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.

Here's a run down of what it feels like to be on the wrong end of a port-out scam, and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you.

Tokyo, midday on a Friday. My phone kept buzzing during my customer meeting. The day was a workday, ...

How I was port-out scammed in 3 hours

Tokyo, midday on a Friday. My phone kept buzzing during my customer meeting. The day was a workday, a day of travel and the day a personal property purchase was due to settle. Little did I know it was also the day I was the target of a “port-out” scam.

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At its simplest a password manager is a secure way to store your online passwords, but it does so much more than this. Here are ten ways a password manager can make your life easier and safer.
<h3>Different Every Time</h3>
Using a password manager removes the need to reuse passwords on multiple sites &ndash; something all too many people do for the sake of their sanity. Whenever a website&rsquo;s password database is exposed online, the first thing many hackers do is check whether the same user credentials will work on other websites, often ones involving more sensitive account data. There&rsquo;s no way most people can remember a different login for every site, but with a password manager it&rsquo;s not an issue.
<h3>vC7!lI0~jN4? - Snappy, Huh?</h3>
A password manager can generate and remember secure passwords. That means longer passwords that use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, avoiding recognisable words. In turn, anyone trying to &ldquo;crack&rdquo; the password will take exponentially longer to do so. They&rsquo;ll also be unable to use a dictionary attack, which aims to shorten the process by trying words rather than random strings of characters. Don&rsquo;t worry if a site has particular requirements about password length or character case: many password managers let you easily set the relevant criteria before they create a password.
<h3>Secure By Design</h3>
You get peace of mind because you don&rsquo;t have to worry about the password manager provider being hacked. Most password manager provider are physically unable to access your password details because this is only possible with a master password which you set and which never leaves your device. This set-up is dubbed a zero knowledge approach because the operator literally doesn&rsquo;t ever know your master password and so can never expose it.
<h3>Put Your Pens Down</h3>
As long as you can remember your master password, you don&rsquo;t need to write any login credentials down, whether in a notebook, on a sticky note, or anywhere else. That means no worrying about burglars or nosy staff getting their hands on your details.
<h3>A Unique Approach</h3>
If you decide to choose your your own passwords, or you import existing details you&rsquo;ve used over many years, it can be almost impossible to keep track of whether you&rsquo;ve reused a password. A good password manager can warn you whenever you&rsquo;ve got the same details for multiple sites and let you quickly change them.
<h3>Typing Turmoil Terminated</h3>
Once you&rsquo;ve typed in your master password, you&rsquo;ll never need to fill in login forms again. No more typing your email address over and over. No more fiddling about trying to figure out how to access symbols on a mobile device keyboard. No more trying to remember whether you used your name, a nickname or an email address for a particular site. And no more trying to figure out if you used an alternative email address for that sneaky second go at a free trial period.
<h3>Cards On The Table</h3>
Some password managers give you the option to store payment card details in a secure &ldquo;wallet.&rdquo; As long as you keep your master password completely secure, you get the benefit of automatically filling in forms so you can pay straight away, without the worry of your card number and security details being accessed by scammers.
<h3>No Phishing Allowed</h3>
A password manager has the added benefit of being an early warning sign for scam phishing sites. These look like popular web services and try to trick you into typing in your login details from the real thing. As the password manager won&rsquo;t auto-fill on the rogue site, you&rsquo;ll see a blank form and know straight away that something might be up.
<h3>A Timely Warning</h3>
Your chosen password manager may have a security alert feature. This will regularly check your passwords and the list of sites you use against public databases of leaked and stolen login details. It can then warn you if you need to change your password, often before the website concerned gets in touch with to sound the alarm.
<h3>Be The Boss</h3>
Business owners can use specialist password managers to control exactly what access staff have to enterprise services. You can make sure people working for you can get on with their job without constant requests for login details or reminders to change and reset credentials. On the flip side, you can dramatically reduce the opportunity and risk for corporate espionage or for departing staff to continue accessing your data or using your social media accounts.

Now you know why a password manager will make your life easier, it&rsquo;s time to see why TeamPassword is your best option. Find out today by starting <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">our free 14-day trial.</a>

</div>
</div>
</div>

Weak passwords are a leading cause of data breaches. Here are ten ways a secure password manager can make your life easier and safer.

Using a password manager removes the need to reuse passwords on multiple sites – something all too many ...

Why Do I Need A Password Manager?

Using a password manager removes the need to reuse passwords on multiple sites – something all too many people do for the sake of their sanity. Whenever a website’s password database is exposed online, the first thing many hackers do is check whether the same user credentials will work on other websites, often ones involving more sensitive account data. There’s no way most people can remember a different login for every site, but with a password manager it’s not an issue.

Microsoft recently released a report that highlights cybercriminal activity and the importance of password security. The company's annual&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2020/09/29/microsoft-digital-defense-report-cyber-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Defense Report</a>&nbsp;analyzes cybersecurity trends over the past year based on threats identified by the software company. In 2020, the report covered cybersecurity trends through the end of June, providing insight into cybercrime throughout the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports like this can help us better protect ourselves from hackers and scammers&nbsp;in the future.
<h2>Microsoft Security Report Reveals How Passwords Are At Risk</h2>
The most significant finding highlighted in Microsoft's Digital Defense Report is a shift toward phishing attacks. Approximately 70% of all cybercrime consists of these types of social engineering attacks that involve sending emails purporting to be from legitimate organizations such as financial institutions. These messages trick would-be victims into clicking links that send them to legitimate-appearing websites and prompt them to enter their login information to access their account or provide sensitive data to verify their identity. However, these emails and the sites they link to are fake, and the victims aren't logging in but providing their password and username or email to the scammers. With this information, cybercriminals can log into the legitimate website of the company they were imitating. Furthermore, if users rely on the same username/email and password combinations, scammers may be able to&nbsp;access their accounts across various sites.
With phishing attacks, scammers don't have to program a virus or take over the victim's computer. They simply&nbsp;have to trick victims into giving up sensitive information all on their own. It's a low-effort, high-reward scam. Of course, this emphasizes the importance of user vigilance. It's always possible for customers to contact their bank or credit card company, for example, directly. Similarly, they can log into real websites to perform any necessary actions. However, there are often telltale signs that an email is fake, including poor spelling and grammar, and not using the customer's name.
Furthermore, phishing attacks are ultimately less successful when users use multi-factor authentication or MFA. With MFA, the user may have to enter a code, scan their finger, or show their face in addition to typing their password to access their accounts. Even if scammers gain access to usernames and passwords, they cannot do much without these secondary authentication measures.
Finally, we can see how important it is for users to have not just strong passwords but passwords that are unique. That way, if scammers trick victims into giving up their login credentials, it only impacts one account. However, many users recycle passwords to use on multiple accounts or rely on easily-guessed passwords, leaving them susceptible to this sort of&nbsp;cybercrime.
<h2>A Password Manager Can Help</h2>
There is, fortunately, a solution to this problem. Password managers, such as <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a>, enable users to create strong passwords and access them without remembering 16 randomized digits. Users typically only have to remember a master password when logging onto their accounts from an authorized device. On top of that, password managers often remind the user to change their passwords frequently. This is important because it limits the amount of time that scammers may access victims' accounts. By making it easy for users to comply with the most stringent password security measures, phishing attacks will be less successful. And if scammers realize their efforts won't pay off, it can impact what next year's Digital Defense Report will look like. Start <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">protecting your teams now with TeamPassword</a>!

Microsoft's recent report on phishing, social engineering, and the importance of maintaining long, unique passwords for all websites.

Microsoft recently released a report that highlights cybercriminal activity and the importance of password security. The company's annual Digital ...

Microsoft Digital Defense Report on Password Phishing

Microsoft recently released a report that highlights cybercriminal activity and the importance of password security. The company's annual Digital Defense Report analyzes cybersecurity trends over the past year based on threats identified by the software company. In 2020, the report covered cybersecurity trends through the end of June, providing insight into cybercrime throughout the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports like this can help us better protect ourselves from hackers and scammers in the future.

Microsoft Security Report Reveals How Passwords Are At Risk

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

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

Your Passwords Are Only As Secure As Your Teams

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

The world ground to a halt this spring, but that didn't stop the cybercriminals who capitalized on the pandemic. As businesses closed their doors, and more people worked from home, these criminals exploited the coronavirus &mdash; and passwords were their biggest target. Now, as the world slowly reopens, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is making the case for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/covid-19-is-a-reminder-that-its-time-to-get-rid-of-passwords/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identity and access management tools</a>&nbsp;that improve security, increase usability, and lower costs.
 
The world has changed these last few months, and now businesses have to manage two threats: A new health emergency and an ongoing cybercrime crisis. One in four organizations predicts that more than&nbsp;<a href="https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/corporate-news/70-firms-see-half-of-their-workforce-to-be-digital-post-covid-19-survey/76504261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">80 percent</a>&nbsp;of their workforce will be "digital" post-COVID, so companies need to utilize password authentication technologies to implement successful and seamless work-from-home programs.&nbsp;
 
<h2>Cybercrime During a Pandemic</h2>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/B3dQdj4OThCymVpK4s2q" width="456" height="714" />
Cybercrime has always been a significant threat to business owners. Before COVID, experts predicted that cybercrime would cost&nbsp;<a href="https://cybersecurityventures.com/hackerpocalypse-cybercrime-report-2016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$6 trillion worldwide</a>&nbsp;every year by 2021, while the average cost of a data breach totaled an estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ibm.com/2019-07-23-IBM-Study-Shows-Data-Breach-Costs-on-the-Rise-Financial-Impact-Felt-for-Years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$3.92 million</a>. Business leaders believed cybersecurity risks were on the rise, with data theft and cyberattacks among the top 10 biggest risks for CEOs in the short- and long-term, according to the WEF's 2020&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wef.ch/risks20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Risks Report</a>.
 
Post-COVID, the problem has got worse. It seems nothing stops cybercriminals. Certainly not even a global health crisis.&nbsp;
 
<ul>
<li>In Germany, fraudsters launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/food-delivery-website-in-germany-targeted-by-ddos-attackers" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">DDoS attack against a German online food delivery app</a>&nbsp;that services 15,000 restaurants. The attack affected thousands of customers who relied on the app after the German government implemented stay-at-home orders.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In the United States, the amount of cybercrime escalated, with many fraudsters targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itproportal.com/news/cybercriminals-double-down-on-covid-19-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stimulus checks and relief payments</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Technologies like Zoom, which have increased in popularity over the last few months,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/news/zoom-security-privacy-woes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could have significant security weaknesses</a>.</li>
<li>"Cyberthreats are constantly evolving in order to take advantage of online behavior and trends. The COVID-19 outbreak is no exception,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Cybercrime/COVID-19-cyberthreats" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">says Interpol</a>.</li>
</ul>
 
During this crisis, passwords have been extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks. Research shows that&nbsp;criminally-funded attacks on passwords around the world have increased by a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defenceonline.co.uk/2020/05/07/covid-19-passwords-weak-link-video-conferencing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">667 percent</a>. It's no wonder, then, that the WEF is urging businesses of all sizes to take action now and implement "<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/covid-19-is-a-reminder-that-its-time-to-get-rid-of-passwords/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical applications that will streamline productivity and collaboration while enhancing security</a>."
 
Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/6-steps-to-using-a-team-password-manager-for-your-small-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 Steps to Using a Team Password Manager for Your Small Business</a>
 
<h2>Why the Problem Will Get Even Worse</h2>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/4xuiCliRDCZTiQNuvG6k" width="598" height="399" />
 
 
With government restrictions still in place and millions of people working from home, cybercriminals will continue to exploit the pandemic. The problem is, many workers at home lack the infrastructure and critical programs that protect data, which creates new opportunities for cybercriminals who want to steal passwords and other sensitive information.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
"The increased numbers of employees working remotely presents an opportunity for cybercriminals,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/cybercriminals-are-exploiting-the-covid-19-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">says the WEF</a>. "Companies must be vigilant and maintain proper controls on their data and finances. Leaders, IT departments, and staff must work together to prevent vulnerabilities."
 
The WEF hopes that new password technologies will allow businesses to scale and integrate various business processes as the world recovers from the economic fallout of COVID-19. In particular, the organization recommends password management technologies that support widely-accepted security protocols such as Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML).&nbsp;
 
Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-all-businesses-should-use-a-team-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why All Businesses Should Use A Team Password Manager</a>
 
<h2>The Benefits of Password Management Post-COVID</h2>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nM0kbX8RD60p3UJnSvOs" width="684" height="456" />
Unfortunately, cybercriminals show no signs of slowing down. Incorporating password management technologies into your organization might sound like an unnecessary expense, especially during the current economic climate, but doing this could provide you with a significant return on your investment.&nbsp;
 
Here are some of the benefits of team password management tools:
 
Share logins/passwords
 
If you want to successfully implement work-from-home programs, employees need quick access to data and programs. This is where a good team password manager comes in. Employees can use these tools to share logins and passwords safely without compromising personal and sensitive information. This way, you can encourage collaboration and protect data at the same time.&nbsp;
 
Protect your information
 
With so many password breaches over the last few months, you need to crank up your security credentials. A secure password manager controls access to your valuable assets, so only the people you trust can view, edit, and share information.&nbsp;
 
Save time
 
Research shows that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2019/12/new-password-study-finds-78-of-people-had-to-reset-a-password-they-forgot-in-past-90-days.html#:~:text=Study%3A%2078%20Percent%20People%20Forget%20Their,And%20Then%20Go%20For%20Reset!&amp;text=It%20won't%20be%20wrong,these%20days%20rely%20on%20passwords." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">78 percent</a>&nbsp;of people forget their passwords, and this can slow down business operations significantly. A password manager keeps passwords safe so employees can access information when they need it.&nbsp;
 
Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-risks-of-storing-your-passwords-in-google-sheets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Risks of Storing Your Passwords in Google Sheets</a>
 
<h2>How are Cybercriminals Stealing Passwords During COVID-19?</h2>
 
Cybercriminals steal passwords in a variety of ways, but the increase of remote work programs during the pandemic has made it easier for them. When employees work from home, passwords are more vulnerable to cybercriminals because of the following reasons:
 
<ul>
<li>Employees might not change their passwords as frequently as they would in the office. Home devices might not utilize password "time out" technologies or other security features.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Employees might use passwords that aren't strong enough. Passwords might not contain enough characters, upper and lower case letters, numbers, etc.</li>
<li>Employees might use computer systems or mobile devices with security vulnerabilities or without proper protection.</li>
<li>Managers aren't around to encourage employees to strengthen password security.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
 
Recommended reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-your-passwords-hacker-proof-a-checklist-to-help-you-decide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Are Your Passwords Hacker-Proof? A Checklist to Help You Decide</a>.
 
<h2>Final Word</h2>
 
Despite a global health and economic crisis, cybercriminals are still causing destruction. Passwords, in particular, are vulnerable to fraudsters, who will go to any length to steal your company's valuable data. As you open up (or adapt) your business in response to the coronavirus pandemic, investing in a team password manager will keep your sensitive information safe.&nbsp;
 
TeamPassword helps you safeguard access to apps, services, and tools in your organization during the current crisis and beyond.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Click here to sign up for a 14-day free trial</a>.&nbsp;

The world ground to a halt this spring, but that didn't stop the cybercriminals who capitalized on the pandemic.

The world ground to a halt this spring, but that didn't stop the cybercriminals who capitalized on the ...

Best Practices for Managing Passwords During COVID

The world ground to a halt this spring, but that didn't stop the cybercriminals who capitalized on the pandemic. As businesses closed their doors, and more people worked from home, these criminals exploited the coronavirus — and passwords were their biggest target. Now, as the world slowly reopens, the ...

Why Businesses Should Implement Password Management Technologies Post-COVID

<div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="block-editor-block-list__layout is-root-container">
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-ae08535a-5406-4db1-9108-ac07fa0e45b9" data-block="ae08535a-5406-4db1-9108-ac07fa0e45b9" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Over the last few years you&rsquo;ve probably heard all about the importance of using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. But have you actually practiced doing so? Perhaps you aren&rsquo;t worried about a data breach or hackers targeting you, because they only go after big companies, right?
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-fabcb0f2-7527-4822-8d0e-1508978351be" data-block="fabcb0f2-7527-4822-8d0e-1508978351be" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Wrong. Very wrong. In fact, cybercriminals target thousands of small businesses and individuals on a daily basis. But whether you&rsquo;re running a Fortune 500 company, a small business, or if you&rsquo;re an entrepreneur or a contractor working from a home office, there is one thing all cybersecurity experts recommend and agree on &mdash; using unique passwords for all online accounts.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-0a7d4c38-7a82-4007-a4e6-674df18ea6a9" data-block="0a7d4c38-7a82-4007-a4e6-674df18ea6a9" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">A strong, unique password is a strong deterrent to cybercriminals, but unfortunately, many organizations still fail to encourage their use. The main hindrance is that it can be difficult to remember different strings of random letters and numbers for the multitude of accounts we all have. It&rsquo;s so much easier to simply use a few words or a phrase that&rsquo;s easy to remember, for each and every account.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-7e0609ae-b7cb-4007-9428-9f024dfc1445" data-block="7e0609ae-b7cb-4007-9428-9f024dfc1445" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">But that is exactly what cybercriminals count on.
<h2 aria-label="Write heading&hellip;" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-13578f3c-3bf0-4eab-921b-979534f32cfe" data-block="13578f3c-3bf0-4eab-921b-979534f32cfe" data-type="core/heading" data-title="Heading" tabindex="0">How Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account Help Prevent Data Breaches</h2>
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-66614481-d9e3-4045-ba73-19ca79a4d5dd" data-block="66614481-d9e3-4045-ba73-19ca79a4d5dd" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">While hackers can employ a number of sophisticated methods for acquiring usernames and passwords, such as malware, phishing emails, and keyloggers, the old-fashioned way of simply guessing still works.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-ab1a0a59-a4df-4054-9de6-2d84e163b84d" data-block="ab1a0a59-a4df-4054-9de6-2d84e163b84d" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Hackers will run a program that will try thousands of commonly used passwords per second, and often manage to access a computer network or account in this manner. And if the same password is used for multiple accounts, then a hacker now has access to a significant amount of personal information and sensitive data.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-a89a7de3-4b0f-4b32-b889-4b08b57fc1d7" data-block="a89a7de3-4b0f-4b32-b889-4b08b57fc1d7" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">A cybercriminal can cause serious financial trouble or steal the identity of an individual, or steal thousands of data records from companies.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-5c5d8335-da73-4e6b-91be-34519efd7ce6" data-block="5c5d8335-da73-4e6b-91be-34519efd7ce6" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">But a single, strong, unique password for each account can prevent cybercrime and protect your data and personal information.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-5cb72ffc-e625-4d4c-897e-47bb64293428" data-block="5cb72ffc-e625-4d4c-897e-47bb64293428" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Many cybercriminals manage to acquire at least one username and password via a phishing email. In fact, phishing accounts for 90% of all data breaches. But if an individual were to use different passwords for each account, the cybercriminal would only have succeeded in infiltrating one account, rather than all of them.
<h2 aria-label="Write heading&hellip;" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-31528a5f-60c0-42d6-9916-249853d3d26b" data-block="31528a5f-60c0-42d6-9916-249853d3d26b" data-type="core/heading" data-title="Heading" tabindex="0">What is a Strong Password?</h2>
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-c26f2f75-a604-4a23-b472-de9538766ea8" data-block="c26f2f75-a604-4a23-b472-de9538766ea8" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">A strong password is considered to be a string of at least 10 random upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters such as a question mark. Many organizations now require you to create passwords conforming to these guidelines, which is good. However, many still use the same strong password for multiple accounts, which is definitely not recommended.&nbsp;
<h2 aria-label="Write heading&hellip;" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-90ea80cd-7409-4c38-8939-03bb84d860e3" data-block="90ea80cd-7409-4c38-8939-03bb84d860e3" data-type="core/heading" data-title="Heading" tabindex="0">So How Do I Remember All These Passwords?</h2>
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-838ab3be-232f-42c6-8e34-7cafe81184a9" data-block="838ab3be-232f-42c6-8e34-7cafe81184a9" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Many computers come equipped with a password manager, or you can download password manager apps that keep track of all your passwords for you. You will, of course, need to at least remember a unique password for the actual password manager.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-f294ca3c-6c89-4fae-9b3d-d25a2e135344" data-block="f294ca3c-6c89-4fae-9b3d-d25a2e135344" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">In an organization, keeping track of individual and group-shared passwords can be a more difficult task. Thankfully, password managers exist for teams as well. Many businesses utilize a team password manager aptly named&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, a fast, easy, and secure way for team members to share and access logins and passwords.
<p aria-label="Paragraph block" role="textbox" class="block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block" aria-multiline="true" id="block-53945973-0835-488f-9ec1-d4ee5df0784a" data-block="53945973-0835-488f-9ec1-d4ee5df0784a" data-type="core/paragraph" data-title="Paragraph" tabindex="0">Ideal for teams of all sizes, TeamPassword helps to ensure a consistent flow of productivity while also ensuring protection of valuable and sensitive data. Visit&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;today to learn more about how this intuitive password manager can help you.
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How Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account Help Prevent Data Breaches

Over the last few years you’ve probably heard all about the importance of using strong, unique passwords for ...

The Importance of a Strong Password For Each Account

Over the last few years you’ve probably heard all about the importance of using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. But have you actually practiced doing so?

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;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#email" rel="follow">Email</a></li>
<li><a href="#Documents" rel="follow">Online Documents</a></li>
<li><a href="#instantmessaging" rel="follow">Instant Messaging Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#onlinenotetaker" rel="follow">Online Note-taker</a></li>
<li><a href="#nonpasswordprotecteddevice" rel="follow">On a Non-Password-Protected Device</a></li>
</ul>

<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

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

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

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