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

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

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

10 extremely successful freelancers and what they do

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

Thwart Man-in-the-middle attacks with our comprehensive guide. We define common types of MITM attacks and provide actionable steps for prevention.

Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM) are one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks that can compromise your online security ...

How to Prevent Man-in-the-middle Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM) are one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks that can compromise your online security and privacy. According to a report by IBM, MITM attacks accounted for 35% of all cyberattacks in 2019, and they can cause significant financial and reputational damage to both individuals and organizations. ...

How to Prevent Man-in-the-middle Attacks - 5 Steps

Learn the basics of password security. Create and manage your passwords safely - protect yourself from threat actors.

Ultimate Guide to Password Security

States and governments are constantly introducing privacy laws that mirror the notable <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/gdpr-was-it-really-a-big-deal">European GDPR</a> and California's CCPA. Security and privacy must be a high priority for agencies handling data (like client social media passwords).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Storing client passwords securely is necessary not only to comply with laws and respect people's privacy, but also to maintain your reputation as a business. If your company earns a reputation for password mismanagement and causing leaks or <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-complete-guide" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">data breaches</a>, you'll battle to find anyone who wants to work with you!
How do you store client social media passwords correctly? 
With a password manager.&nbsp;
Let's learn why a password manager is the best tool for the job, and how to use it effectively and efficiently.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#importance" rel="follow">The Importance of Onboarding Clients Safely</a></li>
<li><a href="#examplesofpooronboarding" rel="follow">Examples of Poor Onboarding Practices</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtobuildtrust" rel="follow">How to Build Trust and Onboard Clients Securely</a></li>
<li><a href="#passwordsecurityrisks" rel="follow">Common Password Security Risks</a></li>
</ul>
Secure password management doesn't have to be expensive or disrupt workflows. TeamPassword is an <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">affordable password manager</a> designed for small businesses, startups, and agencies. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> to experience the ease and efficiency of robust password security with TeamPassword.
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<h2 id="importance">The Importance of Onboarding Clients Safely</h2>
Firstly, violating GDPR, CCPA, and other State regulations could result in hefty fines. In Europe, under GDPR, the maximum penalty is &pound;20 million or 4% of annual turnover. Google, British Airways, H&amp;M, and Marriot have all learned this the hard way&mdash;each receiving fines over &euro;10,000,000.
CCPA punishes California-based organizations similarly to GDPR and can take action against companies outside of California and the United States for data violations against its citizens. Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Hawaii are working on similar data privacy laws with severe fines and penalties.
<a href="https://www.lockelord.com/newsandevents/publications/2022/12/us-state-privacy-laws-2023" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">New privacy laws are always in the works</a> - research your own area to stay abreast of laws applying to your or your business.&nbsp;
While most agencies don't operate anywhere near the turnover of the multinationals mentioned above, a relative fine will still hurt cash flow and your brand's reputation.&nbsp;
A secure and professional onboarding experience will not only ensure you comply with legislation, but it'll impress your clients and build trust. If your customers know they're in safe hands, then they're less likely to look elsewhere.

<h2 id="examplesofpooronboarding">Examples of Poor Onboarding Practices &amp; Associated Risks</h2>
When agencies onboard new clients, they typically require access to social media accounts and any tools&mdash;social media management, analytics, research, etc. This access means clients need to share their passwords with your company.
Here are some of the ways agencies onboard clients, the associated risks, and why you should avoid using them.
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<h3>Email</h3>
Email is a common way for clients and agencies to share passwords. It's also one of the most dangerous!&nbsp;
If someone breaches an employee or client's device, all they have to do is search your email using keywords like "password" or "Instagram password," and the relevant emails will appear. Even if you delete the emails, they usually stay in your deleted folder for 30 days.&nbsp;
It's also very easy to share emails, and you have no control over where employees, contractors, or freelancers forward these passwords&mdash;even if it's a mistake!
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<h3>Spreadsheets</h3>
Like email, spreadsheets are easy to copy and share. They're also simple for hackers to find when they breach a device.&nbsp;
Spreadsheets are particularly bad for sharing passwords because you generally store multiple credentials in one place&mdash;making it easy to steal an entire asset list. Worse still, if you keep all your client's credentials in one spreadsheet under multiple tabs!&nbsp;
The biggest issue with spreadsheets is that you can't segment access without creating multiple spreadsheets, which can become confusing if you deal with many clients and teams.
It's a cybersecurity best practice to give each person the minimum access they need to do their job. This includes passwords, tools, credentials - anything that can be misused in the wrong hands. If you store passwords in spreadsheets, it's incredibly inconvenient to follow this best practice.&nbsp;
<h3>Text &amp; Messaging Apps</h3>
Another common way people share passwords is via text or messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, and others. This method exposes similar vulnerabilities to email and spreadsheets where you have no control over unauthorized sharing. You also have to worry about team members losing their devices!&nbsp;
Many of these apps store your messages on a server, which means they're vulnerable to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/facebook-hacks-a-history-of-security-breaches-at-facebook" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">data breaches</a>&mdash;which happen more often than you think!
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<h3>Forms</h3>
Another way agencies onboard clients and capture data like passwords is by using forms. A little more secure than other methods, but where do those submissions go? And how do you store and share the passwords once you receive them?&nbsp;
Form submissions often end up in email inboxes, which defeats the point of "securely transferring" data from your clients.&nbsp;
The most significant risk with these four onboarding methods is that employees use and share raw credentials. If you're <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/should-i-share-data-with-freelancers" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sharing passwords with freelancers</a>, then that's even more problematic!
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<h2 id="howtobuildtrust">How to Build Trust and Onboard Clients Securely</h2>
So, how do you receive data like client social media passwords securely? And how do you store and share credentials with coworkers safely?&nbsp;
With <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>, you can capture client social media passwords and share those credentials with your teams. Here's how...
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First, create a TeamPassword group for your client.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you haven't already, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sign up for a TeamPassword account</a>. It's free to try for 14 days&mdash;no credit card required.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Navigate to your organization profile under Manage Teams.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Click Groups and Add a Group.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use your client's name for the group and click Save Changes.</li>
</ol>
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Now, it's time to onboard your client and enter their passwords directly into TeamPassword's encrypted vault. TeamPassword's minimalist UI makes it easy to navigate and enter the required information.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/YIktmkpRbyMiWcXVRPSK" alt="undefined" width="837" height="455">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Under People, click Invite Your Team.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enter your client's email address, set the Permission level to Member. Under Add to groups (optional): check the box next to your client's name and click Send Invitation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your client will receive an invite to join your TeamPassword account. They accept the invite by following the email link and creating a username and password.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">On the dashboard, your client clicks the blue and white + button to add a new password.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Now, they fill in: 
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Name Easily identifiable such as Acme - Instagram. This makes it searchable and differentiates it from your other clients' Instagram accounts.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Login URL If unsure, have them enter the root domain -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com</a> for example.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Username and Password fields.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Notes: they can use this field to add any additional instructions.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Share with: your client should check your company name (not Only Me (Private))</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When they click your company name, a second box will appear where your client needs to check their name and&nbsp;not Everyone at (Your Company).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lastly, they click Save, the password saves to your account and immediately appears on your TeamPassword dashboard.</li>
</ol>
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Your client repeats steps 4 to 8 for all of their passwords, and you have securely captured their data without exposing credentials. &nbsp;
As the account owner, you can edit your client's credentials to correct any onboarding errors.&nbsp;
We highly recommend resetting all of your client's passwords to ensure they're strong and every account has unique credentials. Your client can view the new credentials and use TeamPassword's browser extensions or mobile app to continue to log in to their accounts.&nbsp;
It's a good idea to share an instructional video (using Loom or similar) or provide live onboarding to guide them through the process.
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If your client isn't using a password manager, encourage them to <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sign up for TeamPassword</a> to securely store and share all of their company credentials.
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<h2 id="passwordsecurityrisks">Common Password Security Risks</h2>
Here are the top five <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/top-five-mistakes-when-sharing-passwords-with-your-team" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">mistakes companies make when sharing passwords</a> with teams.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Creating Weak Passwords: weak passwords make it easy for attackers to breach your digital assets. Never use your company/platform (like Instagram or Twitter) name, sequential numbers (123), and other easy-to-guess personal/company information. TeamPassword features a built-in <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">password generator</a>, so teams always create strong, random passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Storing Passwords in Plaintext: plaintext includes emails, digital note pads, spreadsheets, messaging apps. <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword uses AES 256-Bit encryption</a> to store your passwords. We hash, salt, and encrypt data locally on your computer before uploading them to our servers. Not even TeamPassword employees can view your passwords!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reusing Passwords: reusing passwords exposes you to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">credential stuffing attacks</a> where hackers use the same credentials to access other accounts using the same username and password combination. With TeamPassword's password generator, you can create unique credentials for every account.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Memorable Passwords: we often create passwords using memorable words or phrases, like pets/family names, street addresses, mobile numbers, etc. Hackers know this! With some social media research, criminals can gather "keywords" about your life and add them to password-cracking algorithms to perform what's called a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/five-most-common-password-attacks" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">dictionary attack</a>&mdash;a highly focused brute force attack where algorithms try username and password combinations until they find a match.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Changing Passwords Frequently: if you're not using a password manager or password generator, changing passwords too frequently could expose vulnerabilities. Employees tend to develop password-creation patterns which hackers can use to guess your credentials or refine algorithms for a dictionary attack.</li>
</ol>
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When you're working with high-value clients, these sorts of password attacks are not out of the realm of possibility! Always use a password manager to keep your client's social media passwords and other digital assets safe from attack!
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<h2>Try TeamPassword for Free</h2>
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for a free TeamPassword trial</a> to test our password manager with your team and clients. Stop using poor onboarding practices and provide peace of mind for your clients with <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a>.

Worried that you're jeopardizing your client's social media accounts? Learn how to store their credentials securely and efficiently.

Make sure you always use a password manager to keep your client's social media passwords and other digital ...

How to store client social media passwords correctly

Make sure you always use a password manager to keep your client's social media passwords and other digital assets safe from attack!

Image by Freepik
In an era where data is the lifeblood of businesses, securing your information on the cloud is non-negotiable. Even with the impeccable reputation of Microsoft Azure, understanding and implementing Azure security best practices is crucial. This guide aims to empower you with immediate steps to enhance your security while utilizing Microsoft Azure.

<ol>
<li>Key Takeaway: Azure offers a versatile set of services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).</li>
<li>Key Takeaway: Empower Your Security with RBAC, and use Azure's MFA features to get your team one step close to authentication best practices: something you know, something you have, and something you are.</li>
<li>Key Takeaway: Strengthen Passwords, provide a password manager so the burden isn't on your employees, and Leverage Azure Security Center.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
[Table of contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#Whatismicrosoftazure" rel="follow">What is Microsoft Azure?</a></li>
<li><a href="#bestsecuritypractices" rel="follow">Best Security Practices for Microsoft Azure</a></li>
<li><a href="#teampasswordelevatesecurity" rel="follow">Elevate security with TeamPassword</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What is Microsoft Azure?</h2>
Microsoft Azure, launched in 2010, has evolved into a robust cloud computing platform that offers a comprehensive suite of services. Its inception was a strategic move by Microsoft to compete in the growing cloud services market. Over the years, Azure has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking scalable and flexible cloud solutions.
Azure's journey began as a platform primarily focused on providing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It allowed organizations to virtualize their computing infrastructure, providing a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional on-premises solutions. As cloud computing gained momentum, Microsoft expanded Azure into a Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) provider.
With continuous innovation and updates, Azure has positioned itself as a leading player in the cloud industry. Its global data centers, spanning multiple continents, ensure low-latency access and high availability for users across the globe. Microsoft's commitment to security, compliance, and interoperability has contributed to Azure's reputation as a reliable cloud service.
Azure's Data Storage Base is a key component, offering a variety of storage services to meet different business requirements.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
Azure Blob Storage: Designed for storing massive amounts of unstructured data, Azure Blob Storage provides scalable and cost-effective object storage. It is ideal for scenarios such as backup, archiving, and serving large-scale static content.
</li>
<li>
Azure SQL Databases: For organizations requiring relational database management, Azure SQL Databases offer a fully managed and scalable solution. This service ensures high-performance, security, and reliability for applications relying on structured data.
</li>
<li>
Azure Cosmos DB: Geared towards globally distributed applications, Azure Cosmos DB is a multi-model, multi-API database service. It provides low-latency access to data on a global scale, making it suitable for scenarios where responsiveness and reliability are paramount.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="bestsecuritypractices">Best Security Practices for Microsoft Azure</h2>
In the expansive realm of Azure services, prioritizing security is not just a choice; it's a necessity. Let's delve into key practices that act as a fortress, strengthening the security of your Azure environment.
<h3>Utilize Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC)</h3>
In the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, granting access is a nuanced task. Utilizing Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) is akin to handing out keys selectively in a secure facility. By assigning roles to users, organizations achieve precise control over who can access specific data and features. This separation of duties enhances security and streamlines workflows by limiting access to job-specific tasks.
As your organization evolves, RBAC allows adjustments to access levels as needed. Embrace the power of RBAC to ensure your Azure environment is safeguarded against unauthorized intrusions.
<h3>Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>
Relying solely on passwords is like leaving your front door unlocked. There's a door, and it's closed, but someone only has to go up and try the handle.
Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), preferably of the "something you have" variety (software token, hardware key), gets you one step closer to the recommended trio of authentication steps: something you know, something you have, and something you are.
Emphasize the significance of MFA, especially on mobile devices where vulnerabilities can be exploited. This security measure requires users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as a password and a verification code, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Elevate your security posture by making MFA a non-negotiable aspect of your Azure environment.
Read more: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/2fa-vs-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">2FA vs MFA: Are they the same?</a>
<h3>Use Strong Passwords</h3>
Azure handles SSO for many services, but passwords are still broadly used and needed, and they need to be strong.&nbsp;
The problem is that imposing requirements but leaving it up to the user to store/memorize the password, results in bad practices. Change it every 3 months? 'password1' becomes 'password2'. Special character and uppercase? Fine, I'll go with 'Password1!'. Has to be 12 characters? How about 'password1111'?&nbsp;
Password length and variety&nbsp;are cornerstones of secure passwords, but you need to provide a password manager so your employees aren't tempted to create weak, reused passwords.
Use a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password generator</a> for quick, secure passwords.&nbsp;
Most password managers have browser extensions that can easily autofill those complex passwords for you. Removing friction is key for your employees - especially those less tech-savvy - to use the software you provide for everyone's security.&nbsp;
For an in-depth guide, read our <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Ultimate Guide to Password Security</a>
<h3>Leverage Azure Security Center</h3>
Azure Security Center stands as a comprehensive solution, acting as a sentinel for your security management. Its unified platform allows you to manage both Azure and non-Azure clouds efficiently, bringing simplicity to the complex realm of cloud security.
Capitalize on its robust threat detection capabilities, ensuring you are promptly notified of potential threats to your services and networks. Additionally, benefit from actionable insights provided by security recommendations, allowing you to stay one step ahead of potential security risks.
By adopting and integrating these best security practices into your Azure environment, you fortify your defenses against potential cyber threats and ensure a resilient security posture in the digital age.
<h2 id="teampasswordelevatesecurity">How TeamPassword Can Elevate Your Security</h2>
Passwords aren't disappearing anytime soon. SSO solutions and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-technology" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">passkeys</a> continue to improve, but companies are slow to change, and passwords are easily implemented and familiar.&nbsp;
If you want your employees to use secure passwords, you need to provide them with the tools to do so. TeamPassword is a <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">secure</a>, <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">straightforward</a>, and cost-effective password manager for businesses.&nbsp;
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free for 14 days</a> - no credit card required!&nbsp;

Looking for ways to enhance your cyber security with Microsoft Azure? Check out our  Microsoft Azure security best practices and how TeamPassword can help!

Looking for ways to enhance your cyber security with Microsoft Azure? Check out our  Microsoft Azure security ...

Microsoft Azure Security Best Practices | Keep Azure Secure

Welcome to the world of passkey security, where the key to unlocking your digital fortress is simpler, yet more robust than ever. In this blog, we'll break down the basics of passkeys, explore how they work, and delve into their advantages and potential challenges.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#understandingthebasics" rel="follow">Passkey Security: Understanding the Basics</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#passkeysandmfa" rel="follow">Passkeys and MFA</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#howdoespasskeysecuritywork" rel="follow">How Does Passkey Security Work?&nbsp;</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#advantagesofpasskeysecurity" rel="follow">Advantages of Passkey Security</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">Best Practices for Passkey Security</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understandingthebasics">Passkey Security: Understanding the Basics</h2>
If you want to protect your data from cyberattacks, you need to use strong and secure authentication methods. One of the most effective ways to do that is by using passkeys. But what are passkeys and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-vs-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">how do they differ from traditional passwords</a>?
A passkey refers to a cryptographic key pair that together encrypts and decrypts data. Unlike passwords, the passkey is never seen by the user.
If you don't know the passkey, how do you use it?
When creating a passkey for a new account, you'll verify your intent by unlocking the device using your PIN or biometrics. Your operating system creates a unique cryptographic key pair; one key is stored on the application or website where you're making an account, while the other is stored in secure elements on your device (such as secure enclaves or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_Platform_Module" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">trusted platform modules (TPMs)</a>).
When you return to log into your account, you'll need to verify yourself as the device owner with that same PIN or biometric.
Passkeys are highly resistant to stealing, guessing, and brute-forcing, and cannot be phished. A criminal's best bet is to steal your device and biometric data that unlocks it.&nbsp;
One drawback is that only this device is authorized to log into the account. This inconvenience is being overcome, however, as tech giants like Google and Apple give you the option to sync your passkeys with your Google or iCloud account. Third-party password managers are implementing passkey support as well.&nbsp;It's important to understand that this puts the security of your private key in their hands.&nbsp;
A full walkthrough of setting up a passkey, understanding what is stored where, and handling roaming can be found <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-technology#:~:text=device%20FIDO%20credentials-,Passkey%20Login%20Examples,-Note%3A%C2%A0Below" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 id="passkeysandmfa">Passkeys and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h2>
Part of a passkey's appeal is that it combines the security elements achieved by passwords + MFA.
Passkeys require something you are or&nbsp;know (biometrics, PIN) plus something you&nbsp;possess (the device you authorized to store the cryptographic key pair - usually your phone).&nbsp;
The password + MFA setup requires two steps to achieve this. You need a password (something you know) and something else you know or are supposed to possess (software token from 2FA app, the code texted to your phone). But <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/03/can-we-stop-pretending-sms-is-secure-now/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">SMS as a 2FA solution has severe drawbacks</a>, and people's <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-password-security-teampassword" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">password hygiene habits</a> aren't keeping up.
By combining elements of MFA with phishing-resistant cryptographic key pairs, passkeys increase convenience and improve security - a rare package in cybersecurity.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howdoespasskeysecuritywork">How Does Passkey Security Work?</h2>
Now that we've laid the groundwork, let's explore the inner workings of passkey security.
<h3>Passkey Generation</h3>
Passkey generation refers to the process of creating a unique cryptographic key pair for use in an authentication process. Passkeys replace the most common authentication method of username/password.
Here's an overview of the key components of passkey generation:
<ul>
<li>Randomness: Passkeys are designed to be unpredictable and difficult to guess. To achieve this, cryptographic systems often use sources of entropy, such as random number generators, to ensure that the generated passkey is truly random.</li>
<li>Asymmetric-key cryptography: This involves a pair of keys &ndash; a public key and a private key. The passkey generation process generates these key pairs. The public key is stored on a server, but it is useless without the private key, which is stored on your device. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Secure Storage: Once generated, passkeys need to be securely stored. This is crucial, especially for private keys in asymmetric cryptography. Unauthorized access to the keys compromises the security of the system.</li>
</ul>
Details of passkey generation may vary depending on the specific cryptographic protocols or standards being used. Additionally, security best practices and standards evolve over time, so if you plan to implement passkeys from a developer's perspective or wish to know the latest in passkey security enhancements, you'll be best served by the <a href="https://fidoalliance.org/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">FIDO Alliance website</a>.
<h3>Public and Private Keys</h3>
Enter the concept of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-key_cryptography" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">public and private keys</a>. In passkey security, the public key is stored in an online database, while the private key remains on the user's device, or is "roamed" to other devices by a service like iCloud Keychain. This asymmetrical approach adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if the public key falls into the wrong hands, it remains useless without its counterpart.
Note: There are now several methods to sync your private key online and skip the <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-technology#:~:text=Now%2C%20I%20need%20to%20log%20in%20on%20my%20Macbook." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Bluetooth authentication ceremony</a> normally required to enroll a new device. Syncing your private key places the security of said key in the hands of Google, Apple, or a third-party password manager. Whether or not this is a worthwhile tradeoff is up to you and your use case.&nbsp;
<h2 id="advantagesofpasskeysecurity">Advantages of Passkey Security</h2>
Let's explore why passkey security is gaining traction in the digital landscape.
<h3>Increased Security</h3>
Leaked and stolen passwords, phished 2FA tokens, and social engineering attacks continue to cost millions for businesses and wreak havoc for consumers.&nbsp;
Passkeys can't be phished, obtained through social engineering, or tricked into signing into a fake website. Passkeys are always long and random - something fallible humans continue to miss with passwords despite warnings from every side.
Together, these features eliminate the main downfalls of passwords.&nbsp;
<h3>User-Friendly Authentication</h3>
Say goodbye to complex password requirements and forgotten combinations. Passkeys streamline the authentication process, offering a user-friendly experience without compromising security.
<h2 id="challenges">Challenges and Considerations</h2>
As with any security system, passkeys come with their own challenges.
The features that make passkeys secure make managing them trickier.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Passkeys can't be exported and imported between ecosystems at the time of this writing.</li>
</ul>
It's partly a security problem, but what incentive do vendors have to make it easy to transfer passkeys from Google Password Manager to iCloud Keychain, or from Keychain to a third-party password manager? If you have your passkeys in iCloud Keychain and decide to switch to Android, you'll have a lot of manual work to do setting up new passkeys for your accounts.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>If your passkey isn't synced and you lose the device storing it, how do you create a new passkey?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Relying parties (websites/applications) don't have a good answer. Sending a "reset passkey" email is off the table - it undoes the security benefits passkeys provide.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Corporate security policies are slow to change - passkeys are not. </li>
</ul>
How will corporate security teams handle their users using passkeys? In the vast majority of cases, passkeys are more secure, yet most companies have no documentation or policies around how they should be used, whether or not the private key can be synced and to what vendor, etc. Passkeys will be adopted slowly and messily.&nbsp;
<h2 id="bestpractices">Best Practices for Passkey Security</h2>
The critical element in passkey security is device security. If you lose your smartphone and it's only protected with a PIN like 1234, you risk your passkey-protected accounts being compromised.&nbsp;
The best thing you can do is to never leave your devices unattended where they could be stolen, and secure them with biometrics or a strong PIN.&nbsp;
You may wish to opt out of syncing your passkeys to a third-party password manager. A Bluetooth authentication ceremony will be required to authenticate a new device to use the website/application, but the private key security remains on your device.
<h2>Increase Security with TeamPassword</h2>
Passkeys lack universal support; password security remains critical. If you share passwords with colleagues and seek an effortless, secure, and cost-effective solution, test out TeamPassword.
TeamPassword prioritizes seamless implementation, <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">user-friendliness</a>, <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">security</a>, and outstanding customer support.
Need evidence? Explore <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/teampassword/reviews#reviews" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">customer testimonials on G2</a>.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try us for free for 14 days!</a>&nbsp;

Struggling to understand the difference between a password and passkey security? Our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know!

Struggling to understand the difference between a password and passkey security? Our comprehensive guide will walk you through ...

Passkey Security | Understanding How Passkeys Keep You Secure

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a growing number of serious cybersecurity threats in the modern age, especially as malicious actors develop more sophisticated attack vectors and techniques. According to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://www.blackfog.com/smbs-were-victims-cyberattack/" href="https://www.blackfog.com/smbs-were-victims-cyberattack/">a June 2023 study by BlackFog</a>, 61% of small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. and U.K. were the victims of successful cyber attacks in the previous year. A large number of these impacted organizations faced downtime during critical operating hours and customer data loss.
SMEs find themselves in a particularly vulnerable cybersecurity position, as they're large enough to have multiple applications and data sources that can fall prey to attacks but small enough that they may not have up-to-date, enterprise-level security safeguards in place. In many cases, these organizations do not think they have the internal budget and know-how to set up their cybersecurity infrastructure for success.
Fortunately, there are many low-cost and no-cost steps you can take to optimize your SME's cybersecurity setup. In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the best practices, tools, and strategies you can adopt for more effective cybersecurity management.
But before we dive into the five most effective ways to keep your SME secure, we've compiled a quick list of key takeaways from this article:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Key Takeaway #1: SMEs face unique cybersecurity threats, but there are many low-cost and easy-to-implement solutions that can mitigate these threats across an organization.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Key Takeaway #2: Employees at all levels in your organization can act as a gateway to security threats; train all staff on cybersecurity and password best practices to improve your overall cybersecurity posture.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Key Takeaway #3: Invest in relevant cybersecurity software and services, but more importantly, make sure all existing components in your network are regularly monitored, audited, and updated.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Key Takeaway #4: Password managers offer a low-cost way for organizations to manage individual, team, and company-wide credentials in a secure and accessible format.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Key Takeaway #5: Your data is an asset to you but a liability in the wrong hands; invest in tools like TeamPassword that prioritize and support data security and compliance best practices.</li>
</ul>
Table of Contents
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whyiscybersecurityimportant" rel="follow">Why Is Cybersecurity Important for SMEs?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#commoncybersecuritythreats" rel="follow">Common Cybersecurity Threats for SMEs</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#5waystokeepyoursmesecure" rel="follow">5 Ways to Keep Your SME Secure</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#strengthenyoursme" rel="follow">Strengthen Your SME Security with the Help of TeamPassword</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whyiscybersecurityimportant">Why Is Cybersecurity Important for SMEs?</h2>
Cybersecurity protections are an important part of ensuring an SME's operations stay up and running, no matter how threat actors behave and other external factors change. These are some of the key ways in which a strong cybersecurity strategy can benefit your SME:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Data Protection: Small and medium-sized enterprises work with a wide variety of applications, hardware, software, and datasets that may include sensitive or proprietary information. Setting up data security tools and best practices gives security administrators more visibility into how data is being used, enables data encryption, and notifies administrators if/when data becomes vulnerable to attack.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Financial Security: Many cybersecurity tools protect data privacy and adhere to data compliance regulations, including strict regulations in the financial sector. Investing in the right cybersecurity tools and frameworks can support more secure financial transactions, give administrators an interface to monitor financial data for fraud, and provide businesses with the tools they need to encrypt and otherwise protect financial data and comply with regulations like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Business Continuity: A successful cybersecurity attack can lead to a range of problems, including data loss and network downtime and disruptions. With cybersecurity tools and strategies in place, your organization can prevent these kinds of disruptions by proactively detecting threats and quickly determining and acting on an incident response strategy.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Adherence to Compliance and Legal Obligations: Many compliance laws and other kinds of regulations have strict rules about how and by whom data can be handled. A cybersecurity strategy that emphasizes data security and encryption can help your organization pass audits with flying colors, protect customer data, and maintain your reputation as a compliant operator.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="commoncybersecuritythreats">Common Cybersecurity Threats for SMEs</h2>
SME cybersecurity threats may target individual users, third-party applications, storage systems, databases, or other elements of your organization's network. Some of the most common ways in which bad actors launch attacks against SMEs include the following:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Phishing: Phishing is a communication-driven attack vector in which hackers send messages with malicious code, malware, or other subtle attacks to individual network users, most often via email. It's an effective cyber attack method because it targets multiple users with believable messages that can lead to accidental information leakages at scale.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Ransomware: This type of malware is one in which malicious code is installed on an enterprise network in a way that shuts down key operations and data access until the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. It most often impacts SMEs when their core applications are outdated or otherwise lacking in perimeter security protections and can lead to data loss and public leaks.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Viruses: A type of malware attack in which the attack code is multiplied and used to infect other tools and programs in the same system. Viruses can quickly take over an entire computer or network if no protections are in place against lateral movement; this type of takeover can lead to network downtime, data loss or theft, and other operational issues.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Malware: Any type of malicious software that is used to infiltrate a business network and cause some type of damage. Malware can be difficult to detect and remove, and even once it's removed, the damage may already be done in the form of data loss or corruption.</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Password Hacking: When hackers attempt to gain unauthorized access to networks and related systems and accounts by exploiting password and credential vulnerabilities with brute-force attacks, phishing, or credential stuffing. Password hacking can give unauthorized users access to your most sensitive data and systems, resulting in data loss or corruption, fraud, and/or noncompliance issues.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="5waystokeepyoursmesecure">5 Ways to Keep Your SME Secure</h2>
Regardless of the budget and current in-house cybersecurity expertise your team has, there are many best practices and strategies that can improve your SME's overall security posture. These five tips will get you started in securing your organization's most important assets:
<h3>1. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices</h3>
An organization's most important asset is its people, but people can also become a cybersecurity liability if they aren't trained on how to uphold security and privacy best practices in their daily work. Offering regular cybersecurity training sessions to employees throughout the organization is a great practice, as it educates them on a range of potential threats and the role they can unknowingly play in opening the organization to new threats.
Whatever training you develop should cover best practices, like not clicking on links in suspicious-looking emails, and the importance of using strong <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-types-of-usernames-username-ideas-to-make-your-logins-more-secure" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/best-types-of-usernames-username-ideas-to-make-your-logins-more-secure">usernames</a>, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/ko/blog/password-best-practices-what-makes-a-strong-password" href="https://teampassword.com/ko/blog/password-best-practices-what-makes-a-strong-password">passwords</a>, and other user credentials. Also, give employees a clear process for reporting suspicious activity or suspected threats; a ticketing system or threat monitoring system that can accept user notifications is a possibility.
<h3>2. Use Strong Authentication Measures</h3>
Making sure users are who they say they are is one of the easiest ways to prevent unauthorized access to and behaviors on your organization's network. Strong authentication measures, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), device registration, and/or credentials-based logins give employees access to everything they need without opening the floodgates to everyone else.
However, authentication measures like passwords are only as effective as the credentials that are used. If users are regularly picking easy-to-guess passwords or sharing their credentials with other users through unencrypted and unsecured channels, bad actors can fairly easily phish out those credentials and get into your network. It's important to not only set but enforce standards for unique password creation and secure sharing to prevent these kinds of scenarios.
Password managers offer <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/security" href="https://teampassword.com/security">built-in security features and benefits</a> and are great solutions for any organization that wants a more standardized way to generate and manage user passwords. For example, TeamPassword supports secure group-based credentials-sharing and gives administrators real-time visibility into password and user group activities that may lead to security incidents.
<h3>3. Complete Regular System Maintenance Tasks</h3>
Besides user error, outdated software and operating systems are some of the most common gateways for cyber attacks. Software providers regularly identify issues in their products and patch or completely revamp their products to fix the problem, but if your team does not keep up-to-date with these third-party changes and recommendations, hackers can quickly pick up on the presence of out-of-date tools and find ways to get into your network and wreak havoc.
Whether it's a tool you've spun up internally or a third-party application, your team should prioritize keeping all software, operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications up to date and regularly check with third-party vendors for updates that minimize risk.
However, depending on the number of third-party tools you're using, this can become an overwhelming process. Consider investing in tools like vulnerability scanners, patch management systems, continuous monitoring tools, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems to automate and scale the process of system maintenance across your network.
<h3>4. Increase Network Security</h3>
Your organization's WiFi network includes infrastructure that can easily be compromised if you're not intentional with your network security practices. When it comes to your WiFi network, be sure to use encryption, unique network names, and regularly updated passwords, and keep track of all of this information with thorough and secure documentation. If possible, you should also set up your WiFi as a private network with only authorized users, as public WiFi networks provide limited safeguards against hackers.
It's important to note that, in the modern cloud, hybrid, and multi-cloud networks, traditional network and perimeter security practices aren't nearly as effective as they used to be. It's certainly still important to maintain firewalls and WiFi best practices, but modern network security techniques and tools may be necessary. One of the following tool types may be what you need to up your network security game:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Endpoint detection and response (EDR) or extended detection and response (XDR).</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Secure access service edge (SASE).</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Security information and event management (SIEM).</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1">Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR).</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Back Up Data Regularly</h3>
Regularly backing up data ensures that your organization's most important data &mdash; including financial transactions, customer profiles, product information, and more &mdash;is stored in a secure, secondary location. It's important that data backups are not conducted as a one-time effort but as a regular part of your business operations. In the event of a cyber attack, up-to-date backups allow you to quickly restore any data that was lost to a virus or other malware attack.
The data that you back up should also be encrypted, both in transit and at rest, especially if it is data that is subject to compliance regulations and rules. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough" href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-password-encryption-and-how-much-is-enough">Encrypting data</a> is one of the most effective ways to protect your data from unauthorized access.
<h2 id="strengthenyoursme">Strengthen Your SME Security with the Help of TeamPassword</h2>
The cybersecurity threat landscape is massive, diverse, and overwhelming, especially for SMEs that may not have up-to-date tooling and training in place to mitigate threats. To add insult to injury, several of the most advanced cybersecurity tools are prohibitively expensive and difficult to set up, meaning many organizations opt out entirely and leave their network vulnerable to more and more attack vectors.
Fortunately, modern SMEs are picking up on the importance of robust cybersecurity tools and comprehensive security best practices and are working to create a more holistic and affordable approach to security management. Tools like password managers have come to the fore in this refocused cybersecurity effort, giving SMEs an accessible and easy-to-implement tool for managing users, systems, and data across the organization.
TeamPassword is a leading password manager for SMEs because it balances ease of use and setup with <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://teampassword.com/features" href="https://teampassword.com/features">key features</a> like robust group password management, password generation, administrative controls, and data compliance features.
Looking to get started with a low-cost, capable password manager for your SME? <a rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" data-gc-link="https://app.teampassword.com/signup?_gl=1*185nks8*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2OTY5MTM5MDEuQ2p3S0NBand5WTZwQmhBOUVpd0FNem1md2V3Z2lnOEhhX2hsZ0d5anE1OURScjh6bDFRRV9vVFNVN09feEhFbFFfcHozTklQWGZnaUZob0NwMFFRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*ODA2ODgxMDgxLjE2OTYxMzM2MjU." href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup">Try out TeamPassword today.</a>

Discover essential cybersecurity strategies tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in our comprehensive blog. Learn how to fortify your business against cyber threats with expert insights and practical tips.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a growing number of serious cybersecurity threats in the modern age, especially ...

SME Cyber Security | 5 Ways to Keep Your SME Secure

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a growing number of serious cybersecurity threats in the modern age, especially as malicious actors develop more sophisticated attack vectors and techniques. According to a June 2023 study by BlackFog , 61% of small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. and U.K. were the ...

SME Cybersecurity | 5 Ways to Keep Your SME Secure

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

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

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