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

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

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

Have I Been Hacked? How to Know for Sure.

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.
<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">FAQ:</h2>
<h3>Is it safe to share your password with a marketing team?</h3>
It is usually more efficient for the marketing team if you give them access to your social media accounts and other analytics they need.
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="follow noopener" target="_blank">here's instructions for Instagram</a>).&nbsp;
<h3>What is a good password example?</h3>
For a good password, you need length, complexity, and randomness.&nbsp;
You can achieve this with a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a>, which will throw something like this: G'P3Ks}Ndklb^"Tl*A?"%-oQ,G$UNee]
If you need to memorize the password, you can create a passphrase. The most common way is to combine three to five random or meaningful-to-you words together with some symbols thrown in: cookie-algebra-562024-f!@tball
When going the passphrase right, length is important. If the account limits you to 12 or 16 characters, you're better off using the password generator.&nbsp;
<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;
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>!
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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

Sharing passwords with coworkers requires a higher level of security to avoid data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Teams need a safe way to share their passwords without disrupting their workflow. In a world online, not having the password to an account can mean being unable to work!
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#howtosecurely" rel="follow">How to Securely Share Passwords With Your Team</a></li>
<li><a href="#challenges" rel="follow">The Challenges of Sharing Passwords</a></li>
<li><a href="#avoid" rel="follow">Password Sharing Methods to Avoid</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="howtosecurely">How to Securely Share Passwords With Your Team</h2>
<h3>1. Use a Reputable Password Manager</h3>
Using a reputable password manager designed for team collaboration is one of the most secure ways to share passwords.
Why?
Password managers offer robust encryption and access controls, and allow teammates to access the passwords&nbsp;while remaining in&nbsp;the secured environment.
With a password manager, you can create a centralized vault for all your team's passwords, making it easy to share and manage access on a need-to-know basis.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Ssg37yGhQyCmXKMf72x7" alt="undefined" width="738" height="440">
Why It's Secure:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Password managers use strong encryption algorithms to protect your data, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized parties to decipher passwords.</li>
<li>Access controls in password managers allow you to specify who can view, edit, or share specific passwords, ensuring that sensitive credentials are only available to the right team members.</li>
<li>Password managers often offer features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure sharing mechanisms, adding an extra layer of protection to your team's password vault.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Implement Role-Based Access Control</h3>
Adopting a role-based access control (RBAC) system within your password manager provides an additional security layer. By assigning different roles and access privileges to team members based on their job responsibilities, you can limit the exposure of sensitive credentials. Only those who require access to specific passwords will have the permission to view and use them.
Why It's Secure:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>RBAC ensures that team members only have access to the passwords they need to perform their duties, reducing the attack surface and potential insider threats.</li>
<li>By compartmentalizing access, the impact of a compromised account is limited, as attackers cannot access the entire password vault.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</h3>
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your password manager. With 2FA, team members must provide a second authentication factor (like a one-time code sent to their phone) in addition to their master password, making it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
Why It's Secure:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>2FA prevents unauthorized access, even if someone discovers or steals a team member's master password.</li>
<li>It reduces the risk of successful brute-force attacks on the password manager.</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Long, unique passwords for every account</h3>
What's the point of Role-based Access (only give someone what they need) if a password is reused?&nbsp;
Use your password manager's built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> to generate long and unique passwords for every account.&nbsp;
If you need to memorize the password, we recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-build-a-passphrase#:~:text=How%20to%20Create%20a%20Strong%20Passphrase" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">using a passphrase</a>.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/tj8gEkSCTwiowMUAocHy" alt="Built-in password generator.gif" width="369" height="281">
Why It's Secure:
<ul>
<li>If a service you use gets breached, your password could be stolen. Using unique passwords for each account contains the damage.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Teammates won't inadvertently have the password to an account they shouldn't</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Educate Team Members about Password Security</h3>
Provide ongoing education and training to your team about password security best practices. Emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords, avoiding password reuse, and never sharing passwords through insecure channels.
Why It's Secure:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Well-informed team members are more likely to follow security protocols and maintain good password hygiene.</li>
<li>Increased awareness helps prevent accidental security breaches and reduces the likelihood of falling victim to phishing attempts.</li>
</ul>
Approach cybersecurity training in a way that de-escalates feelings of overwhelm or incompetence. This video of an artist explaining basic cybersecurity is a great place to start.&nbsp;
<iframe width="560" height="314" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wBgWJFVt2RI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
In conclusion, securely sharing passwords with your team is crucial to maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. By using a reputable password manager with RBAC and 2FA features, implementing password rotation policies, and educating team members, you can significantly enhance the security of your team's password management practices. These measures will help safeguard your valuable data and protect your organization from potential cybersecurity threats.
<h2 id="challenges">The Challenges of Sharing Passwords&nbsp;</h2>
Individuals working with teams know there are challenges involved with sharing passwords, even though it's essential to get projects completed.
Your team needs a way to provide those passwords to others authorized to gain access to work on jobs and projects and prevent others who aren't from logging in.
Many industries face this security concern and need innovative solutions to solve this problem. Some industries that need to share passwords include the following.
<ul>
<li>Tech companies</li>
<li>Digital marketing agencies</li>
<li>Software design and development companies&nbsp;</li>
<li>Creative agencies</li>
</ul>
For example, a marketing team working remotely on a project together needs access to the information to complete projects; however, the project contains sensitive information and data about a client.
You don't want someone to gain access to this information but still have a user-friendly method for providing the passwords.
In this instance, you need a reliable and secure method for passing along passwords to team members without sacrificing user-friendly methods.
<h3>Security Concerns&nbsp;</h3>
A top security concern should be sharing&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passwords</a>&nbsp;safely. You can have great IT security and still have weak points within your company because of user errors.
For example, some coworkers write passwords or send them via text or apps. This is a dangerous practice that can spell disaster.
Sharing passwords through any physical or verbal means may also leave this information subject to theft.
Without using a secure vehicle for sharing passwords, cybercriminals have the advantage, and they can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hack</a>&nbsp;your team or private account.
Some of the worst&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/the-scariest-data-breaches-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">data breaches</a>&nbsp;of all time have happened to seemingly secure companies and work teams. Don't let this happen to your company or workgroup.
<h2 id="avoid">Password Sharing Methods to Avoid</h2>
<h3>1. Email Communication</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Email communication is not secure and can be easily intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals, leading to potential password leaks.</li>
<li>Email is transmitted over the internet in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception at various points along the transmission path. Additionally, email accounts can be compromised through phishing attacks or weak passwords, giving attackers access to the password-sharing emails. Once intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties, the passwords become exposed and can be used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts and data.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Messaging Apps</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Messaging apps may lack end-to-end encryption, making passwords vulnerable to interception during transit or storage.</li>
<li>While some messaging apps offer encryption, not all of them provide end-to-end encryption. Without end-to-end encryption, the passwords shared through these apps could be intercepted by hackers, service providers, or other parties with access to the communication channels or servers. Moreover, messages containing passwords might be saved on the devices used for communication, leaving them susceptible to unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Written/Physical Notes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sharing passwords through written or physical notes increases the risk of loss, theft, or accidental exposure, compromising security.</li>
<li>Physical notes can easily be misplaced, lost, or stolen, providing a direct route to the sensitive information they contain. Additionally, leaving passwords written on sticky notes or notepads in plain sight can lead to accidental exposure if unauthorized individuals have access to the physical workspace.</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Shared Spreadsheets or Documents</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Shared spreadsheets or documents can be accessed by multiple individuals, increasing the potential for unauthorized access to passwords.</li>
<li>Storing passwords in shared spreadsheets or documents without proper access controls means that anyone with access to the file can view the passwords. It becomes challenging to track who has accessed or modified the passwords, making it difficult to identify potential security breaches or insider threats.</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Verbal Communication</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sharing passwords verbally is prone to human error and can be easily overheard, leading to unauthorized access.</li>
<li>Verbal communication of passwords introduces the risk of mistakes, such as mishearing or forgetting the password. Additionally, sharing passwords verbally in open or public spaces can expose them to eavesdroppers, compromising security.</li>
</ul>
<h3>6. Using Personal Accounts</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sharing passwords through personal accounts (e.g., personal email) lacks proper access controls and jeopardizes sensitive data.</li>
<li>Using personal accounts for sharing passwords does not offer the same level of security as business or team-oriented platforms. Personal accounts might not have multi-factor authentication or proper audit trails, making it difficult to monitor and control access to shared passwords.</li>
</ul>
<h3>7. Plain Text Messages</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sending passwords in plain text over any platform exposes them to interception or unauthorized access.</li>
<li>Plain text messages do not provide any encryption, meaning the passwords are transmitted in clear, readable text. This exposes them to potential interception by hackers or malicious software, especially when transmitted over unsecured networks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>8. Generic or Weak Passwords</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sharing generic or weak passwords among team members increases the risk of unauthorized access and compromises overall security.</li>
<li>Generic or weak passwords are easy targets for brute-force attacks and social engineering attempts. If shared among team members, attackers who gain access to one password could potentially compromise multiple accounts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>9. No Access Revocation Mechanism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Failing to revoke access to shared passwords when no longer needed leaves credentials exposed and vulnerable to misuse.</li>
<li>As team members change roles or leave the organization, it's essential to revoke their access to shared passwords. Without proper access management, former employees or individuals who no longer require access might retain it, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.</li>
</ul>
<h3>10. No Password Rotation Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Neglecting to change shared passwords regularly allows potential intruders more time to exploit any discovered credentials.</li>
<li>Regular password rotation is essential for reducing the window of opportunity for attackers. If passwords are rarely changed, the risk of unauthorized access increases over time, especially if an insider or external threat manages to gain access to the shared passwords.</li>
</ul>
<h3>11. Shared Web Browsers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Using shared web browsers with saved passwords exposes sensitive information to all users of that browser profile.</li>
<li>When multiple individuals share a web browser with saved passwords, anyone using the browser can access the stored credentials. This lack of access controls can lead to unauthorized use of the passwords and compromise the security of the accounts they protect.</li>
</ul>
To maintain a robust security posture, it is crucial for teams to avoid these risky password-sharing methods. Instead, adopt secure password management tools, enforce strict access controls, and educate team members about the importance of password security.
<h2>How to Get Started&nbsp;</h2>
The best way to get started is to work with a proven leader in the field of password protection. Reach out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teampassword.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;to find out how they can provide you and your team with the tools and security you need to avoid data breaches and leaks, either from sharing passwords or user error.
Get a competitive service that hashes, salts, and encrypts your sensitive passwords and then transmits them securely where no one but the intended party can have access.
<h3>Proven Results&nbsp;</h3>
TeamPassword provides users with a high level of&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/security" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">security</a> and encryption to prevent others from gaining access to your work platforms or data files.
They provide a customized solution for teams in all levels of business to allow them to quickly, safely, and securely share passwords to only those individuals who are authorized and absolutely no one else.
To get more information or details about this essential solution for teams and projects, check out the <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">product tour</a> on the website. You can also get&nbsp;access to 2-step verification, unique passwords, activity and logging, and email alerts all on one streamlined platform that makes working securely with other team members easier and safe when you sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">free trial</a>.

Sharing passwords with coworkers requires a higher level of security. Learn how TeamPassword can help you with keeping your passwords safe.

Sharing passwords with coworkers requires a higher level of security. Learn how TeamPassword can help you with keeping ...

How to Securely Share Passwords With Your Team | TeamPassword

How to Securely Share Passwords With Your Team

Cybersecurity should be on the top of everyone&rsquo;s mind, in both your personal and professional life. One easy step that everyone can take today to make their online lives safer is to adopt a password manager. However, not all password managers are made for teams, so when looking to adopt a tool in your business, you need to find one with tools designed for collaboration. Here are five of the best password managers for teams.

TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
<h2>What features are needed in a password manager for teams?</h2>
Teams have different needs than individuals, and password managers are no exception to this rule. If your password manager isn&rsquo;t making collaboration easier, then at best it is going unused. At worst, it leads to cybersecurity lapses as your team compensates for missing features with <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-5-dangerous-ways-to-store-your-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">less safe methods of password storing and sharing</a>.&nbsp;

Here are the most important features when choosing a password manager for teams:
<ol>
<li>
Extensions for every browser
</li>
<li>
Strong, random password generator
</li>
<li>
Ability to share passwords across groups and subgroups
</li>
<li>
App-based multi-factor authentication
</li>
<li>
Activity logs
</li>
<li>
Email alerts
</li>
<li>
Free trial
</li>
<li>
Simple interface
</li>
<li>Stellar customer support</li>
</ol>
<h3></h3>

<h3>Extensions for every browser</h3>

The last thing you want is for your passwords to be stored across multiple password managers. Unfortunately, this is the reality for most people when they use Firefox on their personal laptop, Safari on their smartphone, and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-find-my-google-password-list" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Chrome</a> on their work computer.&nbsp;

The best password managers for teams keep all of your passwords secure and in one place by having extensions for every browser. That way, wherever you are browsing you have access to all of your accounts.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/QYGpbDGFRMa90T6XOpgr" alt="undefined" width="528" height="278"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3RgZLHSyZqzdo8ghBn7sJy9Hql0bQkUPphWHXnltYgAE-8AVOxenV7c8tLQ9n_xhokZNUFZzz-m5oYzacOkiUFwnA=w640-h400-e365-rj-sc0x00ffffff" width="445" height="278" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">
<h3>Strong, random password generator</h3>

The core function of a password manager is to create <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/strong-password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">strong, random passwords</a> and then remember them for you. This should happen right in the password field when setting up a new account, making life easier for busy professionals.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/joRPSM67RQepvvYMPy1g" alt="undefined" width="427" height="300">
<h3>Ability to share passwords across groups and subgroups</h3>

Some accounts are just for you, others are for your team, and still others can be shared across the entire company. If you are a freelancer, then you might even have shared accounts with multiple different companies. Whether the account is shared with 1, 5, or 100 people, those who need access should have it and those who don&rsquo;t, shouldn&rsquo;t.&nbsp;

The best password managers for teams allow you to share your accounts with big and small groups so everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/aPfurwBSQ3iHxBG9rqrq" alt="undefined" width="409" height="300">
<h3>App-based multi-factor authentication</h3>

It is a well-known fact in cybersecurity circles that <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/why-do-hackers-want-your-email-address" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">email accounts are the prime target of hackers</a>. That&rsquo;s because email addresses are often used to recover accounts or for multi-factor authentication (MFA). That is, once a hacker has access to your email address, they probably have access to everything else you own.

App-based MFA changes this by creating a separate tool just for MFA codes. This is more secure and convenient, making it the superior choice for protecting your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/master-password-what-is-it-and-do-i-need-one" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">master password</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/z1a3h5dzSNuHTKffMDTj" alt="undefined" width="291" height="300">
<h3>Activity logs</h3>

With so many people seamlessly accessing the same accounts, issues may arise. Someone might change something that another person is working on or accidentally delete a needed document.&nbsp;

Activity logs provide a record of who accessed what account and when. If something has changed, then it is easy to track down who was in the account last, send them a Slack message, and confirm what they did.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/V2c9nKfQpiM9P0RRhJ9v" alt="undefined" width="440" height="300">
<h3>Email alerts</h3>

Activity logs are a great way to react to minor issues as they unfold. However, some changes need proactive attention in real time. Email alerts let you know when something big has changed in your password manager account:

<ul>
<li>
Somebody has been added or removed from the team
</li>
<li>
A new account has been created
</li>
<li>
An account has been deleted
</li>
<li>
Access rights of individuals have been changed
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/r1ElepSLSHybk03phEiR" alt="undefined" width="338" height="300">
<h3>Free trial</h3>

Even the best password manager for teams will only benefit your company if it is used. Having a free trial gives you the opportunity to test out the tool with your staff and decide if it is the best option for your team.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/qY8BPqnTxeNQ6LO9Fa4g" alt="undefined" width="262" height="240"></a>

<h3>Simple interface</h3>

Not everyone is comfortable with technology and every new tool can become a point of stress. Making sure the password manager reduces the difficulty of storing and sharing passwords is critical. When people don&rsquo;t find a tool helpful, they bypass it, which in this case could mean a critical cybersecurity gap.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/K3kchoi6Se2smmEDPSgQ" alt="undefined" width="437" height="300">
<h3>Stellar Customer Support</h3>
It's no small choice to trust a password manager with your credentials, and no matter how secure or intuitive a password manager is, you should feel confident that personal, quick support is available if you need it.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/wbuCTYqgRcedBad9J9Al" alt="undefined" width="262" height="232">
Additionally, you want your team members to get help from the experts - not take time out of your day to try and figure something out.&nbsp;
<h2></h2>
<h2>7 best password managers for teams</h2>
Here are seven of the best password managers for teams:

<ol>
<li>
TeamPassword
</li>
<li>
LastPass
</li>
<li>
1Password
</li>
<li>
Bitwarden
</li>
<li>
Dashlane
</li>
<li>
NordPass
</li>
<li>
Keeper
</li>
</ol>

<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Hdga86yqQ02cbVlYZq49" alt="undefined" width="570" height="100">
<h3><a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a></h3>

TeamPassword is a password manager designed for teams and organizations. It features a user-friendly interface that simplifies password storage, organization, and management. The onboarding process is easy, and users can take advantage of features such as autofill and browser extensions to streamline login and save time.

In terms of security, TeamPassword ensures the protection of passwords and sensitive data with industry-standard, military-grade AES 256-bit encryption.&nbsp; It implements robust encryption measures to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches, providing peace of mind for users and their teams.&nbsp;

For efficient collaboration, TeamPassword offers unlimited and customizable groups. These groups allow users to organize passwords and selectively share them with team members who require access, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

The goal of TeamPassword is to provide a password manager that is so straightforward teams can easily adopt and use it without requiring additional onboarding time. Still, customer support is a priority for TeamPassword. They offer live assistance from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, with an average response time of under five minutes. Additionally, support is available via phone and email, ensuring users have access to help when needed, how they want it.

TeamPassword offers competitive pricing plans, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. For an annual subscription, the cost ranges from $1.50 to $5.00 per user per month, providing organizations with flexibility based on their budget and requirements.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/wprW8wNRT5OUSGlkJtk1" alt="undefined" width="560" height="98">
<h3><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/lastpass-alternative" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">LastPass</a></h3>

LastPass, is currently the most popular password manager, <a href="https://www.privacytools.io/guides/7-publicly-known-lastpass-security-breaches-since-2011" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">although their market share has diminished recently due to seven known security breaches</a>. Still, it offers a wide range of features to enhance security including a security dashboard for identifying weak or duplicate passwords and emergency access for trusted individuals.&nbsp;

LastPass has faced criticism for its complexity, potentially hindering user adoption. Sharing passwords can be done through email or shared folders, requiring recipients to have a LastPass account.&nbsp;

Pricing starts at $0 for individuals and $6 per user per month for teams, with additional costs for certain integrations.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/FrMqjXR5SQS51eg3leHK" alt="undefined" width="570" height="100">
<h3><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/1password-alternatives" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">1Password</a></h3>

1Password is a versatile password manager suitable for individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. It offers fast and secure access to your vault using PIN and biometric unlock options. With Watchtower, it scans and alerts users about compromised passwords.&nbsp;

While praised for its customization options, some find it complex, impacting employee adoption. Sharing records is easy, even with non-1Password users.&nbsp;

Support is available through their contact form and community forum.&nbsp;

Pricing starts at $7.99/user/month for comprehensive business features.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/O3RI3W9LS5mzZVldEetu" alt="undefined" width="570" height="100">
<h3><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/bitwarden-vs-1password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Bitwarden</a></h3>

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager, offering transparency and enhanced security through its publicly accessible source code. This allows experts to identify vulnerabilities quickly, bolstering overall security.

Sharing passwords with other Bitwarden users is easy by adding them to your organization's vault. As an admin, you have control over whether individuals can edit or only view the shared passwords.

Support for Bitwarden is done via email, and their community forum provides a wealth of information and support, given its open-source nature.

Affordability is a key feature of Bitwarden, catering to various budgets with pricing plans tailored for individuals, families, and businesses including a limited free plan. Pricing for Bitwarden ranges from $0 to $5 per user per month, depending on the chosen plan.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/O0jBFFIKRL6FMU9aFXko" alt="undefined" width="564" height="99">
<h3><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/dashlane-vs-keeper" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Dashlane</a></h3>

Dashlane is a password manager suitable for personal and business use. It allows users to manage and access their passwords across desktop and mobile devices. With features like one-click passwords, automatic password generation, and password sharing options, Dashlane provides essential password management capabilities.

One standout feature of Dashlane is its patented encryption, ensuring robust protection of passwords while seamlessly integrating across devices. This offers peace of mind for users concerned about sharing sensitive information, as Dashlane itself cannot access stored passwords.

Dashlane prioritizes user-friendly design and ease of use. Its streamlined interface allows users to quickly grasp and implement the platform. The organized features make it intuitive for new users to navigate and utilize effectively.

Pricing for Dashlane's starter plan, accommodating up to 10 users, begins at $2.00 per user per month. Larger teams can opt for the "Team" package, starting at $5.00 per seat per month.
<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/hNhOgNoGS46R9hHWnkgD" alt="undefined" width="508" height="152"></h2>
<h3><a href="https://www.keepersecurity.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Keeper</a></h3>
Keeper Security offers a password manager that focuses on strong security and a variety of enterprise-focused features. They're a popular choice for IT teams that want to bundle the password manager with Keeper's other security solutions like Privileged Access Management, Secrets Management, Remote Infrastructure Access, etc.&nbsp;

Pricing starts at $2.00 per user/month for 5-10 users and $3.75 per user/month for their standard business plans. Enterprise pricing requires contacting them for a quote.&nbsp;

<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/qX7B9NXTyCZzaVSFz4pg" alt="undefined" width="503" height="111"></h2>
<h3><a href="https://nordpass.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">NordPass</a></h3>
While they primarily cater to individual users (who hasn't seen a NordVPN sponsored YouTube video), NordPass does offer password management plans for businesses.

They offer a typical password manager experience, and are an appealing choice if you've already bought into the Nord family of products.&nbsp;

Pricing starts at $1.99/user for a 10-user pack and a one-year commitment, though this does not include their security dashboard or professional support. Business and Enterprise are $3.99 and $5.99 per user per month, respectively, for annual plans.&nbsp;
<h2>TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams</h2>

TeamPassword has the security and simplicity needed by diverse teams. In addition to all of the basic features expected in a password manager, TeamPassword has been designed with collaboration in mind.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Share passwords across varied groups so everyone has access to the tools they need while key accounts are kept secure from those who don&rsquo;t need access.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Use email alerts and activity logs to proactively monitor major events and have a reactive papertrail for less critical changes.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Ensure you have only one password list and that it is available everywhere with extensions available for every browser and apps for iPhone and Android.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

TeamPassword enhances collaboration and makes life easier for everyone.

TeamPassword is designed for teams. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.

The best password managers for teams go beyond suggesting a strong password and saving them securely for you. They unlock collaboration.

The best password managers for teams go beyond suggesting a strong password and saving them securely for you. ...

5 Best Password Managers for Teams (2024)

7 Best Password Managers for Teams (2024)

If your business isn&rsquo;t thinking about security compliance standards to protect its own business, then it better at least be concerned about protecting its customers&rsquo; data. That&rsquo;s because businesses don&rsquo;t want to do business with vendors, suppliers, or partners they can&rsquo;t trust.

Here&rsquo;s what you need to know to make sure your password management system meets security compliance standards.&nbsp;

TeamPassword is the easiest way to meet password security compliance standards. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatissecuritycompliance" rel="follow">What is security compliance?</a></li>
<li><a href="#typesof" rel="follow">Types of security compliance</a></li>
<li><a href="#whatispasswordsecuritycompliance" rel="follow">What is password security compliance?</a></li>
<li><a href="#passwordsecurityrequirements" rel="follow">Password security requirements for SOC2</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatissecuritycompliance">What is security compliance?&nbsp;</h2>
Security compliance is the active steps taken and processes implemented by an organization to protect data&mdash;their data as well as users&rsquo; data. This includes both robust measures to protect and monitor data as well as realistic risk assessments to understand how potential breaches could impact the organization.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s important to emphasize that security compliance isn&rsquo;t something achieved once and then never thought about again:

<ol>
<li>
Security compliance standards change with new knowledge and tools, so what is considered compliant today won&rsquo;t be in a few months or years.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Security compliance is an active state, meaning that processes must be implemented and followed consistently to remain compliant with (cyber)security standards.
</li>
<li>
Many security compliance standards require regular company audits for re-certification to confirm the organization is maintaining their strict adherence to safe and secure data processes.
</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/9526B3lSF21T8mRDWjnP" alt="9.webp" width="575" height="383">
<h2 id="typesof">Types of security compliance</h2>

Security compliance standards are often industry or function specific. That means the average company is likely to pursue multiple certifications as a way to present their commitment to keeping data safe.&nbsp;

System and Organization Controls (SOC) is probably the most well-known security standard. Achieving SOC 1, SOC 2 Type I, and/or SOC 2 Type II can be considered the minimum requirement to even enter some markets as most companies are unwilling to share any data with businesses that aren&rsquo;t undertaking SOC security audits on a regular basis.
<h3>System and Organization Controls (SOC)&nbsp;</h3>
Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC documents the internal controls in place regarding any data that could impact financial statements, where the audited organization or those sharing data with it.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s important to note that SOC 1, 2, and 3 aren&rsquo;t levels of security compliance, but rather measuring and reporting on different things in different ways.&nbsp;

Here are the main levels of SOC compliance:

<ul>
<li>
SOC 1: A SOC 1 report is designed for organizations that handle a customer&rsquo;s financial data, such as a payment processor, point of sale system, or payroll provider. It&rsquo;s meant to show customers that their financial data will be handled securely.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
SOC 2: SOC 2 reports allow organizations to demonstrate their cloud and data center security controls are sufficient. SOC 2 Type I is an audit performed at a moment in time. SOC 2 Type II is an ongoing audit that measures compliance over a period of time. In both cases, they are <a href="https://secureframe.com/hub/soc-2/type-1-vs-type-2">attestation reports</a> where management states their commitment to securely processing data and then the CPA firm agrees or disagrees with their claims.
</li>
<li>
SOC 3: SOC 3 reports do not contain confidential information and are therefore usually performed after successful SOC 1 and/or SOC 2 audits to provide useful marketing materials. They are written for a general audience.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other security compliance standards</h3>

While SOC is one of the most recognized security compliance standards, it is far from the only one. In fact, while you might not think of them as similar to SOC, you&rsquo;re probably at least somewhat familiar with the majority of these other security compliance standards:

<ol>
<li>
CCPA/CPRA: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and more recent California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) gives residents of California the right to view any of their personal data stored by businesses with at least $25 million in revenue or 50,000 users, as well as the data shared by them with third parties, and sue if they feel their data has been misused.
</li>
<li>
FedRAMP: The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) provides a standardized approach to security assessment, monitoring, and authorization for cloud offerings. Businesses looking to provide cloud services to the federal government must prove they are FedRAMP compliant.
</li>
<li>
GDPR: Since 2018, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides rules for how businesses must process the personal data of EU citizens.
</li>
<li>
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): The United States Congress passed GLBA in 1999 to improve consumer privacy and cybersecurity in the financial services industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
HIPAA: The US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) creates extremely strict standards for how a patient&rsquo;s digital health data may be used and how it must be stored, as well as provides provisions for hefty fines and/or prison terms when health data is not stored, accessed, or shared according to the HIPAA regulations.
</li>
<li>
PCI DSS: The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) protects credit card users by regulating how cardholder data is used before, during, and after transactions.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Introduced in the wake of the Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco scandals, SOX is designed to increase the transparency and accuracy of corporate financial reporting.
</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="whatispasswordsecuritycompliance">What is password security compliance?</h2>

Password security compliance includes the specific processes put in place and followed by organizations to prevent any breach to their business due to weak, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-pwnd-what-to-do-when-it-happens">pwned</a>, or reused passwords.&nbsp;

While <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-manage-passwords">password management doesn&rsquo;t need to be hard</a>, the fact is that it is an often overlooked part of cybersecurity. Since processes from the early days of a business become entrenched, bad practices that were implemented early without much thought tend to become entrenched.&nbsp;

For example, many companies still insist on using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-sheet-templates">password sheet</a> even though it opens them up to major security breaches.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/WKnu96PZRJSw9RWFMzqW" alt="10.webp" width="575" height="383">
<h2 id="passwordsecurityrequirements">Password security requirements for SOC 2</h2>

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) does not provide explicit, step-by-step instructions on how to meet their standards. Instead, they have Trust Services Principles, which highlight what is expected of a cybersecurity compliant organization.
<h3>Trust Service Principles</h3>

While the Trust Service Principles don&rsquo;t tell organizations exactly how to keep their users&rsquo; data secure, they provide a philosophical framework that, when implemented, prove a business&rsquo;s commitment to cybersecurity.&nbsp;

These are the five Trust Service Principles:&nbsp;

<ol>
<li>
Security: This is the practical protection of data and systems through things like access control, firewalls, and identity management systems.
</li>
<li>
Confidentiality: In essence, data must be encrypted at all times, when stored or transmitted. Furthermore, the &ldquo;principle of least privilege,&rdquo; i.e. employees should have the bare-minimum access to do their job, must be followed.
</li>
<li>
Availability: Systems should be fault-tolerant so organizations can maintain a reasonable and explicit SLA.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Privacy: Any collection, storage, or processing of personally identifiable information must follow the organization&rsquo;s written data usage and privacy policy.
</li>
<li>
Processing integrity: Businesses should have robust quality assurance and performance management processes in place so that their systems function as designed without errors, vulnerabilities, delays, or bugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
</ol>
<h3>Trust Service Principles and password managers</h3>

Considering these five Trust Service Principles, password security compliance must include a password manager. Only password managers store and transmit passwords securely, ensure availability of passwords, and keep them private, even when <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams">sharing accounts with teams</a>.

Furthermore, TeamPassword utilizes multi-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">MFA</a>) and data encryption to help you keep personal data private and confidential.
<h2>TeamPassword can help you reach SOC 2 Type II security compliance&nbsp;</h2>
TeamPassword is a highly secure, easy-to-implement password manager that can make password security compliance a breeze for businesses of all sizes.

We are committed to proving our security compliance standards through regular auditing. Our hosting provider is accredited with the the following standards:

<ul>
<li>
SOC 1 and SOC 2
</li>
<li>
SSAE 16
</li>
<li>
ISAE 3402 (Previously SAS 70 Type II)
</li>
<li>
ISO 27001
</li>
<li>
PCI Level 1
</li>
<li>
FISMA Moderate
</li>
<li>
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
</li>
</ul>

We keep your passwords safe, secure, and easily accessible. That makes it easier for you to keep your clients&rsquo; data safe, too.&nbsp;

TeamPassword helps you protect your data and that of your clients. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial today</a> and try for yourself.

Security compliance is a process aimed at protecting an organization’s data, and that of their clients. Here’s what you need to know.

Security compliance is an ongoing, active process aimed at protecting an organization’s data, as well as the data ...

SOC 2 password security compliance requirements in 2024

Security compliance is an ongoing, active process aimed at protecting an organization’s data, as well as the data of their clients. Here’s what you need to know.

<div dir="ltr" _ngcontent-ng-c1235336343="">
 Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash 
As a realtor, your juggling act keeps getting more impressive. Every year, a new software tool seems to be added to your arsenal. Just look at what you're expected to keep track of in <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-technology-survey-08-03-2021.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">this 2021 technology survey</a> by NAR.
And let's be honest, remembering a unique, secure password for every single one of those accounts? Yeah, that's pretty much impossible.&nbsp;
That's where password managers come in &ndash; your digital security knight in shining armor. They securely store all your login information, eliminating the need to remember a million different passwords. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your real estate business?
Here are the key things to know about password managers for real estate agencies:
<ul data-sourcepos="9:1-12:0">
<li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:239">There are a lot of options, but many focus on "power-users" or large businesses that need layers of admin privileges and advanced features. You're likely looking for something that caters to small and medium-sized businesses like yours.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:136">Real estate businesses have a unique challenge &ndash; a large and ever-growing number of credentials to track and share with team members.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0">Security is obviously paramount, but ease of use and cost are important factors as well. You don't need a password manager that takes a Ph.D. in cryptography to figure out, and you certainly don't want to break the bank.</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:82">Table of Contents</h3>
Here are the top password managers we recommend for real estate professionals:
<ol data-sourcepos="15:1-20:0">
<li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:15"><a href="#teampassword" rel="follow">TeamPassword</a></li>
<li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:12"><a href="#bitwarden" rel="follow">Bitwarden</a></li>
<li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:12"><a href="#1password" rel="follow">1Password</a></li>
<li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:11"><a href="#lastpass" rel="follow">LastPass</a></li>
<li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0"><a href="#nordpass" rel="follow">NordPass</a></li>
</ol>
<h2 data-sourcepos="21:1-21:66">How to Evaluate Password Managers for Your Real Estate Business</h2>
Secure
This one is pretty simple. Most password managers use the same security protocols - AES 256-bit encryption (Nordpass being the exception with XChaCha20), and PBKDF2 with 600,000 or more iterations. Still, it's good to check their security documentation or ask support to be sure.&nbsp;
Easy to Use
You wear a lot of hats as a real estate professional. The last thing you need is a password manager that adds another layer of complexity to your already busy day. Look for a solution with a clean, intuitive interface that's easy for you and your team to navigate. You shouldn't have to spend hours digging through menus and tutorials just to get started.
On top of that, you're not going to be a password manager power user - you don't need layers upon layers of role-based access, complex IT infrastructure, or ultra-fine-grain controls to comply with your policies.&nbsp;
All those "features" will cost you more money, too. Stick with a password manager that does the job quickly and cheaply (and yes, securely).&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cost
Subscriptions can add up. The ideal password manager will offer a plan that fits your budget without sacrificing essential features. Look for solutions that cater to small and medium-sized businesses, as they typically offer better pricing structures for teams.
Real Customer Support
Let's be honest, even the most user-friendly software can sometimes be confusing.
Many password managers expect you to dig through documentation or forums, or wait 5 business days for an email back.&nbsp;
Solid help articles are important, but sometimes you need personalized support. Having real people that respond quickly or can jump on a call goes a long way.
<h2 id="teampassword">1. TeamPassword</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/a6vavwsQ8qjAmiskFVtA" alt="undefined" width="974" height="475"></a> 

Rating: <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/teampassword/reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">4.6 out of 5 stars on G2</a>
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="43:1-48:0">
<li data-sourcepos="43:1-43:158">Simple and Secure: TeamPassword offers a user-friendly interface that's easy for everyone on your team to use, regardless of their technical expertise.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="44:1-44:161">Built for Teams: Securely share logins and documents with your team members with unlimited groups, role-based access, and affordable pricing - everyone can access what they need.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="47:1-48:0">Award-Winning Support: TeamPassword boasts a stellar reputation for customer support, with real people available to answer your questions and troubleshoot any issues you might encounter, and a sub-5-minute response time during business hours.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword understands the unique needs of real estate businesses. They offer a user-friendly platform with robust security features, all at a competitive price point. Plus, their award-winning customer support team is always happy to help, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for you and your team.
Considerations:
<ul>
<li data-sourcepos="49:1-49:307">Features: As a smaller player, TeamPassword is missing some advanced features of other password managers like SCIM provisioning, secrets management, and remote infrastructure access.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="bitwarden">2. Bitwarden</h2>

<div>
<div replace-fife-images-at-export="" _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446="">
<div _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446=""><a href="https://bitwarden.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3xJkMQFRScNT374cvODA" alt="Bitwarden homepage.webp" width="910" height="377"></a> </div>
</div>
<selected-generated-image ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c464895239=""><generated-image jslog="198603;track:impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_60bbea4984cef16d&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_5fd0461e317e3726&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1590306966="" _ngcontent-ng-c464895239=""><single-image jslog="185864;track:generic_click,impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_60bbea4984cef16d&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_5fd0461e317e3726&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" data-image-attachment-index="1" _nghost-ng-c1779743446="" _ngcontent-ng-c1590306966=""></single-image></generated-image></selected-generated-image></div>

Rating: <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/bitwarden/reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">4.6 out of 5 stars on G2</a>
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="59:1-62:0">
<li data-sourcepos="59:1-59:169">Open-Source Security: Bitwarden is open-source, which means its code is publicly available for anyone to inspect. This can be a plus for security-conscious users.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="60:1-60:141">Free Plan Available: Bitwarden offers a free plan with basic features, which is a good option for individual users or very small teams.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="61:1-62:0">Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access your passwords from any device, whether it's your desktop computer, laptop, phone, or tablet.</li>
</ul>
Considerations:
<ul data-sourcepos="65:1-65:114">
<li data-sourcepos="65:1-65:114">Limited Customer Support: Bitwarden's free plan only offers email support. You're expected to find your own answers through their community forum or documentation. Paid plans offer phone support.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<div dir="ltr" _ngcontent-ng-c1235336343="">
<h2 id="1password">3. 1Password</h2>

<div>
<div replace-fife-images-at-export="" _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446="">
<div _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446=""><a href="https://1password.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/sysUqVPQqK2FVFjIEmLg" alt="1Password Homepage.webp" width="854" height="392"></a> </div>
</div>
<selected-generated-image ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c464895239=""><generated-image jslog="198603;track:impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1590306966="" _ngcontent-ng-c464895239=""><single-image jslog="185864;track:generic_click,impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1779743446="" _ngcontent-ng-c1590306966=""></single-image></generated-image></selected-generated-image></div>

Rating: <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">4.7 out of 5 stars on G2</a>
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="13:1-16:0">
<li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:128">Travel Mode: A handy feature that allows you to temporarily remove sensitive information from your devices when traveling.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:138">Strong Security Features: 1Password offers a variety of security features, including two-factor authentication and biometric login, and a unique key that is required in addition to your master password.&nbsp;</li>
<li data-sourcepos="15:1-16:0">Watchtower: A built-in tool that monitors for data breaches and alerts you if your passwords have been compromised.</li>
</ul>
Considerations:
<ul data-sourcepos="19:1-21:0">
<li data-sourcepos="19:1-19:95">Cost and complexity: 1Password can be a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, and offers advanced features that real estate agencies may not need.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="lastpass">4. LastPass</h2>

<div>
<div replace-fife-images-at-export="" _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446="">
<div _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446=""><a href="https://www.lastpass.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/aikCpCNfScy1bkv5FPGf" alt="LastPass Homepage.webp" width="909" height="410"></a> </div>
</div>
<selected-generated-image ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c464895239=""><generated-image jslog="198603;track:impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1590306966="" _ngcontent-ng-c464895239=""><single-image jslog="185864;track:generic_click,impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1779743446="" _ngcontent-ng-c1590306966=""></single-image></generated-image></selected-generated-image></div>

Rating: <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/lastpass/reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">4.4 out of 5 stars on G2</a>
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="30:1-33:0">
<li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:122">Freemium Model: LastPass offers a free plan with basic features, as well as paid plans with more advanced features.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106">Family Plans: A good option for real estate agents who want to share passwords with their families.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="32:1-33:0">Dark Web Monitoring: LastPass monitors the dark web for your information and alerts you if it's found.</li>
</ul>
Considerations:
<ul data-sourcepos="36:1-38:0">
<li data-sourcepos="36:1-36:113">Security Concerns: LastPass has a dubious security record due to <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/09/experts-fear-crooks-are-cracking-keys-stolen-in-lastpass-breach/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">a significant data breach and the way they handled it</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="nordpass">5. NordPass</h2>

<div>
<div replace-fife-images-at-export="" _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446="">
<div _ngcontent-ng-c1779743446=""><a href="https://nordpass.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/GAnmlMPTQaW9cBCBgFxO" alt="Nordpass Homepage.webp" width="898" height="413"></a> </div>
</div>
<selected-generated-image ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c464895239=""><generated-image jslog="198603;track:impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1590306966="" _ngcontent-ng-c464895239=""><single-image jslog="185864;track:generic_click,impression;BardVeMetadataKey:[[&quot;r_a4c0c10725bd2d19&quot;,&quot;c_9b37bd6207b09159&quot;,null,&quot;rc_d63d1fe2c2189c8d&quot;,null,null,&quot;en&quot;,null,1,null,null,1,0]];mutable:true" _nghost-ng-c1779743446="" _ngcontent-ng-c1590306966=""></single-image></generated-image></selected-generated-image></div>

Rating: <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/nordpass-business/reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">4.5 out of 5 stars on G2</a>
Key Features:
<ul data-sourcepos="47:1-50:0">
<li data-sourcepos="47:1-47:89">The Nord family of products: If you've already bought into their VPN or other services, NordPass may be attractive as a way to consolidate.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="48:1-48:97">Data Breach Scanner: Scans the dark web for your information and alerts you if it's found.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="49:1-50:0">VPN Integration: NordPass offers a bundled plan that includes a VPN service, which can be an attractive option for security-conscious users.</li>
</ul>
Considerations:
<ul data-sourcepos="53:1-55:0">
<li data-sourcepos="53:1-53:151">Questionable pricing tiers and support: NordPass's $1.99/user/month plan (on a one-year commitment) is actually a 10-user pack, and does not have a security dashboard or professional support. Their next step up at $3.99, minimum 5 users, still does not include professional support.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-sourcepos="56:1-56:83">Which password manager is best for your real estate needs?</h2>
You know your specific needs best, and different features from different password managers may stand out to you. Prioritize your needs and select the password manager that best fits your criteria.&nbsp;
Take advantage of free trials - most password managers offer them.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> stands out for small businesses who need a straightforward solution:
<ul data-sourcepos="60:1-64:0">
<li data-sourcepos="60:1-60:116">Focus on Ease of Use: TeamPassword is designed to be simple and user-friendly, even for non-technical users.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="61:1-61:104">Built for Teams: Securely share logins and documents with your team and control access with ease.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="62:1-62:149">Exceptional Customer Support: TeamPassword offers award-winning customer support with real people available to help you every step of the way.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="63:1-64:0">Competitive Pricing: TeamPassword offers a variety of plans to fit your budget, making it an excellent value for real estate teams.</li>
</ul>
With TeamPassword, you can rest assured that your passwords are safe and secure, freeing you to focus on what you do best &ndash; selling houses! See TeamPassword's <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">pricing options</a>, or sign up for a&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free trial</a>!
</div>
</div>

Discover the advantages of using a password manager in the real estate industry. Enhance data security and streamline access efficiently.

Discover the advantages of using a password manager in the real estate industry. Enhance data security and streamline ...

5 Best Password Managers for Real Estate Professionals and Agencies

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

A story about an all-too-human password, credential stuffing, and how to take responsibility for our own cybersecurity.

From Appletree to Anarchy: How Credential Stuffing Exploits Poor Password Hygiene

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<div class="card card-body">
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It might be the over-burdened interface or the price, or maybe you're just comparing your options before you commit. Whatever has you looking for Dashlane alternatives, we've got you covered.&nbsp;
Our list of the top seven Dashlane alternatives explores the password managers that excel where Dashlane falls short.&nbsp;
<h2>What to Look For in a Dashlane Alternative</h2>
Before diving in, consider these security must-haves:
When searching for Dashlane alternatives, there are a few features to keep in mind.&nbsp;
Look for an alternative that provides robust protection against hackers and identity theft. Data encryption is essential in providing this security layer.&nbsp;
<h3>Other Features to Consider Include:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Multi-device compatibility: make sure the Dashlane alternative you choose can sync and store your data across all of your devices, no matter where you are.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Industry-standard encryption: Dashlane's password manager feature helps users protect their online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Look for a Dashlane alternative that offers the same level of protection, so your private information remains safe and secure.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Auto-fill/autocomplete: Dashlane's autofill feature makes signing into websites and filling out forms a breeze. Look for an alternative that provides the same convenience.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Easy Setup: Dashlane's setup process is straightforward, so look for a Dashlane alternative that also makes it simple to get up and running quickly.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>What are the cons of Dashlane?</h2>
We&rsquo;ve already mentioned the limitations of passwords and devices with the free version.
In 2023, Dashlane further axed the capabilities of its free version, allowing&nbsp;25 records on 1 device. If you're just looking for a free password manager for solo users, you'll definitely want to avoid Dashlane.&nbsp;
You get more features with the paid version, but it's one of the most expensive password managers currently available. And depending on your use case, you might be paying for features you don't need. For example, you may not need a built-in VPN. If you're a business, you may want unlimited collection sharing and an SSO capability, but you don't need all the other add-ons that justify the $8/user/month price tag.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>TeamPassword</h2>
TeamPassword aims to separate itself from other password managers with its intuitive interface and responsive customer support. Your password manager is a tool to make you more secure&nbsp;and more efficient.&nbsp;
TeamPassword's clean interface, advanced security, and team-oriented features like unlimited password groups make it a strong contender for any business. It's also <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">much cheaper</a> than Dashlane.&nbsp;
<h3>TeamPassword Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Ease of use - Its simple design makes it easy to share passwords with new team members without needing additional training.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Responsive Customer Support - The chat feature provides live customer support with a real member the TeamPassword team.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Seamless Sharing - Share logins and passwords with a group of team members, an external collaborator group, or the entire team.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Secure encryption - Protect your sensitive information on the web with secure encryption technology by hashing, salting, and encrypting it locally, before transmitting it to the server via an encrypted channel.</li>
</ul>

<h2>LastPass</h2>
<a href="https://www.lastpass.com/how-lastpass-works" data-gc-link="https://www.lastpass.com/how-lastpass-works" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">LastPass</a> is another Dashlane alternative that offers multi-device compatibility, and easy setup. With LastPass, you can store login credentials for all of your online accounts in one secure place, so you never have to worry about forgetting a password again.&nbsp;
The app also comes with auto-fill and autocomplete capabilities, so you can sign into websites and fill out forms faster. Plus, LastPass's secure sharing feature allows users to share passwords and other private information with trusted contacts.&nbsp;
However, a <a href="https://www.makeuseof.com/how-many-times-lastpass-hacked/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">series of security incidents</a> has left <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/09/lastpass-horse-gone-barn-bolted-is-strong-password/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">security experts around the globe</a> urging users to stay away from Lastpass. Maybe the slew of features is worth it, but you should know how they've handled security incidents so far.
<h3>LastPass Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Reset lost master password with local recovery key</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Additional add-ons available if you're willing to pay more - could be a pro or con for your business</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">A local encryption method - LastPass never accesses or stores your master password or the keys used to encrypt and decrypt data.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Multiple factor Authentication - Adding multi-factor authentication to your LastPass account adds an extra layer of security.</li>
</ul>
<h2>1Password</h2>
Over 100,000 businesses and millions of customers rely on<a href="https://1password.com/tour/" data-gc-link="https://1password.com/tour/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"> 1Password</a> to protect their most sensitive data.&nbsp;
1Password's <a href="https://support.1password.com/1password-security/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">security model</a> is currently regarded as one of the safest - or, shall we say, most breach-resilient - of all cloud-based password managers.&nbsp;
1Password has several plans that cover most use-cases, though they do not offer a free tier.&nbsp;
1Password pricing starts at $2.99 for an individual account, and up to $7.99/user for the Enterprise tier with its advanced features.&nbsp;
<h3>1Password Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Watchtower alerts you to sites without two-factor authentication or using insecure HTTP</li>
<li>A secret key is combined with your password to encrypt your account, making it extra secure</li>
<li>All the features you need to share passwords securely</li>
</ul>
<h2>Nordpass</h2>
<a href="https://nordpass.com/homepage/" data-gc-link="https://nordpass.com/homepage/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">NordPass</a> is another Dashlane alternative that allows you to save your passwords and credit cards, share logins with co-workers, and check if your emails were breached.
Developed by Nord Security, the same company behind NordVPN, NordLayer, and NordLocker, this app is a great solution if you&rsquo;re already in that ecosystem.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;ll allow you to better understand how their systems work and how to use them to your advantage. If you have questions, you can simply reach out to one customer service center&mdash;not several.
<h3>Nordpass Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Password saving made easy - Prompts you every time you log into a new website or create an online account to save your password.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Passwords sync automatically - NordPass works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Keep track of important things - You can use Secure Notes to store passwords, alarm codes, and other important information.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Unlimited password storage - Organize all your passwords in one secure location.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Bitwarden</h2>
<a href="https://bitwarden.com/" data-gc-link="https://bitwarden.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Bitwarden</a> is great if you&rsquo;re looking for a way to drive collaboration and boost productivity. They have tons of features that make things buttery smooth.
Also, it's open-source software, so it&rsquo;s a pretty popular choice for businesses and individuals to manage their online information. Open-source means that if you want to review, audit, or contribute to the Bitwarden codebase, you can.
You can also host it yourself if you don&rsquo;t want to use the Bitwarden cloud.
If you need a free plan for individual use, Bitwarden is one of the best.&nbsp;
<h3>Bitwarden Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Open source - some people prefer this mode of development, since anyone can verify the security of the application</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Unlimited passwords and devices - Access via mobile, browser, and desktop.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Directly share encrypted information - With Bitwarden Send, users can send encrypted data directly to others while maintaining end-to-end encryption security.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Password protection is just the beginning - Protect all types of sensitive data, transmit it securely, and view vault health reports.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Keeper Password Manager</h2>
<a href="https://www.keepersecurity.com/" data-gc-link="https://www.keepersecurity.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Keeper Password Manager</a> is all about protecting every business&mdash;large or small. It&rsquo;s a popular option because it&rsquo;s an easy-to-use platform that unifies critical components of identity and access management.&nbsp;
And you can do some pretty technical things with Keeper. With just a few clicks, you can protect, manage, and share passwords, files, and metadata across your organization. It's also possible to access your infrastructure directly without a VPN.
<h3>Keeper Password Manager Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Broad Authentication Options: Keeper supports a wide range of authentication methods for secure logins. This includes traditional 2FA via SMS or authenticator apps, but also U2F security keys and even biometric logins through Windows Hello or TouchID on desktops. For added convenience, they also offer KeeperDNA, a 2FA method that utilizes your smartwatch.</li>
<li>Secure File Storage: Beyond passwords, Keeper allows secure storage of other sensitive documents and files within its encrypted vault. This offers a central location for managing various types of confidential data.</li>
<li>Emergency Access: Keeper provides an "Emergency Access" feature that lets you designate trusted individuals to access your vault in case of an emergency. This ensures someone you trust can reach important information if needed.</li>
</ul>
<h2>KeePass</h2>
<a href="https://sourceforge.net/projects/keepass/" data-gc-link="https://sourceforge.net/projects/keepass/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">KeePass</a> is another open-source password manager developed for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. If you want total customizability for the cheapest price - free - then KeePass is an excellent choice.
However, if you want to install a browser extension and start auto-filling your Instagram password in minutes, KeePass is not a great choice.
For the technically confident, KeePass can be set up to run locally on your device - no syncing your vault to a third-party server. This has its cons, but it does keep your password vault entirely under your control. KeePass can even be run from a flash drive.&nbsp;
<h3>KeePass Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Highly customizable - particularly useful for storing data other than website logins.&nbsp;</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Strong security - AES encryption, SHA-256 hash, protection against dictionary and guessing attacks, and in-memory security.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Password generator - Creates passwords using character sets and patterns.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Flexible and efficient organization - Entry groups, tags, time fields, and attachments.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Which Password Manager is Best For You?</h2>
When it comes to Dashlane alternatives, it&rsquo;s important to consider your current roadblocks and pick the one that solves them.&nbsp;
Some may offer all the features you're looking for, while others offer a bit less but might be more budget-friendly. At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s all about weighing the pros and cons. What&rsquo;s right for your particular use case?
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/Bjgh1sDQuVACKKM80mZg" alt="undefined" width="409" height="409">
TeamPassword is the most intuitive password manager for teams, backed by the best customer support. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try TeamPassword for free</a> today!
</div>
</div>
</div>

Looking for a Dashlane alternative? Check out our list of the top 7 password managers, including options for both individuals and businesses.

Here are our top password managers that are great Dashlane alternatives! Learn about pros and cons, and how ...

Dashlane Alternatives

Here are our top password managers that are great Dashlane alternatives! Learn about pros and cons, and how each of them differ from Dashlane.

Top 7 Dashlane Alternatives

The workplace is changing. In the United States alone, <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/2022">4.7 million</a> people now work remotely, at least part-time. Globally 16% of companies are now fully remote. Organizations are no longer restricted to a local pool of candidates, but they can tap into worldwide talent. That&rsquo;s why, for many organizations, remote work <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future">represents the future</a>.&nbsp;

But switching to this new form of working can be a learning curve. If you&rsquo;re struggling to adapt &ndash; don&rsquo;t panic! Here are 7 tips to help you build a remote team that thrives.&nbsp;

[Table of Contents]
<a href="#7tipsfor" rel="follow">7 tips for remote team management</a>
<ol>
<li><a href="#equip" rel="follow">Equip your teams for remote work</a></li>
<li><a href="#rethink" rel="follow">Rethink your hiring process</a></li>
<li><a href="#digitize" rel="follow">Digitize onboarding</a></li>
<li><a href="#naturalworking" rel="follow">Make a natural working environment</a></li>
<li><a href="#timezones" rel="follow">Don&rsquo;t forget time zones</a></li>
<li><a href="#upgradetools" rel="follow">Upgrade your marketing tools</a></li>
<li><a href="#micro" rel="follow">Avoid micromanagement</a></li>
</ol>
<a href="#nowyourturn" rel="follow">Now it&rsquo;s your turn&hellip;</a>

<h2 id="7tipsfor">7 tips for remote team management&nbsp;</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="equip">Equip your teams for remote work&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="475" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/6D83f0IwRnvF88Cnz3Zi0qBA_7O_D4emjBDT_5QtYPRWDnIEyP_pWsdGo9JYny37zooTQZCicjiycyG9Q7_zCJfSxk_1Fk73djSVOSnMaeYrrKF-4q_DCKDdojqCzCjXFynFEpgJgivxSX1A1YCAjb8" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/remote-work-statistics">Image source</a>

The idea of creating a fully remote team ten years ago would have seemed impossible. Thankfully, it's easier than ever to produce a thriving group of remote employees. The first step is ensuring that teams have the tools to allow them to work effectively.&nbsp;

Consider the following options for your remote teams&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Password management tools - Create an encrypted log of company passwords that employees can access on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. <a href="https://teampassword.com/features">Teampassword</a> offers a simple, secure solution designed with ease of use and collaboration in mind.
</li>
<li>
Project management software - Help keep track of marketing projects. These tools help agents monitor their progress toward meeting goals. Examples include Asana, Airtable, and Trello.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Collaboration tools - Ensure that remote teams stay connected as they work on campaigns. They allow teams to transfer files, share comments, and keep tabs on progress. Popular options include Zoom and Evernote.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Meeting Scheduling tools - Allows users to schedule team meetings and notify participants in advance. Some tools even provide insights into employee schedules to ensure there&rsquo;s minimal disruption. Here again, Zoom is the most popular choice. Other options include Calendly and Doodle.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="rethink">Rethink your hiring process&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Whether you're building your remote team from scratch or adding new members, you&rsquo;ll need to think about your hiring procedure.&nbsp;

Although the process is similar to traditional hiring, some key differences exist. After all, in-person interviews are no longer an option.&nbsp;

As you&rsquo;re building a remote team, you&rsquo;ll want access to as wide an array of marketing talent as possible. Make it clear that team members can work from home on the jobs page. Consider how wide you want to cast your net. Opening a position to worldwide employees might seem appealing, but you&rsquo;ll have the challenge of communicating with staff in different time zones.&nbsp;

You have several options for the interview stage. You can stick with a traditional one-on-one or panel interview via video call. If you do accept applicants from other time zones, think about how you can work around their schedules. For example, You could ask for pre-recorded interviews and send a list of questions to candidates.&nbsp;

The interview process is a chance to set the tone. If you want to create a more relaxed remote working environment, you might steer clear of the traditional suite and tie requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today many marketing managers are also getting inventive with hiring. This involves creating a more interactive process to get a better sense of the skills of applicants. You might send a set of tasks to a prospective candidate, such as crafting a marketing plan for an imaginary product launch.&nbsp;

Ultimately, it's all about thinking &lsquo;outside of the box&rsquo;. The more you can adapt to the virtual environment, the stronger your team will be.
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="digitize">Digitize onboarding&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
Once a candidate is selected, it&rsquo;s time to show them the ropes. Unfortunately, you&rsquo;ll no longer be able to get &lsquo;hands-on&rsquo; with your onboarding. Handling this properly is essential. As many as <a href="https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/onboarding-infographic">89%</a> of employees who had an effective onboarding experience are engaged at work

As with the interview process, you need to consider how onboarding can be handled digitally. We&rsquo;ve listed some suggestions below:&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Set up a &lsquo;welcome&rsquo; meeting - Make sure that new employees feel like part of the team straight away. Host a video conference meeting so they can greet and get to know teammates.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Simplify onboarding with interactive elements - Ease new hires into their roles by replacing overwhelming paperwork with interactive QR Codes. Create links to crucial onboarding materials like the employee handbook and forms in your welcome kits using a <a href="https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator">free QR code generator</a>. This streamlined approach not only makes essential information instantly accessible with a simple scan but also engages new employees interactively and efficiently.
</li>
<li>
Make sure equipment is delivered on time - There&rsquo;s no use having team members waiting around before they can start their job. Make sure that new employees have all the equipment they need from day one.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Don&rsquo;t scrimp on training - Training can bring real value to the growth of new employees. Make sure you cover key areas such as <a href="https://measuremindsgroup.com/marketing-data-privacy">exploring marketing data privacy</a>, lead generation, and data analysis.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Provide necessary materials - New team members will need to get to grips with your chosen marketing tools. This means providing materials that can be accessed after training. Create a space where employees can access video tutorials, articles, and other relevant resources.
</li>
<li>
Check-in regularly - Onboarding should be an ongoing process. Make sure that you hold one-on-one meetings with new employees regularly. Keep track of how they&rsquo;re doing and any areas that they&rsquo;re struggling with. Be on hand to offer assistance to help them overcome any difficulties.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="naturalworking">Make a natural working environment&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
One of the biggest challenges of switching to remote work is that it doesn&rsquo;t feel natural. For instance, there&rsquo;s no morning commute and rush to get to work. This is a good thing, people save time and money and arrive on time. But for employees who have built a routine around this process, it can feel strange.&nbsp;

Most strikingly, employees no longer get the chance to have break-time chats. Meetings can feel distant, as people no longer sit together. There&rsquo;s also a risk that communication is carried out entirely via instant messaging tools. This lack of face-to-face communication can quickly leave its mark and is one of the biggest challenges in <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-team-management-tips">remote team management</a>.
<img height="444" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/mgm_VC2piDSL-1YKhSCYVTU8f3tCtwfzurUhbux7B59vgulsNzYb8n3Gs90vVNMKyAc2ziLokQkZaap35625GIzbSpsvRY-22bnIH4yCFiKwzc4afUHkFjALg9WnEF1ZBt3B4lNt0AKZ_sRmzbWojS4" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

A survey by <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/202">Buffer</a> showed that 15% of remote workers were struggling with loneliness. A further 21% felt that they stayed home too often because they didn&rsquo;t have a reason to leave. Unaddressed, these problems can start to harm the productivity and mental health of your teams.&nbsp;

But what&rsquo;s the solution? The goal should be getting remote work to feel natural again by <a href="https://screenrec.com/business-communication-app/remote-work-culture/">building a remote-first work culture</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Below are some tips to help you get started:&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
Set flexible working hours - Many modern remote teams are offering flexibility in employee working hours. The results are paying off &ndash; only <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/blog/state-of-teams-2022#trends-worth-tracking">14%</a> of workers with flexible working arrangements complained about burnout. Giving people a say in their hours may help your teams settle into their new remote roles.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Prioritize video calls - Text-based communication is quick and effective. But make sure staff don&rsquo;t become dependent on SMS. Create a policy that your teams meet via call at least once a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Keep an eye on working hours - With less defined office hours, it can be easy to devote too much time to work. This might sound like a good thing, but employees can quickly get burned out. Introducing a time-tracking tool can help teams know when to take a break or finish for the day.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Introduce mental health initiatives - Highlight the importance of employees looking after their physical and mental health. Share materials to encourage staff to go out and exercise, and check in with team members regularly.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;This process may take some time &ndash; employees may need some coaxing. Make sure that team leaders set strong examples.&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="timezones">Don&rsquo;t forget time zones&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="441" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Tg3-7Xv4l66Un-ZePCnCm6MR6eMSrl6thAWtlpZbjhBfmLk7PV9fvSfz6kx3ZZmR1zYGFOxeG1VHmOyeR9hkKoV06RsX_8HWIpu1RhtSHl-rtNT5NsK579n0YJyu-bVwg4E4dhPQicib6oTbCkxzSAY" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://www.firstpagestrategy.com/marketing-blog/the-benefits-of-hiring-across-time-zones">Image source</a>

If your entire remote team is based in the same area you have nothing to worry about. If you&rsquo;ve expanded to build a cross-regional team, though, time zones are an obstacle you must navigate.&nbsp;

You may end up in a situation where employees have entirely different working patterns. When one group begins their day, another is fast asleep. In this scenario, it&rsquo;s much harder to arrange group activities and meetings.&nbsp;

To maintain a happy team, you and your team should be mindful of different working hours. This will require some give and take &ndash; sometimes people may need to work unfavorable hours for effective communication. In general, though, try to avoid calling teammates during their downtime.&nbsp;

Introducing different forms of asynchronous communication can help bridge the gap. You ensure a steady stream of information between teams and ensure that no one is left out of the loop.&nbsp;

For instance, establishing a group chat is a handy way of keeping people up-to-date with the latest info. Teammates can look back at past comments and keep track of the latest events. You might create recordings of conference calls for colleagues who couldn&rsquo;t attend.&nbsp;
<ol start="6">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="upgradetools">Upgrade your marketing tools&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
The marketing world has advanced massively in recent years. Gone are the days of relying on simple market research. Thanks to the latest advancements in analytics we can unpack our data and gain deep insights into individual audience members. This allows us to reach audiences in unfounded ways.

If your organization is to stand out in this data-centric world, your marketing teams need to be equipped with the right tools.&nbsp;

But where should you start? Below are some examples of must-have marketing tools.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://napoleoncat.com/blog/social-media-management-tools/">Social media management tools</a> - Juggling social media accounts across multiple platforms can be tricky. An SM management tool helps you to monitor your different accounts from a centralized location. From there, they can automate posting and get analytics insights into individual posts.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Email marketing software - Today, marketing teams can create fantastic campaigns and grow their lists more effectively thanks to <a href="https://visme.co/blog/email-marketing-tool/">email marketing software</a>. These tools help teams create appealing emails at the click of a button. They help agents to tailor their messaging with personalization features. Some can suggest marketing slogans with AI.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
SEO tools -Vying for the top spot with your advertising isn&rsquo;t easy. SEO tools help you to climb the search engine results page, allowing you to optimize your content with the right keywords.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
CRO tools - It&rsquo;s the age-old question: how can you make customers behave the way you want? Conversion rate optimization (CRO) tools gather data about website users. They help you to understand user behavior better and increase the likelihood of a conversion.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

And of course, you should understand all the data you&rsquo;re gathering from your marketing tools. If your organization <a href="https://measuremindsgroup.com/managing-analytics-teams">manages an analytics team</a> ensure there&rsquo;s a strong dialogue with marketing. With the right data-driven insights you can create more targeted and effective campaigns.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ol start="7">
<li>
<h3 role="presentation" id="micro">Avoid micromanagement&nbsp;</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<img height="328" width="624" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/BtAayJu1Pl_nRDnD93nbIJqwSO-aEalAd5lGwlCR2eO66_lcsIyS7LLggue9GPuZNBgmT5IbDwsdoTeag4TUHRgKK6bxSsCL0JfW7CwTBPmpex1XmFFs3R6pBPqT4SYoL42UUzpc4gZC9frqfQAjyh0" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://joblu.io/resources/how-to-deal-with-micromanagement/">Image source</a>

It&rsquo;s an easy trap to fall into. You can&rsquo;t see what your teams are doing. Are they on course to meet their goals? Could they be working more productively? Unfortunately, leaders can often overcompensate for this lack of visibility by micro-managing.&nbsp;

This sends a simple message to your team members: they aren&rsquo;t trusted to make their own decisions. You&rsquo;ll find that frustration quickly creeps in, and employees become less engaged. It&rsquo;s a surefire way of creating an unhappy and unproductive team.&nbsp;

So, take a step back and try to avoid fretting about your teammates. It&rsquo;s worth offering emotional intelligence (EQ) training to help leaders in these kinds of scenarios. EQ helps people to be more plugged into their emotions. It helps them to control negative impulses and better understand how their actions might impact others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While working on EQ, team leaders should also take steps to boost visibility with teams. Scheduling regular teams can help leaders to track progress. Focusing on building team relationships also helps to ensure a strong flow of communication.&nbsp;

Above all, try to demonstrate trust in your teams to make the right decisions. They&rsquo;ll reward this faith with enthusiasm and a more productive outlook.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 id="nowyourturn">Now it&rsquo;s your turn&hellip;&nbsp;</h2>
Building a remote team can be challenging, especially if you&rsquo;re used to traditional work. From <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-work-isnt-just-a-trend-its-the-future">ensuring password security</a> to continuing effective communication, you can expect a few obstacles before things start running smoothly.&nbsp;

We&rsquo;ve given you seven simple tips to help get your team off the ground. Why not start putting these into practice? Start simple &ndash; having the right tools and mindset for <a href="https://jooble.org/jobs-online-work-from-home">remote jobs</a> is essential. So, make sure teams are correctly equipped. Then get to work strengthening your remote operation.&nbsp;

With the right time and effort, you can build a strong marketing operation. So, why not get to work?&nbsp;

Remote work is here to stay. Here are seven essential tips to help you establish and manage your remote digital marketing team.

The workplace is changing - remote work is here to stay. But switching to this new form of ...

7 Tips to Manage a Remote Digital Marketing Team

The workplace is changing - remote work is here to stay. But switching to this new form of working has a learning curve. Here are seven tips to help you manage your remote digital marketing team.

In recent years, many businesses have embraced using cloud services. The cloud offers numerous benefits, including greater scalability and accessibility; however, it also brings its own unique security challenges.&nbsp;
Why? Well, cloud platforms operate differently from traditional data centers, meaning existing security tools won&rsquo;t always cut it in a cloud environment. Plus, with less direct control over how things are set up, companies have less visibility and control in the cloud, often leaving them at the mercy of whatever security measures are provided by their cloud service providers.
Add to this that many companies operate a multi-cloud infrastructure. distributing sensitive data and critical applications across various cloud platforms, and things can start to get very messy. The complexity of managing multiple cloud environments introduces significant security threats and makes them even more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Conducting a cloud security risk assessment can help organizations understand their exposure to risk and take proactive steps to address potential issues.
 [Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyneeded" rel="follow">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#benefitsof" rel="follow">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.si8ond2aebx1"></a></li>
<li><a href="#craftinganassessment" rel="follow">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment</a><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ziJVO98sNRi4n3D94PG9PnOpucm7pQHy-jJoHd9fgV4/edit#heading=h.e1k6kc7quqb3"></a></li>
<li><a href="#strengthening" rel="follow">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
Think of a cloud security risk assessment as a health check for your company's cloud setup.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;re essentially evaluating the system's overall security position and looking for any risks or gaps in security coverage. This involves examining different aspects of security, such as data protection, access controls, and network security, to give a 360-degree view.&nbsp;
The primary objective of a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/small-business-cloud-security-keep-your-cloud-secure">cloud security</a> assessment is to uncover any vulnerabilities or potential areas where hackers could gain access to your network. If you&rsquo;re operating in a cloud environment, this is more than just a housekeeping exercise; it&rsquo;s a crucial step to ensure your system's safety.&nbsp;
Conducting these assessments can help you assess your overall security level, reduce risks, and implement better security measures to protect your cloud setup.

<img height="338" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/wNOq3Ck9sSTSB6gAHHKhV_oE56DiOUyQnwfz6kqpqxliC_Q2o0luAvTHszja0S14nTqEzfHVULNUpbQfuAKEm9xqowfQVn3RxeLzdFD7b7rSfCBp_uuwqfgO8NVh9jvup403i6BT1ml9VMstL2QEpFY" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
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<h2 id="whyneeded">Why Do You Need a Cloud Security Assessment?</h2>
The shift to enterprise cloud computing is happening fast, and traditional security measures and practices can't always keep up. The sheer scale of the cloud can be overwhelming when it comes to keeping your network secure, with infrastructures spread across numerous platforms, accounts, and applications.&nbsp;
Cracks and weak spots in your protection can easily appear and go unnoticed, yet even a tiny crack is all it takes for a cybercriminal to exploit your system.
Hackers can break into systems through flawed network settings, weak passwords, or compromised user credentials. Once inside, attackers can gather information to prepare for further malicious attacks, exploit overprivileged accounts to move around your network freely and find valuable assets, and ultimately wreak havoc on your business.
<h2 id="benefitsof">The Benefits of a Cloud Security Risk Assessment</h2>
<h3>Preventing Cloud Misconfigurations</h3>
Cloud misconfigurations are among the most common issues that allow attackers to gain entry. These misconfigurations occur when controls within the cloud environment are either set up incorrectly or not used as they should be.
For example: failing to enable logging, exposing ports to the Internet, or leaving default access settings in place.&nbsp;
Correctly configuring these settings is essential for strong cloud security, and neglecting to do so is essentially like leaving the door wide open for hackers to walk in. However, the flexibility and scalability of the cloud often lead to frequent changes, increasing the likelihood of missed configurations or outdated settings.&nbsp;
For instance, let's say your team <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/Israel/.co.il">buys a domain co.il</a> for a new website. If they rush through setting it up without paying attention to things like DNS records and access controls, it could create openings for hackers. Just a few wrong settings could give hackers access to your whole cloud network.
Assessing things like network controls, access controls, where data is stored, and workloads can help spot and fix any weaknesses in your configuration before attackers can exploit them.
&nbsp;
<img height="348" width="522" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/rX-Ex18XgThn2vxHb8BBxqy_H-O9YlhgCK77xoVgOIOkdDrUdK5oowg77mrGsAyOGbBkd6ZTvGa4bmo_aUGrSUIpg5KIpUkhwN5X7qnAdL24aM3pXr8RDM1_FCYkvCpXdZSnpaMSYgImds8E9nlU-zA" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Managing Identity Security</h3>
Cloud systems rely heavily on microservices and various machine identities like APIs, roles, and service accounts. It&rsquo;s pretty common for developers to grant excessive privileges to these entities for convenience and adaptability.&nbsp;
However, this also opens you up to significant risk. Attackers can exploit these privileges to move between identities, accumulating a dangerous mix of permissions along the way. This could allow them to disrupt applications, delete infrastructure, or cause massive harm to your cloud environment.
A risk assessment should look for identity-related risks. These could include things like overprivileged entities, unused identities, insecure access keys, or opportunities for lateral movement through the system.

<h3>Detecting Compromise</h3>
When you do a cloud risk assessment, you're not looking for signs of compromise like you would in an audit. But, it is a good opportunity to spot any unusual changes from the normal setup.&nbsp;
For instance, if you see access controls being changed unexpectedly or someone accessing data from a new location, it could indicate a potential compromise. Catching these anomalies might help you uncover suspicious activity by attackers.
&nbsp;
<h3>Checking Identity and Access Controls</h3>
One of the biggest allies you have in protecting assets within the cloud is identity and access controls. These controls determine exactly who can get to what within your network. Doing a risk assessment helps you start with your most important data and then expand outward to identify who has access to this information and how they're able to access it.&nbsp;
You might think you&rsquo;ve got your access pretty locked down, but things can quickly get complicated in a cloud setup. Organizational policies, permissions given to individuals, and permissions set for different resources can create a complex network of privileges. It&rsquo;s not unusual to discover unintended pathways to sensitive assets due to the intricacies of cloud permissions which can jeopardize your <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-security-for-cloud-computing">data security</a>.

<img height="341" width="512" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/oRrFf4zmeEl9lC8jvzW1jwMLfq1jJIjvKG69QBfHpWRkt32H5MUUO7rlUsfz48uyceeGZWiUGdq1yro62JtHqdzX73XFdGoYcTbW6JRoyAl0oc9h1a0clRc4cVKfhgLtHOGi17i-b4BF1zhr0G9Id7Y" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Remaining Compliant</h3>
Many compliance standards mandate audits or assessments of cloud setups to ensure all risks have been considered. Cloud Service Providers adhere to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, and NIST SP 800-53, all of which necessitate risk assessments. Additionally, organizations may have their own internal guidelines or industry-specific requirements to meet.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="craftinganassessment">Crafting a Cloud Security Assessment&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>1. Understand Your Data</h3>
Before initiating a cloud security assessment, get a clear understanding of the kinds of data your organization handles. Then, sort your data according to its sensitivity and any regulatory standards it must meet.
By identifying which data is most important or at high risk of malicious activity, you can focus on securing it first. This could be financial records, customer details, or intellectual property.&nbsp;
For example, running an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/products/enterprise-call-center-software/">enterprise call center solution</a> typically involves handling large volumes of sensitive customer data. In crafting a cloud security assessment for this scenario, you would prioritize ensuring that the cloud environment effectively safeguards this data through encryption, access controls, and secure transmission protocols.

<h3>2. Assess Data Encryption</h3>
Encrypting data is crucial for cloud security because it keeps your information safe whether it's stored or being sent somewhere. Check if your cloud service provider offers encryption for both storing and transferring data.
Also, ensure they use strong encryption methods and manage encryption keys well to keep your data private and intact. By using strong encryption, you can reduce the chances of unauthorized access and data leaks.

<img height="344" width="459" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/P5EN2ncWyo8TWD0p-3d9YqpvjE_ti0DBLCsmIEUR33nS40hjNm02oOQX8HKZoyK6N1BK1d6CPqVV1kamRQW5W767MrjFfaIFGbD9jJWMSCgZc3s3Tx5NRIPY2-PF5TnS7E9X2gGmOopDd7fVYCkBAIQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels

<h3>3. Evaluate Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)</h3>
Not all cloud service providers offer equal levels of security. When considering potential providers, assess their security certifications, compliance standards, and measures for protecting data. Check whether they encrypt data, access controls, and what incident response protocols they have in place to make sure they meet your security needs.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll want to look for providers that follow industry standards and have strong security frameworks. For instance, if you operate a cloud-based contact center, opt for a provider that adheres to security certifications, compliance standards, and data protection measures relevant to <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/glossary/call-center-compliance/">call center regulatory compliance</a>.&nbsp;

<h3>4. Establish Access Controls</h3>
Managing access to cloud resources is vital to stopping unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.&nbsp;
Use role-based access controls (RBAC) to give permissions based on user roles and responsibilities. This allows you to control access to sensitive data, permitting only those individuals who require it for their job responsibilities.
Regularly review and update access permissions in line with any changes in personnel and business requirements.

<h3>5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
Multi-factor authentication (<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa">MFA</a>) increases security by asking users to provide more than one type of verification before they can access cloud resources.&nbsp;
For example, an access code is sent to a mobile device before logging in on a laptop. This means that even if someone&rsquo;s login details fall into the wrong hands, they can't be used for unauthorized access.&nbsp;
Check what MFA options your cloud provider offers and urge your team to use them for better security.

<img height="349" width="523" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/WN3DgDJYMtpY1FpXRKPQmyZC258kDjHth5FOXvJxno-Mtvkezi_JoYKz-bag5vcmoOnOEocr6aVQIip3HdirF6KrGwqVvB0Cuj_brRjn5fy3XvqpCaz3dBJVNmPPE9XBp7otOv6sXTVTY29MHsOExdQ" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>6. Develop Incident Response Plans</h3>
No system is immune to cyber threats, despite your best efforts and strong security measures. If you do find yourself the target of an attack, you must have a clear plan for responding to security incidents to mitigate the damage.&nbsp;
Establish clear procedures for detecting, containing, and reducing the impact of security breaches in the cloud. Regularly practice your response plan with simulated exercises so you&rsquo;re prepared if a real incident happens.

<h3>7. Conduct Regular Security Audits</h3>
Security is a continuous effort, and regular checks are crucial for finding weaknesses and ensuring compliance with security policies.&nbsp;
Arrange regular security assessments to evaluate how well your cloud security measures are working and to identify any vulnerabilities or gaps that need to be fixed. You might want to consider engaging with third-party security experts to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="strengthening">Strengthening Cybersecurity through Cloud Security Assessments</h2>
Cloud security has become an increasingly vital part of organizations' cybersecurity strategies.&nbsp;
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud services, they're storing more important data and critical applications across these environments, and this can make it challenging to secure and monitor everything effectively. &nbsp;
Especially when we look at complicated setups with multi-cloud services, it can be easy to miss potential security concerns. Conducting a cloud security risk assessment is a helpful way for organizations to pinpoint any weaknesses in their cloud security and receive actionable suggestions for improvement.
&nbsp;
<h2>Use a Password Manager to Better Control and Protect Cloud Accounts</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-password-managers-for-teams" rel="follow">Password managers built for teams</a> provide one secure location for your entire organization to store, access, and share the login credentials needed to access your cloud accounts. For example, TeamPassword uses industry-standard AES-256-bit client-side encryption to protect customer data before it is transferred it its servers. TeamPassword's intuitive user interface increases the likelihood that your users will use strong unique passwords for every account, which is made easier with its built-in password generator. Password managers also allow administrators to control account access using groups and user-role settings. Activity logs provide yet another means by which company administrators can monitor access to records holding login details.&nbsp;
No matter the size of your team, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager</a> is an essential cybersecurity and productivity tool that saves time when conducting a cloud security assessment.&nbsp;

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber threats.

Learn essential tips for crafting a thorough cloud security assessment. Protect your data and business effectively from cyber ...

How to Secure Your Business Data with a Cloud Security Assessment

Picture this: You're going about your business as usual when suddenly, your organization faces a serious cyber threat. This sneaky attack that appears to come from almost nowhere? A third-party data breach that can wreak havoc on your business faster than you can say &ldquo;Password123&rdquo;. In fact, the average cost of a data breach in the United States in 2023 amounted to an eye-watering <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/273575/us-average-cost-incurred-by-a-data-breach/">$9.48 million</a>.
&nbsp;
Third-party data breaches can happen to anyone, at any time. The scary part? By the time they happen, they are largely out of your control. This type of breach happens when a third-party vendor or partner who holds your company data suffers a cyber attack themselves, and your sensitive data is exposed.
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So, while you might have all the right defenses in place to protect your data within your business, how do you keep your precious data safe from prying eyes once it&rsquo;s in the hands of a third party?
&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t panic. There are practical steps you can take to protect your business from a third-party data breach.

[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understand" rel="follow">Understand the Enemy</a></li>
<li><a href="#commonbreaches" rel="follow">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</a></li>
<li><a href="#assessrisk" rel="follow">Assess Your Risk</a></li>
<li><a href="#preventbreaches" rel="follow">Prevent Third-Party Data Breaches</a></li>
<li><a href="#securedata" rel="follow">Secure Your Company's Data</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understand">Understand the Enemy</h2>
Before we get into how to protect yourself from third-party data breaches, let's take a look at what we&rsquo;re up against. These breaches happen when <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023">cyber attackers</a> gain unauthorized access to the systems of your partners or vendors, allowing them to get their hands on sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records.
&nbsp;
Now, you might wonder, "Why target my vendors?" Well, this is a strategic tactic for third-party breaches. They give hackers a way to sneak through the backdoor into your organization, bypassing your usual defenses. So, even if you have the right cyber security measures in place, a weak link in your supply chain could still spell disaster for your business.

<img height="346" width="520" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/bBIzjb7nl3cC7IHtEbz_ojp3RR8K1XwZnEEB83EiBbC2P1caUrWvJpMkgvERXq2OcZ6kfdfFCy2LTfkdvJI_PfnVV85bnlM5xZD_NzWCUDX4obiXG5d3LGBXH-hSml-P_li-UQvCaCFUVbaAdUlxgd4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="commonbreaches">Common Data Breaches Caused by Third-Party Vendors</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
Unauthorized Access: Third-party vendors with excessive access privileges might accidentally or intentionally access sensitive data, leading to breaches.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Misconfigured Services: Misconfigurations in third-party services or cloud environments can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access. For example, if storage or databases are set up incorrectly, they could be accessed by the public or unauthorized parties.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers may compromise third-party vendors to gain access to their clients' networks or data. They could do this by sneaking malware into software updates or finding weaknesses in the vendor's systems to infiltrate their clients' networks.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Vendor Compromise: If hackers break into a third-party vendor's systems, they could get into their clients' sensitive data. This might happen through tricks like phishing emails, spreading malware, or finding other ways to trick the vendor's employees or systems.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Insufficient Security Measures: Third-party vendors might not have sufficient security measures to safeguard sensitive data, including encryption, access controls, or intrusion detection systems. As a result, the data becomes vulnerable to exploitation by malicious attackers.
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
Data Sharing Practices: Sometimes, third-party vendors may share or transfer data without proper authorization or security measures, leading to data breaches or unauthorized disclosures.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="assessrisk">Assess Your Risks</h2>
Now that you know what we're dealing with, it's time to assess any potential vulnerabilities in your supply chain and strengthen your defenses. It can be easy to think, &ldquo;It won&rsquo;t happen to me&rdquo; &ndash; until it does, and you&rsquo;re left dealing with the repercussions. Leaked customer data can cripple your reputation, while unauthorized access to sensitive financial information could have devastating financial consequences for your business.
&nbsp;
Start with a thorough review of your third-party relationships, identifying all vendors and partners who have access to your sensitive data. Once you've got your list, categorize your vendors based on the level of risk they present to your organization.
&nbsp;
For example, a cloud service provider who has access to your financial data would pose a much higher risk than your <a href="https://www.onlydomains.com/domains/United-Arab-Emirates/.ae">ae TLD</a> provider with limited access to such sensitive information.

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qoRySz57feseWOApoaVJkm0_2Zgxe1B-jHFBJCAgqOg2LvNq580twpOOf15uNjzI1Iy3mhzHJ1LwsU8JtpcFX_aMeTpZ8WUIph6JD9pBzvNi_0glw5p6f6v8RHwDIxZvPm6C3pJcEJExBXWuCZdjg_k">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="preventbreaches">Prevent Third-Party Vendor Data Breaches</h2>
Once you've identified your high-risk vendors, it's time to come up with a defense plan to protect yourself from potential breaches.
<h3>Strict Security Protocols</h3>
Start by setting strict security protocols and standards for all third-party relationships. Clearly outline your expectations for data protection, access controls, and incident response. Reputable partners should have no problem complying with these measures and ideally, they ought to have their own strong security measures already in place to safeguard your sensitive data.
&nbsp;
Then, work closely with your vendors to ensure they stick to your security standards and implement adequate safeguards for your data. This might involve regular security assessments, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">encryption</a> protocols, or multi-factor authentication measures to prevent unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
Information security should be top of your priority list when choosing new vendors to work with, particularly those who will be granted access to sensitive data. It's crucial to discuss security measures with potential vendors from the start and have a good understanding of how they handle both their own data security and what measures they have in place to protect your information. Only work with vendors whose security practices match your own standards.
&nbsp;
<h3>Vendor Risk Management</h3>
Establishing that your third-party vendor has a security program in place is just the first step. When you&rsquo;re trusting a partner with highly sensitive data, you need to know that they're serious about managing risks and investing resources into protecting themselves from any vulnerabilities.
&nbsp;
Ask for their latest internal risk assessments, penetration testing, and compliance frameworks. They should have a comprehensive risk management plan, a strategy for mitigating supply chain risks, and protocols for addressing potential data breaches.
&nbsp;
Continuously monitoring third-party risks provides ongoing visibility into the vendor's cybersecurity practices. Conduct quarterly assessments to assess the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.
&nbsp;
Keep an eye on their cybersecurity practices regularly. Check how they're doing every few months with quarterly assessments of the vendor's performance metrics and overall security stance.

<img height="367" width="490" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RvM7vE0SM7kettNWqtGTwnqeQMVER31W0nNBq0Ih-1sKy2HpKpa-UGVW5HJQq-BkzyvdTEWsnWfbe-L36PQiLbQOI8Oyo5D58wZ2ai_RB9SZnQXR5gHZWDgs47cFR4HPTSue-XDl23H0FBBY13LMyyQ">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
&nbsp;
<h3>Regular Audits</h3>
Don&rsquo;t just take your vendor's word for it when it comes to data security. Conducting audits is crucial to understand the true state of your vendor's security. Perform audits regularly, especially when dealing with highly sensitive data entrusted to a vendor.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These audits assess how well the organization adheres to its security compliance framework and its track record from previous audits. Look out for any signs of compromise and evaluate how effectively the vendor manages cybersecurity risks.
<h3>Secure Data Storage and Transfer</h3>
Working with third-party vendors often involves exchanging or sharing data. For example, consider a company that uses an <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/blog/customer-service-automation/">automated customer service system</a> provided by a third-party vendor. The customer details and interactions logged by the system are likely to involve data exchange.&nbsp;

Without a well-defined policy in place, the storage and transfer of data within this system could pose a whole host of risks for the organization. They could find themselves exposed to unauthorized access, non-compliance with data protection laws, and even a data breach.
&nbsp;
Establishing clear guidelines enables companies to outline boundaries and expectations for data storage and transfer. This makes sure that the third-party vendor handles your customer data with the same level of care and security standards as you do.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<img height="343" width="514" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/w_pszyFdXI77M5NhZAoum-8m98bgfQ60HO1FlBfo6MFm0QhGbPE3a4L2iH_oA8aAB_j_71xfMoEuXEaG1kkUZ8j-kokzXonVJoVCXpmITRrszyvsyeIAWHrmUqdnsYcXOy2QXXT0WHBIYi4HGoFYRB4">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h3>Least-Privileged Access</h3>
Granting excessive access to third parties is a common cause of data breaches. To better protect yourself, it's important to be strict when it comes to access management. It might take a little more thought and management, but it could protect you from a lot of trouble further down the line.
&nbsp;
Implementing least-privileged access ensures that third-party service providers have only what they absolutely need for their tasks, minimizing the risk of breaches.
&nbsp;
Consider a situation where a company implements a third-party <a href="https://www.dialpad.com/features/contact-center-integrations/">contact center integration</a> into its operations. If this third-party provider is given unrestricted access to customer data, it would pose a huge security risk. Their representatives might gain access to sensitive personal details, including names, addresses, and credit card details. In this scenario, a data breach would be devastating.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
To mitigate this, the company can use least-privileged access. This means the provider only gets access to what they absolutely need, like customer contact details for making calls and access to customer support tickets.&nbsp;
<h3>Monitoring and Vigilance</h3>
Third-party vendors play vital roles in your supply chain, but they also bring risks like data breaches and compliance issues if not properly monitored. Just checking vendors at the beginning of your relationship isn't enough; ongoing monitoring is key. Keep a close watch on your third-party relationships for any unusual activity that could mean there's been a breach.
&nbsp;
For example, if you see a sudden increase in data transfers or access requests from a vendor's account at odd times, it could be a red flag. You should investigate any anomalies like this straight away to determine if they represent a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-6-security-threats-for-small-businesses">security threat</a> or indicate a breach in progress.
&nbsp;
Additionally, set up robust systems to monitor who can access critical data. This helps you quickly spot and stop any unauthorized access.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;<img height="333" width="500" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/LHMKLzJpW6F-2I-vivoUbNqxlbToK05MCuszuZI6ex2pcMstwaW9Zgq2mWYAH484VDLkVj59l9Av2HbxaxUsFwUd_9YKFWV9-LgrtjrOZxUwGZeroYoSuAUH8jQd_AaoLQxB5R1fGiLoIPm8y-aFO58">
Free to use image sourced from Pexels
<h2 id="securedata">Secure Your Company's Data</h2>
While it might feel daunting to try to protect data that is outside your control, there are plenty of sensible precautions you can take to keep your company data safe.
&nbsp;
To help reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a third-party data breach, it&rsquo;s important to implement strong security protocols and conduct regular assessments to catch any issues.
&nbsp;
Stay alert, keep on top of any new security trends or threats as they emerge, and adapt your security measures to address evolving risks. By being proactive, businesses can handle third-party data breaches better, protecting their valuable data.

<h2>Use a Password Manager</h2>

A great way to mitigate the risks from third-party data breaches is by using a password manager like TeamPassword. A <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-password-manager" rel="follow">password manager </a>provides one secure location to store your company's online account information and other sensitive data. TeamPassword enables users to share records in groups, thereby limiting who has access to the login credentials. Creating a strong unique password for every account is made easy with TeamPassword's built-in password generator that can create a complex thirty-two-character password in milliseconds. Admins can also use TeamPassword's activity log to monitor who has accessed and changed each record to monitor access and meet compliance standards.&nbsp;

Whether you use TeamPassword or another password manager, a password manager is an essential tool to protect yourself from third-party data breaches.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On a final note, think about getting cybersecurity insurance to lessen the financial blow of a possible breach. While insurance can't stop a breach, it can give valuable protection against the expensive fallout of data loss or theft.

Find out how to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our ...

How to Mitigate the Risks of Third-Party Data Breaches

Explore effective strategies to mitigate risks from third-party data breaches. Learn proactive measures and best practices in our comprehensive guide.

How to Mitigate Risks from Third-Party Data Breaches

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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 ...

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login

What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login | TeamPassword

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://www.teampassword.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-do-to-keep-passwords-safe" target="_blank" rel="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://www.teampassword.com/blog/why-you-need-a-password-manager" target="_blank" rel="noopener">password manager</a> features a selection of security features, including password encryption and two-step verification. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow">free trial</a> today.&nbsp;

<h2>1. Email</h2>
Have you ever emailed yourself a password to ensure you&rsquo;re never without it? Great idea, right? Actually, emailing yourself your passwords is a really bad idea, and here&rsquo;s why:
<ul>
<li>Emails are usually sent in plain text. Without encryption, your passwords are susceptible if your email account is ever compromised.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Unsafe passwords sent via email often pass through several systems and servers. There&rsquo;ll also be a copy in your sent folder. If someone else can access your email account, your passwords become vulnerable.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Some email platforms store data locally on a drive. If someone steals your computer, phone, or tablet, your passwords become vulnerable.</li>
</ul>
A really bad idea for passwords is to send them via email &mdash; either to yourself or someone else. <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hackers </a>and scammers are more resourceful than ever, and they can often steal your information before you realize you&rsquo;ve been compromised.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s tempting to send a quick email to yourself containing unsafe passwords when you sign up for new online services. For the sake of an extra minute or two, don&rsquo;t give fraudsters easy access to your accounts. Use an encrypted email vault to safeguard all your passwords.&nbsp;
<h2>2. Online Documents</h2>
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>3. Instant Messaging Service</h2>
Instant messaging services provide us with a convenient way of staying in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat were designed for private online conversations &mdash; not for storing passwords.
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.
It&rsquo;s always a bad idea when passwords are stored on instant messaging services. By nature, these apps are designed to operate in the background &mdash; alerting you when someone sends a message. And because they&rsquo;re open, anyone with the device in their hand might be able to steal your unprotected passwords.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t fall into the trap of utilizing bad ideas for password storage. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a> with TeamPassword, and give your unsafe passwords the protection they require.
<h2>4. Online Note-taker</h2>
Developers design online note-takers for everyday lists and reminders. While they&rsquo;re great for creating to-do and shopping lists, they&rsquo;re not so good for storing unsafe passwords.&nbsp;
An app such as Apple Notes is easy to use, accessible, and convenient. But it doesn&rsquo;t offer two-step authentication, encryption, or any sophisticated form of security.&nbsp;
If your computer or mobile device is unlocked, your saved passwords are vulnerable. In many cases, a criminal would simply need to open the app to gain access to your sensitive information.&nbsp;
OK, you might be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping your phone or computer locked. But hackers are resourceful, and they&rsquo;re very good at discovering unsafe passwords. Once they access your phone, any passwords stored in your note-taking app become vulnerable.&nbsp;
<h2>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>Use TeamPassword for Extra Protection</h2>
Remembering and safely storing a dozen or more passwords isn&rsquo;t a simple task. By locking away all your passwords in a digital vault, you get maximum protection and easy access.&nbsp;
TeamPassword offers a range of <a href="https://www.teampassword.com/security" target="_blank" rel="noopener">security features</a> &mdash; designed to keep your passwords safe. Offering two-step authentication and encryption, this powerful protection system solves the problem of unsafe passwords with ease. Sign up for a <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free trial</a> to see these exciting features for yourself.&nbsp;

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. ...

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