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!
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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.
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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" 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.
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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" 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.
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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/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">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" 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.
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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="nofollow 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/" 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.
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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" 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.
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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/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!

Marketing and advertising thrive on creativity and bold ideas, but in the rush to innovate, cybersecurity can sometimes be sidelined&mdash;with dire consequences. A staggering <a href="https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/small-business-cyber-attack-statistics/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">43% of cyberattacks</a> target small businesses, who in turn spend from $826 to $653,587 on cybersecurity incidents. Exposed client data and severe financial losses are just some of the potential outcomes.<tunable-selection-menu _nghost-ng-c4019726263="" data-test-id="tunable-selection-menu" _ngcontent-ng-c275312110=""></tunable-selection-menu>&nbsp;
In this guide, we&rsquo;ll examine the pivotal role of password management in securing marketing and advertising agencies, outline the essential features of a reliable password manager, and recommend the top five tools to protect your agency from potential cyber threats.
TeamPassword is the password manager of choice for marketing agencies. Don't believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try it for yourself.&nbsp;
<h2>Why do Marketing Teams Need a Password Manager?</h2>
Marketing and advertising agencies handle a lot of sensitive information, from client details to campaign plans and financial records. With data spread across various platforms, it becomes a prime target for cybercriminals. That&rsquo;s why having a strong password management system is crucial to keep this valuable information safe and reduce the chances of a data breach.
<h3>Data Sensitivity</h3>
The work done by marketing and advertising agencies naturally involves handling highly sensitive data. Whether it&rsquo;s client contact details or unique campaign strategies, this information could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Every project file or financial report is like a treasure trove for cybercriminals. A password manager helps protect this data by encrypting it, ensuring only the right people can access it.
<h3>Regulatory Compliance</h3>
Agencies need to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-ensure-compliance-with-data-protection-regulations" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">comply with strict data protection laws</a> like GDPR and CCPA, which dictate how personal data should be collected, stored, and managed. A solid password management plan is key to showing you&rsquo;re following these rules. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and harm your reputation. A good password manager offers detailed logs and reports, proving your agency is serious about protecting sensitive data.
<h3>Risk of Data Breaches</h3>
A data breach can be a nightmare for any agency. Besides the immediate financial impact, it can lead to long-term damage to your reputation, loss of client trust, and even legal troubles. By using a reliable password manager, you can significantly lower the risk of a breach and protect your brand. Remember, data breaches don&rsquo;t just cost money&mdash;they can also lead to losing future business if clients lose faith in your agency&rsquo;s ability to safeguard their information. A strong password manager is an investment in your agency&rsquo;s future.
<h2>What Specific Features are Crucial for Marketing Agencies?</h2>
A suitable password manager for marketing and advertising agencies should offer a combination of security, ease of use, and functionality. Here are some key features to consider:
<h3>User-Friendliness</h3>
Given the diverse technical backgrounds within marketing and advertising teams, a password manager should be intuitive and easy to use. A user-friendly interface can help ensure that all team members, regardless of technical expertise, can effectively utilize the tool. Complex systems often lead to low adoption rates, especially in creative environments where time is money, and every minute spent figuring out how to use software is a minute not spent on client work. The best password managers are those that integrate smoothly into daily operations, requiring minimal training and virtually no learning curve.
<h3>Multi-Account Management</h3>
Agencies often juggle multiple client accounts, each with its own login credentials. A password manager that can efficiently handle multiple accounts, organize them by client or project, and provide easy access to the necessary credentials is essential. This feature is particularly important in agencies where the same team members might handle different clients&rsquo; accounts simultaneously. A password manager should allow for easy switching between accounts without compromising security, ensuring that the right credentials are used at the right time.
<h3>Secure Sharing</h3>
Collaboration is a cornerstone of marketing and advertising. A password manager should facilitate secure sharing of credentials among authorized team members, ensuring that only those with the necessary permissions can access sensitive information. Instead of sharing passwords via insecure methods like email or chat, a good password manager allows for encrypted sharing, where the recipient only sees the password when it's time to use it. This minimizes the risk of passwords being intercepted or misused.
<h3>Remote Work Compatibility</h3>
In today's increasingly <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-team-management-tips" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">remote work environment</a>, a password manager must be accessible from various devices and locations. The ability to access and manage passwords seamlessly across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices is crucial. With remote work becoming more commonplace, especially in creative industries, the flexibility to manage passwords from anywhere ensures that workflows remain uninterrupted, regardless of where team members are located.
<h3>Scalability</h3>
As agencies grow and expand their operations, their password management needs will evolve. A scalable password manager can accommodate increasing numbers of accounts and users, ensuring that security measures keep pace with the agency's growth. The ability to add new users and accounts without compromising security is critical, especially in fast-growing agencies where new clients are onboarded regularly.
<h2>Top 5 Password Managers for Marketing and Advertising Agencies</h2>
Choosing the right password manager involves more than just picking a tool with the best features. It's about finding a solution that fits your agency's specific needs and integrates seamlessly into your workflows.
<h3>#1. <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a></h3>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ddHCuEgRQBqTA9ZOnNtx" alt="undefined" width="801" height="368"></a>
TeamPassword distinguishes itself by being specifically engineered for the collaborative needs of teams, particularly marketing and advertising agencies, with a strong emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. Its interface is designed for intuitive password storage, organization, and sharing, requiring minimal technical expertise and facilitating quick onboarding, often in minutes.
Key differentiators include&nbsp;unlimited and customizable groups for selective password sharing&mdash;crucial for managing client accounts and high-turnover environments&mdash;and the inclusion of Google Sign-in with all plans for streamlined and <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">secure access</a>. The platform also highlights a quick setup process and dedicated customer support with fast response times.
Regarding its business plan pricing, TeamPassword positions itself as a budget-friendly solution. The Standard plan starts at $2.41 per user per month when billed annually. For teams requiring more advanced features, an Enterprise plan is available at $5.25 per user per month, also billed annually. Both of these plans typically require a minimum of three users.
<h3>#2. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/1password-alternatives" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">1Password</a></h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/sysUqVPQqK2FVFjIEmLg" alt="1Password Homepage.webp" width="801" height="368">
1Password sets itself apart through a combination of robust security and a refined user experience. A key differentiator is its Secret Key, a unique 34-character code that works in conjunction with your master password to encrypt your data, providing an additional layer of security beyond what many competitors offer. 1Password is also lauded for its polished and intuitive interface across all platforms, making it exceptionally user-friendly. Advanced features like Travel Mode, which allows users to temporarily remove certain vaults when crossing borders, and Watchtower, which proactively alerts users to compromised, weak, or reused passwords and identifies sites where two-factor authentication can be enabled, further enhance its value. Additionally, 1Password offers dedicated tools and integrations for developers.
For businesses, the standard 1Password Business plan is priced at $7.99 per user, per month when billed annually. There is also a "Teams Starter Pack" designed for smaller teams of up to 10 users, which costs a flat $19.95 per month (billed annually). Larger organizations can opt for a customizable "Enterprise" plan with tailored pricing.
<h3>#3. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/bitwarden-vs-1password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Bitwarden</a></h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3xJkMQFRScNT374cvODA" alt="Bitwarden homepage.webp" width="799" height="331">
Bitwarden stands out primarily due to its open-source nature, which fosters a high degree of transparency and trust, as its code is continuously reviewed and improved by a global community.&nbsp;A key differentiator for businesses is the option to self-host Bitwarden on their own infrastructure (available in the Enterprise plan), offering maximum control over data and compliance. Bitwarden is also recognized for its cost-effectiveness, cross-platform availability (including Linux), secure file sharing via Bitwarden Send, and flexible customization through enterprise policies, API access, and integrations with directory services and SSO.
For businesses, Bitwarden offers two primary plans:
<ul data-sourcepos="4:1-5:475">
<li data-sourcepos="4:1-4:233">Teams Plan: Priced at $4 per user per month (billed annually) or $5 per user per month (billed monthly). This plan includes unlimited sharing, event logs, user groups, API access, directory connector, and SCIM integrations.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="5:1-5:475">Enterprise Plan: Priced at $6 per user per month (billed annually) or $7 per user per month (billed monthly). This tier encompasses all features of the Teams plan, adding capabilities such as passwordless SSO integration, advanced enterprise policies, account recovery, the self-hosting option, custom management roles, and complimentary Families plans for all users. Both plans provide unlimited item storage, access across unlimited devices, and priority support.</li>
</ul>
<h3>#4. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/dashlane-vs-keeper" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Dashlane</a></h3>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/hpQroUUeT9ipTMZEsQGq" alt="Dashlane Homepage.webp" width="801" height="339">
Dashlane is known for its user-friendly design and powerful security tools, particularly its proactive Dark Web Monitoring that alerts businesses to compromised credentials. It also offers strong password generation, secure sharing, and multi-device access, built on a zero-knowledge security architecture. For agencies handling sensitive data, its ability to monitor for and alert on credential breaches provides significant value.
Dashlane's business plans include:
<ul data-sourcepos="4:1-6:123">
<li data-sourcepos="4:1-4:104">Standard: $20/month for 10 users, offering core password management and Dark Web Monitoring.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="5:1-5:105">Business: $8/user/month, adding SSO, SCIM, advanced controls, and a free family plan for each user.</li>
</ul>

<h2>TeamPassword is the best password manager for Marketing and Advertising Firms</h2>
Selecting the ideal password manager for your agency hinges on your unique requirements, budget, and your team's comfort level with technology. Keep these key factors in mind:
<ul data-sourcepos="5:1-22:204">
<li data-sourcepos="5:1-10:0">
Security Strength:
<ul data-sourcepos="6:5-10:0">
<li data-sourcepos="6:5-6:86">Encryption: How strong is it? Look for industry-standard, robust encryption.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="7:5-7:110">Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Does it offer solid MFA options for an extra layer of protection?</li>
<li data-sourcepos="8:5-8:169">Zero-Knowledge Architecture: This is crucial. It means only you (and your authorized team members) can access your stored data &ndash; not even the service provider.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:5-10:0">Other Safeguards: What additional security measures are in place?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-14:0">
Ease of Adoption &amp; Use:
<ul data-sourcepos="12:5-14:0">
<li data-sourcepos="12:5-12:115">Intuitive Interface: Is it easy to navigate and understand for everyone, regardless of their tech skills?</li>
<li data-sourcepos="13:5-14:0">User Experience: A complicated tool can lead to poor adoption, which defeats the purpose. Aim for simplicity and minimal training requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="15:1-18:0">
Relevant Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="16:5-18:0">
<li data-sourcepos="16:5-16:104">Core Needs: Does it offer secure and easy password sharing, a common requirement for agencies?</li>
<li data-sourcepos="17:5-18:0">Workflow Integration: Will it streamline your agency's operations or add unnecessary complexity? Think about how it fits your current processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-sourcepos="19:1-22:204">
Cost vs. Value:
<ul data-sourcepos="20:5-22:204">
<li data-sourcepos="20:5-20:85">Budget Alignment: Do the pricing plans make sense for your agency's budget?</li>
<li data-sourcepos="21:5-21:131">Free vs. Paid: Free options might seem appealing but often lack advanced features, robust security, or dedicated support.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="22:5-22:204">Benefits of Paid Plans: These typically offer comprehensive features, enhanced security, and customer support, which can be indispensable when managing your agency's critical access information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword excels in each of these categories, and is proud to <a href="https://teampassword.com/customers" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">serve many marketing agencies</a>.&nbsp;
Don't take our word for it - <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try TeamPassword for yourself.&nbsp;

Ensure your agency's cybersecurity with these top-rated password managers. From user-friendly interfaces to secure sharing, find the best tools to manage client data and prevent data breaches.

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I remember having a conversation with a friend many, many years ago, back when the world wide web was still in its infancy and most people were just buying their first family computer. Back in the halcyon days.
We were talking about passwords, and my friend volunteered proudly that his password was &ldquo;appletree&rdquo;, he thought it was brilliant. He used it everywhere, he never forgot it. If he ever had to update his password and was restricted from using the previous one, he simply used &ldquo;peartree&rdquo; instead. Simple.
You might think that in 2024, this is an absurd thing to bring up. We&rsquo;ve all changed. We&rsquo;ve got wiser to the dangers of the modern world. Applications and websites no longer let you enter passwords as simple as this anyway. We now use stronger passwords that are harder to guess. And we are all, most definitely, computer literate, even our 80-year-old parents and our teenage sons and daughters. Yes sir. No weak link in this chain.
But really, what is the difference between &ldquo;appletree&rdquo; and &ldquo;poochie726&rdquo; (one&rsquo;s adorable poodle, plus said poodle&rsquo;s D.O.B)? Are you telling me that you have never had (or, dare I say...still have!) a password like this? I just don&rsquo;t believe you. Taking it a step further, if we generate a strong password, and come up with this: &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; What is the point of using &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; to protect your login, if I know that you are using &ldquo;F_(sLOI:%QI^C]{4&rdquo; to protect your login?
It is only strong if it is unknown, and, not easy to guess by brute force. An apartment block would not use a single key to open every door in the building, so what makes you think that &ldquo;poochie726&rdquo;, nay &ldquo;p00ch!3726&rdquo; for argument's sake, is OK to use for 100 different accounts that span both your personal life and your work life?
<h2>What is Credential Stuffing and Why Should You Care?</h2>
Even when people understand that they need to use strong passwords, it doesn&rsquo;t change the fact that people are faced with the challenge of remembering passwords daily. It quite simply becomes impossible without a password manager, and so people choose to come up with one or two really good ones, and then they use these everywhere. This leaves them open to a type of cyberattack called Credential Stuffing.
Credential Stuffing is when a hacker has a list of known username/password combinations that they &ldquo;acquired&rdquo; (perhaps the result of a previous data breach), and that they then use to try to log in to many other, different website and services. Sometimes they get lucky, hit the jackpot, and find an appletree-kinda person.
It might be that you signed up to a very insecure website 10 years ago that you no longer use or care about, and that this website was part of a data breach (pause &ndash; please&nbsp;<a href="https://haveibeenpwned.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">go and check</a>, I&rsquo;ll wait). But if you are still using the same password as you did back then, then it means that a hacker could very easily gain access to other accounts and data that you rely on now.
You might think that this type of attack would never work. But it does, and it is happening a lot. It is a growing trend (with a 45% year-on-year increase), that relies on human nature&rsquo;s laziness and reliance on convenience.
<h2>Taking Control: Your Action Plan Against Credential Stuffing</h2>
What can we, <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, do about credential stuffing attacks? For you? Pretty much nothing, unless you meet us in the middle. Look what happened to&nbsp;<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/?guccounter=1" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Norton LifeLock</a> or <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-during-nintendos-data-breach-in-2021" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Nintendo</a>. Sure, we have security controls in place on our service to protect you from what happened with those other companies, but does each of the 100 services you use have the same controls in place? Does each of these 100 services you use give you the option of MFA? And did you enable that MFA on all 100 services?
The only solution to this problem is for you to take responsibility away from the services you use, and into your own hands. Let go of the apple tree and get into a new habit, that looks like this:
<ol>
<li>Use a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Generate a random, strong password</a> for every service you use.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn on <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">MFA</a> for every service you use.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-your-browsers-built-in-password-manager#howtodisableyourbrowsersbuiltinpasswordmanager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Turn off convenience tools</a> such as the &ldquo;remember this password&rdquo; feature of browsers and the &ldquo;stay signed in for 6 years&rdquo; checkboxes (ok that one is a joke, but you get the point).</li>
<li>Spend several minutes at the start of each work day signing in securely to everything. Not a big deal. If you follow these steps, you and the company you work for will be safe against Credential Stuffing attacks, and the only stuffing that you will need to worry about will be the turkey on Christmas day.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Here's the thing about cybersecurity: those data breaches and cyberattacks you read about? So many of them are preventable. But it's not just about what you do. We need to be like a rising tide, lifting all boats, making sure everyone's wise to the threats.
Why? Because a hacker only needs one open door. You might be on top of all the safety measures, but what about your team? Your family? Are they all doing their part?&nbsp;
Oh, and that friend with the &ldquo;appletree&rdquo; password. I once asked him how he came up with it. He told me: &ldquo;Oh, I copied the idea from another friend, they had an apple tree outside their house and told me they used it as their password&rdquo;. True story.&nbsp;

Still using "appletree" or "poochie726" for passwords? Learn why even "strong" reused passwords make you vulnerable to credential stuffing and how to truly secure your accounts.

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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

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