly advised to consider secure alternatives, such as dedicated password managers or offline password vaults, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their login credentials.
<h2 id="nonpasswordprotecteddevice">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 data-sourcepos="7:1-7:6">Control Your Security and Choose Convenience with TeamPassword</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="The TeamPassword Extension for Chrome lets you sign into any account in seconds" width="828" height="466">
Our digital vault safeguards your passwords with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and ironclad two-step authentication. Stop wasting time remembering &ndash; TeamPassword empowers you with secure, one-click logins across all your devices.
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Divide passwords into groups to share with appropriate team members</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Enforce 2FA for all users</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">View activity logs for all of your records</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Use the TeamPassword browser extensions and mobile apps for lightning-fast access everywhere</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Save money with affordable plans configured for YOU</li>
</ul>
Don't settle for password purgatory. Take control with TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for your FREE trial today</a> and experience the power of effortless security!

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

Identity checks are the processes businesses use to confirm that a person is who they claim to be. They are a critical part of hiring, financial services, and everyday account access, helping reduce fraud and protect sensitive data. They range from requiring login information to the heavily regulated processes utilized by banks and governments.&nbsp;
As more work moves online, identity checks now extend beyond compliance into daily operations, shaping how teams grant access, share credentials, and maintain trust.
TeamPassword is the best password manager available for your business. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Sign up for our free trial and try for yourself.</a>&nbsp;
<h2>What identity checks mean in different contexts</h2>
Identity checks take different forms depending on where and why they are used. While the goal is always to confirm a person&rsquo;s identity, the methods, standards, and level of scrutiny vary across industries. Understanding these contexts helps clarify why identity checks can feel simple in one setting and highly complex in another.
<h3>Identity checks in hiring and human resources</h3>
In hiring, identity checks focus on confirming that a candidate is legally allowed to work and that their identity matches official records. Employers typically review government-issued identification and may cross-check personal details against background screening data.
These checks reduce the risk of hiring fraud and help organizations meet legal requirements. They also establish a baseline level of trust before granting access to internal systems and tools.
<h3>Identity checks in financial services</h3>
Financial institutions use identity checks as part of onboarding and ongoing customer monitoring. These checks are often tied to regulatory frameworks like Know Your Customer (KYC) and the Customer Identification Program (CIP), which require businesses to verify identities before providing services.
The process often includes document verification, database matching, and risk scoring. Because financial fraud carries high stakes, these checks tend to be more detailed and continuous.
<h3>Identity checks for online accounts and logins</h3>
For online platforms, identity checks help ensure that the person creating or accessing an account is authorized to do so. This can include email verification, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multi-factor authentication</a>, and device recognition.
These checks are designed to balance security with user experience. Too much friction can block legitimate users, while too little can expose accounts to unauthorized access.
<h3>Identity checks in government services</h3>
Government identity checks are designed to meet strict assurance standards. Agencies often require multiple forms of evidence, including documents and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/disadvantages-of-biometrics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biometric data</a>, to confirm identity before granting access to services.
These checks prioritize accuracy and long-term identity validation. They are often more rigorous than private sector processes due to the sensitivity of public data and services.
<h2>Types of identity checks used today</h2>
Identity checks are rarely a single step. Most systems combine several methods to build confidence that a person is legitimate. The mix depends on risk level, industry, and how sensitive the access or transaction is.
Here are some of the most common types of identity checks:
<ul>
<li>Online identity checks require users to input their <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-types-of-usernames-username-ideas-to-make-your-logins-more-secure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">username</a> and password.</li>
<li>Document-based identity checks verify passports, driver&rsquo;s licenses, or other official identification documents.</li>
<li>Database identity checks compare personal information against credit bureaus, public records, or proprietary datasets.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-biometric-identification" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biometric identity checks</a> use physical traits such as facial recognition or fingerprints to confirm identity.</li>
<li>Knowledge-based identity checks ask questions based on personal history that only the real person is expected to answer.</li>
<li>Electronic identity checks validate identity using digital signals and aggregated data sources.</li>
<li>In-person identity checks require physical presence and manual inspection of identification documents.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two-factor identity checks</a> combine a password with a second verification method such as a code or device approval.</li>
<li>Behavioral identity checks analyze patterns like typing speed or login habits to detect anomalies.</li>
<li>Device-based identity checks evaluate whether a login attempt comes from a recognized or trusted device.</li>
<li>Risk-based identity checks adjust verification requirements based on the context and perceived risk level.</li>
<li>Continuous identity checks monitor user activity after login to ensure ongoing legitimacy.</li>
<li>Federated identity checks rely on trusted third-party providers to authenticate users across platforms.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How identity checks work: The verification process</h2>
Identity checks follow a structured process rather than a single action. While the exact flow varies by industry, most systems use a layered approach that builds confidence step by step. Each stage adds another signal that helps determine whether an identity can be trusted.
Here is the complete step-by-step identity verification process:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>The process begins by collecting basic identity information such as a full name, date of birth, and address.</li>
<li>The system gathers supporting evidence such as government-issued documents or account history.</li>
<li>The information is validated against trusted data sources such as credit bureaus or official records.</li>
<li>The system checks for inconsistencies, duplicate identities, or known fraud signals.</li>
<li>Additional verification steps such as biometric matching or <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/totp-benefits-and-use-cases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one-time passcodes</a> may be required.</li>
<li>A risk assessment evaluates the overall confidence level of the identity based on available data.</li>
<li>Access is granted, limited, or denied depending on the outcome of the verification process.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Traditional vs digital identity checks</h2>
Identity checks have shifted from manual, in-person processes to fast, data-driven systems. Both approaches aim to confirm identity, but they differ in speed, scale, and user experience. Understanding these differences helps explain why many organizations are moving toward digital-first verification.
<h3>Traditional identity checks</h3>
Traditional identity checks rely on physical documents and human review. This often includes inspecting passports or driver&rsquo;s licenses in person and comparing them to the individual presenting them.
These checks can be reliable but tend to be slower and harder to scale. They also depend heavily on staff training and consistency, which can introduce variability.
<h3>Digital identity checks</h3>
Digital identity checks use software to verify identity remotely. They combine document scanning, database validation, and biometric matching to confirm that a person is legitimate.
These systems are faster and easier to scale across large user bases. They also enable <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-team-management-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remote onboarding</a>, which is now common in financial services and online platforms.
<h3>Key differences and tradeoffs</h3>
The main difference comes down to efficiency and coverage. Traditional methods offer direct human oversight, while digital systems provide speed and broader data analysis.
Most organizations now use a hybrid approach. They combine automated checks with targeted manual review to balance accuracy, cost, and user experience.
<h2>Why identity checks matter for modern businesses</h2>
Identity checks play a direct role in how businesses manage risk, protect data, and enable day-to-day operations. What once sat mainly in compliance workflows now affects everything from onboarding new users to controlling access across teams. As systems become more connected, weak identity checks create gaps that are easy to exploit.
At a basic level, identity checks help prevent fraud and unauthorized access. They ensure that only verified individuals can interact with systems, whether that means opening an account, joining a company, or logging into a shared tool.
They also support compliance in regulated industries. Requirements tied to frameworks like KYC and CIP make identity verification a legal necessity, not just a best practice.
Beyond risk and compliance, identity checks improve operational clarity. When businesses know exactly who is accessing systems and why, they can manage permissions more effectively and reduce confusion around shared access.
<h2>Identity checks and secure access management</h2>
Identity checks confirm a user&rsquo;s identity, but they do not control access after verification. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teams</a> still need a way to manage credentials, permissions, and shared accounts to prevent misuse.
Secure access management ensures that only the right people can use shared accounts and that access can be updated or removed as roles change. This reduces risk and gives teams better visibility over who can access sensitive tools and information.
<h2>Building stronger workflows with identity checks and password management</h2>
Identity checks establish trust, but teams need systems to maintain it through proper credential management. Password management lets teams store and share credentials securely, keeping access structured and intentional.
It also supports consistent workflows as teams grow, allowing new members to gain access quickly and former members to lose access without friction. Identity checks verify who someone is, and password management ensures that access aligns with that identity over time.
<h2>Turning identity checks into better team security with TeamPassword</h2>
Identity checks are essential for establishing trust, but maintaining that trust requires ongoing control over access and credentials. Teams need systems that make sharing accounts secure, track who has access, and allow permissions to change as roles evolve.
TeamPassword provides a simple, cost-effective way to extend identity verification into daily workflows. By combining secure password storage, team-based sharing, and permission management, it helps businesses protect sensitive information without adding unnecessary complexity.
When identity checks are paired with organized password management, teams gain both security and efficiency. This ensures that verified users can work collaboratively while reducing the risk of unauthorized access, making identity checks the foundation for smarter, safer business operations.&nbsp;
TeamPassword is the best password manager to secure your business. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

Explore identity checks, their types, verification steps, and regulatory requirements, plus how teams can stay secure. Here’s what you need to know.

Explore identity checks, their types, verification steps, and regulatory requirements, plus how teams can stay secure. Here’s what ...

Identity checks: What they are, how they work, and why they matter for modern businesses

2022 has been a year of tech giants getting breached. Human fallibility continues to be, for the most part, the weakest link in company security. More on that later.&nbsp;
The latest victim is the ubiquitous ride-sharing company, Uber.&nbsp;
<h1>The 2022 Uber Breach - What, How, and Lessons Learned</h1>
This isn&rsquo;t the first time Uber has been breached. In 2016 they allegedly paid hackers $100,000 to delete the data they stole and keep the breach a secret. A year and CEO change later, the hack was publicized, revealing that personal information from over 50 million Uber riders and the driver&rsquo;s license numbers of 600,000 US drivers had been leaked.
Every publicized breach is a chance to learn and prepare. In this article, we will briefly cover what happened with the Uber breach of 2022 and then discuss what companies should do to shore up their defenses.&nbsp;
For more details about the breach itself, Uber <a href="https://www.uber.com/newsroom/security-update/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">maintains their own newsroom</a> covering the situation.&nbsp;
<h2>How did the Uber breach happen?</h2>
The 2022 Uber breach was a &ldquo;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/your-passwords-are-only-as-secure-as-your-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">social engineering</a>&rdquo; attack. In social engineering attacks, cybercriminals use psychology to manipulate users into disclosing secret information or taking an action that allows the criminal to access private data.&nbsp;
In this case, one Uber contractor unknowingly allowed the hackers the access they needed. Uber states that &ldquo;It is likely that the attacker purchased the contractor&rsquo;s Uber corporate password on the dark web, after the contractor&rsquo;s personal device had been infected with malware, exposing those credentials.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The attacker then employed an increasingly common attack called MFA (multi-factor authentication) Fatigue. They repeatedly attempted to log in with the stolen password, which caused the contractor to be spammed with authentication requests. Eventually, either by accident or to make it stop, the contractor accepted one such request.
With access to one account, the hacker was able to get into other employees&rsquo; accounts and further elevate their permissions. They took the opportunity to boast of their feat internally.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/EoRmRO0rRBSwr8DQBQQw" alt="undefined" width="665" height="393" />
Uber has taken cautionary steps, including mandatory password resets and locking down its codebase.&nbsp;
<h2>Who was responsible for the Uber breach?</h2>
They believe LAPSUS$, a hacking group that has taken credit for breaches of Nvidia, Samsung, and Microsoft, to name a few, is responsible.&nbsp;
LAPSUS$ itself is an interesting rabbit hole. They first made headlines by hacking Brazil&rsquo;s Ministry of Health and deleting the health records of millions of people (thankfully the government had backups). LAPSUS$ later breached Nvidia - a technology company famous for its GPUs -&nbsp; and demanded that they make their drivers open-source if they did not wish their data leaked. In March of this year, the London police arrested seven teenagers related to the group. All have since been released, and LAPSUS$ continues its prolific run.&nbsp;
LAPSUS$&rsquo;s goal is unknown, nor do authorities know whether they have backing from a larger organization. Recent activity suggests that members operate from the UK and US, though some suspect ties to South America given their propensity for targeting that region.&nbsp;
For more information about LAPSUS$, Krebs has done great work <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/?s=%22lapsus%24%22" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">documenting their activity</a>.
<h2>What can we learn from the Uber breach?</h2>
The breaches at Microsoft, Cisco, Uber, etc. all have a common pattern. There were no incredible feats of &ldquo;hacking,&rdquo; where a genius criminal breaks through security systems with sweat dripping down their brow as shown on TV. Instead, the attacks were intentional, methodical, and exploited human fallibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Humans are the easiest and often the weakest target. Many people see through and avoid becoming victims of social engineering tactics. But among companies like Uber, which employs over 29,000 people and has 122 million users each month, or T-Mobile (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/t-mobile-data-breach-2021-what-happened" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">victim of a major breach in 2021</a>), which employs 75,000 people and outsources much of its customer support, there are more than a few prime targets for cybercriminals.
We may sound like a broken record exhorting you to educate your employees and demand security best practices. But seriously - educate your employees and demand security best practices!
If we&rsquo;ve learned anything from recent breaches, it&rsquo;s that they would not have been possible without successful social engineering.&nbsp;
<h2>How could the Uber breach have been prevented?</h2>
The Uber hackers followed two relatively simple steps:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Buy compromised passwords</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Social Engineer an employee&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h3>Improve Password Hygiene</h3>
Individuals and companies can reduce the risk of compromised passwords by regularly scheduling password changes. Setting a reminder to appear every 90 days on your phone to change vital passwords and run manual security checks makes it less likely for your passwords to be available for purchase. There are also programs that will monitor personal devices in real-time. These precautions alone aren't enough, as even relatively new passwords can be compromised.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For added security and convenience, <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">use a password manager like TeamPassword</a>. Password managers encrypt and store all of your passwords in one secure location. Many even include built-in password generators and mandatory 2FA.&nbsp;
<h3>Use 2FA</h3>
To counter the second step - social engineer an employee - you should use the best 2FA available and stay calm in the face of urgent requests to bypass the security measures you have in place.&nbsp;
Not all 2FA methods are equally effective. Authenticator Apps that generate One-Time-Passwords (OTP) directly on your device and refresh them regularly are more secure than SMS sent via a cellular carrier to your phone. The danger of SMS is mostly due to the possibility of SIM-swapping, where a criminal convinces a carrier to transfer a customer&rsquo;s number to the criminal&rsquo;s own device, thus gaining control of any OTPs. The <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/10/fcc-proposal-targets-sim-swapping-port-out-fraud/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FCC is making attempts to stop this</a>, but SMS is still widely used and remains vulnerable.&nbsp;
Using 2FA can be annoying. It requires you to use a second device, and the time it takes adds up. But the security it provides is worth the cost. So use it if you can.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t Act - Ask</h3>
Finally, common sense and a healthy dose of skepticism are essential components of a strong defense. If a request for information seems urgent, doesn&rsquo;t seem familiar, or make sense, then it&rsquo;s best to pause, consider, and confirm. Call the sender or ask a colleague to take a look. No one wants to &ldquo;cry wolf,&rdquo; but cybersecurity is a complex subject, and caution will be appreciated more often than not.
It&rsquo;s always better to get a second pair of eyes on the situation.&nbsp;
<h3>Consider Using Hard Tokens</h3>
The Uber breach has also raised questions about hard vs. soft tokens. Soft tokens are software-based like MFA that uses a passcode or pin. Hard tokens are physical objects that grant access, like a USB or fob.&nbsp;
Hardware tokens are generally much more secure, as proven by the <a href="https://blog.cloudflare.com/2022-07-sms-phishing-attacks/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">failed phishing attack on Cloudflare</a> and <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/07/google-security-keys-neutralized-employee-phishing/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Google&rsquo;s success in thwarting phishing</a>. Someone has to physically steal the hard key to gain access. However, hard keys are more expensive to purchase and maintain, which has historically precluded them from all but the most high-security applications.&nbsp;
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
Cybersecurity is an incredibly dynamic field. Researching the Uber breach and LAPSUS$ motivated me to take inventory of my current 2FA settings and improve security where possible. Hopefully, this overview of the Uber breach has helped you identify an area of improvement for yourself and your company.

The Uber breach shows that human fallibility continues to be weakest link in company security. What can we do about it?

2022 has been a year of tech giants getting breached. Human culpability continues to be, for the most ...

What the Uber Breach Taught Us About MFA Fatigue (and How to Prevent It)

2022 has been a year of tech giants getting breached. Human culpability continues to be, for the most part, the weakest link in company security. More on that later. The latest victim is the ubiquitous ride sharing company, Uber. This isn’t the first time Uber has been breached. In 2016 ...

Passphrases are the newest way to create passwords. They are often considered more secure and easier to remember than traditional passwords, but what exactly is a passphrase? Simply put, passphrases are passwords created by putting multiple common words together instead of a randomly generated set of letters, numbers, and characters.
As our digital lives grow more complex and the number of online accounts we manage skyrockets, the need for robust security has never been higher. Yet, human memory hasn't received a matching upgrade. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about passphrases to decide if you should use them to bridge the gap between human convenience and robust cybersecurity.
<div style="background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 15px; border-left: 5px solid #0056b3; margin-bottom: 20px;">Key Takeaways:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Passphrases rely on sheer length rather than confusing complexity, making them harder for AI to crack but easier for humans to remember.</li>
<li>A strong passphrase uses unrelated words separated by spaces or hyphens, often generated using methods like Diceware.</li>
<li>You should never use the same passphrase for multiple accounts&mdash;use a password manager to handle the rest.</li>
</ul>
</div>
TeamPassword is the best way to store passphrases online. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
<h2 id="what" is="" a="" passphrase="">What is a passphrase?</h2>
It seems like everyday we hear about a new &ldquo;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-the-future-of-passwords" rel="noopener" target="_blank">future of passwords</a>&rdquo; concept, from single sign on (SSO) to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/types-of-biometrics" rel="noopener" target="_blank">biometrics</a> or passkeys. If you are wondering about how these newer passwordless technologies function, you can read our deep dive on <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-technology" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passkey technology</a>.
However, unlike all of these other solutions, passphrases are really a low-tech way to make passwords more secure and easier to remember. While passkeys are excellent and highly recommended for individual site logins on your personal devices, passphrases remain the absolute best choice for a master password&mdash;the single, highly secure key used to unlock your secure credential vault.
Simply put, passphrases are a set of three or more words put together to create a very long and therefore secure password. Here&rsquo;s an example:
Passphrase example: Monkey-Plains-Milk-Europe
At 25 characters long, it&rsquo;s already extremely secure. What&rsquo;s really valuable is how much easier it is to remember. In fact, you&rsquo;ll probably remember &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; a week from now. While you can use spaces as valid characters, using hyphens (-) is a very common way to add character complexity while keeping the passphrase incredibly easy to type on a mobile device or a standard keyboard.
You could make it even more secure by substituting a few numbers and characters:
Passphrase example: Monkey-Pl4ins-Milk-Eur0pe!
<img alt="password_entropy.webp" width="530" height="318" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/2HiJREcRg6yN10QaKAr6">
<h3 id="passphrase-vs-password">Passphrase vs. Password: Why Length Matters</h3>
Passphrases are a set of words put together and used as a password. Conversely, when looking at a traditional password, it&rsquo;s a random jumble of letters, numbers, and characters.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s an example from our <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="noopener" target="_blank">free password generator</a>: ac=oei$EdrN5`2k
There&rsquo;s no question that is a hard password to guess, but is it really that secure? At 15 characters long and no discernable pattern for a dictionary attack, it would force computers to run a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">brute force attack</a>.&nbsp;
However, with the rise of AI and modern GPU hardware, computers can brute-force short, complex passwords faster than ever. This perfectly highlights why the sheer length of a passphrase is its greatest defense. A computer brute-forcing a password guesses character by character. When you use random dictionary words, the computer isn't just guessing letters; it has to guess the exact combination of words out of a dictionary of tens of thousands of words. That requires exponentially more computing power.
Our example above, Monkey-Pl4ins-Milk-Eur0pe!, is changed enough to make a dictionary attack impossible, is far longer (26 characters), and is easy to remember.&nbsp;In fact, you might never forget &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; again!&nbsp;
<a href="https://xkcd.com/936/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">XKCD</a> summarized this problem brilliantly in one of their most famous comics. Essentially, traditional passwords are usually not long enough to trick computers running brute force attacks, but they are still too complicated for humans to remember. That&rsquo;s completely backwards.
Ideally, we want easy for humans, hard for computers passwords and not the other way around. That&rsquo;s where passphrases come in. &ldquo;Monkey-Pl4ins-Milk-Eur0pe!&rdquo; is very, very hard for a computer to crack, while you&rsquo;ve probably memorized it for life at this point.
<h2 id="how" secure="" are="" passphrases="">How secure are passphrases?</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Passwords are only as secure as the way they are stored.</a> That&rsquo;s the same for passphrases. If you have a super complicated password on a sticky note in the corner of your monitor, then you do not have a secure password. Since passphrases are easier to remember, they are often stored in the brain, making them more secure than equally long random passwords.
Furthermore, boosting your security posture with passphrases aligns perfectly with the latest National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. For years, IT departments forced users to create passwords with uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and change them every 90 days. The result? People experienced password fatigue and simply changed "Password1!" to "Password2!". NIST now explicitly recommends prioritizing longer passphrases over traditional complex passwords, removing arbitrary symbol requirements and frequent expiration policies in favor of sheer length.
That being said, most people require hundreds of passwords, and even though passphrases are easier to remember, that doesn&rsquo;t make 200 of them easy to remember.&nbsp;
<h2 id="pros" and="" cons="" of="" passphrases="">The pros and cons of passphrases</h2>
Passphrases can certainly be considered better in a lot of ways than passwords. However, they still have some of the same big vulnerabilities if used incorrectly. Here is a breakdown of how they compare:
<table border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<thead style="background-color: #f4f4f4;">
<tr>
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Traditional Password</th>
<th>Passphrase</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Example</td>
<td>ac=oei$EdrN5`2k</td>
<td>Monkey-Plains-Milk-Europe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Memorability</td>
<td>Very Low (Often requires writing down)</td>
<td>High (Easy to visualize and remember)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Length &amp; Entropy</td>
<td>Usually 8-15 characters</td>
<td>Usually 20+ characters (exponentially stronger)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Typing Ease</td>
<td>Difficult, especially on mobile devices</td>
<td>Easy, uses standard dictionary words and hyphens/spaces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vulnerabilities</td>
<td>AI and GPUs can brute-force short lengths quickly</td>
<td>Vulnerable to dictionary attacks if using common phrases</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>A passphrase is not necessarily more secure</h3>
Remember that dictionary attacks exist. If you pick words that are commonly used in passwords to make your passphrase, then you are at risk of a dictionary attack. For example, &ldquo;PasswordPasswordPassword&rdquo; is still going to be cracked in seconds. If your words are short, for example &ldquo;DogIceUp&rdquo;, then you still have an easy-to-crack password.
<h3>Passphrases are still vulnerable to the same storage mistakes</h3>
If you store passphrases in unsafe locations, for example a sticky note on your monitor or an unprotected Google Sheets document, then it is still at risk of being stolen. In the modern workspace, this also includes feeding credentials into unsecured generative AI prompts. If someone&mdash;or something&mdash;can find your passphrase, then it doesn&rsquo;t matter if it&rsquo;s long and complex.
<h3>A passphrase is easy to remember, but hundreds are not</h3>
You are probably getting tired of &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; at this point because it is stuck in your head. However, if you need 200 accounts, then it might not be the easiest task to remember 800 words.&nbsp;
If you cheat and use the same passphrase across your accounts, then <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" rel="noopener" target="_blank">getting pwned</a> once means hackers have all of your information.&nbsp;
<div style="background-color: #eaf3ff; padding: 20px; text-align: center; border-radius: 8px; margin: 30px 0;">
<h3 style="margin-top: 0;">You only need to remember ONE passphrase. Let TeamPassword remember the other 200.</h3>
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display: inline-block; background-color: #0056b3; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: bold;">Start Your 14-Day Free Trial</a></div>
<h2 id="should" i="" use="" a="" passphrase="">When to Use a Passphrase vs. a Password Manager</h2>
Yes, passphrases are great. If you are looking for a super strong password for your email account or password manager, then a passphrase is a great option. Use a super complex passphrase to keep these key accounts safe.&nbsp;
However, it&rsquo;s not recommended to use passphrases for every single account you need to access. Trying to remember hundreds of passphrases is impossible, and human nature will inevitably lead you to start reusing them. It&rsquo;s best to use a handful of highly secure passphrases to protect key accounts (like your device login and your password vault) and then let a password manager remember the rest of them for you.
<h2 id="8" steps="" to="" creating="" and="" remembering="">6 steps to creating and remembering a strong passphrase</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-build-a-passphrase" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Building a passphrase</a> is easy. Actually, it can even be fun!
Here are 6 steps to follow to create and remember a strong passphrase:
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Avoid common phrases (Try Diceware instead): Using four random words can create a strong passphrase. Using a common phrase like &ldquo;TomBradyIsTheGOAT&rdquo; will leave you vulnerable to dictionary attacks because the words naturally follow one another in human speech. Instead, try the Diceware method&mdash;rolling physical dice to select truly random words from a master list. This guarantees an unpredictable, highly secure phrase that makes no logical sense to a computer.</li>
<li>Jokes are easier to remember: If you think something is funny, then you&rsquo;ll remember it. However, it won&rsquo;t necessarily be an easy to predict phrase for a computer or someone making a social engineering attempt. For example, &ldquo;NoisyGiraffeInfestation&rdquo; is funny but not exactly what you&rsquo;d think would naturally go together in a sentence.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Add an unusual word or two: This is the point where you pull out your thesaurus and pick one of the alternative words. For example, I&rsquo;ve always liked &ldquo;parsimonious&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;cheap&rdquo; to describe someone unwilling to spend money. The more obscure the word, the harder it is for basic cracking algorithms to guess.</li>
<li>Avoid common password words: We all know &ldquo;password&rdquo; should be avoided, but did you know <a href="https://cybernews.com/best-password-managers/most-common-passwords/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ice, rice, tea, and pie</a> are the most common food items in passwords? It&rsquo;s best to avoid anything in the top 100 most common passwords at a minimum.</li>
<li>Substitute in numbers and symbols: Just like normal passwords, passphrases should also have upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Using hyphens (-) is an excellent way to break up words, as they naturally separate characters while adding entropy. Where possible, consider unusual substitutions to prevent advanced dictionary attacks. While &ldquo;4&rdquo; is often used for &ldquo;A&rdquo;, consider &ldquo;7&rdquo; for an upside-down &ldquo;L&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Practice typing your passphrase: Type out your passphrase 20 or 30 times to make sure you don&rsquo;t forget. Even if you&rsquo;ve memorized &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; for life, &ldquo;Monkey-Pl4ins-Milk-Eur0pe!&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t quite as easy because of the specific character placements. Since passphrases should be used to protect your most important accounts, you don&rsquo;t want to forget yours!</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="TeamPassword" best="" way="" to="" store="" and="" share="">TeamPassword is the best way to store and share passphrases and passwords</h2>
Passphrases are a great new way to create complex passwords that are still easy to remember. If you&rsquo;ve read this far, you&rsquo;ll never forget &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; and that&rsquo;s the whole point. They are long and easy to remember.
However, it is still not easy to remember hundreds of passphrases, so use them for your core accounts and then let a password manager create, store, and update your other complex passwords for you.&nbsp;
For example, we strongly recommend creating a passphrase to use as your master password for your TeamPassword account. This password unlocks your entire vault, and is not stored by us, so we cannot reset it if you lose it!
Your master password must be strong and memorable.&nbsp;
 <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today to see why TeamPassword is the easiest way to store passwords online and share them with your team.
<hr style="margin: 40px 0;">
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
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<div itemscope="" itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h3 itemprop="name">Is a 4-word passphrase enough?</h3>
<div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
Yes, generally a 4-word passphrase that is randomly generated (such as using the Diceware method) provides enough length and entropy to defend against modern brute-force attacks, especially if combined with hyphens or spaces.
</div>
</div>
<div itemscope="" itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h3 itemprop="name">Can a passphrase have spaces?</h3>
<div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
Absolutely! Most modern systems accept spaces as valid characters. Using spaces or hyphens (-) makes a passphrase much easier to read and type on mobile devices while actually adding necessary complexity to trick hacking algorithms.
</div>
</div>
<div itemscope="" itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question">
<h3 itemprop="name">How long should a passphrase be?</h3>
<div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer">
A strong passphrase should ideally be at least 15 to 20 characters long. By combining four or more common words with spaces or hyphens, you easily hit lengths of 20+ characters, giving you excellent defense against AI-driven password cracking.
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</div>
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Passphrases use multiple common words to create passwords instead of random letters and characters, making them secure and easy to remember.

Passphrases use multiple common words to create passwords instead of random letters and characters, making them secure and ...

What is a passphrase and should you use one?

In this article, we explain how to share Wi-Fi passwords in different situations on different devices. How you share the Wi-Fi password is going to depend on a couple of things: the level of security you need to have over your Wi-Fi, the proximity of sharing, and how often you need to share your password.
It&rsquo;s easy to give the password verbally to a friend every couple of months, but 60 times/day in your caf&eacute; is another story. Similarly, if you have a Wi-Fi set up for the front of the house in your caf&eacute; and keep a separate, secure connection for the back of the house, then you can feel safer in your decision to freely share the Wi-Fi password with patrons directly.
When dealing with the most secure business settings, the simplest solution is also the most secure: a password manager. Password managers allow you to share Wi-Fi passwords as well as all the other passwords you need across your team in a safe and secure manner. This is where <a href="https://teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a> comes in.
Teams sharing passwords will become increasingly common as organizations move toward more remote settings across various locations. TeamPassword&rsquo;s password managers retain trust by enabling teams (up to fifty users per account) to share passwords while safeguarding confidential credentials and driving productivity within organizations.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Start a trial today</a> to empower your teams with comprehensive password management.
<h2>How to share your Wi-Fi on iPhone, iPad, or Mac</h2>
You can share Wi-Fi passwords among Apple devices easily. Depending on how modern your operating system is, you have a couple of options.
<h3>Option 1: View and Copy the Password (iOS 16+ / macOS Ventura+)</h3>
Since iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple users no longer have to rely solely on proximity sharing. You can now simply view, copy, and paste the actual Wi-Fi password directly from your device.
<ol>
<li>Go to your device's Settings and tap Wi-Fi.</li>
<li>Tap the blue "i" (information) icon next to the network you are currently connected to.</li>
<li>Tap the hidden "Password" field.</li>
<li>After authenticating via FaceID, TouchID, or your passcode, the password will be revealed in plain text.</li>
<li>Copy it and share it securely via your preferred method.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Option 2: Apple Proximity Sharing</h3>
If you want to use the classic Apple proximity feature, be sure that your guest is in your contacts and that you are in their contacts as well. Your iPhone needs to be running iOS 11 or newer.
<ol>
<li>Make sure that both devices have their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Then, confirm that Personal Hotspot is turned off. Be sure the other device is unlocked and nearby.</li>
<li>Your device must be connected to the network you wish to share.</li>
<li>Your guest can now select your Wi-Fi network from the list of nearby networks.</li>
<li>You should get a prompt asking if you wish to share the Wi-Fi password with the device.</li>
<li>Finally, tap Share Password.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Share Your Wi-Fi on Android</h2>
Make sure that your devices are running Android 10 or later. Note that not all Androids have the exact same Settings menu, so you might find things are worded slightly differently on your device.
<h3>Option 1: QR Code &amp; Plain Text Sharing</h3>
The good thing about learning this system is that it can be used to share your Wi-Fi with Apple and Windows devices as well.
<ol>
<li>Go to Settings, Network, and Internet (this is sometimes called Connections), and then Wi-Fi.</li>
<li>Click the cog next to your connected Wi-Fi network.</li>
<li>Next, press the Share icon. After verifying your identity (PIN or fingerprint), you will see a QR code on the screen. Note: On most modern Android devices, the Wi-Fi password will also be displayed in plain text directly beneath the QR code!</li>
<li>Have your guest scan the QR code with their default camera app (on iPhone or Android) or simply read them the plain text password.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Option 2: Quick Share (Android to Android)</h3>
If you are sharing with another Android user, you don't even need them to scan your screen.
<ol>
<li>Follow the steps above to get to the QR code screen.</li>
<li>Tap the Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) button located near the QR code.</li>
<li>Select your guest's device from the pop-up menu to beam the Wi-Fi credentials directly to their phone.</li>
</ol>
<h2>QR Code Generator Safety</h2>
In the past, many guides recommended using third-party websites or downloading apps to generate QR codes for Wi-Fi sharing. This is no longer recommended. Pasting your network name and password into a random third-party website or app is a major security risk.
Thankfully, modern devices handle this natively without requiring extra software.
<h3>Option 1: Native Android Generation</h3>
As outlined in the Android section above, Android 10+ has QR code generation built right into the native Wi-Fi settings.
<h3>Option 2: Apple Shortcuts App</h3>
If you are an iOS user and want to generate a printable QR code for your guest network, you can use the native Apple Shortcuts app. Open the app, search the gallery for the built-in "Make QR Code" shortcut, and select "Set up a wireless network" to generate a secure code directly on your device.
<h2>How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows</h2>
Microsoft scrapped the old "Wi-Fi Sense" sharing feature due to security concerns. Today, the easiest thing to do is look up the password and share it securely. How you do this depends on your version of Windows.
<h3>Option 1: The Modern Windows 11 Method</h3>
In Windows 11, the legacy Control Panel features have been streamlined into the modern Settings app.
<ol>
<li>Click the Windows icon and open Settings.</li>
<li>Navigate to Network &amp; internet &gt; Wi-Fi.</li>
<li>Click on Manage known networks.</li>
<li>Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.</li>
<li>Next to the "Wi-Fi security key," click the View button to reveal your password in plain text.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Option 2: The Old Windows 10 Control Panel Method</h3>
If you are on an older build of Windows 10, you may need to use the legacy Control Panel route.
<ol>
<li>Click on the Windows icon, go to Settings, and choose Network &amp; Internet.</li>
<li>Go to the Status tab and then select Network and Sharing Center.</li>
<li>Click on Connections: Wi-Fi.</li>
<li>Choose Wireless Properties in the pop-up window.</li>
<li>Select the Security tab, and finally check the Show Characters box under the Network security key.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Why Can&rsquo;t I Share Passwords via Email or Messenger?</h2>
Simply put, sharing passwords over email or chat is dangerous because the messages might not be end-to-end encrypted. That means someone could eavesdrop on the conversation and then use your login credentials.
While not every way of sharing a password listed below is dangerous, the others can be frustratingly slow or require more effort than is necessary.
<ul>
<li>Written notes: While a written note could be safe, you have to have a lot of faith in the chain of custody. After you give the password away, are you confident that the receiver will shred and dispose of the piece of paper safely? If not, it might be best to avoid sharing your Wi-Fi password this way.</li>
<li>Emails and text messages: As mentioned above, these messages can be sent as plain text, which means that anyone who intercepts the message will be able to see your password.</li>
<li>Text files and spreadsheets: Having a shared document could be safe&mdash;if you password protect the document and keep that password safe. But, if your organization is keeping their passwords in a spreadsheet, it is a safe bet that the spreadsheet is also not optimally protected.</li>
<li>Verbal communication: Yes, it is reasonably safe to share Wi-Fi passwords verbally, and this isn&rsquo;t too much of an encumbrance when you have a friend visit your home once in a while. However, this eats up valuable time when repeated across your organization many times every day.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to share a password with TeamPassword</h2>
Having strong passwords is a given, but if you share passwords via unsecured routes, you are trading one vulnerability for another. Indeed, most teams make obvious <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/top-five-mistakes-when-sharing-passwords-with-your-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mistakes when sharing passwords</a>.
The best way to secure your IT infrastructure is to use a password manager that includes sharing features. A password manager like TeamPassword offers high-level encryption and two-factor authentication so that only the right people can make sense of the passwords.
Before anyone can access the list of shared passwords, they must log in to the platform using their personal password and a short-term authentication code.
Teams often need to share passwords to access mutual accounts including Wi-Fi. However, you don't have to put your data at risk to make this possible. You can use <a href="https://teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a> to securely generate, store, and share Wi-Fi passwords within a team.
TeamPassword's <a href="https://teampassword.com/one-time-secret" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">One-time share feature</a> let's you send an encrypted, self-destructing link to someone outside your TeamPassword vault.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re unsure where to begin, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">sign up for a TeamPassword free trial</a> to secure your shared passwords once and for all.

This article explains how you share Wi-Fi passwords in different situations from one device to another device.

How to Share the Wi-Fi Password Easily to other devices

How to Share the Wi-Fi Password Easily from Device to Device

Single sign-on (SSO) is a way for a user to have a single set of login credentials for multiple applications. This is different from reusing the same login credentials, i.e., name and password, for multiple sites, which is incredibly&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dangerous</a>.
When modern IT professionals discuss SSO in the context of computers, they are talking about a centralized authentication framework. With SSO, you are using a single login system, which then allows you to access multiple other sites. Because of this centralized approach, you are introducing vulnerability by sharing the same credentials across many platforms&mdash;but you are doing so within a highly encrypted, heavily monitored, and mathematically proven framework, rather than trusting a dozen different website databases with your password.
Opposite to SSO, there is SLO (single log-out, which is sometimes called single sign-off), which is a single action leading to the termination of access to many different systems. This is just as critical for IT administrators; when an employee leaves a company, an administrator can trigger an SLO event to instantly revoke access to all company tools.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a> is an accredited secure provider utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology for its <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/whats-the-best-small-business-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password manager</a>. Whatever other security measures you have in place, make TeamPassword a part of your security protocols to facilitate secure and easy collaboration across your organization. Even if you use a major SSO provider, there will always be shared team accounts, social media profiles, and legacy applications that do not support SSO integration.
When you save new passwords, the data is hashed, salted, and encrypted locally on your computer before being uploaded to TeamPassword via an encrypted connection. This level of encryption makes it impossible for nefarious actors to intercept your passwords.
Sign up today for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free 14-day TeamPassword trial</a> and protect your company's digital assets from cybercriminals.
<h2>How single sign-on works</h2>
To fully grasp the SSO system meaning, you have to look at the underlying architecture. SSO is a type of federated identity management (FIM) arrangement. FIM refers to the establishment of trusted relationships between an organization and third parties, e.g., application vendors or partners, which allows them to share identities and authenticate users across domains. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-oauth-20-and-how-can-teampassword-help-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OAuth</a> (Open Authorization) is the framework that enables the user's account information to be used by third-party services, such as Facebook, without exposing the user's password.
The basic web SSO service works as follows:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>The agent module on the application server retrieves the authentication credentials for a user from a dedicated SSO policy server (often called the Identity Provider or IdP).</li>
<li>Then, the agent module authenticates the user against the user repository, e.g., a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) directory.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The service then authenticates the user for all applications for which the user has been given rights, thus eliminating the need for further password prompts during the session. This is done using SSO tokens.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Types of SSO configurations</h2>
Many terms are used when discussing SSO, including Federated Identity Management (FIM), OAuth (nowadays OAuth 2.1), OpenID Connect (OIDC), Security Access Markup Language (SAML), and Same Sign-On (SSO). Understanding these terms is the key to mastering the SSO meaning computer experts reference daily.
SSO systems can be configured using different protocols. Two of them are Kerberos and SAML. They work as follows:
<ul>
<li>SAML:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/customer-spotlight-robert-lowry-vts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAML</a> is an extensible markup language&nbsp;(XML) standard that facilitates the exchange of user authentication and authorization data across secure domains. SAML-based SSO services require communications among the user, the identity provider that maintains the user directory, and the service provider. It remains the gold standard for enterprise web applications.</li>
<li>Kerberos: In a Kerberos-based setup, a ticket-granting ticket (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/authentication-ticket" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TGT</a>) is issued when the user credentials are provided. The TGT then retrieves service tickets for any other applications the user tries to access so that the user does not need to personally provide further credentials. This is highly common in internal corporate networks.</li>
</ul>
Differently, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/one-time-passwords-vs-two-factor-authentication" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smartcard</a>-based SSO requires the user to use a physical card holding the sign-in credentials for the first login. After using the information provided by the smartcard, the user will not have to enter any other usernames or passwords. Different SSO smartcards store either certificates or passwords.
<h2>What are the most popular SSO solutions?</h2>
The enterprise identity market has evolved rapidly, with several platforms rebranding to reflect modern cloud architectures. The following are some of the most popular SSO solutions available today:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://duo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Duo Single Sign-On (SSO)</a>: Owned by Cisco, Duo is famous for its frictionless multi-factor authentication push notifications and has expanded into a highly respected, lightweight SSO provider.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pingidentity.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ping Identity</a>: A powerhouse in the enterprise space, Ping excels at handling complex, large-scale deployments that require integration with both modern cloud apps and legacy on-premises software.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cyberark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CyberArk Workforce Identity</a>: Traditionally known for Privileged Access Management (PAM), CyberArk offers a robust SSO solution heavily focused on Zero Trust security frameworks.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.lastpass.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LastPass Enterprise</a>: While primarily known as a password manager, LastPass offers integrated SSO capabilities tailored for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra-id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microsoft Entra ID (Formerly Azure Active Directory)</a>: Microsoft recently rebranded Azure AD to Entra ID. Deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, this is arguably the most widely used enterprise identity provider in the world.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.okta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Okta Single Sign-On</a>: Okta is a vendor-neutral giant in the identity space, boasting thousands of pre-built integrations to get companies up and running quickly.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.onelogin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OneLogin Secure Single Sign-On</a>: Acquired by Identity Automation, OneLogin provides a unified access management platform that is highly customizable and developer-friendly.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.rsa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RSA SecurID Access</a>: A legacy name in security, RSA continues to provide military-grade identity and access management for organizations with the highest security requirements.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.secureauth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SecureAuth Identity Platform</a>: SecureAuth specializes in passwordless authentication and adaptive risk-based access control.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.broadcom.com/products/cybersecurity/identity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symantec VIP Access Manager SSO</a>: Now part of Broadcom, Symantec VIP integrates advanced threat protection directly into the authentication process.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What makes a true SSO system?</h2>
A true SSO system means you do not need to reenter credentials moving from site to site. Once you log in to the system, it submits all the credentials behind the scenes using SSO tokens for you as you move from one site to another.&nbsp;
This is the key point of SSO as in single sign-on. It requires the trust relationship among the sites to be performed as a true SSO solution.&nbsp;
So what is SSO (as in same sign-on), besides the frustrating reuse of the same abbreviation? Same sign-on is very similar to SSO, with the big difference being that you need to keep logging in as you move from site to site even though you use the same credentials.&nbsp;
If you use your browser to save your passwords (and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you shouldn&rsquo;t if you currently are</a>), then it likely types in the username and password fields for you as you enter a site, and then you need to click login all the same. Thus, you still need to log in to each website individually, even if it is accomplished with the same credentials as your browser.
If you are using a dedicated password manager,&nbsp;then things are similar. As you navigate from page to page, you are prompted to log in with the same credentials&mdash;those of your password manager&mdash;which then fills in the specific username and password for the website you are trying to access. This hybrid approach is excellent for the dozens of websites that do not natively support SAML or OIDC enterprise connections.
With SSO, meaning single sign-on as used throughout, you can log in to all applications for which you are approved once and with only one set of credentials, including cloud applications, on-premises applications, and web applications.
<h2>What are some types of SSO?</h2>
<h3>Social SSO</h3>
Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter all offer popular SSO services. While these services are convenient and simple to begin using, they can present security risks as they create a single point of failure that can be exploited by attackers. If an employee uses their personal Facebook account to log into a business application, a compromise of their personal social media immediately puts your corporate data at risk.
More recently, Apple unveiled its own SSO service as part of its repositioning as a more privacy-conscious company. Sign-in with Apple offers enhanced security as it requires users to use two-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-with-2fa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2FA</a>) on all Apple ID accounts to support integration with Face ID and Touch ID on iOS devices. It also allows users to hide their real email addresses from third parties.
<h3>Enterprise SSO</h3>
Enterprise single sign-on (eSSO) software products and services are based on a client-server structure and are used to log in the user to target applications by replaying user credentials. One benefit is that target applications do not need to be modified to work with the eSSO system. eSSO platforms are explicitly designed to handle complex corporate hierarchies, allowing IT teams to instantly provision or revoke access based on a user's role within the company directory.
<h2>Advantages of SSO</h2>
The advantages of SSO include the following:
<ul>
<li>Fewer Passwords to Remember: It allows users to remember and manage fewer passwords and usernames. This drastically cuts down on password fatigue, meaning employees are more likely to create one highly complex, uncrackable passphrase rather than a dozen weak ones.</li>
<li>Increased Productivity: The process of signing on and using applications is streamlined by no longer needing to reenter passwords. Employees can move fluidly between their email, CRM, and project management tools without breaking their workflow.</li>
<li>Better Security Posture: It reduces the chance of a successful phishing attack. Because users aren't accustomed to constantly typing their passwords into web forms, they are less likely to accidentally type them into a malicious, spoofed website.</li>
<li>Mitigated Third-Party Risk: The risks from third-party sites are mitigated by the federated system. You are no longer trusting smaller SaaS vendors to properly salt and hash your employees' passwords in their own databases.</li>
<li>Cost Savings: IT costs are reduced due to the decrease in the number of IT help desk calls about passwords. Password resets frequently make up the majority of daily IT support tickets, draining valuable time and resources.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Disadvantages of SSO</h2>
Some disadvantages of SSO are the following:
<ul>
<li>Lack of Granularity: Different sites may require different levels of security, but SSO offers a uniform level of security. If a user is logged in, they are logged in. (Though modern adaptive access tools are beginning to solve this by requesting re-authentication for highly sensitive apps).</li>
<li>Downtime Vulnerability: If the SSO system becomes unavailable, then users are locked out of all their services. This heavy reliance on a single provider means uptime and redundancy are absolutely critical.</li>
<li>The Domino Effect: If unauthorized users gain access, then they could gain access to more than one application. A single compromised credential provides the keys to the entire corporate kingdom.</li>
<li>Strict Initial Requirements: Since the risk of stolen or abused SSO credentials is higher, it necessitates a much higher level of security during the initial credentialing process, requiring strict enforcement of hardware tokens or biometric authenticators.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What is an SSO token?</h2>
The SSO token is a collection of data passed between systems during the SSO process. It contains the information required to log in to the system and proof of its veracity. The information could include an email address and must be digitally signed to be accepted. A common modern format is the JSON Web Token (JWT), which securely transmits information between parties as a JSON object. Because the token is digitally signed&mdash;often using a public/private key pair&mdash;the receiving application can perfectly verify that the token genuinely came from the trusted Identity Provider.
<h2>Is SSO secure?</h2>
As always, the answer to this question is &ldquo;sometimes.&rdquo;&nbsp;
While SSO can improve security in many ways, like all security systems, it is not infallible. With a single username and password, the user is more likely to pick a long and secure password, as well as change it regularly. This reduced &ldquo;password fatigue&rdquo; also prevents users from recycling credentials across external sites, vastly reducing the attack surface.
<h2>Security risks and the limits of SSO</h2>
While an SSO system offers fantastic security benefits for the applications it covers, relying exclusively on SSO introduces its own set of risks and logistical challenges. The biggest hurdle for many growing businesses is that SSO is not universally supported. Countless niche software products, legacy databases, and shared social media accounts (like a company's LinkedIn or X profile) simply do not offer SAML or OIDC integrations.
Furthermore, even when a software vendor does support SSO, they frequently hide the feature behind their most expensive "Enterprise" pricing tiers. This industry practice, widely known as the "SSO Tax," forces organizations to pay drastically higher licensing fees just to secure their logins. For many small to medium-sized businesses, upgrading every single SaaS application to an enterprise tier is financially impossible, leaving a massive gap in their security coverage.
Because of these coverage gaps and exorbitant costs, dedicated <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/whats-the-best-small-business-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password managers</a> remain a vital tool in any cybersecurity arsenal. A password manager acts as the ultimate safety net, securing all the vital shared accounts and web services that your central SSO system cannot reach or that are too expensive to upgrade.
The best security strategy doesn't force you to choose between the two. TeamPassword seamlessly bridges this gap by offering robust SSO integrations. You can use your existing identity provider (like Google Workspace or Microsoft) to authenticate your team's access to TeamPassword. This means your employees get the frictionless login experience of an SSO system, while your company gets the comprehensive, encrypted coverage of a dedicated password vault for every single app they use.
Don't let your company fall victim to extortion emails, credential stuffing, and other password vulnerabilities. Let <a href="https://teampassword.com" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">TeamPassword</a> take care of security while you focus on growing a successful business!
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your team members today.

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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.

Dreaming of a flexible career where you set your own hours and work with clients from around the globe? The rise of the gig economy has made this dream a reality for countless professionals. From graphic designers to writers and developers, freelancers are reshaping the traditional workplace.
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, <a href="https://www.upwork.com/research/freelance-forward-2022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">freelancers contributed $1.35 trillion to the U.S. economy in annual earnings in 2022, up $50 billion from 2021</a>.&nbsp;Some of the most successful freelancers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
But what does it take to become a top-earning freelancer? In this post, we'll examine 10 successful individuals who have built thriving careers in the freelance world. By examining their portfolios and successes, we hope to give you a better idea of what's possible in the freelance world, and inspire you to take the leap should you decide that freelance is the right choice for you!
&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" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">portfolio website Koenvo</a> was nominated for a <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/koenvo-ui-ux-portfolio" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2021 awwwards Award</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/IOmtrbdOQZev1mS8Jc33" alt="undefined" width="650" height="433">&nbsp;Image by Freepik&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/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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="nofollow 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/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Marcos Rezende's website</a> was nominated for the prestigious <a href="https://www.awwwards.com/sites/ux-portfolio-marcos-rezende" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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.
On the Enterprise plan, you can even <a href="https://teampassword.com/one-time-secret?navbar=onetimesecret" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">share a one-time password link</a>.&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> lets you create secure passwords between 12-32 characters using numbers, letters (uppercase/lowercase), and symbols.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="400" height="305"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Ready to onboard clients and freelancers securely with TeamPassword's robust password management solution? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">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!

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