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What To Do If You Forgot Your Old Facebook Login

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

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional or secondary concern for manufacturers. It is a vital and strategic necessity that affects every aspect of their business. According to a <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/za/Documents/risk/cybersecurity-for-smart-factories.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">report by Deloitte and MAPI</a>, 48% of manufacturers surveyed identified operational risks, which include cybersecurity, as the greatest danger to smart factory initiatives. Cyberattacks can disrupt production, compromise quality, damage equipment, expose intellectual property, and harm reputation.
In this guide, we will explore the current cybersecurity risks for manufacturers, especially in the context of Industry 4.0 and smart factory technologies. We will also discuss the consequences of cybersecurity breaches and the best practices to prevent and mitigate them. Finally, we will provide some resources and tools to help manufacturers assess and improve their cybersecurity posture.
Here are the key things you need to know about cybersecurity for manufacturing:
<ul>
<li>Cybersecurity risks for manufacturers are increasing as they adopt more digital technologies and connect their operational technologies (OT) to their information technologies (IT).</li>
<li>Cyberattacks can severely impact manufacturers, such as costly business disruptions and downtime, data loss and theft, regulatory fines and lawsuits, and reputational damage.</li>
<li>Manufacturers need to implement a holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity that covers people, processes, and technology across their entire value chain.</li>
<li>Manufacturers need to follow cybersecurity standards and frameworks, such as NIST SP 800171 and NIST SP 180010, to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.</li>
<li>Manufacturers need to leverage cybersecurity resources and tools, such as NIST MEP Cybersecurity Resources for Manufacturers and NIST SP 180010 Protecting Information and System Integrity in Industrial Control System Environments: Cybersecurity for the Manufacturing Sector, to assess and improve their cybersecurity capabilities.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#currentcyberrisks" rel="follow">Current Cybersecurity Risks for Manufacturers</a>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#consequences" rel="follow">Consequences of Cybersecurity Breaches</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#cybersecurityformanufacturing" rel="follow">Cybersecurity for Manufacturing: 5 Steps for Getting Started</a>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#understandrisks" rel="follow">#1. Understand the Risks &amp; Identify Gaps</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#knowcompliance" rel="follow">#2. Know Your Compliance Requirements</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#developresponseplan" rel="follow">#3. Develop a Cybersecurity Response Plan</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#implementaccesscontrol" rel="follow">#4. Implement Strong Access Control</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="2"><a href="#protectcriticalsystems" rel="follow">#5. Protect Your Critical Systems &amp; Data</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="currentcyberrisks">Current Cybersecurity Risks for Manufacturers</h2>
Manufacturers face a variety of cybersecurity risks that can affect their operations, assets, data, customers, suppliers, and partners. Some of the most common and critical risks are:
<ul>
<li>Industry 4.0: Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the digital transformation of manufacturing that leverages technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, additive manufacturing (AM), and big data analytics. These technologies enable manufacturers to improve their efficiency, quality, flexibility, and innovation. However, they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges as they increase the complexity and connectivity of the OT systems that control industrial processes. OT systems were traditionally isolated from IT systems and the internet, but now they are exposed to cyber threats that can exploit their vulnerabilities or interfere with their functionality.</li>
<li>Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts the victim's data or systems and demands a ransom for their decryption or restoration. Ransomware is a top threat for manufacturers because it can cause significant operational disruptions and financial losses. According to <a href="https://www.dataendure.com/wp-content/uploads/2021_Cost_of_a_Data_Breach_-2.pdf" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">IBM Security's 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report</a>, ransomware attacks accounted for nearly onethird of all cyberattacks in 2021 and had an average total cost of $4.62 million per incident. Manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks because they rely on continuous production cycles and often lack adequate backup systems or recovery plans.</li>
<li>Supply chain attacks: Supply chain attacks are cyberattacks that target third party vendors or service providers that have access to or influence over the target's systems or data. Supply chain attacks are a top threat for manufacturers because they can result in data theft, disruption to operations, compromise of product quality or safety, and damage to customer trust. <a href="https://securityintelligence.com/articles/62-of-surveyed-organizations-hit-by-supply-chain-attacks-in-2021/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Supply chain attacks continue to rise</a>. Manufacturers need to be aware of the cybersecurity risks posed by their suppliers, contractors, distributors, and other partners, and ensure that they have adequate security controls and monitoring in place.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="consequences">Consequences of Cybersecurity Breaches</h3>
Cybersecurity breaches can have devastating consequences for manufacturers, both in the short term and the long term. Some of these consequences are:
<ul>
<li>Costly business disruptions and downtime: Cyberattacks can disrupt or halt production processes, damage equipment or machinery, affect product quality or safety, or compromise customer orders or deliveries. These disruptions can result in significant operational and financial losses, as well as contractual penalties or legal liabilities. According to a study by IBM Security and the Ponemon Institute, the average time to identify and contain a data breach in 2021 was 287 days, which means that manufacturers could face prolonged periods of downtime or reduced productivity.</li>
<li>Severe data loss or theft: Cyberattacks can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the data that manufacturers collect, store, process, or share. This data can include sensitive information such as intellectual property, trade secrets, customer data, employee data, financial data, or regulatory data. Data loss or theft can result in competitive disadvantage, reputational damage, regulatory fines or lawsuits, or identity theft or fraud.</li>
<li>Reputational damage or loss of trust: Cyberattacks can damage the reputation or trust of manufacturers among their customers, suppliers, partners, regulators, investors, or employees. This can affect their market share, customer loyalty, supplier relationships, partner collaborations, regulatory compliance, investor confidence, or employee morale. According to a survey by PwC, 69% of consumers said they would stop doing business with an organization that suffered a cyber breach, which means that manufacturers could lose a significant portion of their customer base or revenue.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="cybersecurityformanufacturing">Cybersecurity for Manufacturing: 5 Steps for Getting Started</h2>
Cybersecurity is a vital aspect of any business, but especially for manufacturing. Manufacturing plants rely on complex systems and processes that can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. A cyberattack can disrupt production, damage equipment, compromise data, and harm customers. Therefore, it is essential for manufacturers to take proactive steps to protect their assets and operations from cyber threats.
In this blog post, we will outline five steps manufacturers can follow to get started with cybersecurity. These steps are:
1. Understand the risks and identify gaps 2. Know your compliance requirements 3. Develop a cybersecurity response plan 4. Implement strong access control 5. Protect your critical systems and data
Let's dive into each step in more detail.
<h3 id="understandrisks">#1. Understand the Risks &amp; Identify Gaps</h3>
The first step to improving your cybersecurity is to understand the risks that you face and identify the gaps in your current security posture. To do this, you need to conduct a risk assessment. A risk assessment is a process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the potential threats and vulnerabilities that could affect your manufacturing plant.
A risk assessment can help you answer questions such as:
What are the most valuable assets that you need to protect? What are the most likely threats that could target your assets? What are the potential impacts of a successful cyberattack on your assets? How prepared are you to prevent, detect, and respond to a cyberattack?
By completing a risk assessment, you can prioritize the most critical risks and allocate resources accordingly. You can also identify the security gaps that need to be addressed. Security gaps are the weaknesses or flaws in your security controls that could be exploited by attackers.
To learn more about how to conduct a risk assessment, check out <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-security-audit-and-does-my-business-need-one" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">this blog post on security audits</a>.&nbsp;
<h3 id="knowcompliance">#2. Know Your Compliance Requirements</h3>
The second step to improving your cybersecurity is to know your compliance requirements. Compliance requirements are the rules and standards you must follow to meet the expectations of your customers, regulators, and industry partners.
Compliance requirements can vary depending on the type and size of your manufacturing plant, as well as the industry that you operate in. For example, if you manufacture medical devices or pharmaceuticals, you may need to comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. If you manufacture defense or aerospace products, you may need to comply with the Department of Defense (DoD) regulations.
Compliance requirements can help you improve cybersecurity by providing a framework and best practices for implementing security controls. However, compliance does not guarantee security. You still need to go beyond compliance and adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
<h3 id="developresponseplan">#3. Develop a Cybersecurity Response Plan</h3>
The third step to improving your cybersecurity is to develop a cybersecurity response plan. A cybersecurity response plan is a document that outlines how you will handle a cyber incident if it occurs.
A cybersecurity response plan can help you:
Define roles and responsibilities for your security team and other stakeholders Establish procedures and protocols for detecting, containing, analyzing, and resolving cyber incidents Communicate effectively with internal and external parties during and after a cyber incident Document lessons learned and implement improvements for future incidents
A cybersecurity response plan can help you minimize the impact of a cyberattack and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. It can also demonstrate your commitment and readiness to your customers, regulators, and industry partners.
To develop a cybersecurity response plan, you need to:
<ul>
<li>Identify the types of cyber incidents that could affect your manufacturing plant</li>
<li>Assess the potential impacts and consequences of each type of incident</li>
<li>Define the objectives and goals for responding to each type of incident</li>
<li>Assign roles and responsibilities for each stage of the incident response process</li>
<li>Establish procedures and protocols for each stage of the incident response process</li>
<li>Create communication plans for internal and external parties</li>
<li>Test and update your plan regularly</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="implementaccesscontrol">#4. Implement Strong Access Control</h3>
The fourth step to improving your cybersecurity is to implement strong access control. Access control is the process of granting or denying access to your systems, data, and resources based on predefined rules and policies.
Access control can help you:
<ul>
<li>Prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive or confidential information</li>
<li>Limit the exposure of your systems and data to potential threats</li>
<li>Reduce the risk of human error or insider threats</li>
<li>Monitor and audit user activity and behavior</li>
</ul>
To implement strong access control, you need to:
<ul>
<li>Define who can access what, when, where, how, and why</li>
<li>Enforce the principle of least privilege, which means granting users only the minimum level of access they need to perform their tasks</li>
<li>Implement multifactor authentication (MFA), which means requiring users to provide more than one piece of evidence (such as a password and a code) to verify their identity</li>
<li>Use password managers, such as TeamPassword, to generate, store, and share strong and unique passwords for your apps and services</li>
<li>Review and update your access policies and permissions regularly</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword is a password manager designed for teams and businesses. It can help you manage your passwords securely and efficiently across your devices and platforms. With TeamPassword, you can:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Create and store strong passwords</a> for your apps and services</li>
<li>Share passwords with your team members and collaborators</li>
<li>Sync passwords across your devices and browsers</li>
<li>Monitor and <a href="https://teampassword.com/security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">audit password usage</a> and activity</li>
</ul>
To learn more about TeamPassword and how it can help you improve your access control, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/">https://teampassword.com/</a>
<h3 id="protectcriticalsystems">#5. Protect Your Critical Systems &amp; Data</h3>
The fifth and final step to improving your cybersecurity is to protect your critical systems and data. Your critical systems and data are the ones that are essential for your manufacturing operations and that would cause significant harm if compromised.
To protect your critical systems and data, you need to implement various security measures and best practices, such as:
<ul>
<li>Install firewalls: Firewalls are devices or software that filter the incoming and outgoing network traffic and block or allow it based on predefined rules. Firewalls can help you prevent unauthorized or malicious access to your systems and data.</li>
<li>Use encryption: <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/whatispasswordencryptionandhowmuchisenough" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Encryption</a> is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with a key. Encryption can help you protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data in transit and at rest.</li>
<li>Install antivirus software: Antivirus software is a program that detects, prevents, and removes malware (such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, etc.) from your systems. Antivirus software can help you protect your systems from infection and damage.</li>
<li>Create data backups: Data backups are copies of your data that are stored in a separate location from the original source. Data backups can help you recover your data in case of loss, corruption, or deletion due to a cyberattack or other disaster.</li>
</ul>
These are some of the basic security measures and best practices that you can implement to protect your critical systems and data. However, there are many more that you can explore and adopt depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
<h2>Secure Your Manufacturing Data With TeamPassword</h2>
Cybersecurity is not a one-time project or a checkbox item. It is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and improvement. By following these five steps, you can get started with cybersecurity and build a strong foundation for your manufacturing plant.
However, cybersecurity is not something that you can do alone. You need to involve your entire team, from the top management to the shop floor workers. You also need to partner with experts and vendors who can provide you with the tools and services that you need.
At TeamPassword, we are committed to helping you improve your cybersecurity by providing you with a password manager that is secure, easy to use, and tailored for teams. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, <a href="mailto:support@teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">contact us</a> today or <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">sign up for a free trial</a>.

Manufacturers transforming their plants using new tech must protect their critical operations and data. Learn more in this cybersecurity for manufacturing guide.

Manufacturers transforming their plants using new tech must protect their critical operations and data. Learn more in this ...

Cybersecurity for Manufacturing: Risks & Best Practices

Passwords and passphrases are essential in the digital age. With so much of our lives online, we must ensure that our accounts and personal information remain secure. But what is the difference between a password and a passphrase, and which is better? Let&rsquo;s take a closer look.
A password is a string of characters used to authenticate a user, while a passphrase is a sequence of words or phrases used for the same purpose. A passphrase is usually longer and more complex than a password, making it harder to guess or crack.
<h2 dir="ltr">What is a Password?</h2>
A password is a string of characters, such as letters, numbers, and symbols, used to authenticate a user's identity. When you create an account on a website, you are usually asked to choose a password. You enter this password when you log in to the website to prove that you are who you say you are.
Passwords have been around for a long time and are still widely used today. However, as hackers become more sophisticated, using strong passwords to protect your online accounts is becoming increasingly important.
<h2 dir="ltr">What is a Passphrase?</h2>
A passphrase is similar to a password, but instead of a random string of characters, it is a series of words. For example, "correct-horse-battery-staple".&nbsp;
The hyphens are important, as they increase the number and type of characters, thus the passphrase's overall security. You can use any symbol to separate the words and increase security.&nbsp;
Passphrases are becoming more popular as people realize that they are easier to remember than passwords while still being secure. Due to their length, they resist brute-force attacks, where an attacker tries to guess your password by systematically trying every possible combination of characters.
<h2 dir="ltr">Passphrase vs. Password: Which is Better?</h2>
Passphrases are easier to remember and are typically more secure if they use a larger number of characters. However, if the system limits you to less than 20 characters, you'll be more secure with a randomly generated password that includes a healthy mix of numbers and symbols.&nbsp;
A password is better than a passphrase in some situations, such as:
<ul>
<li>When the system has a strict limit on the number of characters or symbols allowed</li>
<li>When the user needs to type the password frequently or quickly</li>
<li>When the user has a reliable and secure way to store or remember the password</li>
<li>When the password is randomly generated and has high entropy</li>
</ul>
A passphrase is better than a password in other situations, such as:
<ul>
<li>When the system allows for longer and more complex inputs</li>
<li>When the user wants to avoid common password cracking techniques</li>
<li>When the user can create a memorable and unique phrase</li>
<li>When the passphrase is composed of words from different languages or domains</li>
</ul>

<h2>How to Create a Strong Passphrase</h2>
For most people, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/06/passwords-are-the-weakest-link-in-cybersecurity-today-michael-chertoff-commentary.html" style="color: #40d8e3; text-decoration: underline;" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">the weakest link in their security is their password</a>. There are a few strategies to write good passphrases that I recommend.&nbsp;
Start by choosing a few of your favorite things. For example, I will start with my favorite band, Guided by Voices. I will also use one of my favorite songs from them, like &ldquo;Echos Myron.&rdquo; Take some words from each source, and mix them up with some significant numbers for you.
VoicesJMY6ASMyron7988Liberty
This password is constructed of the third word from the name of the band, a license plate number for a car, the second word from the song title, part of a phone number, and a standout term from the song. Since you built this phrase yourself, you should be able to remember it quickly, and you now have a 28-character password!&nbsp;
Passphrases improve your password security by helping you remember a long string of characters that don't make sense to anyone else. If you build all of your passphrases like this, your passwords will be nearly impossible for another human to guess.&nbsp;
You can take it further by substituting letters or numbers for symbols. For example, in the password above, you can replace all the &lsquo;i&rsquo; characters with the &lsquo;!&rsquo; symbol. This will break most of the dictionary words in your password, making it even more impenetrable and easy to remember!
<h3>Here are Some Tips to Building a Strong Passphrase&nbsp;</h3>
<h4 dir="ltr">1.Use a Random Combination of Words</h4>
The key to a strong passphrase is randomness. Don't use a common phrase or saying that someone else might guess. Instead, use a combination of random words that have no connection to each other or only have meaning to you.&nbsp;
<h4 dir="ltr">2. Use a Long Phrase</h4>
The longer your passphrase, the more secure it will be. Aim for at least 20 characters or more.
<h4 dir="ltr">3. Include Numbers, Symbols, and Capital Letters</h4>
While a passphrase comprises words, you can still include numbers, symbols, and capital letters to make it even more secure. For example, you could replace letters with numbers, such as "l3monad3", or include symbols, such as "!n3w_y0rk_C1ty".
<h4 dir="ltr">4. Don't Reuse Passphrases</h4>
Just like passwords, you should never reuse a passphrase across multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is compromised, an attacker could use the same passphrase to access your other accounts.
In summary, passwords and passphrases each have their own use cases. Passwords are still suitable for some situations, but passphrases are a better choice if you need to remember your login details. When creating a passphrase, aim for randomness, length, and complexity, and never reuse the same passphrase across multiple accounts. By following these tips, you can help keep your online accounts secure.
Most people have well over one hundred online accounts. You&rsquo;ll never remember 100 unique passphrases, so get a password manager. <a href="https://teampassword.com/pricing" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try us out for free today</a>!

Passphrase vs. Password. Which one should you choose? They each have strengths and weaknesses depending on the context. Learn the difference.

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know that the internet is essentially the Wild West. ...

Password vs. Passphrase: A Comprehensive Overview | TeamPassword

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know that the internet is essentially the Wild West. Hackers and career criminals take advantage of computer users by extorting them for ransom and forcing them to pay in bitcoin. Like in the real world, criminals can attack when you least expect it. But just like in the real world, you can become more precautious, gain some spacial awareness, and make yourself safe when surfing and working on the web.

In today's interconnected world, where technology advancements are rampant, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been greater. Cyberattacks are growing in frequency and sophistication, posing significant challenges to individuals, businesses, and governments.
The first six months of 2022 saw 2.8 billion malware attacks and a 60% increase in malicious DDoS attacks in the same period, <a href="https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/cyber-security-statistics/#:~:text=Interesting%20Facts%20About%20Cyber%20Attacks%202022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reports show</a>.&nbsp;
In this landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful ally in the battle against cyber threats. Leveraging AI for cybersecurity holds the promise of revolutionizing defense strategies and enabling more proactive and efficient protection against malicious activities.
This guide delves into the realm of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, exploring their potential benefits and practical applications. From eliminating manual tasks to accelerating threat detection, this article outlines key takeaways that shed light on the transformative impact of AI in safeguarding digital assets.
Key Takeaways: Here are the key things you need to know about AI-powered cybersecurity solutions:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>AI streamlines manual tasks and enhances overall efficiency.</li>
<li>AI simplifies complex cybersecurity practices, benefiting small IT teams and non-experts.</li>
<li>AI accelerates threat detection and response, bolstering cybersecurity efforts.</li>
<li>AI-driven anomaly detection enhances proactive defense strategies.</li>
<li>AI's continuous learning improves adaptive threat mitigation.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<a href="#potentialbenefits" rel="follow">The Potential Benefits of Using AI for Cybersecurity</a> <a href="#5effective" rel="follow">5 Effective AI Cybersecurity Solutions</a> <a href="#realworld" rel="follow">Real-World Examples of AI Cybersecurity Solutions</a> <a href="#potentialchallenges" rel="follow">Potential Challenges of Using AI for Cybersecurity</a>
<h2 id="potentialbenefits">The Potential Benefits of Using AI for Cybersecurity</h2>
<h3>#1. Eliminates Tedious Manual Tasks</h3>
Manual cybersecurity tasks are time-consuming and prone to human error. With the implementation of AI, routine activities like log analysis, patch management, and vulnerability assessments can be automated. This frees up security professionals to focus on more strategic and creative tasks, improving overall efficiency and reducing the risk of oversight. For instance, AI-driven tools can continuously monitor network traffic, identifying unusual patterns that might indicate a breach or unauthorized access.
<h3>#2. Simplifies Complex Cybersecurity Practices</h3>
Cybersecurity is intricate, often requiring a deep understanding of various technologies and threat landscapes. Small IT teams or those without extensive cybersecurity expertise can find it challenging to keep up. AI steps in as a knowledgeable assistant, offering threat intelligence and insights that simplify complex concepts. It can provide recommendations for security configurations and policies tailored to an organization's specific needs, helping bridge the knowledge gap and ensuring effective protection. It could also help teach <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-best-practices-for-employees" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">best practices for employees</a>.&nbsp;
<h3>#3. Helps to Uncover &amp; Mitigate Threats Faster</h3>
One of the most significant advantages of AI in cybersecurity is its ability to rapidly identify and respond to threats. Traditional methods of threat detection often involve manual monitoring and analysis, which can delay response times. AI-powered solutions, on the other hand, can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying anomalies and potential breaches with remarkable speed. For example, AI algorithms can detect unusual user behavior, such as an employee accessing sensitive data at an unusual time, prompting an immediate investigation.
<h3>#4. Enhances Adaptive Threat Mitigation</h3>
The fourth benefit delves into the concept of adaptive threat mitigation. Unlike traditional security systems that rely on fixed rule sets, AI continuously learns and evolves based on new data and patterns. This adaptability enables AI to anticipate emerging threats that might evade conventional defenses. For instance, AI algorithms can identify subtle changes in malware patterns and behaviors, enabling quicker adjustments to counter new attack vectors.
<h3>#5. Proactive Defense Through Anomaly Detection</h3>
Beyond its role in incident response, AI also plays a vital role in proactive defense by identifying anomalies that might go unnoticed by human operators. Anomalous activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual data transfers, can be swiftly flagged by AI systems. By baselining normal behavior and recognizing deviations, AI can significantly reduce the time taken to detect and respond to potential threats.
<h2 id="5effective">5 Effective AI Cybersecurity Solutions:</h2>
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, AI-powered solutions are emerging as indispensable tools to thwart <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/10-cyberattacks-recently-used-by-hackers-2023" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">evolving digital threats</a>. Here, we explore five impactful AI cybersecurity solutions that are reshaping the way organizations defend against cyberattacks.
<h3>#1. Automated Incident Response</h3>
Automated incident response is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, as it ensures swift actions are taken to contain and mitigate the impact of security breaches. AI plays a pivotal role by rapidly identifying and categorizing potential incidents. Machine learning algorithms can analyze patterns and historical data to determine the severity of an incident, trigger appropriate responses, and even suggest remediation steps. This real-time capability significantly reduces the response time, limiting potential damage.
<h3>#2. Faster Threat Detection</h3>
Threat detection is the foundation of effective cybersecurity. AI enhances this process by scrutinizing immense volumes of data, such as network logs, user behavior, and application activities, in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can detect unusual patterns and behaviors that might indicate a breach, even when such activities might be imperceptible to human analysts. This leads to quicker identification of potential threats, allowing security teams to respond promptly.
<h3>#3. Continuous Monitoring</h3>
Cyber threats can emerge at any time, making continuous monitoring a critical requirement. AI-driven solutions excel in this aspect, as they can tirelessly monitor vast networks and systems 24/7 without fatigue. This proactive approach ensures that potential vulnerabilities and breaches are detected and addressed in their early stages, reducing the risk of prolonged exposure and data loss.
<h3>#4. Task Automation</h3>
The realm of cybersecurity involves a plethora of manual tasks, from software patching to vulnerability assessments. AI excels in automating these repetitive processes, ensuring that critical tasks are executed consistently and accurately. This reduces human error and enables security professionals to focus on strategic activities that require human expertise, such as threat analysis and response planning.
<h3>#5. Endpoint Protection</h3>
Endpoints, such as computers, smartphones, and IoT devices, are often the entry points for cyberattacks. AI-powered endpoint protection solutions use behavioral analysis to identify abnormal activities on devices. They can detect malware, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access by analyzing patterns of usage. This proactive defense mechanism prevents threats from infiltrating the network through vulnerable endpoints.
<h2 id="realworld">Real-World Examples of AI Cybersecurity Solutions:</h2>
Several companies are at the forefront of delivering AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. One notable example is <a href="https://www.crowdstrike.com/falcon-platform/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">CrowdStrike</a>, which offers a cloud-native platform that utilizes AI and machine learning for threat detection and response. The platform's Falcon AI identifies threats in real-time by analyzing behavioral data across endpoints, enabling organizations to swiftly mitigate risks.
<h2 id="potentialchallenges">Potential Challenges of Using AI for Cybersecurity:</h2>
While AI offers immense potential for bolstering cybersecurity defenses, it's not without its challenges. Let's explore three key hurdles that organizations may face:
<h3>#1. Evolving Threat Landscape</h3>
The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with attackers adopting sophisticated tactics to bypass defenses. AI models may struggle to keep up with rapidly changing attack vectors, potentially leading to false positives or negatives. Ongoing AI model updates and human oversight are necessary to ensure accuracy.
<h3>#2. Data Privacy Concerns</h3>
AI-driven cybersecurity solutions rely on vast amounts of data for training and analysis. However, handling sensitive data raises concerns about privacy and compliance. Striking a balance between effective threat detection and respecting user privacy is a delicate challenge that organizations must navigate.
<h3>#3. Adversarial Attacks</h3>
Adversarial attacks involve manipulating AI models by feeding them malicious data crafted to exploit vulnerabilities in the model's decision-making process. These attacks can lead to incorrect threat assessments and undermine the trustworthiness of AI-powered defenses. Developing robust models that are resistant to such attacks requires ongoing research and innovation.
<h2>Improve Your Cybersecurity With TeamPassword</h2>
Regardless of the safety - or threats - that AI offers to cybersecurity, your organization needs a password manager. If you need a shared password vault with a low barrier to entry, no-frills interface, and white-glove customer support, <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">give TeamPassword a try for free</a>.&nbsp;

AI cybersecurity solutions are growing in number, helping companies boost their IT security posture. Learn more about how AI can improve cybersecurity here.

AI cybersecurity solutions are growing in number, helping companies boost their IT security posture. Learn more about how ...

AI Cybersecurity Solutions: 4 Ways AI Can Improve Security

AI Cybersecurity Solutions: 5 Ways AI Can Improve Security

While there is no hard and fast rule, experts agree that it is best practice to change your passwords every 90 days. Yup, every 90. If the very thought of going through each and every one of your 127 passwords and updating them every 90 days makes you want to click off this article - don&rsquo;t.&nbsp;
With a little knowledge, this tedious task can be made easier and safer. We&rsquo;ll also share why it&rsquo;s an essential part of securing your accounts and that it's:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Worth your time, and</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Not as overwhelming as it seems if you&rsquo;re using the right tools</li>
</ol>
Aside from learning to spot <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/your-passwords-are-only-as-secure-as-your-teams" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">social engineering attacks</a>, regularly changing your passwords is one of the easiest actions you can take to minimize the probability of being hacked.&nbsp;
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#why" rel="follow">Why should I Change My Password?</a></li>
<li><a href="#specialoccurrences" rel="follow">Special Occurrences That Should Prompt a Password Change</a></li>
<li><a href="#how" rel="follow">How to change your passwords</a></li>
<li><a href="#what" rel="follow">What is a password manager?</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="why">Why Should I Change My Password?&nbsp;</h2>
Does changing my password really make a difference?&nbsp;
Statistics from 2019 found that over 1 million passwords are stolen every week, and that number has only increased during the pandemic. Today, there are over <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/97825-24-billion-usernames-passwords-available-on-the-dark-web#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%2024,to%20new%20Digital%20Shadows%20research." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">24 billion username and password combinations available on the dark web</a>.&nbsp;
Changing your passwords absolutely makes a difference in keeping your accounts safe, provided they&rsquo;re strong. Some stolen passwords are exploited right away, but others are leveraged months later. Changing your password could foil months of a cybercriminal&rsquo;s work, which may lead to them focusing their attention on lower-hanging fruit.
<h3>Are my accounts more secure the more I change my password?</h3>
Yes, and no. Provided you are using randomly generated or unique passwords of 12+ characters with symbols and numbers, then updating your most valuable accounts frequently absolutely keeps your accounts more secure.&nbsp;
Frequent, scheduled password changes are only an issue when the task is thrust upon an uneducated employee who hasn&rsquo;t been given the right tools for the job.
Most software solutions that mandate frequent password changes are rendered virtually useless by not giving the user the proper tools. People feel annoyed at being forced to change and memorize a new password, and often game the system, first adding a 1, then a !, then a 2 etc. I was certainly guilty of this at past jobs.&nbsp;
Requiring people to change their passwords without providing a password manager (more on this below) irritates people and does little to bolster your company&rsquo;s security.
Cybersecurity exists on a spectrum: convenient and frictionless on one end, and security on the other. In a perfect world you would change your password every day, but the cost/benefit analysis buckles when you realize that a program like <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/following-oldsmar-attack-fbi-warns-about-using-teamviewer-and-windows-7/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamViewer can get hacked</a>, rendering a simple security measure such as a password useless.&nbsp;
Ultimately, a combination of new, complex passwords and a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/one-time-passwords-vs-two-factor-authentication" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">second authentication factor</a> is the best we can do.&nbsp;
If your systems require the best available security, look into hardware keys such as Yubico, Google Titan, and Thetis.&nbsp;
<h2 id="specialoccurrences">Special Occurrences That Should Prompt a Password Change</h2>
In the realm of cybersecurity, certain events or circumstances necessitate an immediate password change to maintain the integrity of your accounts and sensitive information. Here are some scenarios that should prompt you to update your passwords:
<h3>1. Known Password Breach</h3>
If a service or platform you use has experienced a data breach, especially one involving user passwords, you should change your password for that account immediately. Breached passwords can be exposed to hackers, who might attempt to use them across multiple platforms.
<h3>2. Reused Passwords Across Accounts</h3>
If you've been using the same password for multiple accounts and one of those accounts becomes compromised, it's essential to change the password for all other accounts using the same credential. Cybercriminals often try credentials obtained from one breach on various platforms.
<h3>3. Sharing Passwords with Others</h3>
If you've shared a password with someone and their access is no longer necessary, change the password. Even if you trust the person, their device might be compromised or stolen, potentially leading to unauthorized access.
<h3>4. Employee Departure or Role Changes</h3>
In a business context, when an employee leaves the organization or changes roles, change their account passwords immediately. This prevents former employees from accessing sensitive data and systems, reducing the risk of insider threats.
<h3>5. Suspicious Account Activity</h3>
If you notice unfamiliar activity in your account, such as unauthorized logins, emails you didn't send, or changes to your account settings, it's a strong indication of a potential compromise. Change your password and review your account security settings.
<h3>6. No Longer Using an Account</h3>
If you've stopped using an account or service, it's best practice to change the password and then deactivate or delete the account altogether. Dormant accounts can be targeted by attackers, and maintaining unnecessary accounts increases your risk exposure.
<h3>7. Loss or Theft of Device</h3>
If you've lost a device (such as a smartphone or laptop) or it's been stolen, change the passwords for all accounts accessible from that device. This prevents unauthorized access by whoever gains possession of the device.
<h3>8. Updated Security Practices by the Service Provider</h3>
If the service provider or platform you use announces security improvements, such as implementing stronger encryption or enhanced authentication methods, consider changing your password to align with these enhanced security measures.
<h3>9. Phishing or Social Engineering Attacks</h3>
If you suspect that you've fallen victim to a phishing attack or have inadvertently shared your password through social engineering tactics, change your password immediately to prevent unauthorized access.
<h2 id="how">How to change your passwords</h2>
The most common reason people cite for not wanting to change passwords is the time required. It&rsquo;s a manual process, and right now, there&rsquo;s no way around that. But if you're not using a password manager, your vision of what the process looks like may be needlessly convoluted.
The unknown can be scary.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kE8Uzu4ESfebb0whlxAV" alt="undefined" width="752" height="386">
With a password manager, updating passwords is as simple as:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Navigate to the &ldquo;change password&rdquo; page of your account settings&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Click your browser extension. The extension will most likely have pulled up the appropriate record, but if not simply search for it&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Click &ldquo;edit&rdquo; in your password manager on the account you&rsquo;re updating</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use the Password Generator to create a new, strong password</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Save the password in your manager and on your account</li>
</ul>
Change your passwords with a movie or music in the background! There&rsquo;s no reason it has to be all boring.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>How to make strong passwords</h3>
If the account you&rsquo;re using allows for symbols, then generating a long, random string of symbols, digits, and letters is the easiest and safest option.&nbsp;
If you need to remember the password, try creating a passphrase. Passphrases are strings of words, with a few symbol and number substitutions, that are easy to remember but hard to guess. Part of the reason passphrases are effective is that when it comes to password strength, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">longer is better</a>. Don&rsquo;t use song lyrics, lines from poems, or anything that can be found in a Google search.&nbsp;
<h3>What are bad passwords?</h3>
Every year, a few websites take the time to bemoan the state of password management by compiling the <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/worst-passwords-2022" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">worst passwords of the year</a>. The list typically looks much the same. These passwords can be cracked in less than a second by modern software, yet continue to be widely used.&nbsp;
Avoiding bad passwords is mostly common sense. If you use a password generator or take the time to create a 14+ character passphrase, you&rsquo;re probably good. The key is to avoid patterns and personal information.&nbsp;
If someone is choosing to target you, they will scour the internet and social media for personal information. Pet&rsquo;s names, birthdays, your first car&hellip;it&rsquo;s hard to remember everything you&rsquo;ve ever said on the internet. We recommend avoiding such personal information when building your password.
Here are a few that always make the worst passwords list:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">123456</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">123456789</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">qwerty</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">password</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">12345</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">12345678</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">111111</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1234567</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">123123</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">qwerty123</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="what">What is a password manager?</h2>
So far, I&rsquo;ve asseverated that a password manager is a critical tool in your mission for effective password hygiene. But what is its purpose?
In its most basic form, a password manager is a single vault that stores unique passwords for all your accounts. The benefit is that you only need to remember one master password to access the vault.&nbsp;
A good vault such as TeamPassword uses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client-side_encryption#:~:text=Client%2Dside%20encryption%20is%20the,as%20a%20cloud%20storage%20service." rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Client-Side Encryption</a>, which means that even TeamPassword employees, or anyone with access to TeamPassword&rsquo;s database, cannot see your passwords. They also feature AES 256-bit encryption and security accreditations such as ISO 27001, SOC 1 and SOC 2, SSAE 16 and ISAE 3402.
The best vaults allow users to share passwords with team members - be they friends, family, or colleagues. With organizational tools like groups and different user settings, you can control who sees what without exposing your data.&nbsp;
<h3>Should I let my browser save my passwords?</h3>
While Chrome is working to make its password manager more secure, it does not provide enterprise level security or secure sharing.&nbsp;
Chrome is designed to be the most convenient browser on the market, and it succeeds. But if your Google account is breached, your passwords will be revealed. Most of us sync our Chrome profiles so that we can access bookmarks from anywhere. This works against us if one of our devices is stolen.
I won&rsquo;t claim that a real password manager is as convenient as letting your browser handle everything. As I said above, cybersecurity is often a tradeoff between easy and secure. However, if you need to share passwords with team members or family, then Chrome is definitely not the appropriate tool. A dedicated password manager built for sharing is both easier to use and safer.&nbsp;
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Here's a guide</a> on disabling your Chrome password manager.&nbsp;
<h3>How does a password manager work?&nbsp;</h3>
Let&rsquo;s start with what a password manager is not.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Not a magical tool that automatically updates all your account passwords without you lifting a finger.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Does not guarantee that you&rsquo;ll never be locked out of an account again - you could accidentally save different passwords between your password manager and the account you&rsquo;re trying to manage.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Does not replace account settings or have administrative control over your accounts. That is, just changing your Instagram password in your password manager does not actually change your Instagram password. You still need to go to your Instagram account settings and make the change there.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
What does it do?
By storing your sensitive credentials in a host-proof and locally encrypted vault, a password manager stores complex passwords for all your accounts while only requiring you to remember the master password that accesses your vault. Team plans let you safely share account credentials with your team without the credentials leaving an encrypted environment.
<h2>Is TeamPassword a good password manager?</h2>
TeamPassword is one of the best - especially for sharing passwords on teams.
TeamPassword exists so teams can effortlessly access the credentials they need&hellip;and only the credentials they need. Here are a few of the features that make this possible:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Unlimited number of completely customizable groups such as Marketing, HR, and Billing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Records can be part of multiple groups</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Admins grant or revoke access to each group with the click of a button</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword is designed so that your team will actually use it. The interface is simple and only shows you what you need. We integrate with Google SSO for seamless login into your vault.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/S5jNIC3TtuXldRHK5V4w" alt="undefined" width="511" height="418">
We offer a mobile app and extension so your records are accessible everywhere, all the time.
If you&rsquo;re looking for an affordable, easy-breezy to set-up password manager for your team, please <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">sign up for our free trial</a> and let us know what you think.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Changing passwords can seem like a tedious task, but with the right technology, it can be easy! Learn how often it should be changed to stay secure.

Changing passwords can seem like a tedious task, but with the right technology, it can be easy! Learn ...

How Often Should You Change Your Password | Tips to Stay Secure

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, new methods of authentication continue to emerge to combat the rising threat of data breaches and unauthorized access. One such innovative approach is passkeys, a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-are-passwordless-logins-and-how-do-they-work" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">modern alternative</a> to traditional passwords. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what passkeys are, how they work, their benefits, drawbacks, and the companies embracing this cutting-edge authentication method. Get ready to discover the key to a more secure and convenient digital experience.
Here are the key things you need to know about passkeys:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passkeys are an emerging authentication method that aims to replace traditional passwords.</li>
<li>They offer enhanced security, convenience, and protection against various cyber threats.</li>
<li>Passkeys require unique identifiers and biometric data for authentication, reducing the reliance on easily hackable passwords.</li>
<li>While passkeys show promise, they are not without drawbacks and may face challenges in widespread adoption.</li>
<li>Companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are already exploring and implementing passkey authentication.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What Is a Passkey?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#howdo" rel="follow">How Do Passkeys Work?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#benefits" rel="follow">The Benefits of Passkeys</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#drawbacks" rel="follow">The Drawbacks of Passkeys</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#companies" rel="follow">Companies Using Passkey Authentication</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#improve" rel="follow">How to Improve Your Password Security Now: 3 Quick Tips</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#faqs" rel="follow">Passkey Authentication FAQs</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatis">What Is a Passkey?&nbsp;</h2>
A passkey is a modern authentication method that replaces traditional alphanumeric passwords with unique identifiers, biometric data, or a combination of both. Unlike traditional passwords, which rely on character combinations, passkeys use distinct and personalized elements to verify user identity.
<h2 id="howdo">How Do Passkeys Work?</h2>
When a user attempts to log in using passkey authentication, the system prompts them to provide a unique identifier, such as a fingerprint scan, facial recognition, or a physical token. The system then matches this identifier against the pre-registered biometric data or passkey held in the user's account. If the provided identifier matches the stored data, access is granted.
Passkeys represent a revolutionary shift in the way users authenticate themselves, offering a more sophisticated and secure alternative to traditional passwords. Let's delve deeper into how passkeys differ from passwords:
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>
Authentication Method:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: Passwords are text-based combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters that users manually input to gain access to their accounts. They rely on the user's ability to remember and enter the correct sequence.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys utilize unique identifiers, such as biometric data (fingerprint scans, facial recognition) or physical tokens (smart cards, USB tokens), for authentication. Instead of recalling character combinations, users provide physical or biological markers to verify their identity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Security Level:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: Traditional passwords are susceptible to various security risks, such as brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks, and social engineering. Users often choose weak or easily guessable passwords, making them vulnerable to hacking.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys offer a higher level of security. Biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints or facial features, are inherently unique to each individual, making them challenging to forge or steal. Physical tokens also provide a tangible, difficult-to-replicate means of authentication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Resistance to Phishing Attacks:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: Phishing attacks, where malicious actors trick users into revealing their passwords through deceptive emails or websites, are a prevalent threat to password-based systems.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. Biometric identifiers cannot be easily replicated by attackers, rendering phishing attempts ineffective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Ease of Use:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: While passwords have been the go-to method for decades, they come with usability challenges. Users must remember multiple complex passwords, leading to password fatigue and the use of weak or reused passwords.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys offer a more user-friendly authentication experience. Users can access their accounts with a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition, eliminating the need to remember numerous passwords.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: While passwords can be part of multi-factor authentication (MFA), they are often just one factor and may not provide sufficient security on their own.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys enhance MFA strategies by serving as a reliable and secure authentication factor. Combining something the user knows (e.g., a PIN) with something they are (biometric data) strengthens the overall security of the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Physical vs. Digital:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passwords: Passwords exist as digital information stored in databases, which may be susceptible to data breaches and hacking attempts.</li>
<li>Passkeys: Passkeys can be physical, such as a smart card, or biometric, relying on unique biological features. This physical aspect adds an extra layer of security and control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While passkeys may seem easily win out over passwords, they are not without drawbacks. Below, let's look at more pros and cons of passkeys.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="benefits">The Benefits of Passkeys</h2>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Benefit #1: Enhanced Security: Passkeys offer a higher level of security than traditional passwords, as they rely on unique and immutable biometric data that is difficult to forge or steal.</li>
<li>Benefit #2: Convenience: Users no longer need to remember complex passwords or worry about frequent changes. Passkey authentication streamlines the login process for a more user-friendly experience.</li>
<li>Benefit #3: Protection Against Phishing Attacks: Passkeys are not susceptible to phishing attacks, as they cannot be replicated or manipulated like text-based passwords.</li>
<li>Benefit #4: Reduced Credential Fatigue: Passkeys reduce the frustration and mental burden of managing multiple passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.</li>
<li>Benefit #5: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Enhancement: Passkeys can be integrated into multi-factor authentication strategies, further fortifying account security.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="drawbacks">The Drawbacks of Passkeys</h2>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Drawback #1: Hardware Dependency: Some passkey authentication methods require specialized hardware, such as fingerprint scanners or biometric sensors, which may limit accessibility.</li>
<li>Drawback #2: Privacy Concerns: Storing biometric data raises privacy concerns, as it involves collecting and securing sensitive personal information.</li>
<li>Drawback #3: Adoption Challenges: Widespread adoption of passkey authentication faces resistance due to the existing prevalence of password-based systems.</li>
<li>Drawback #4: Initial Setup Complexity: Registering and configuring passkeys initially can be more complex than creating traditional passwords.</li>
<li>Drawback #5: False Acceptance and Rejection Rates: Some passkey technologies may exhibit false acceptance (accepting an imposter) or rejection (denying the rightful user) rates, impacting user experience.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="companies">Companies Using Passkey Authentication</h2>
Several prominent companies are embracing passkey authentication:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Google: Google's Android devices feature fingerprint and facial recognition as passkey authentication methods.</li>
<li>Apple: Apple's Touch ID and Face ID are examples of passkey authentication used on their iPhones and iPads.</li>
<li>Microsoft: Microsoft's Windows Hello employs facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for passkey authentication.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="improve">How to Improve Your Password Security Now: 3 Quick Tips</h2>
While passkeys hold promise for the future, passwords are still widely used. Improve your password security today with these three quick tips:
<h3>Create Strong Passwords</h3>
Craft <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">complex passwords</a> with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdates or common words.
<h3>Use Two-Factor Authentication</h3>
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/maximize-security-with-2fa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">extra layer of security</a>. This typically involves a combination of something you know (password) and something you have (e.g., a smartphone or a security token).
<h3>Implement a Password Manager</h3>
A password manager like <a href="https://teampassword.com/features" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> can help you securely store and manage all your passwords, ensuring you never have to remember complex strings of characters. TeamPassword's encrypted vault and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool in enhancing your password security.
<h2 id="faqs">Passkey Authentication FAQs</h2>
<h3>How Are Passkeys Different Than Passwords?</h3>
Passkeys and passwords differ in their nature and mode of authentication. While passwords involve alphanumeric combinations that users must remember and input manually, passkeys rely on unique identifiers, such as biometric data or physical tokens, for verification. Passkeys offer a more personalized and secure authentication method compared to passwords, which are susceptible to hacking and social engineering attacks. For an in-depth analysis, read our article on <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/passkey-vs-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Passkeys vs. Paswords</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Are Passkeys More Secure Than Passwords?</h3>
Yes, passkeys are generally more secure than passwords. Traditional passwords can be compromised through various means, such as brute-force attacks, phishing, and password reuse. Passkeys, on the other hand, rely on biometric data or unique physical tokens, making them much harder to replicate or steal. Additionally, passkeys reduce the risk of human error associated with password management, further enhancing security.
<h3>Will Passkeys Replace Passwords?</h3>
While passkeys show great promise and have already been adopted by some companies, it's unlikely that they will replace passwords entirely in the near future. Password-based authentication remains prevalent and deeply ingrained in the digital landscape. Moreover, passkeys may face challenges in universal adoption due to hardware requirements, privacy concerns, and compatibility with existing systems. However, they will likely coexist with passwords as part of multi-factor authentication strategies.
<h3>How Do You Use a Passkey?</h3>
Using a passkey is simple and user-friendly. When prompted for authentication, provide the unique identifier associated with your passkey, such as a fingerprint scan or a facial recognition scan. The system will then match the provided identifier with the pre-registered biometric data or passkey associated with your account. Upon successful verification, access to the system or service will be granted.
<h2>Boost Password Security With TeamPassword</h2>
TeamPassword is a powerful password manager that streamlines password security for individuals and teams. With TeamPassword, you can generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts in an encrypted vault. No more struggling to remember complex passwords or resorting to unsafe practices like writing them down.
Additionally, TeamPassword offers features like secure password sharing with team members and two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection. Whether you are an individual seeking better password management or a team striving to enhance cybersecurity, TeamPassword has the tools you need.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Get started with TeamPassword today</a> and elevate your password security to new heights. Safeguard your digital identity, protect sensitive information, and enjoy a more seamless and secure online experience.&nbsp;

What is a passkey? How does it work? Learn everything you need to know about this futuristic passwordless technology in this in-depth guide.

What is a passkey? How does it work? Learn everything you need to know about this futuristic passwordless ...

What Is a Passkey? [Complete Guide]

The evolution of technology has led to an increasingly complex cloud landscape, where businesses and individuals alike rely on cloud computing for storage, accessibility, and scalability. As more sensitive data moves to the cloud, ensuring data security becomes paramount. In this guide, we will explore the challenges and threats of data security in cloud computing and present five simple best practices to safeguard critical information.
Here are the key things you need to know about data security for cloud computing:
<ul>
<li>Data security in cloud computing is essential due to the increasing reliance on cloud services for data storage and processing.</li>
<li>Cloud computing introduces various security threats, such as data breaches, data loss, insecure APIs, apps, and services, and human error.</li>
<li>Challenges in protecting data in the cloud include a larger attack surface, lack of clear visibility, and a shortage of cloud security expertise.</li>
<li>Implementing five simple best practices&mdash;using encryption, enabling visibility, backing up critical data, implementing access control, and improving password hygiene&mdash;can significantly enhance data security in the cloud.</li>
</ul>
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#whatis" rel="follow">What Is Data Security for Cloud Computing?</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#threats" rel="follow">Data Security Threats in Cloud Computing</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#challenges" rel="follow">Challenges of Protecting Data in the Cloud</a></li>
<li data-gc-list-style="bullet" data-gc-list-depth="1"><a href="#bestpractices" rel="follow">Data Security for Cloud Computing: 5 Simple Best Practices</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whatis">What Is Data Security for Cloud Computing?</h2>
Cloud computing involves the use of remote servers to store, manage, and process data via the internet. Data security for cloud computing refers to the protection of data stored in the cloud from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. As businesses and individuals rely more on cloud services to store sensitive information, ensuring data security becomes crucial to maintain trust and safeguard critical data from potential threats.
Data security is becoming a bigger topic in all sectors. We've written about it as it relates to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/higher-education-data-security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">educational institutions</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/law-firm-data-security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">law firms</a> as well.&nbsp;
<h2 id="threats">Data Security Threats in Cloud Computing</h2>
The rapid adoption of cloud computing has opened the door to various security threats, putting sensitive data at risk. Let's examine some of the most significant threats:
<h3>Data Breaches</h3>
Data breaches involve unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the cloud, potentially leading to data theft or exposure. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure or weak authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to data. Data breaches can result in lawsuits against the targeted company, so stay current on <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/data-breaches-best-practices-and-laws-you-should-know" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">best practices and relevant laws</a>.&nbsp;
<h3>Data Loss</h3>
Data loss occurs when critical data stored in the cloud is permanently deleted or becomes inaccessible due to system failures, accidental deletions, or cyberattacks. Without proper data backup and recovery measures, data loss can have severe consequences for businesses and individuals.
<h3>Insecure APIs, Apps &amp; Services</h3>
Insecure application programming interfaces (APIs), apps, and services can create gateways for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to cloud data.
<h3>Human Error</h3>
Human error, such as accidental data exposure or improper configuration of cloud resources, remains one of the most common causes of data breaches and data loss in cloud environments.
<h2 id="challenges">Challenges of Protecting Data in the Cloud</h2>
Ensuring data security in the cloud comes with unique challenges, including:
<h3>Larger Attack Surface</h3>
Cloud computing expands the attack surface, as data is accessible from multiple locations and devices, making it challenging to defend against potential threats.
<h3>Lack of Clear Visibility</h3>
Cloud environments often lack clear visibility into where data is stored, accessed, or used, making it challenging to monitor and protect data effectively.
<h3>Lack of Cloud Security Expertise</h3>
Many organizations struggle with a shortage of IT professionals with cloud security expertise, hindering effective implementation of data security measures.
<h2 id="bestpractices">Data Security for Cloud Computing: 5 Simple Best Practices</h2>
In addition to the best practices detailed below, it's crucial to remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Employees play a vital role in maintaining a secure digital environment and <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/cybersecurity-best-practices-for-employees" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">should be equipped accordingly</a>.&nbsp;
To bolster data security in the cloud, consider the following best practices:
<h3>#1. Use Encryption</h3>
To implement strong encryption measures for data security in the cloud, follow these steps:
Encryption at Rest:
<ol>
<li>Identify critical data that requires encryption while at rest. This includes sensitive documents, customer information, financial records, etc.</li>
<li>Utilize cloud service providers' built-in encryption features or third-party encryption tools to encrypt data stored in cloud databases, object storage, and file systems.</li>
<li>Select appropriate encryption algorithms and key lengths that align with industry best practices and compliance requirements.</li>
<li>Manage encryption keys securely, either using cloud provider-managed encryption keys or by using a Hardware Security Module (HSM) for additional security.</li>
<li>Regularly audit and review encryption configurations to ensure ongoing data security.</li>
</ol>
Encryption in Transit:
<ol>
<li>Enable Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols for data transmission between users and cloud servers.</li>
<li>Use reputable certificate authorities to ensure the authenticity of SSL/TLS certificates.</li>
<li>Consider implementing virtual private networks (VPNs) to establish secure connections between on-premises environments and the cloud.</li>
</ol>
Implement strong encryption measures to protect data both while it is at rest in storage and during transit between devices and cloud servers. Encryption ensures that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains unreadable and unusable.
<h3>#2. Enable Visibility</h3>
To obtain visibility into cloud environments for enhanced data security, consider the following steps:
<ol>
<li>Select cloud-native monitoring and security analytics tools that provide real-time insights into cloud resources, network traffic, and user activity.</li>
<li>Configure logging and alerts for critical events, such as unauthorized access attempts, data modifications, and potential security breaches.</li>
<li>Define security baselines and establish anomaly detection mechanisms to identify abnormal behavior and potential security threats.</li>
<li>Leverage cloud provider-specific monitoring services to track cloud activity and ensure compliance with security policies.</li>
</ol>
<h3>#3. Backup Critical Data</h3>
To ensure data resiliency and protection against data loss, follow these data backup practices:
<ol>
<li>Identify critical data that requires regular backup, including databases, applications, and sensitive files.</li>
<li>Select appropriate backup mechanisms, such as regular snapshots or incremental backups, based on data size and frequency of updates.</li>
<li>Utilize cloud backup services or third-party backup solutions that support automated and scheduled backups.</li>
<li>Store backup data in secure locations, preferably in a different geographic region from the primary cloud storage, to safeguard against regional disasters or service disruptions.</li>
</ol>
Example: Amazon S3 provides versioning capabilities, allowing you to maintain multiple versions of objects and recover previous versions in case of accidental data modifications or deletions.
<h3>#4. Implement Access Control</h3>
To control user access to sensitive data in the cloud, adopt the following access control measures:
<ol>
<li>Utilize cloud provider Identity and Access Management (IAM) services to create and manage user accounts, roles, and permissions.</li>
<li>Follow the principle of least privilege, assigning users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their duties effectively.</li>
<li>Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts and users accessing sensitive data to add an extra layer of security beyond passwords.</li>
<li>Regularly review and audit access permissions to remove unnecessary privileges and ensure data access remains limited to authorized users.</li>
</ol>
<h3>#5. Improve Password Hygiene</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
Password Complexity Policies: Implement strong password complexity policies that require a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Enforce password length and expiration policies to ensure regular updates.
</li>
<li>
Password Managers: Require the use of password managers to generate and securely store <a href="https://teampassword.com/ko/blog/password-best-practices-what-makes-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">complex passwords</a>. Password managers eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords and prevent users from reusing weak passwords.
</li>
</ul>
Recommended Tool: TeamPassword is a user-friendly password manager that simplifies password management and strengthens data security through secure password generation and encrypted storage.
<h2>Protect Your Critical Data With the Support of TeamPassword</h2>
Data security in cloud computing is a vital aspect of protecting sensitive information from potential threats. By implementing the best practices outlined in this guide and utilizing tools like TeamPassword, you can effectively safeguard your critical data and ensure your organization's security in the dynamic cloud landscape. Don't wait for security incidents to happen&mdash;take proactive measures to protect your data and start using TeamPassword today to fortify your cloud data security.
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Get Started with TeamPassword</a>&nbsp;and secure your cloud data for a safer digital future.

The growth of the cloud brings about new security threats. Learn more about data security for cloud computing in this guide. Check it out!

The growth of the cloud brings about new security threats. Learn more about data security for cloud computing ...

Data Security for Cloud Computing: Insights & Best Practices

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. ...

Top 5 Dangerous Ways to Store Your Passwords

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

Password encryption is the number one component of password security. TeamPassword encrypts passwords with state-of-the-art technology to keep passwords safe.

Password encryption is the number one component of password security. TeamPassword encrypts passwords with state-of-the-art technology to keep ...

What is password encryption and how much is enough?

What is password encryption and how does it work?

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

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

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

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