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Cybercriminals are constantly developing increasingly sophisticated password-cracking/hacking methods. It is now possible to apply AI to crack simple passwords without fuss. You can find proof in emerging AI solutions like PassGAN, which cracked over half of the common passwords fed to its system&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/news/passgan-ai-password-cracking-time/" rel="noopener">in under 60 seconds</a>. The staggering developments in AI password cracking undoubtedly raise newfound security concerns for many IT teams and company decision-makers.&nbsp;
Highly hackable passwords essentially leave the proverbial door open for major system breaches within your organizational network. These often result in catastrophic consequences for sensitive data and company assets, and not forgetting the far-reaching dangers of identity theft. &nbsp;
Here are five critical insights about the rapidly evolving developments of AI password cracking:
<ul>
<li>
Your password is 100% crackable by AI as long as it has been breached or leaked.
</li>
<li>
Advanced AI password-cracking tools can bypass&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rd.com/article/ai-password-cracking/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20the%20AI%20cracked%2051,take%20online%20security%20more%20seriously." rel="noopener">81% of common passwords&nbsp;</a>within a month, and most of those coded strings within a day.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Top AI password cracking enables perpetrators to hide behind a veil of secrecy while they automate their breaching activities, making them more elusive than ever.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
AI password cracking tools advance their capabilities with breached password data. So, it is vital for your team to follow the latest cybersecurity practices for optimal protection. &nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Your team can significantly reduce the risk of AI password cracking by optimizing regular password hygiene practices.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Our guide shares how AI password cracking works, other cybersecurity threats to your company, and the best practices in password hygiene for preventing these highlighted issues. &nbsp;

<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#canAI" rel="follow">Can AI Be Used to Crack Passwords?</a></li>
<li><a href="#otherthreats" rel="follow">Other Threats to Consider Beyond AI Password Cracking</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtoprotect" rel="follow">How to Protect Your Passwords: 5 Critical Tips</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 id="canAI">Can AI Be Used to Crack Passwords?</h2>
Modern cybercriminals may use emerging AI solutions like PassGAN to crack the most common passwords with unmatched ease. These advanced password crackers operate differently from conventional password-guessing tools based on human-generated rules.&nbsp;
Instead, these hacking tools function Like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-does-chatgpt-work/" rel="noopener">AI chatbots capable of improving</a>&nbsp;their performances based on machine learning. Advanced password-cracking software like PassGAN "learn passwords" through artificial neural networks that teach computers to process data in a way similar to the human brain. Specifically, PassGAN distinguishes the patterns between fake passwords (fed from data sets) and actual breached passwords to anticipate and crack future passwords. In other words, AI password cracking functions adaptively and can pose a significant threat to unprepared security systems.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/LHtWjX8Qd63gcpANHAcS" alt="undefined" width="620" height="413">
<h2 id="otherthreats">Other Threats to Consider Beyond AI Password Cracking</h2>
AI password cracking joins a long<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="noopener">&nbsp;list of cybersecurity threats</a>&nbsp;that continues to expand with more advanced technical capabilities. The following are some of the most prevalent threats to look out for when planning your company&rsquo;s cybersecurity protection and password management.
<h3>Phishing</h3>
Phishing refers to the social engineering method of deceiving users often by assuming a false identity that instills trust. Disguised attackers then leverage trusted user interactions to steal private information and credentials.&nbsp;
The malicious act of phishing remains the most common form of cybercrime and is expected to affect&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/phishing-attack-statistics/#:~:text=Phishing%20email%20statistics%20suggest%20that,attack%20occurring%20every%2011%20seconds." rel="noopener">33 million online records in 2023</a>&nbsp;with attacks occurring every 11 seconds.&nbsp;
<h3>Brute Force Attacks</h3>
As the term might suggest, brute force attacks refer to the continuous bombardment of multiple passwords via trial and error until the security system finds a match. Brute force attackers usually input various combinations of commonly used passwords to increase the chances of infiltrating an account or network. Some attackers may rely on advanced scripts and bots for submitting multiple password attempts at a rapid rate.
<h3>Dictionary Attacks</h3>
Similar to brute force attacks, however, attackers take a more methodical approach by narrowing password attempts based on terms associated with the user. For instance, cybercriminals may include the words and characters found in a user&rsquo;s email address or the name of their pet (possibly inferred&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-keep-your-social-media-accounts-secure-from-burton/?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card" rel="noopener">from their social media profiles</a>).&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/CDgHrHpNSKSHz92iX6L1" alt="undefined" width="620" height="413">
<h2 id="howtoprotect">How to Protect Your Passwords: 5 Critical Steps</h2>
Reliable<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="noopener">&nbsp;password hygiene routines&nbsp;</a>can help safeguard your precious company network and account against evolving AI tools. We look at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/your-passwords-arent-safe-unless-youre-taking-these-5-steps" rel="noopener">five effective measures</a>&nbsp;that you can implement to keep AI password cracking at bay.&nbsp;
<h3>Stick With Strong Passwords</h3>
Length is Your Secret Weapon: The longer your password, the harder it is for AI to crack. Aim for at least 15 characters, the more the merrier.
Diversity is Key: A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols creates a tangled web for AI to navigate. Think of it like a complex puzzle with countless combinations.
Randomness Rules: Avoid predictable patterns like keyboard sequences or easily guessed personal information. Let's be honest, your pet's name and birth year are an open invitation for hackers.
Passphrases: A Memorable Alternative: If you struggle to remember random character strings, consider <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-build-a-passphrase" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">a passphrase</a>. Combine a few random words with numbers and symbols for a password that's both secure and easier to recall. Just remember, length is still crucial.
Remember, even the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">strongest password</a> can be compromised if reused across multiple accounts. Unique passwords for each platform are essential.
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/2HiJREcRg6yN10QaKAr6" alt="password_entropy.webp" width="771" height="462" style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"></h3>
<h3>Don't Reuse Passwords Across Accounts</h3>
The most complex passwords are ineffective (and risky) if they&rsquo;ve been stored in a breached database. Industry research shows that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/password-statistics#:~:text=More%20than%2080%25%20of%20confirmed,to%20their%20accounts%20or%20devices." rel="noopener">80% of confirmed data breaches</a>&nbsp;result from stolen, weak, or reused passwords. Advanced AI software can<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dunkin-brnds-new-york-idUSKBN2662PX" rel="noopener">&nbsp;leverage leaked information</a>&nbsp;to crack your password code in seconds through brute force attacks. Perhaps the worst part about reusing passwords across multiple accounts is that a single cyber breach could result in unauthorized access to every corner of your managed networks. &nbsp;
<h3>Change Passwords Frequently</h3>
Changing your company account passwords regularly lowers the risks of an AI security breach by keeping AI constantly guessing.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="noopener">TeamPassword&rsquo;s secure password generator</a>&nbsp;helps you create effective new passwords in a click without worrying about the effectiveness of your combinations.&nbsp;
<h3>Enable Two-Factor Authentication&nbsp;</h3>
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/INcDYDATTZmEeOW2rOGT" alt="undefined" width="305" height="203"></h3>
Think of two-factor authentication (2FA) as an extra set of eyes guarding your digital castle. It's like adding a deadbolt to your front door, making it significantly harder for intruders to break in.
By requiring an additional form of verification beyond your password, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, 2FA creates a formidable barrier against hackers. Even if they manage to crack your password, they'll still need access to your phone to bypass the second layer of security. It's like adding a moat around your digital castle &ndash; it might not be impenetrable, but it sure makes it a lot harder for attackers to get in.
Governmental agencies, banks, and enterprises&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.okta.com/identity-101/which-industries-require-2fa/" rel="noopener">trust two-factor authentication</a> for optimized cybersecurity. Setting up the technology strengthens your passwords with an additional layer of protection against threats like AI password cracking since perpetrators must provide the unique one-time password (OTP) sent to a user&rsquo;s registered devices and email, on top of cracking a password.&nbsp;
<h3>Use a Password Manager Tool</h3>
A quality password manager tool enables your company to store, share, and replace strong passwords frictionlessly while preventing the risks of getting locked out.&nbsp;
TeamPassword&rsquo;s<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="noopener">&nbsp;leading features</a>&nbsp;include group sharing for seamlessly managing multiple passwords across various departments and groups (and removing permissions when needed) and two-step verification synced to an authenticator for extra account protection. Plus, TeamPassword's password manager integrates with Google Sign-on, promoting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="noopener">safe collaborations</a>&nbsp;and convenient access for all of your authorized account users.
For a comprehensive look at password managers, check out our <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">top password managers for teams</a>.&nbsp;
<h2>Stop Hackers in Their Tracks With TeamPassword</h2>
As AI password cracking becomes more prevalent, organizations need robust password management solutions. TeamPassword offers a comprehensive approach to safeguard your organization's sensitive data.
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="7:1-7:50">
<li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:50">Centralized Management: Consolidate all your team's passwords into one secure location for easy access and management.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:95">Advanced Security: Employing cutting-edge encryption and security protocols, TeamPassword protects your passwords from even the most sophisticated cyber threats.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:134">Flexible Sharing: Control who sees what with granular permissions, ensuring only authorized users can access specific passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:141">Streamlined Collaboration: Boost productivity by eliminating the hassle of sharing passwords via email or insecure messaging platforms.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Enhanced Audit Trails: Monitor password activity with detailed logs, ensuring accountability and detecting suspicious behavior.</li>
</ul>
Don't let weak passwords become your organization's downfall.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener">Sign up with TeamPassword today</a>&nbsp;and protect your accounts from the most sophisticated attacks.

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We've all succumbed to the pressure of Google Chrome's offer to "save this password". If you're concerned about the security or privacy risks of Chrome's password manager or already use a dedicated password manager and are annoyed by Chrome's popup every time you create an account, this article will show you how to disable it quickly.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Security concerns</a> are often the main reason to disable Google Chrome's built-in password manager. If a cybercriminal hacks the Google account where these passwords are saved and synced, they can go on to breach all your other accounts. Disabling the password manager can reduce this risk.
Many prefer (and we recommend) using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications provide more robust security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and sharing. Disabling the browser's password manager allows users to rely solely on their preferred third-party solution.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#ischromesafe" rel="follow">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablegooglechrome" rel="follow">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletechromepassword" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ischromesafe">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</h2>
As <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">we've written before</a>, Chrome wasn't built to be a password manager.
If someone steals your device at a coffee shop or hacks your Google account, they may have access to all of your passwords. Chrome doesn't automatically log you out at an interval of your choosing or when you close the browser. That would be inconvenient! In a nutshell, Google Chrome's password manager is not as safe as a dedicated password manager.&nbsp;
Chrome's solution focuses on convenience, and if you keep track of which devices you're signed into, lock your devices securely, and don't share passwords, credentials, or devices with anyone, the Google Chrome password manager may be safe enough. Even if you have all that covered, Chrome's password manager lacks support for document storage, other browsers, or non-browser uses, which means you'll need another password manager for those applications.&nbsp;
What if you use Safari on your iPhone or Mac? In that scenario, Chrome's password manager won't help you at all. That's why we recommend using a dedicated third-party tool that works on all&nbsp;your devices and browsers and encrypts your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.&nbsp;
If you need to share passwords with your team, look through our list of the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">best password managers for teams</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablegooglechrome">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
For Chrome users on Windows and Mac:
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/949BjFiESq6fx28UDdBE" alt="undefined" width="415" height="454">
<ol>
<li>Click your profile icon in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the key symbol to open Google Password Manager.<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/yVnDVLq1SJqibPtnsfmV" alt="Turn off offer to save passwords.png" width="1216" height="213"></li>
<li>Select&nbsp;Settings, then toggle&nbsp;Offer to save passwords off.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

For Chrome users on iOS and Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap your profile icon, then Google Password Manager under Basics.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tab the gear icon (Settings) on the bottom menu.</li>
<li>Turn off Offer to save passwords.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/HXuQeIAQRuKqKMkEVyLi" alt="undefined" width="270" height="525">
<h2 id="howtodeletechromepasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Chrome Password Manager, follow these 4 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click your profile icon in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the key symbol to open Google Password Manager.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the password you wish to delete. You may have to enter your device password to unlock this view.</li>
<li>Click Delete</li>
</ol>

Before deleting passwords in the Google Password Manager, you may want to export them. 
Here's how to export your passwords from the Google Password Manager in Chrome:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Click your profile icon in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the key symbol to open Google Password Manager.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Select&nbsp;Settings from the tabs on the left</li>
<li>Find&nbsp;Export passwords and click&nbsp;Download file</li>
</ol>
This exports all your passwords into a plaintext CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Chrome password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Chrome's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers a Chrome extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Chrome's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="831" height="467">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

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

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How to Disable Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

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Protecting your organization's data and digital resources is crucial. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), also known as role-based security, offers a simple yet effective solution. RBAC allows you to manage access to sensitive information based on employees' roles within your company.&nbsp;
With RBAC, you can:
<ul>
<li>Automatically assign access permissions based on job roles</li>
<li>Restrict unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive data</li>
<li>Enhance overall information security</li>
</ul>
Are you ready to safeguard your critical resources? Learn how to implement RBAC as a key component of your organization's security strategy.&nbsp;
In this guide, we'll cover:
<ol>
<li>What is Role-Based Access Control?</li>
<li>Benefits of implementing RBAC</li>
<li>Examples of RBAC</li>
<li>Step-by-step process for setting up RBAC</li>
<li>Best practices for maintaining RBAC</li>
<li>Common challenges and how to overcome them</li>
</ol>
Let's dive into the world of RBAC and discover how it can revolutionize your organization's access management.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/lemNvxI3TCa5p0baG5sf" alt="Stacking blocks representing different tiers of workers representing role-based access control" width="600" height="400">
<h2>What is Role-Based Access Control?</h2>
Role-based access is the practice of restricting network access and permissions for employees based on their user roles within your organization, granting different levels of access rights for each.
It&rsquo;s an access control mechanism that works best for managing low-level data in a larger organization. RBAC provides a simple way to keep your information safe and is less prone to error than other types of access control like:
<ul>
<li>
Mandatory Access Control (MAC): where the system, not the owner, determines access
</li>
<li>
Discretionary Access Control (DAC): where a person sets policies that define who can access data.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Benefits of Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)</h2>
Organizations increasingly choose Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for its scalability and ease of management compared to other access control mechanisms like attribute-based access control. Here are the key advantages of implementing RBAC in your organization:
<h3>Simplified Administration</h3>
RBAC streamlines access management by grouping users according to their organizational roles. This approach significantly reduces the time and stress involved in managing individual employee permissions.
<h3>Scalability</h3>
Whether you're part of a large enterprise or a growing company, RBAC scales effortlessly. As your workforce expands, administrators can easily modify access rights for entire user groups, eliminating the need for manual individual adjustments.&nbsp;
<h3>Centralized Control</h3>
RBAC centralizes access policy management, enabling administrators to maintain consistency and minimize human errors in the long term.
<h3>Enhanced Security</h3>
By limiting resource access based on employee roles, RBAC effectively reduces unauthorized access across your organization. It enforces the principle of least privilege, ensuring users have only the permission necessary for their job functions.&nbsp;
<h3>Simplified Auditing</h3>
RBAC generates comprehensive audit trails, making it easier to track who accesses specific resources and when. This feature simplifies compliance reporting and helps administrators quickly identify and investigate any suspicious activities.&nbsp;
<h3>Cost-Effective</h3>
By streamlining access management processes, RBAC can lead to significant cost savings in IT administration and support.&nbsp;
<h3>Improved Compliance</h3>
RBAC helps organizations meet various regulatory requirements by providing a structured approach to access control and data protection.&nbsp;
Implementing RBAC can transform your organization's access management, enhancing security, efficiency, and compliance. In the following sections, we'll guide you through the process of setting up RBAC in your organization. But first, it might be helpful to read a few examples of RBAC in action.

<h2>Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Action: Real-World Examples</h2>
&nbsp;Understanding how RBAC functions in different industries can help you visualize its implementation in your organization. Let's explore three examples of RBAC in action:
<h3>1. RBAC in a Call Center</h3>
Call centers handle <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/customer-data-security-best-practices" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sensitive customer information</a>, especially with remote work becoming more common. Here's how RBAC might be structured:
<ul>
<li>Call Agents: Access to customer information for handling inquiries</li>
<li>Supervisors: Full access to call monitoring tools for escalation management</li>
<li>Quality Assurance (QA) Staff: Access to call recordings and evaluation forms (e.g., <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-service-scorecard/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">call center scorecards</a>)</li>
<li>IT Support: Access to call center software and systems for troubleshooting</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. RBAC in a Software Development Company</h3>
Software companies deal with sensitive data like customer information and financial records. RBAC helps <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/third-party-data-breaches-risks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reduce data breach risks</a> through role hierarchy:
<ul>
<li>Developers: Access to source code repositories for code modification.</li>
<li>Testers: Access to testing environments&nbsp;</li>
<li>Project Managers: Access to PM tools and task assignment capabilities</li>
<li>System Administrators: Access to servers and systems for application deployment</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. RBAC in a Recruitment Firm</h3>
Recruitment agencies store candidate and client data that requires protection. RBAC limits data access based on roles:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Recruiters: Access to <a href="https://www.oleeo.com/glossary/candidate-management-system/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">candidate management systems</a> and job postings</li>
<li>Managers: Additional permissions for reviewing candidate submissions and managing client accounts</li>
<li>Administrators: Full access to all systems for overseeing the RBAC implementation</li>
</ul>
By implementing RBAC, these organizations can effectively manage access to sensitive information, enhance security, and streamline operations. Consider how similar role-based structures could benefit your organization's data protection and workflow efficiency.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/g5hUjxKSQOTK86KAiVrg" alt="A team of office workers huddled around a project on a table." width="600" height="400">
<h2>6 Steps to Set Up Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Your Organization</h2>
Setting up Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in your organization is crucial for securing sensitive information. Contrary to popular belief, implementing RBAC is straightforward and can be accomplished in six simple steps. Here's how:
<h3>1. Identify Current Roles in Your Organization</h3>
Start by creating a comprehensive Access Control List (ACL) that includes all active roles within your organization. This should cover every job title, from Receptionists and Admin Staff to Developers, Customer Service Reps, and Managers. Ensure that every role with access to company computers is accounted for.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Define Access Levels for Each Role</h3>
With a clear overview of all roles, define the access permissions for each job title. Consider the essential information each role needs to perform their duties. For example, Administrative Staff may need access to sensitive data to configure systems, while Customer Service Reps might only require access to customer information.&nbsp;
<h3>3. Map Out Permissions for Each Role</h3>
Create a detailed map of job roles and their corresponding permissions. Carefully analyze each role to ensure they have the necessary access to fulfill their responsibilities without excessive permissions that could pose security risks.&nbsp;
<h3>4. Assign Roles to Users</h3>
Proceed with role assignment by linking each role to the user profiles of your employees. Multiple roles can be assigned to as single user account if necessary. For instance, an Administration Representative in a call center may need access to management tools and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. Ensure that each employee has the specific access needed to perform their daily tasks efficiently.
<h3>5. Develop RBAC Policies</h3>
Ensure that role-based access aligns with your organization's IT infrastructure and cybersecurity policies. Draft and implement RBAC policies, and train your administrative staff on how to manage RBAC as your workforce evolves.&nbsp;
<h3>6. Conduct Regular Audits</h3>
Maintaining RBAC is an ongoing process. Regularly audit access permissions to detect unauthorized access attempts and update permissions as needed. This is particularly important when hiring contractors or third-party users who may require temporary access. Most RBAC systems include access management functions that allow admin staff to monitor user activity and ensure compliance with RBAC policies.&nbsp;
By following these steps, you can effectively implement RBAC in your organization, enhancing security and operational efficiency.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/GwtUzAYmS7SKQAnSpUX3" alt="A room of workers sitting at long tables facing forward where a woman is presenting" width="600" height="400">
<h2>Best Practices for Maintaining Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)</h2>
While there is no "one size fits all" approach to RBAC, there are some general best practices that will make your organization more secure and save you time:
<h3>Enhance Security with a Password Manager</h3>
To further bolster your organization's security, consider using a password manager like TeamPassword.
Password managers help securely store and manage passwords, ensuring your employees use strong, unique passwords for each account.
TeamPassword is specifically <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">designed for teams</a>, making it easy to share and manage access credentials securely. By integrating a password manager into your RBAC strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of password-related security breaches.&nbsp;
<h3>Educate and Train Employees</h3>
One of the most effective ways to maintain RBAC is to ensure that all employees understand the importance of access control and their specific roles within the system.&nbsp;
Providing regular training sessions on RBAC policies, security best practices, and the implications of unauthorized access can foster a culture of security awareness.
Employees should be informed about how to report suspicious activities and the significance of adhering to access control protocols. This education helps minimize the risk of accidental breaches and reinforces the organization's commitment to data security.&nbsp;
<h3>Utilize Automated Tools for Access Management</h3>
Leveraging automated tools and software for managing RBAC can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy. Automation can help streamline the process of assigning roles, monitoring access, and conducting audits.&nbsp;
Many access management solutions offer features such as automated provisioning and de-provisioning of user accounts, alerts for unauthorized access attempts, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. By using these tools, organizations can reduce the administrative burden on IT staff, minimize human error, and ensure that access controls are consistently enforced.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/1GxtBkw9S4KCaGMAxLir" alt="An overwhelmed office worker with hands on her head as she looks at her computer, there are sticky notes everywhere around her." width="600" height="400">
<h2>Common Challenges to Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and How to Overcome Them</h2>
Here are three common challenges to Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and strategies to overcome them:
<h3>1. Role Explosion</h3>
One of the significant challenges of implementing RBAC is the phenomenon known as "role explosion." This occurs when organizations create too many roles to accommodate specific access needs, leading to complexity and confusion. As new roles are added, managing them becomes increasingly difficult, which can undermine the effectiveness of the RBAC system.&nbsp;
Solution:&nbsp;To mitigate role explosion, organizations should adopt the 80/20 rule, focusing on roles that cover the majority of users while managing exceptions separately. They should regularly review and consolidate roles to eliminate redundancies. Implementing a governance framework that separates role membership from role permissions can also help streamline the management process.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Scalability Issues</h3>
RBAC systems can struggle to scale effectively, especially in dynamic organizations where job functions and access needs frequently change. As organizations grow or restructure, maintaining an up-to-date role model can become cumbersome, leading to outdated permissions and potential security risks.&nbsp;
Solution: Establish a continuous role review process to ensure that roles and permissions are aligned with current organizational needs. Automating role assignments and access reviews through specialized tools can help maintain scalability. Additionally, integrating RBAC with other access control models can provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing requirements.&nbsp;
<h3>3. Excessive Permissions</h3>
A common pitfall in RBAC implementation is granting excessive permissions to users, often due to a lack of understanding of the principle of least privilege. This can lead to security vulnerabilities, as users may have access to more data and resources than necessary for their job functions.
Solution: Conduct regular audits of user permissions to identify and revoke unnecessary access. Implement strict policies that enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users are granted only the permissions essential for their roles. Training employees on the importance of access control can also help reduce the tendency to over-assign permissions.
By addressing these challenges with proactive strategies, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their RBAC systems, ensuring better security and compliance.&nbsp;
<h2>Secure Your Data with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Today</h2>
Implementing a Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) system enables you to assign permissions based on users' job roles, eliminating the need for tedious manual reviews of each employee's access rights. This approach helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, significantly enhancing your organization's security.&nbsp;
In this article, we provided you with the essential tools and strategies to effectively implement an RBAC policy tailored to your organization's needs. By establishing access levels based on specific job functions, you can strengthen your internal defenses and mitigate the risk of data breaches.&nbsp;
To further enhance your security measures, consider integrating a password management solution like <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a>, which helps securely store and manage access credentials.&nbsp;
With role-based access control, you can safeguard your critical data and ensue that employees have the appropriate permissions to perform their duties without compromise ing security.&nbsp;

Learn how to implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to secure your organization's data and enhance information security.

Discover how Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) can revolutionize your organization's data protection strategy. This comprehensive guide explores the ...

6 Steps to Implement RBAC: Access Control Guide

Discover how Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) can revolutionize your organization's data protection strategy. This comprehensive guide explores the fundamentals of RBAC, its benefits, and practical implementation strategies.

Implement RBAC: 6 Essential Steps to Set Up Role-Based Access Control in Your Organization

Consider a typical day at a digital marketing agency. How many client and company accounts do you think you log into over the course of a day? Ten? Twenty? Amongst all the employees at a digital marketing agency, there could be hundreds of logins each day into private accounts.
That&rsquo;s why password protection for digital agencies should be a top priority and not an afterthought.
Unfortunately, many digital marketing agencies fail to follow password management best practices. Perhaps the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-state-of-the-password-problem-in-2021" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">most concerning example</a> of poor password management is that nearly <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/world-password-day-the-first-thursday-in-may" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">70% of all Americans use the same password</a> for multiple accounts, at home and at work. And when you consider that over <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/99529-3-in-4-people-at-risk-of-being-hacked-due-to-poor-password-practices" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">80% of all data breaches result from poor password</a> security, the potential for a data breach in a digital marketing agency is monumental.
For the safety and reputation of your company, as well as the security of the many client accounts accessed on a daily basis, password protection for digital agencies is a critical necessity. Thankfully, password management best practices are fairly easy to follow, and can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach.
Here are five key takeaways to act upon now:
<ul>
<li>Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each account to minimize the risk of a major data breach. Utilizing a password manager can help generate highly secure, encrypted passwords.</li>
<li>Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by enabling 2FA on work accounts. This acts as a deterrent to hackers and enhances security, especially when combined with strong passwords.</li>
<li>Avoid Password Sharing: Ensure that employees do not share passwords. Each individual should have a unique password for every login or application, making it easier for IT admins to manage security and control account access.</li>
<li>Secure Wi-Fi Practices: Remote workers should secure their home Wi-Fi networks, and employees working outside the office should avoid using public Wi-Fi for logging into accounts to prevent data hijacking by hackers.</li>
<li>Use a Password Manager: Implement a password manager, like TeamPassword, to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account. Password managers simplify the process of adhering to password management best practices and enhance overall security for digital agencies.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#stronguniquepasswords" rel="follow">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</a></li>
<li><a href="#enable2fa" rel="follow">Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</a></li>
<li><a href="#dontsharepasswords" rel="follow">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords</a></li>
<li><a href="#donotaccessprivateaccounts" rel="follow">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</a></li>
<li><a href="#useapasswordmanager" rel="follow">Use a Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#faq" rel="follow">FAQs</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Password Management Best Practices</h2>
Hackers and cybercriminals don&rsquo;t always choose random targets, and they don&rsquo;t just target large corporations as the media might make it seem. Instead, they target smaller businesses where the chances of a successful cyberattack are high. <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-security-threats-for-small-businesses" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Digital marketing agencies are at particular risk</a> and a common target due to the high number of accounts a hacker might be able to access. Hackers are relying on employees not following password management best practices. Don&rsquo;t make it easy for them.
<h3 id="stronguniquepasswords">Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account</h3>
The first defense against a major data breach is using strong, unique passwords for each account. That way, even if one account is breached, the hacker will not have the password to access additional accounts. However, it is also important to realize that even user-generated passwords can be vulnerable &mdash; in fact, a Deloitte study revealed that over <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/90-percent-of-passwords-vulnerable-to-hacking-2013-1" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">90% of user-generated passwords are still vulnerable</a> to cyberattacks.
So how can digital marketing agencies combat cyber threats? Simply by using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/">password manager</a> to generate highly secure, encrypted passwords that help keep your accounts and critical data safe. More on using password managers in a bit. First, consider the next important step in password protection for digital agencies.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="573" height="436">
Built-in password generator
<h3 id="enable2fa">Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
You may have experienced <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2FA</a> already with some of your own personal accounts. But by enabling two-factor authentication on as many work accounts as possible, you can add an extra layer of password protection for digital agencies. Accounts enabled with 2FA make data much more secure and are a major deterrent to hackers.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/DmBsCrqDTr2ShbqBusdP" alt="2FA vs MFA Venn.webp" width="299" height="299">
Understandably, employees who aren&rsquo;t apt to change their passwords much probably aren&rsquo;t going to enjoy the extra login step required by 2FA either. But when used in conjunction with a strong password, 2FA offers additional protection against other <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">types of password attacks</a> such as social engineering and phishing attempts as well.
<h3 id="dontsharepasswords">Don&rsquo;t Share Passwords with Anyone</h3>
Another important step in ensuring strong password protection for digital agencies is for all employees to avoid sharing passwords. Each employee should have their own unique password for every login or app. This makes it easier for IT admins to keep a good handle on security, and also ensures that only those who are authorized can access an account.
When using a tool where shared credentials are necessary, they should only be shared and accessed within an encrypted environment - i.e., a password manager.&nbsp;
<h3 id="donotaccessprivateaccounts">Do Not Access Private Accounts Using Public Wi-Fi</h3>
Much of today&rsquo;s workforce consists of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">hybrid and remote workers</a>. Digital marketers working from home must take care to ensure that their Wi-Fi network is secure and that their systems and software are updated. Likewise, employees working in the field or while out on a lunch break must avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into accounts. It is too easy for hackers and cybercriminals to hijack data being sent over a public network through a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/man-in-the-middle-attack" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">man-in-the-middle attack</a>.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/49dfYwKbTyycsYTZYmIu" alt="Cybercriminal intercepting data.webp" width="373" height="373">
VPNs make this safer by encrypting your data so it's harder to intercept. Understand, however, that you must trust your VPN provider - they're handling your data!
<h3 id="useapasswordmanager">Use a Password Manager</h3>
As we mentioned earlier, using a password manager serves a multitude of benefits. For starters, it eliminates the need for employees to attempt to remember a number of unique passwords. Password managers work by generating strong, unique passwords for each account, which are then stored in an encrypted account. Employees then need only remember one password to access the information in the password manager, which subsequently grants entry to the desired account.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1).gif" width="871" height="490">
Additionally, password managers are much more adept at generating strong passwords, using a long string of random upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, as opposed to patterns that make passwords weaker.
Password managers also make it easy to change passwords for multiple accounts as often as you&rsquo;d like. That means you can have all your employee&rsquo;s passwords changed without causing a ripple in productivity while still adhering to password management best practices.
<h2 id="faq">FAQs</h2>
<h3>Should I Share My Social Media Password with My Marketing Team?</h3>
Generally, sharing your social media password with a marketing team is not recommended. Here's why:
<ul data-sourcepos="5:1-5:165">
<li data-sourcepos="5:1-5:165">Security Risk: Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Sharing it grants complete control of your account, posing a security risk if the password falls into the wrong hands.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="6:1-6:133">Limited Access Control: Sharing a password doesn't allow for granular access control. The marketing team would have full access to everything, including potentially sensitive direct messages or private content.</li>
</ul>
Safer Alternatives for Collaboration:
Fortunately, there are secure alternatives that give your marketing team the access they need without compromising your account security:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="12:3-12:368">Social Media Management Tools: Many social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer built-in features or allow integration with third-party tools for managing social media accounts. These tools typically offer various access levels (e.g., admin, editor, advertiser) so you can grant specific permissions for posting, analytics, or advertising.
<ul>
<li>Most professional social media accounts allow you to assign different roles so that you don't have to worry about a third party taking over your account (as an example, <a href="https://help.instagram.com/218638451837962" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here's instructions for Instagram</a>).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Analytics Sharing: If your marketing team needs access to analytics data, consider sharing reports or setting up view-only access to dashboards within the platform itself. This eliminates the need to share your login credentials.</li>
</ul>

<h3>What is an example of a good password?</h3>
Strong passwords are your defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Here's what makes a good password:
<ul data-sourcepos="7:1-8:14">
<li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73">Length: Aim for at least 12 characters, but longer is even better.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:14">Complexity: Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (@, #, $, etc.).</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:69">Randomness: Avoid using dictionary words, personal information, or predictable patterns (e.g., "12345").</li>
</ul>
Choosing a Password vs. Passphrase:
<ul data-sourcepos="13:1-13:28">
<li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:28">Password Generator: For unique, random passwords, consider using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a>. These tools create strong, random passwords like this: <code>G'P3Ks}Ndklb^"Tl*A?"%-oQ,G$UNee]</code>.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="14:1-15:0">Passphrase: For easier memorization, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-passphrase" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">create a passphrase</a>. Combine 3-5 unrelated words with some symbols: <code>cookie-algebra-562024-f!@tball</code>.</li>
</ul>
Important Note: If an account restricts password length to 12-16 characters, a complex password generated by a tool might be better than a passphrase due to increased randomness.
Here's why these tips matter:
<ul data-sourcepos="20:1-23:0">
<li data-sourcepos="20:1-20:68">Length: Longer passwords take much longer to crack by hackers.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="21:1-21:80">Complexity: Mixing character types makes it harder to guess your password.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="22:1-23:0">Randomness: Unpredictable passwords can't be easily broken by automated attacks.</li>
</ul>
By following these tips, you can create strong passwords that keep your accounts secure.

<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
TeamPassword is a business-oriented password manager specially designed to solve many of the security threats that small businesses and digital marketing agencies face daily.
The biggest challenge, of course, is managing passwords and providing secure access to team members. TeamPassword solves these challenges and more with flexible password management to suit the size of your teams and your business.&nbsp;
TeamPassword unlocks secure, one-click logins across all your devices.
Here's the real magic:
<ul data-sourcepos="5:1-6:50">
<li data-sourcepos="5:1-5:112">Effortless Sharing: Grant access to specific teams for total collaboration without compromising security.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="6:1-6:50">2FA on Autopilot: Enforce strong two-factor authentication for everyone &ndash; no more worrying about weak links.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:80">Full Visibility: Stay on top of everything with detailed activity logs.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:117">Access Anywhere: Fly through your day with lightning-fast logins from our browser extensions and mobile apps.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:61">Budget-Friendly Security: Affordable plans designed for your team's needs.</li>
</ul>

Protect your agency today with&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword's free 14-day trial</a>!

Password protection for digital agencies is essential as hackers continue to target businesses that work with multiple client accounts.

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with ...

Password Protection Best Practices | TeamPassword

Password protection for digital agencies is more important than ever as hackers continue to target businesses working with multiple business and client accounts.

Password Protection Best Practices for Digital Agencies

Most modern browsers offer an autofill function. The browser stores your name, phone number, address, etc. so that every time you fill out a form, you do not need to fill out the information line by line.&nbsp;
However, what you save in tedious work you lose in potential security risks. This is especially the case if the computer is shared. While most people know not to put their personal information into a public computer at the library, they may forget that other people might jump on to their computer at home or in a dorm room&mdash;or that someone might grab their smartphone right off their table while working in a caf&eacute;.
Even if you are not concerned about the security issues, the data stored may be out of date, have an error in it, or otherwise require you to constantly change a single field after autofill is completed.&nbsp;
In this article we will learn how to add, delete, and modify all or some of the autofill information in your Google Chrome browser, as well as other information you may wish to remove.
<h2>How to delete unwanted autofill entries on Chrome browser</h2>
You can clear all or only some of your autofill data in Chrome. Let&rsquo;s take a look at these two cases below.
<h3>Clear all autofill entries directly via Chrome settings in your toolbar</h3>
Use the following instructions to clear all of your autofill information in Chrome:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Open Chrome</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click the&nbsp;three dot symbol &gt; More Tools &gt; Clear browsing data...</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click the&nbsp;Advanced tab in the new window, and select&nbsp;All time from the drop down.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Check the Autofill form data&nbsp;box. Be sure to unselect all others if you do not wish to delete other data</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click the Clear data button</li>
</ol>
&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/I04nvkghSdW7C1AcZf7D" alt="" width="370" height="437">
&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/YduonhM8SryTCFvCd5O7" alt="" width="394" height="361"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
You have now cleared all of your autofill data in Chrome. But what if you want to delete only part of the information?
<h3>Clear some autofill entries directly via the autofill tab of Chrome settings</h3>
Follow the steps below to clear only part of your autofill information in Chrome:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Open Chrome</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click the&nbsp;three dot symbol in the top right corner</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click Settings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Click the&nbsp;Autofill tab</li>
<li aria-level="1">Here, you can individually edit or delete the different autofill categories: passwords, payment methods, and addresses and more</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to make specific changes to what autofill saves</h2>
If your computer is regularly used by others, or you are currently using a public computer, you may wish to turn off autofill entirely. Let&rsquo;s look at different types of autofill information stored by Google and how to disable them. This may also be wise if you regularly use these devices in public where a thief can get their hands on them.
<h3>Passwords</h3>
The &ldquo;Offer to save passwords&rdquo; setting allows you to save passwords in Chrome. This can be done in all modern&nbsp;browsers. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">saving passwords in a browser might not be the safest or easiest option</a>. Flipping this toggle to off will disable Chrome&rsquo;s password saving feature. You can also <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-your-browsers-built-in-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">disable this functionality in other&nbsp;browsers</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0l05Kdp1QZiAtr3sY6Px" alt="" width="266" height="285">
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/yVnDVLq1SJqibPtnsfmV" alt="" width="999" height="175">
<h3>Payment methods</h3>
To turn off autofill for payment methods, find &ldquo;Save and fill payment methods&rdquo; in Settings and set the toggle button to off. You can also see a link below this that you can follow to clear any autofill payment information currently stored in Chrome.
<h3><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/UG3LNB7sSfCwZPNI7tbK" alt="" width="999" height="230"></h3>
<h3>Addresses and more</h3>
This information includes your email address, physical address, phone number, etc. Similar to above, find &ldquo;Save and fill addresses&rdquo; and flip the toggle to off.
<h2>What is autofill and how does it work?</h2>
Autofill does exactly what it sounds like. By default, Chrome will remember what you input into different form fields and then add that information automatically whenever you encounter the same field in the future.&nbsp;
Autofill saves time and reduces the hassle of providing information in the future. While filling out an address doesn&rsquo;t take most people much time while working on their PC or laptop, typing in number and letter combinations, especially when your address has uncommon words or non-dictionary words that make autocorrect hiccup, can be rather time-consuming. If it leads to incorrect information on those forms, then the delays to shipments could cause further issues.
No technology is without its drawbacks. You should take the time to understand the security implications of using Chrome autofill.
<h2>Reasons why autofill may not be working correctly</h2>
Autofill might not be working for various reasons. Sometimes it is simply that friends or family have used your computer recently to fill in their own information and now Google Chrome is confused about what is the correct information.
Other times it might be that your information has been changed by government edict. In Canada, the postal code (like a zip code but fancier with letters) format has changed from A1A-1A1 to A1A 1A1 and now A1A1A1 over time. Because of this change, many postal code form fields are limited to six characters now instead of seven (bye bye space). Then, you might find Chrome autofill always adding &ldquo;A1A 1A&rdquo;, which you need to go and manually change to &ldquo;A1A1A1&rdquo;. And if you are super lazy, this might persist for a few years until you are tasked with writing about how to clear autofill in Chrome and finally get around to fixing the information&hellip;&nbsp;
However, whatever the issue, it is easy to change the Chrome autofill settings.
<h2>Other data settings to keep in mind</h2>
Accessing the same menu, you can delete all of the other information your browser is storing. Doing this periodically is a practical and proactive step to help reduce your risk online. The following are some other types of information that you should consider clearing along with autofill in Chrome:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Browsing history</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cookies and other site data</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macpaw.com/how-to/clear-cache-on-mac" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://macpaw.com/how-to/clear-cache-on-mac&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1648309794332000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lwRodBSl30WBTzbWzYHap" rel="follow noopener">Cached images and files on your Mac</a> (or any other device)</li>
</ul>
Anyone who touches your device, whether&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/prevent-password-theft-from-ex-employees" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">at the office</a>, the caf&eacute;, or on the subway (if you accidentally leave your briefcase behind), with or without your permission, can access every account you have saved in Chrome passwords.&nbsp;
This leaves you wide open to being hacked.
<h2>Is Chrome autofill safe?&nbsp;</h2>
While convenient, using Chrome to store passwords and credit cards is not secure. If the device on which you have autofill enabled is stolen or accessed by someone else, they can easily get into your accounts. Chrome's password manager also lacks a way to share logins with coworkers, making it completely inappropriate for use at work.
We recommend using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password manager</a> instead. Password managers store your passwords in an encrypted environment and can even be used to store credit card information and addresses in the Note section, as the entire record is secured with AES 256-bit encryption.&nbsp;
<h2>What should I use instead of Chrome autofill?</h2>
TeamPassword offers a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn&rsquo;t leave you vulnerable to Chrome password security issues.
Create and customize strong passwords that you can use with any browser or device and access all your passwords whenever and wherever you need them. With TeamPassword, your passwords are secure, even if your device falls into the wrong hands.&nbsp;
A&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">dedicated password manager</a> protects you by requiring you to log in with a separate &ldquo;master&rdquo; password. It automatically locks your passwords after a specific amount of time has passed. With browser extensions and apps, password managers are only slightly less convenient than Chrome's built-features, but&nbsp;a lot more secure.&nbsp;
TeamPassword has a Chrome extension which autofills to most website and shows you record information from a dropdown without needing to go to separate page.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1).gif" width="794" height="447">
It also has extensive features for <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">safe credential sharing with your team</a> - something Google Password Manager only allows you to do with "family". Passwords are categorized into Groups, and team members are given access to Groups as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your team members today.

Learn how to clear your autofill on Chrome to protect your passwords. Use TeamPassword instead of letting Chrome remember your passwords for you.

Don't store your passwords in Chrome, it's not safe. Clear your Chrome Autofill and use TeamPassword instead.

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Facebook has exposed over 1 billion users' personal information in the last decade. Learn how to protect your company from security breaches.

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Facebook Hacks: a History of Security Breaches at Facebook and Meta

In an increasingly digital world, we&rsquo;re switching more and more of our daily lives over to the Internet. While this brave new world is exciting and convenient, it&rsquo;s not without its problems.&nbsp;
The issue of unsafe passwords has been around for a while. But have you ever thought about where and how to store them?
Most of us have several passwords, and we&rsquo;re encouraged to never duplicate them. Some people simply write them all down on a piece of paper &mdash; which is fraught with danger. But others store their passwords electronically.
As you&rsquo;re about to find out, not all electronic systems of password storage are <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-best-ways-to-store-passwords-2023" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">safe</a>. Here are five of the most dangerous ways to store your passwords.&nbsp;
But before we begin:
Avoid bad idea passwords and dangerous storage methods with TeamPassword. This advanced <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">password manager for teams</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#email" rel="follow">Email</a></li>
<li><a href="#Documents" rel="follow">Online Documents</a></li>
<li><a href="#instantmessaging" rel="follow">Instant Messaging Service</a></li>
<li><a href="#onlinenotetaker" rel="follow">Online Note-taker</a></li>
<li><a href="#nonpasswordprotecteddevice" rel="follow">On a Non-Password-Protected Device</a></li>
</ul>

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

<h2 id="Documents">2. Online Documents</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Hh6oH8AzTMSnQFUaPHR9" alt="" width="216" height="235">
A lot of people like the convenience of saving crucial information using online document systems such as Google Docs. But this is a bad idea for passwords, as these systems are designed for text &mdash; not sensitive data.
Yes, a password might protect your online document manager from unauthorized access. But what happens if that password is compromised? Many document software platforms don&rsquo;t offer encryption, two-step verification, or even the most basic security measures.&nbsp;
If you use online documents regularly, you&rsquo;re probably accessing your account on a regular basis &mdash; across several devices. What happens if you step away for a moment to buy a coffee, speak to a friend, or use the bathroom?
A criminal can access an unattended online document platform in seconds. And if this happens, it doesn't take a lot of effort to steal your unsafe passwords.&nbsp;
<h2 id="instantmessaging">3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging (IM) services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat offer a convenient way to communicate, but they are not designed for securely storing passwords. While some IM platforms offer end-to-end encryption for message content, they lack crucial security features necessary for password management.
People who store their passwords on these apps do so because they believe they&rsquo;re fully encrypted. While that&rsquo;s often the case, it&rsquo;s important to remember that instant messaging services are often left open and operating in the background.
Imagine someone picks up your phone while you&rsquo;re not paying attention. If you left your device unlocked, that person would be able to access your password in seconds.
Here's why storing passwords on IM apps is a security risk:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:155">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: IM apps are designed to run in the background on unlocked devices. This means anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone or computer could potentially view your unencrypted passwords.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:164">Accidental Sharing: A single inadvertent tap or screenshot could send your password to someone unintended, compromising the security of your online accounts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Limited Security Features: Unlike dedicated password managers, IM applications typically lack features like secure password generation, two-factor authentication, and strong encryption specifically designed to protect passwords.</li>
</ul>
Dedicated password management applications offer robust security features like encryption, secure storage, and auto-fill functionality for logins.
<h2 id="onlinenotetaker">4. Online Note-taker</h2>
While online note-taking applications like Apple Notes offer a convenient platform for managing everyday tasks and reminders, they are demonstrably unsuitable for storing sensitive information, particularly passwords. These platforms, designed for general purpose note-taking, lack the robust security features essential for safeguarding confidential credentials.
Here's why online note-taking apps pose a significant security risk for passwords:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:3-9:314">Absence of Multi-Factor Authentication: Unlike dedicated password managers, these applications typically do not offer multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond a simple password, significantly hindering unauthorized access attempts.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:3-11:322">Limited Encryption Capabilities: While some note-taking applications may offer basic encryption features, they often fall short of the robust encryption protocols employed by dedicated password management solutions. This weaker encryption leaves sensitive data vulnerable to potential decryption by malicious actors.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="13:3-13:97">Accessibility on Unlocked Devices: Online note-taking apps are designed for ease of use and accessibility. This ease of access translates to a vulnerability. If a user's device remains unlocked and unattended, a perpetrator would only need to access the specific application to view unencrypted passwords.</li>
</ul>
In a world of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is critical to prioritize robust security practices. Online note-taking applications simply do not provide the necessary safeguards for password management. Users are strongly advised to consider secure alternatives, such as dedicated password managers or offline password vaults, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their login credentials.
<h2 id="nonpasswordprotecteddevice">5. On a Non-Password-Protected Device</h2>
Of all the bad ideas for passwords, storing them on non-password-protected devices is about the worst. You might think that your tablet or laptop never leaves your side. But if your device is ever stolen, you&rsquo;ve given the criminals the easiest possible opportunity to access your saved passwords.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re determined to store passwords on a physical device &mdash; which is never a good idea &mdash; make sure the device password is a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. And it should contain at least 12 characters.&nbsp;
<h2 data-sourcepos="7:1-7:6">Control Your Security and Choose Convenience with TeamPassword</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="The TeamPassword Extension for Chrome lets you sign into any account in seconds" width="828" height="466">
Our digital vault safeguards your passwords with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and ironclad two-step authentication. Stop wasting time remembering &ndash; TeamPassword empowers you with secure, one-click logins across all your devices.
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Divide passwords into groups to share with appropriate team members</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Enforce 2FA for all users</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">View activity logs for all of your records</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Use the TeamPassword browser extensions and mobile apps for lightning-fast access everywhere</li>
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:157">Save money with affordable plans configured for YOU</li>
</ul>
Don't settle for password purgatory. Take control with TeamPassword. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for your FREE trial today</a> and experience the power of effortless security!

Storing passwords inappropriately can leave you open to fraud and theft. Avoid these storage methods at all costs. | TeamPassword Blog

Storing passwords inappropriately can leave you open to fraud and theft. Avoid these storage methods at all costs. ...

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

You&rsquo;ve lost a password&mdash;an important password. This is an unthinkable, stress-inducing event in this modern digital world. But, it could be worse.
Let me tell you about Stefan Thomas. Stefan Thomas forgot the password to a hard drive that contains 7002 Bitcoins. For the very, very few people who still don&rsquo;t know about Bitcoin at the time of writing this article, that would be worth $160,929,066.60! Of course, when you read this, it could be a billion or zero, but this article isn&rsquo;t about the fickle nature of Bitcoin.&nbsp;
Imagine what you could do with that kind of money. Now, imagine what you would do if you forgot that password! Let&rsquo;s not get too drastic here, as I&rsquo;m happy to say that Stefan Thomas has made peace with the fact that he will probably never touch that money. (Huge respect for that self-actualization if you are reading this, Stefan!)
We are going to go through all the ways you can recover passwords, how you can use modern tools to prevent forgetting passwords in the future, and what to do when all else fails (hint, if you have to accept it is gone forever and at least you aren&rsquo;t out 160 million US dollars).
In our quest to become more secure, passwords become <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">less and less easy to remember</a>. Let&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> take care of securely remembering your passwords, so you never have to deal with a &ldquo;long lost password&rdquo; again.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#howtorecover" rel="follow">How to recover passwords</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#searchyourbrowser" rel="follow">How to search your browser(s)</a></li>
<li><a href="#searchyouremail" rel="follow">Email inboxes</a></li>
<li><a href="#searchcloud" rel="follow">Cloud-based services</a></li>
<li><a href="#searchcomputerfiles" rel="follow">Files on computer hard drive</a></li>
<li><a href="#mobiledevices" rel="follow">Mobile devices</a></li>
<li><a href="#searchyourhome" rel="follow">Search your home</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#preventlostpasswords" rel="follow">How to prevent lost passwords</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="howtorecover">How to recover passwords</h2>
To find long-lost passwords, you need to cast a wide net. That means searching around your home, office, and all devices. We are going to start with the digital search and then follow up with some of the places where you may find an old password in the real world.&nbsp;
<h3 id="searchyourbrowser">Search your web browsers</h3>
The first place to look for a lost password is your web browser. The way you find passwords is different for each browser, so we&rsquo;ll go through them one by one. Also, note that you may have switched which browser you use regularly at one or more points in time, so it may not be in the one you are using to read this.&nbsp;
In addition, you may have reused the password you are looking for (note: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">don&rsquo;t reuse passwords</a>), so think about login info for sites you signed up for around the same time as the lost password.
<h4>Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer)</h4>
Open up Edge and click the three dots in the top right. Click Settings &gt; Profiles &gt; Passwords. Here you can see your saved passwords.&nbsp;
<h4>Firefox</h4>
Click the hamburger in the top right, then&nbsp;Settings &gt;&nbsp;Privacy and Security&nbsp;&gt; scroll down to Logins and passwords, and click Saved Logins....
<h4>Chrome</h4>
Click the three dots in the top right, then&nbsp;Passwords and Autofill &gt; Google Password Manager. You'll see your logins in the Passwords tab under&nbsp;Passwords.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/1k8hGITwWyNYHwhjMrgI" alt="Google Password Manager home (2).webp" width="687" height="126">
With <a href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/teampassword/cikdbigchmgednjbjppflefljobhnhca?utm_source=ext_app_menu" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword for Chrome</a>, your passwords are always a click away - and your colleagues can enjoy the same convenience!
<h4>Safari</h4>
Open up Safari and click Safari in the top left, then Settings... Select&nbsp;Passwords from the buttons at the top of this window. Enter your device password or use biometric unlock. Click My Passwords to see all of your saved passwords, and click the exclamation next to each one to see it in detail.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/IORMMxVTiiauIXeEfS9h" alt="undefined" width="271" height="351">
<h3 id="searchyouremail">Search your email inboxes</h3>
Have you ever sent yourself an email with an important password in it (note: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-dangerous-ways-to-store-your-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">don&rsquo;t ever email yourself passwords</a>)? Can you think of words that might be found in those files? If you sent any of these lost passwords from one account to another, would you know what email account you sent them from? Let&rsquo;s go through some of these prompts following the search instructions below.&nbsp;
Before you get started digging through your email, please note that many thousands of emails are hacked every year, and your passwords could now be available online in multiple places. Once you find your password be sure to change the information and find a more secure way to store it.&nbsp;
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm;&nbsp;
<h4>Outlook&nbsp;</h4>
Select the search bar, located above the Outlook ribbon. Type a name, subject, or phrase which is included in the email message that you want to find. You can use quotation marks around a phrase to search for words in that exact order.&nbsp;
<h4>Gmail</h4>
For a simple search, just type the terms in the box at the top of the page. You can also click on the down arrow for advanced search filters. Then, click the search icon.
<h4>Yahoo Mail</h4>
As with Gmail, you can type basic search terms in the box found at the top of the page. You can also refine your search using the menu in front of the search box.
Whichever email provider you are searching, be sure to vary your search terms. &ldquo;Credentials,&rdquo; &ldquo;login,&rdquo; and &ldquo;password&rdquo; are all possible hits, but so is the name of the organization for which you have lost your password.&nbsp;
If that fails, figure out approximately when you originally would have made the password and try to search by dates. You can also search in your sent email folder, as you may have long deleted the received email, but the sent message might still remain.
<h3 id="searchcloud">Search through cloud-based services</h3>
It is probably repetitive at this point, but it bears repeating, all the same. Storing your passwords in a cloud-based service such as Google Drive or Evernote is not a secure way to manage your passwords. However, if you have done so and then lost your password, follow the steps below to search your services for those lost passwords.
<h4>Google Drive</h4>
The following instructions are for a desktop computer or an iOS device. You can bypass them on your Android devices and just search using Google Now.&nbsp;
Open <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-risks-of-storing-your-passwords-in-google-sheets">Google Drive</a> and log in if you aren&rsquo;t already. Then, type your search terms. You can then peruse the list of documents found. Google Drive will search document titles, content, and images by default, which could provide too many results. It is best to start with a narrow search and then expand if your search was unsuccessful. To only search titles, add the phrase &ldquo;title:&rdquo; to the start of your search query.
<h4>Evernote</h4>
Open Evernote and sign in. Click the magnifying glass on the left and simply enter the keywords you wish to search.
<h3 id="searchcomputerfiles">Search for files on your computer&rsquo;s hard drive</h3>
Some people write important passwords in a Word or Excel file or some other note-taking file. Have you done this at any point? If you can&rsquo;t remember, try searching your files for your lost passwords.
This can be done on both Windows and Mac.
<h4>Searching for files on Windows</h4>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/7ltDMNRF7Elx11PfBCwf" alt="" width="674" height="371">
Windows search, by default, doesn&rsquo;t scan all the files on your computer. To do so, before typing in your search query in Windows Search, perform the following actions. Go to the Control Panel and open &ldquo;Indexing Options.&rdquo; Select Advanced and then File Types. Select all file extensions you wish to search (.docx, .doc, .xlsx, .xls, etc.). If you don&rsquo;t see the options, you can add more. Click the radial option &ldquo;Index Properties and File Contents&rdquo; as well as &ldquo;Always Search File Names and Contents&rdquo; on the &ldquo;Search&rdquo; tab.
<h4>Searching for files on Mac</h4>
Mac is a bit simpler. Click on the magnifying glass in the top-right corner of your screen near the date and time or hit cmd+space. Then, type in your search terms and view the results.&nbsp;
<h3 id="mobiledevices">Collect passwords from your mobile device</h3>
How long have you had a smartphone? For most people, the answer is longer than you have had a password manager like TeamPassword. During those early years of mobile Internet, did you ever store passwords in the note app on your phone (note: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-dangerous-ways-to-store-your-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">don&rsquo;t store your passwords in a notetaker on your phone</a>)?
If so, you can use spotlight on your iPhone to search through your notes to find any lost passwords stored there.
On Android, check Keep Notes, Samsung Notes, or whatever notetaking app you use on your phone. Also check the app called Files - this brings up your Documentions, Downloads, and Safe folder.&nbsp;
<h3 id="searchyourhome">Search for passwords around your home</h3>
Writing passwords down on paper can be as insecure as the location you store the paper. If you keep backup files in sealed envelopes tucked away with your 2009 tax return, there is a good chance that no one will find it.
That being said, if that password holds the key to 7002 Bitcoins, it is probably worth putting it in a bank safety deposit box.&nbsp;
If you work in a shared office, definitely don&rsquo;t write passwords on a sticky note and put it on your monitor!
But this isn&rsquo;t a time to judge. You can change your ways after finding your lost password. Here&rsquo;s a list of places in your home that might be hiding your lost password:
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">On or under the desk in your home office</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In your home vault or security box</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In a filing cabinet</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your kitchen junk drawer</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">That pile of mail that really should be put in the recycling bin</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Old notepads or diaries</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Old calendars</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wireless routers (sometimes default WiFi passwords are on the back)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your wallet</li>
</ul>

&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/TKRNK5xjSsSgwIcCOdY6" alt="undefined" width="739" height="493">
<h2>When all else fails&hellip;</h2>
When all else fails, take a deep breath and accept it is gone. If you find your password in the future, great! For now&mdash;for your sanity&mdash;just let it go. If Stefan Thomas can be zen about losing a password and over 300 million dollars along with it, you can create a new email account&mdash;and your boss can forgive you for a lost password.
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;
<h2 id="preventlostpasswords">How to prevent lost passwords</h2>
So you have lost a password. Let&rsquo;s make sure that is the last time!
TeamPassword can make sure you never have another lost password. But that&rsquo;s not all. TeamPassword keeps all your passwords safe and up to date so that they are there when you need them.
Now, you can safely share passwords with teammates while ensuring that your projects are safe. With AES 256-bit encryption and DSS-compliant security, <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> keeps all your assets safe, and you&rsquo;ll never have to search for a lost password again.
Not ready to commit to a password manager? That's why we offer a no-strings-attached <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">14-day FREE trial of TeamPassword</a>!&nbsp;

Say goodbye to the stress of lost passwords. Learn how to recover old passwords and prevent future forgetfulness with modern tools.

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

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

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

Have I been hacked? Here's how to check if you have and learn how to stop hackers from ...

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