See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames and give you the best username ideas out there.

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames, why ...

How to Make a Good Username | Create a Unique and Secure Username

See the best way to come up with a new username. We break down types of usernames, why secure usernames are important, and how to create them effectively!

Digital security has become among the most important issues since the turn of the century. While a significant number of people may associate hacking with large corporations and government institutions, most cyberattacks target small businesses and individuals. Often, unlike larger corporations and government institutions, small and medium businesses and individuals have less advanced security measures and protocols. Regardless of size, there is still significantly valuable information that hackers may acquire from unwitting individuals. This includes credit card and banking information, access codes to secure locations and access to confidential&nbsp;information.
Smart homes and smart devices are also under threat. Smart home security has become an important component of privacy. Devices that have access to the internet of things (IoT) are able to communicate with each other via a wireless network and have enabled people to use access to their homes in innovative ways.
Just as a secure smart home is vital, IoT security is vital because, unfortunately, the access of IoT&nbsp;to your main network&nbsp;also creates an access point for malicious actors that could break into your house, steal or vandalize property, physically harm or kidnap the occupants or remotely tamper with your home.&nbsp;Just as locks on doors and windows are essential, smart home security is a vital component of securing your space. Below are actionable tips that you should implement if you have a secure smart home.
Start protecting yourself today with a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">14-day free trial</a>.
<h2>1. Wi-Fi Password Security</h2>
The most basic approach to internet security is the use of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/common-password-problems-faced-small-organizations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secure passwords</a>. A common way that Wi-Fi networks are breached is through the use of easily hackable passwords. Considering that software and AI are developing at a rapid rate, the use of simple passwords is now a way to make your network vulnerable. Another prudent practice is to not use the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-truth-about-terrible-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener">same password</a> for different accounts and to change it regularly. However, these practices are a hurdle for larger families with multiple individuals using the same network. Services like <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Team Password</a> enable families to share secure log-ins and passwords, even when they are regularly altered. This is done through password synchronization across different accounts. Should one family member experience a hack and a password change is required, there would be no need to go through the hurdles of sharing a new secure password.
<h2>2. Updating IoT Devices</h2>
In certain cases, a weak point in the software or firmware of a device may be discovered&nbsp;and an update is required to patch that weak link. Failing to update devices connected to your network regularly could leave your home vulnerable to hackers. The best approach is to ensure that the settings on the device automatically and regularly check for updates. For certain devices, automatic installation may be acceptable, but for others that are critical to your security, such as a device capable of unlocking a door, it may be better to schedule updates manually at a reasonable time. IoT (Internet of Things) Security can be robust when constantly updated, rather than neglected. When a weakness is discovered in IoT security, the businesses that maintain the devices will patch the gap holes and it is up to you to make sure that the updates&nbsp;are installed onto the device.
<h2>3. Firewall and Antivirus Software</h2>
It is not uncommon that unprotected devices are infiltrated by malicious code. There are all kinds of computer viruses and undesirable programs that could access your system and compromise your security. Defensive software such as antivirus programs and firewalls should always&nbsp;be kept up to date.
<h2>4. Router Security</h2>
While many individuals will change the names of their wi-fi networks and use secure passwords for them, one access point that is neglected is the router itself. Hackers may get access to your network if you leave the default settings, such as administrator usernames and passwords. Not everyone in your household will need access to router settings. Regardless, the same prudent approach to secure access to the Wi-Fi should be used for the router password. A service like <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Team Password</a>makes this an easy task.
<h2>5. Separate IoT Network</h2>
The network that controls your devices requires a higher level of security than that which, for example, your house guests use. A reasonable approach is to create two networks with your IoT devices on their own network.
<h2>6. Device Access and Permissions</h2>
Some devices are always on and surveilling either visually or audibly. These could be used&nbsp;by hackers to access information or images that could be used in a harmful way. Also, be wary of the permissions granted to certain devices. If a particular device requests permission to access the information it does not need, disable the function.
<h2>7. Multi-Factor Authentication</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/one-time-passwords-vs-two-factor-authentication" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multi-factor authentication</a> is an important approach to security. Use your phone or a third-party app like an authenticator. In&nbsp;the event that you are hacked on any email, device or account, two-factor and multifactor authentication will ensure that no one else will access any vital information or accounts without your phone or the app that is used for multifactor authentication. Regardless of your approach in this security, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-biggest-password-trends-of-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passphrases,</a> which are&nbsp;complicated versions of passwords, have proven to be effective. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Password lockers</a> are an effective way to ensure that you will not forget even the most complicated of passphrases and link them to all devices.

Team password is an effective password management service. with other services like password generation. Experience it today with a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">14-day free trail</a>

Even when you secure the perimeter of your home, you should find out how to make sure your home is not vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Even when you secure the perimeter of your home, you should find out how to make sure your ...

7 Tips to Secure Your Smart Home and IoT Devices

<h2>Secure Passwords Checklist: 10 Things You Need to Do to Keep Passwords Safe</h2>
There's no such thing as being too safe, especially when it comes to your passwords. As your personal data's one and only line of defence, you don't want to be caught cutting corners with your password when cybercriminals and hackers show up looking to crack your codes and steal your information. For this reason, it's absolutely&nbsp;essential to follow this secure passwords checklist to make sure you keep your passwords safe. Read on to see if there's anything you need to change &mdash; odds are, there will be.
Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free TeamPassword trial</a> to take advantage of the TeamPassword password manager today.
<h2>Keep Passwords on a Need-to-Know Basis</h2>
Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the leading causes of cybersecurity breaches is password sharing. It happens quite&nbsp;often, and for relatively innocent reasons: For example, say&nbsp;you tell your Netflix login to someone who then tells it to someone else who then tells it to someone else. Before long, a few dozen people have the same username and password you use for your banking, your social media, and your bills. The only way to prevent this is to simply not <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-most-secure-way-to-share-passwords" target="_blank" rel="noopener">share your passwords</a> with anyone who doesn't need to know them.
<h2>Don't Reuse Old Passwords.</h2>
While it might be tempting to reuse the same password with a different variation each time you're asked to reset it, you should&nbsp;resist this urge and go with a new password each time. If you continue to switch up a letter here or a number there while sticking to the same basic password, it'll be incredibly simple for cybercriminals to crack your logins and have their way with your personal data and vital info.
<h2>Two-Factor Authentication Is a Must</h2>
When given the opportunity to enable two-factor authentication, you should&nbsp;absolutely go for it. Two-factor authentication sends a call, a text, or an email to your personal device when logging in, preventing <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hackers</a> or cybercriminals from having such easy access to your login. Even if they have your username and password, it's pretty unlikely that they'll be able to&nbsp;see your texts or answer your phone.
<h2>Make Sure Each Website Has Its Own Unique Password</h2>
Plenty of us are guilty of using the same password across all our different accounts. It's easy to remember, and it allows you to log in faster, but it also makes you more vulnerable to widespread hacking if someone ends up getting their hands on your password. If the same virtual key fits in all of your online padlocks, cybercriminals can have an open season on your data and info with ease. Each new website should get its own unique password.
<h2>Change Your Passwords Often</h2>
If it ain't broke, why fix it, right? When it comes to passwords, this is dead wrong. Not every website prompts its users to change their password frequently, so it's easy to forget that this is one of the most essential defence mechanism against getting hacked. Change your passwords often &mdash; once every month&nbsp;or so, if you can bear to. It'll absolutely be worth your while in the long run because it essentially turns you into a virtual moving target.
<h2>Think Phrases Instead of Words</h2>
While the word "password" suggests something short and simple, you should&nbsp;start thinking of phrases instead of words. Passphrases are longer and more complex than passwords, and they make things harder to crack for cybercriminals while staying easy to remember for you. A song lyric, a favourite quote, anything &mdash; the longer and more obscure it is, the safer you'll be.
<h2>Use a Password Manager</h2>
Now that you've made up some complex passphrases that are unique to each website you log in to, you're going to need a safe place to store all of them. Obviously, it's not very safe to just write them down on a piece of paper or a Word document out in the open. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Password managers</a> safely and securely encrypt your various passwords, making them virtually impenetrable to hackers and cybercriminals.
Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free TeamPassword trial</a> to take advantage of the TeamPassword password manager today.
<h2>Log Out, Then Close the Window</h2>
It's really tempting to leave all our favourite tabs up on our laptops or our phones so that we can have easy access to all our websites and things. Unfortunately, if your device falls into the wrong hands, you've essentially made it easier than ever for your passwords to be <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/the-scariest-data-breaches-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">breached</a> &mdash; especially if you're still logged in across all your tabs. The best thing you can do is to log out and close out of your tab when you're done with it. (And you can always bookmark the site instead of leaving it open.)
<h2>Beware of Public Networks</h2>
Free Wi-Fi has been a staple of coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and countless other public places for years now. As such, it was only a matter of time before hackers found a way to take advantage of this. Public networks are much less secure than home internet connections, and you're a lot more vulnerable to having your passwords stolen when logging into your various accounts on these public Wi-Fi hotspots. If you must connect to a public network, use a VPN (virtual private network) to secure yourself.
<h2>Take Caution When Choosing Reset Options</h2>
When you choose your security questions when creating a new username and password, you should&nbsp;always be sure not to choose answers that could be easily discovered on the internet: Things like your pet's name that you posted on social media, the name of the street you used to live on, or even your mother's maiden name. When you go with these sorts of questions, you make it easier for someone to come along and reset your password without your knowledge, effectively locking you out of your own account with relative ease.
<h2>The Bottom Line: Password Safety Is Essential</h2>
At the end of the day,&nbsp;password safety is just as essential as locking your front door or your car &mdash; if not more. By following this secure passwords checklist and using <a href="https://teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a>'s password manager to store all your login info, you'll be able to better ensure your online safety across the board. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a> today.

When it comes to online security, you can never be too safe, especially with passwords. These 10 tips will help you develop secure passwords

When it comes to online security, you can never be too safe, especially with passwords. These 10 tips ...

10 Things You Need to Do to Keep Passwords Safe

<h2>What Is a Brute Force Attack, and Are You at Risk?</h2>
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A brute force attack is when hackers use trial and error to guess login credentials, encryption keys, or some other hidden information. Hackers essentially work through all possible codes of characters in order until one of the combinations works.
The attack is called &ldquo;brute force&rdquo; because it is just an unsophisticated use of login attempts to get into an account. It is essentially an overwhelming attempt to &ldquo;force&rdquo; one&rsquo;s way into a secured location.
This is one of the oldest forms of attacks, but it is still popular today. It can take anywhere from seconds to longer than the age of the Universe to crack a password using this method depending on the complexity of the chosen password and the amount of cloud computing resources put to use in the attack.
To prevent brute force and related attacks, you need to ensure your team is using long, complex, and random passwords. This is best accomplished using a password manager.&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/">TeamPassword</a> keeps all your passwords safe and up to date so that they are there when you need them.
TeamPassword lets you safely share passwords with teammates while ensuring that your projects are safe.
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Sign up today for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">free 14-day TeamPassword trial</a> and protect your company's digital assets from cybercriminals.
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<h2>Types of brute force and related attacks</h2>
While the traditional brute force attack is unsophisticated and relies on cycling through all random combinations of permissible characters, meaning that the word &ldquo;password&rdquo; is equally safe (or not safe) as the combination &ldquo;aT./$x6m&rdquo;, in practice, brute force attacks are modified or combined with others making <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack-dont-reuse-passwords">reused</a> or common passwords far less safe. The following are some of the brute force and related attacks used today:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Simple brute force attacks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dictionary attacks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hybrid brute force attacks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reverse brute force attacks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Credential stuffing</li>
</ul>
<h3>Simple brute force attacks</h3>
The simple brute force attack simply cycles through all possible passwords in order. As an overly simple example, if your login information allows only lowercase, six-digit passwords, then it would start at &ldquo;aaaaaa&rdquo;, go to &ldquo;aaaaab&rdquo;, and so on until hitting &ldquo;zzzzzz.&rdquo;
<h3>Dictionary attacks</h3>
Dictionary attacks are often used as the prelude to a brute force attack. They are not brute force attacks themselves, but in combination with a brute force, attack make it far more likely that the brute force attack will succeed.&nbsp;
In these attacks, the hacker first tries all words in a dictionary. These dictionaries include not only the words you&rsquo;d find in the Merriam-Webster dictionary but also variations of the words and lists of commonly used passwords as well. For example, instead of just &ldquo;password,&rdquo; you&rsquo;d find &ldquo;Password,&rdquo; &ldquo;p4ssw0rd&rdquo;, &ldquo;Pa55W0rd123&rdquo;, and so on.&nbsp;
This is why both complex and unique passwords are needed.
<h3>Hybrid brute force attacks</h3>
The hybrid attack is the mixture of the simple brute force attack and dictionary attack mentioned above. They are particularly good at finding common passwords that have been mixed with some form of <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-best-practices-what-makes-a-password-strong">padding</a>.
Padding is when you take a password, e.g., &ldquo;Password,&rdquo; and then add a set of random characters to the end, e.g., &ldquo;1.1/1.1/2.2/2.2&rdquo;. While &ldquo;Password1.1/1.1/2.2/2.2&rdquo; is a much stronger password than either half separately, these hybrid systems will run a brute force method for cracking the padding behind common passwords.
<h3>Reverse brute force attacks</h3>
Instead of running through billions of potential passwords, the reverse brute force method uses a common password and then tries to find any account using that password. For example, knowing that the password &ldquo;qwerty&rdquo; is still disastrously common, the hacker will keep using that password while trying to find usernames of people who have unfortunately not updated their password thinking since the last millennium.
<h3>Credential stuffing</h3>
This method works with username-password combinations that have been <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-pwnd-what-to-do-when-it-happens">pwned</a>. Being &ldquo;pwned&rdquo; means that your credentials have been leaked online.&nbsp;
Since many users reuse their login information on many sites, hackers will check a known password&ndash;username combination across hundreds of other sites in hopes that someone has reused their pwned credentials.&nbsp;
In our quest to become more secure, passwords become less and less easy to remember. This leads to password reuse. Let <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> take care of securely remembering your team&rsquo;s passwords, so they don&rsquo;t use the same passwords as on less secure sites.
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<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a>, so TeamPassword can start protecting your network today!
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<h2>Tools that Aid Brute Force Attempts</h2>
It goes without saying that this isn&rsquo;t being discussed to encourage password cracking, but just to see exactly what you are up against when trying to secure a network. Hackers have created an entire ecosystem of tools to aid them in their nefarious actions, and you should be aware of them to appreciate just how hard it is to maintain a secure network.
<h3>Automated tools&nbsp;help with brute force attacks.</h3>
Instead of manually entering every possible password, it is unsurprising that hackers have created automated software to run their brute force attacks. These automated programs can run through dictionary attacks as well.&nbsp;
Many of these tools have workarounds to work against computer protocols (e.g., MySQL and Telnet), hack wireless routers, decrypt passwords in encrypted storage, translate words to different forms (e.g., password, p4ssw0rd, and Pa55WoRd), and identify weak passwords.
<h3>Some tools can scan pre-compute rainbow tables.</h3>
A rainbow table is a pre-computed table for caching the output of cryptographic hash functions, usually for cracking password hashes. Thus, scanning rainbow tables removes the hardest part of the brute force attack to speed up the rate of cracking.
<h3>GPU Speeds Brute Force Attempts</h3>
Brute force attacks require a huge amount of computation. GPUs can do this work much more easily than CPUs, so many brute-force software packages enable the use of GPUs.
<h3>Combining the CPU and GPU&nbsp;</h3>
Combining CPUs and GPUs accelerates computing power even further. GPUs can process parallelizable processes incredibly quickly. That is, any computing process that can be broken down into many smaller components to be run at the same time can be done across the thousands of computing cores in the GPU at a rapid pace. With this method. Hackers can crack passwords about 250 times faster than a CPU alone.
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<h2>How effective is a complex password against a brute force attack?&nbsp;</h2>
Brute force attacks can be thwarted by long, complex passwords. However, that doesn&rsquo;t mean you are entirely without vulnerability just because you force users on your network to pick complex passwords.&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s assume you make everyone on your network choose a password with a minimum length of 12 characters with at least one lowercase letter, uppercase letter, number, and special character. That is, it meets the following requirements:&nbsp;
Lowercase letter {abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz}
Uppercase letter {ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ}
Number {0123456789}
Character {!@#$%^&amp;*()_+{}|:"&lt;&gt;?~`-=[]\;',./}
This is very effective against a brute force attack: to crack that password by trying 20,000,000,000 attempts per second, which can be accomplished using a cloud computing platform, would take an average of 3,300 years. But is that enough?
Although it would prevent a pure, simple brute force attack, if a hybrid brute force attack were used instead, then it would depend on how unique the password is as well. If your employee chooses the password &ldquo;Password-123&rdquo;, then chances are it will be found in the dictionary prelude to the brute force attack, and a hacker will be on your network in seconds.
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<h2>What do hackers gain from Brute Force Attacks?</h2>
Brute force attacks are not cheap. Either the hackers need to own a huge computing service or pay for that server time. Alternatively, they might spend years developing a botnet to carry out the attack. So, where is the payoff? Well, hackers can profit in many different ways:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Profiting from ads or collecting activity data</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stealing personal data and valuables</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Spreading malware to cause disruptions</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hijacking your system for malicious activity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ruining a website&rsquo;s reputation</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How can you reduce your risk of brute force attacks?</h2>
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of brute force attacks. Often, just being a difficult target is enough online as there are still people using &ldquo;12345678&rdquo; as their password, and the reduced effort makes them a more profitable target.
<h3>Longer passwords with varied character types</h3>
Whenever possible, use long, complex passwords with lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.&nbsp;
<h3>Elaborate passphrases</h3>
If a site allows you to create passwords of any length, consider a passphrase&mdash;or the combination of many words&mdash;mixed with special characters. For example, instead of &ldquo;H3ll0#&rdquo;, try &ldquo;hello.MY-nAmE/15_what&rdquo;. The sheer length combined with special characters and numbers makes it much harder to crack through brute force or dictionary attacks.
<h3>Stay away from frequently used passwords.</h3>
Passwords need to be complex and unique! One or the other will not fool hackers for even a minute.
<h3>Use unique passwords for every site you use</h3>
It is always worth reiterating: never reuse passwords. If your password is pwned on Fortnight, that might be annoying. If the hackers then use that password to empty your bank account, it goes from upsetting to months or years of misery.
<h3>Remove unused accounts</h3>
Keep your network safe by removing old users regularly and immediately if they have high permissions.
<h3>Use a password manager.</h3>
The best thing you can do to prevent a brute force attack is to help your users create strong passwords by providing a password manager. Only with <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> can you facilitate your team in becoming proactive participants in network security.&nbsp;
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<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to test TeamPassword with your team members today.

A brute force attack is when hackers use trial and error to guess login credentials. but how can you protect yourself from their attacks?

A brute force attack is when hackers use trial and error to guess login credentials. but how can ...

What is a brute force attack and are you at risk?

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/em5w9_xj3uU?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" style="color: #95a5a6;">Unsplash</a> &nbsp;
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.

AI is cracking passwords faster than ever. Learn how these advanced tools work and discover essential strategies to safeguard your accounts. Don't be a victim – protect yourself today.

AI is cracking passwords faster than ever. Learn how these advanced tools work and discover essential strategies to ...

AI Password Cracking: What to Know & How to Stay Safe

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure online. The influx of malware and ransomware and the fact that 70% of all cyber attacks are against small businesses rightfully have a lot of small business owners concerned. But, the reason for these risks are surprisingly simple in most cases. The vast majority of hacks are because of human error or small security holes that can be easily patched - primary among them, password management. To address this issue and ensure your business is prepared against common hacks and social engineering that target user passwords, here are some of the most common problems faced and how to address them:
<h2>Employees Using Their Own Devices</h2>
More than 70% of employees access company data from a personal smart phone or tablet at some point. These devices are not always secured the same as your company computers and there's no way to manage their use of passwords or to ensure they avoid open public networks. A strong BYOD policy can ensure employees are more rigorous in protecting company data, and that they use the password manager or system that you put in place to protect against data loss. With employees increasingly working from home or remotely, small businesses should consider what sensitive information is needed for employees to do their jobs, and whether that could end up on a personal device. In cases where this is necessary, providing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and a password manager that supports secure sharing is essential. Also, consider doing regular training to ensure employees understand the potential risks and threaten from connecting on unsecure networks (see below).
<h2>Shared or Default Passwords</h2>
Default passwords setup during development or when a new account is created are often not changed, and worse, they can be shared easily between users. In small organizations and startups especially, this is a common problem as software seats may be limited or resources may be shared from a single account. All users should use unique passwords that meet strict guidelines and that they are updated regularly. Default passwords should require update immediately upon account creation, and you should utilize a password manager for all account sharing, and cloud storage for file access sharing. It is far better to use a <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow">password generator</a> to set a long, unique password. These generators are built into most password managers, and those passwords can be safely shared with multiple teammates.
<h2>Passwords Aren't Secure to Start</h2>
One of the most common problems with passwords is if they are easy to remember, they are also easy to guess! Many people erroneously think that a short password with lots of different character types is secure, when in reality the only way to ensure a truly secure password is to make it at least 12 characters long and somewhat arbitrary. Length is better than complexity in almost every situation with passwords, and keeping them long and complex is the way to go. Random password generators can ensure you have this for all passwords, but without a password manager to organize them, they become impossible to remember and quickly revert for many employees to something simple. In cases where a password must be memorized (like the master password for your password generator), consider using a passphrase (like TeamPassword-is-a-Blue-Padlock) or a mix of different things (like color+animal+place to get Blue-Flamingo-from-Timbuktu). These are surprisingly easy to remember, and if they are over 12 characters and use unusual or&nbsp; non-dictionary words they are very hard to crack.
<h2>Untrained Employees Posing a Risk</h2>
The single most common access point for hackers is your staff. Social engineering through unsolicited attachments, spoofed phone calls, or even looking over the shoulder of someone in a coffee shop leads to more hacks and data loss than malicious data breaches. Train your employees to spot phishing emails and protect with common sense procedures and best practices that you can followup on. With the right combination of password management, training, and procedures for your business, you can greatly reduce the risk of a hack and data loss for your business. The reason so many hackers target small businesses is that they are easy targets without the protocols of enterprise level organizations. Remove the low hanging fruit, and you can keep your company much safer from cyber risk.
<h2>Try TeamPassword</h2>
Using a secure password manager that supports sharing helps address these problems. TeamPassword's intuitive interface makes it the simplest and most secure way to store and share passwords with your team. Find out today by starting <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">our free 14-day trial.</a>

To ensure your business is prepared against hacks that target user passwords, here are some common problems faced and how to address them.

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure ...

Most Common Password Problems Faced by Small Organizations

There are an increasing number of stories focused on the danger for small businesses of not being secure online. To address this issue and ensure your business is prepared against common hacks and social engineering that target user passwords, here are some of the most common problems faced and how to address them.

Seventy-eight percent of adults in the United States&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/banking-trends-and-statistics/#:~:text=As%20of%202022%2C%2078%25%20of,prefer%20to%20bank%20in%20person.">prefer to bank online</a>&nbsp;than visit a physical branch in person. But due to the&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://yacenter.org/young-americans-bank/internet-banking/benefits-risk-online-banking/">open nature of the internet</a>, online banking poses significant security risks, such as malware, phishing, and identity theft.
It's natural to worry about these risks, especially if you rely on online banking in your business. However, two-factor authentication, changing your passwords regularly, and using a password manager, among other simple steps, can keep you safe online. In this guide, get online banking security tips and learn how to securely manage your finances on the internet.
Here are five things you should know about online banking security:
<ul>
<li>Thirty-one percent of banking customers have recently experienced data security issues, according to research</li>
<li>Internet banking security risks include malware, phishing, and hacking</li>
<li>You can take various steps to protect your online banking security, including checking your accounts frequently</li>
<li>Changing passwords regularly, using a password manager, and being aware of scams can also reduce internet banking threats</li>
<li>TeamPassword helps you manage your online banking passwords and increase internet security</li>
</ul>
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#howsecure" rel="follow">How Secure Is Online Banking?</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#risks" rel="follow">Online Banking Risks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#7tips" rel="follow">Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Securing Your Info</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#strongpasswords" rel="follow">1. Choose Strong Passwords</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#changereg" rel="follow">2. Change Passwords Regularly</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#2FA" rel="follow">3. Use Two-Factor Authentication</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#skeptical" rel="follow">4. Stay Skeptical of Scams</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#useofferings" rel="follow">5. Use Your Financial Institution's Security Offerings</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#usepasswordmanager" rel="follow">6. Use a Password Manager</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#checkreg" rel="follow">7. Check Your Accounts Regularly</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#improvewithTeamPassword" rel="follow">Improve Your Online Banking Security With TeamPassword</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#FAQ" rel="follow">Online Banking Security FAQs</a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#bestway" rel="follow">What Is the Best Way to Protect Online Banking?</a></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><a href="#examplegoodpw" rel="follow">What Is an Example of a Good Password for Online Banking?</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/i85EvY7qQiSyTo3blsQC" alt="undefined"></h2>
<h2 id="howsecure">How Secure Is Online Banking?</h2>
Online banking is generally safe. That's because financial institutions follow&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/how-to-protect-your-online-banking-information/#:~:text=Online%20banking%20is%20a%20safe,or%20256%2Dbit%20data%20encryption">strict security protocols</a>&nbsp;to protect your information, such as 128-bit or 256-bit data encryption. However, that doesn't mean your bank account isn't at risk. Thirty-one percent of banking customers have recently had their accounts hacked, information compromised, or experienced other&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.securityinfowatch.com/cybersecurity/information-security/article/21279033/the-state-of-security-in-digital-banking">data security issues</a>.
If you experience one of these issues, your bank should refund any fraudulent deposits from your account. The FDIC also&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/#:~:text=Deposit%20insurance%20is%20one%20of,for%20each%20account%20ownership%20category.">protects the money</a>&nbsp;in your account up to a specific amount in case of a bank failure. However, you should take additional steps to keep your money safe, especially from hackers. These steps include ensuring your online banking&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-do-to-keep-passwords-safe">passwords are safe</a>.
<h3 id="risks">Online Banking Risks</h3>
Here are some of the most common online banking security risks:
<ul>
<li>Phishing: When someone pretending to be from your bank asks for account information such as passwords and credit card numbers via email or text.</li>
<li>Hacking: When hackers break into your bank account and steal your money or change your details. Also known as account takeover (ATO).</li>
<li>Identity theft: When someone steals your identity, often by hacking into your bank account, and opens up new credit accounts in your name.</li>
<li>Malware: When malicious software infects your computer, allowing cybercriminals to capture your login information and other online banking credentials.</li>
</ul>
It's impossible to prevent all online security banking risks. However, many scams happen because of the way people use their accounts. For example, using the same password across different banks can increase the chances of fraud. If you're guilty of doing this, it's time to&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-habits-that-put-your-accounts-at-risk">break this habit</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/dA1AL5D2Ti6g0jv4CqG3" alt="undefined">
<h2 id="7tips">Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Securing Your Info</h2>
Securing your online banking credentials might sound like a chore. However, it can significantly reduce the chances of a fraud event. Follow these seven tips for better banking security:
<h3 id="strongpasswords">1. Choose Strong Passwords</h3>
The stronger your internet banking password, the better. That's because hackers can easily crack weak passwords and infiltrate your online accounts. A&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong password</a>&nbsp;consists of at least 12 random letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, and special characters such as the "$" symbol.
<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword#whyaresomepasswordsstrong">Passphrases</a>&nbsp;&mdash; strings of words that form a memorable phrase &mdash; are effective passwords if done correctly. However, hackers will guess famous quotes, sayings, and lyrics.&nbsp;
<h3 id="changereg">2. Change Passwords Regularly</h3>
Changing your passwords, preferably every few months, will limit the amount of time hackers can access your account if they already have your credentials. A&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a>, such as the one offered by TeamPassword, can help you with this. It automatically generates random passwords, simplifying the password creation process. Creating strong and unique passwords for&nbsp;every one of your accounts&nbsp;is the best way to prevent an attack.&nbsp;
<h3 id="2FA">3. Use Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa">Two-factor authentication</a>&nbsp;(2FA) provides an additional layer of protection for banking online. It requires you to confirm your identity twice before accessing your account. For example, entering your login information and a security code from a text message on your bank's website. Some banks require you to set up 2FA before using your online account. However, others give you the option to enable 2FA in your account settings. This process involves linking your account to an additional electronic authentication method, such as your phone.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/4n1zyq64SuKdk2Q6t6GK" alt="undefined">
<h3 id="skeptical">4. Stay Skeptical of Scams</h3>
Common&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">online banking scams</a>&nbsp;include phishing attacks, social engineering, and password cracking &mdash; when hackers guess your password with nefarious technology. Fraudsters can also steal your information if you log into your bank account over an unstable public Wi-Fi connection. It's critical to be aware of the latest scams and look for any red flags that suggest your security is at risk. For example, if you receive a suspicious-looking email from someone purporting to be from your bank, don't click on any links in the message. Instead, reach out to your financial institution to confirm the email is genuine.
<h3 id="useofferings">5. Use Your Financial Institution's Security Offerings</h3>
Banks often provide security features that can keep you safe online. For instance, text alerts if the institution suspects suspicious activity on your account. You might have to opt into these features in your account settings or talk to someone from your bank about setting them up. Whatever the process is, you must use all of your institution's security offerings to protect yourself on the internet.
<h3 id="usepasswordmanager">6. Use a Password Manager</h3>
You likely use multiple passwords for different online accounts, including your bank accounts. Using a&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-password-managers-are-a-need-and-not-a-want">password manager</a>&nbsp;is the safest way to store and protect all your credentials for various internet services. It keeps your passwords in one secure place so you don't have to remember them.
TeamPassword's Password Manager lets you create, manage, and access passwords across the internet on your computer or mobile devices.&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/features">Features</a>&nbsp;include activity logging, 2FA,&nbsp;<a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://teampassword.com/security">secure encryption technology</a>, and the ability to share credentials with groups. You can create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, which provides peace of mind on the internet.&nbsp;
<h3 id="checkreg">7. Check Your Accounts Regularly</h3>
Checking your bank accounts online at frequent intervals will help you identify any fraudulent transactions. You can flag these charges with your institution and get your money back. Aim to check your accounts every 1-2 weeks to look for unauthorized activity. If fraud has taken place, you'll need to change your online banking password immediately.
<h2 id="improvewithTeamPassword">Improve Your Online Banking Security With TeamPassword</h2>
There are multiple online banking security risks you need to know about. However, you can reduce these risks by protecting your information online. Following the seven tips above can decrease the chances of a fraud event.
TeamPassword can also help you reduce online banking fraud. For example, our Password Manager lets you create, store, and access strong passwords for your online bank accounts in one place, making it harder for hackers to steal your credentials.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?_gl=1*bfcsrm*_gcl_au*MTIzMDk3OTY2Ny4xNjg1OTcxMjM2#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">Try TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;and start protecting your business now.
<h2 id="FAQ">Online Banking Security FAQs</h2>
<h3 id="bestway">What Is the Best Way to Protect Online Banking?</h3>
The best way to protect your credentials is to follow the seven online banking security tips listed above. These tips are:
<ul>
<li>Choose strong passwords</li>
<li>Change passwords regularly</li>
<li>Use two-factor authentication</li>
<li>Stay skeptical of scams</li>
<li>Use your financial institution's security offerings</li>
<li>Use a password manager</li>
<li>Check your accounts regularly</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="examplegoodpw">What Is an Example of a Good Password for Online Banking?</h3>
A good password consists of at least 12 random letters, numbers, and special characters. For even better security, use a combination of lower and upper case letters. Here are some examples of good passwords:
<ul>
<li>Ju!4hPONg&amp;u1</li>
<li>PP9*g5nW91%H</li>
<li>J&amp;"Hfwp01H&pound;n</li>
</ul>
While online banking is generally safe, your business could still be at risk of a fraud event. Take a little time to protect your information online and invest in a password manager to make your life easier. After safeguarding your bank accounts, consider securing your other online accounts, including social media profiles.

Online banking security is more important than ever before. Learn how to keep your critical personal information safe with this guide.

Online banking is generally safe. However, there are significant security risks that put users at risk. Knowing what ...

Online Banking Security: 7 Tips for Keeping Your Info Safe

Online banking is generally safe. However, there are significant security risks that put users at risk. Knowing what vulnerabilities exist and what steps can be taken to reduce the threat is essential for any individual or business that does banking online.

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

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

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

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

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

Here are ten successful freelancers and what they do. These freelancers have earned their place as experts in their given field with excellent track records—many have worked with the biggest companies in the world!

Learn what to do if you forgot your Facebook password and how to use TeamPassword to make sure you never forget a password again.

Learn what to do if you forgot your Facebook password and how to use TeamPassword to make sure ...

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