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

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

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

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

We've all succumbed to the pressure of Google Chrome's offer to "save this password". If you're concerned about the security or privacy risks of Chrome's password manager or already use a dedicated password manager and are annoyed by Chrome's popup every time you create an account, this article will show you how to disable it quickly.
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Security concerns</a> are often the main reason to disable Google Chrome's built-in password manager. If a cybercriminal hacks the Google account where these passwords are saved and synced, they can go on to breach all your other accounts. Disabling the password manager can reduce this risk.
Many prefer (and we recommend) using a dedicated third-party password manager. These applications provide more robust security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional functionalities like customizable password generators and sharing. Disabling the browser's password manager allows users to rely solely on their preferred third-party solution.
[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#ischromesafe" rel="follow">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisablegooglechrome" rel="follow">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodeletechromepassword" rel="follow">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableotherbrowser" rel="follow">How to disable other browser password managers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ischromesafe">Is Google Chrome Password Manager Safe?</h2>
As <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/are-chrome-passwords-safe" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">we've written before</a>, Chrome wasn't built to be a password manager.
If someone steals your device at a coffee shop or hacks your Google account, they may have access to all of your passwords. Chrome doesn't automatically log you out at an interval of your choosing or when you close the browser. That would be inconvenient! In a nutshell, Google Chrome's password manager is not as safe as a dedicated password manager.&nbsp;
Chrome's solution focuses on convenience, and if you keep track of which devices you're signed into, lock your devices securely, and don't share passwords, credentials, or devices with anyone, the Google Chrome password manager may be safe enough. Even if you have all that covered, Chrome's password manager lacks support for document storage, other browsers, or non-browser uses, which means you'll need another password manager for those applications.&nbsp;
What if you use Safari on your iPhone or Mac? In that scenario, Chrome's password manager won't help you at all. That's why we recommend using a dedicated third-party tool that works on all&nbsp;your devices and browsers and encrypts your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and advanced 2FA options.&nbsp;
<h2 id="howtodisablegooglechrome">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
For Chrome users on Windows and Mac:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and choose Passwords (under the Autofill tab).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Turn off Offer To Save Passwords.</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/mF1Zu3KTQu2QcOEJGlb6" alt="undefined" width="897" height="317">
For Chrome users on iOS and Android:
<ol>
<li>Tap the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and tap Password Manager under Basics.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Tab the gear icon in the top right corner of the password manager</li>
<li>Turn off Offer to Save Password".&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/MZxHVVkQvacZTUDVMuPX" alt="undefined" width="392" height="378">
<h2 id="howtodeletechromepasswords">How to Delete Saved Passwords in Google Chrome Password Manager</h2>
To delete saved passwords from Chrome Password Manager, follow these 4 steps:
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Settings and choose Passwords (under the Autofill tab).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Click the small arrow to the right of the password you wish to delete</li>
<li>Click Delete</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kzRTLxRXGiVtd9u9o3Bg" alt="undefined" width="549" height="243">
You may want to first Export your passwords from Chrome. 
<ol>
<li>Click the three dots to the right of Add, and click Export.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
This exports all your passwords into a CSV file - so be careful with it!
<h3 id="howtodisableotherbrowser">Do you frequently use other browsers?&nbsp;</h3>
Are you wondering how to disable the password managers on other browsers you use? These articles might help:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How TeamPassword Can Help</h2>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">TeamPassword</a> is a fast, safe, and easy solution for storing and managing your passwords that doesn't leave you vulnerable to Chrome password security issues. It lets you create and customize strong passwords on any browser or device, and you can access them whenever and wherever you need. With TeamPassword, your passwords remain secure even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Using a dedicated password manager like TeamPassword adds an extra layer of protection. It requires you to log in with a separate "master" password and automatically locks your passwords after a specific time. While slightly less convenient than Chrome's built-in features, password managers are significantly more secure.
TeamPassword offers a Chrome extension that autofills most websites and displays record information in a convenient dropdown, eliminating the need to visit a separate page. It also includes extensive features for safe credential sharing, something Chrome's password feature lacks entirely. Passwords are organized into Groups, and team members can be given access as needed. Removing members and editing records is just as easy.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/0gCOt5oQBCE1vxckmRZC" alt="TP extension in action GIF (video) (1..." width="831" height="467">
With TeamPassword, you can enjoy the convenience of password management while keeping your information secure. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Try it for free</a> today!

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

Keeping track of passwords has gotten out of hand. Chrome offers a built-in solution, which might not be ...

How to Disable Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

How to Disable Google Chrome's Password Manager in 3 Steps

From 2019 to 2021, there was a significant increase in the percentage of individuals working primarily from home in the United States. Data from the 2021 American Community Survey released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the number of remote workers <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">more than tripled</a>, rising from approximately 9 million people to 27.6 million people during this time.
As more organizations embrace <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/remote-workforce-3-cybersecurity-things-to-remember" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">remote and hybrid work models,</a> the BYOD (bring your own device) policy phenomenon has taken center stage. In this article, we'll dive into six major cybersecurity risks associated with using personal devices for work and offer practical tips to help you avoid potential pitfalls.&nbsp;
<h2>The Top Cybersecurity Risks of Bring Your Own Device Policies</h2>
In this new world of remote and hybrid work, many of us have traded in our office desks for cozy kitchen tables and swapped suits for sweatpants. The convenience of smartphones, tablets, and laptops has revolutionized how we work, allowing us to access emails, systems, and files anytime, anywhere.&nbsp;
While the ability to seamlessly switch between devices is undeniably alluring, BYOD practices <a href="https://goabacus.com/how-a-byod-policy-might-be-putting-your-companys-network-at-risk/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">can expose businesses</a> to a host of cybersecurity threats, making it essential for IT teams to adopt proactive measures that help keep these risks at bay.&nbsp;
<h3>1. Data Leakage</h3>
Data leakage occurs when sensitive information, such as company files or personal information, is unintentionally exposed or shared. This risk is particularly high with personal devices as they are often used to access both work and personal accounts, making it easier for data to be accidentally shared, misplaced, or intercepted.
Employees may also use unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks to access company resources, which can lead to data interception and leakage. Moreover, personal devices often lack the same security measures as corporate-owned devices, like data encryption, secure boot, or VPN access.
Companies <a href="https://www.upguard.com/blog/data-leak-prevention-tips" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">can help prevent data leakage</a> by implementing robust mobile device management systems and enforcing strict security protocols like data encryption and regular software updates. Providing employee training on safe data handling practices and creating clear usage guidelines are also essential to minimize risks associated with personal devices.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/5dnwwUSrStGy6rxeH6sY" alt="undefined">
<h3>2. Malware Infection</h3>
Malware infections pose another significant cybersecurity risk for organizations that allow employees to use personal devices for work.&nbsp;
Personal devices are more likely to be infected with malware, as users may <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/01/30/why-cybersecurity-regulations-and-oversight-are-as-important-as-safety-standards-in-the-modern-workplace/?sh=4444e5905464" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">not adhere to the same security standards</a> they would when using a company-owned device. They might download apps from untrusted sources or visit unsafe websites, potentially exposing their devices to malware infections.
Once a personal device is infected, the malware can easily spread to the corporate network when the user connects their device to it. Malware can also spread through the organization's cloud services, email, or file-sharing platforms.&nbsp;
To mitigate malware infection concerns, companies should enforce the use of up-to-date antivirus software and require regular device security scans. Furthermore, educating employees on safe browsing habits and the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/network-security" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">importance of using secure connections</a> can help prevent malware infections on personal devices.
<h3>3. Insufficient Security Controls</h3>
Personal devices often lack the security controls and monitoring capabilities found on corporate-owned devices. Companies may find it challenging to enforce security policies or remotely manage these devices, leading to weaker overall security. For example, a personal device may not have the latest security patches installed, leaving it vulnerable to known exploits.
Additionally, employees may not have the same awareness regarding cybersecurity practices on their personal devices as they do on their work devices. This can result in weak or reused passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, or failure to lock devices when not in use, all of which can lead to unauthorized access.&nbsp;
Companies can mitigate insufficient security controls by <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-protect-company-information-when-an-employee-leaves" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">implementing strict access controls</a>, such as multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions. Regularly auditing and updating security measures can also help maintain robust protection for company data accessed on personal devices. In addition, proper utilization of password management solutions is a simple yet effective way to mitigate these core security risks.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/aT5ZbQMR2mP3iiCB6ck6" alt="undefined">
<h3>4. Phishing Attacks</h3>
Phishing attacks remain a top cybersecurity risk for organizations, and using personal devices for work can exacerbate this threat. Employees may be more susceptible to phishing attacks on their personal devices, as they may not be as vigilant about scrutinizing emails or messages from unknown sources.
Moreover, employees may use the same email address for work and personal purposes, increasing the risk of successful phishing attempts. Attackers can exploit personal information, such as interests or social media activity, to create highly targeted and convincing phishing emails.&nbsp;
To prevent potential phishing attacks, companies should <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-remote-employees-about-cybersecurity" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">provide ongoing cybersecurity training</a> emphasizing phishing awareness and teach employees to recognize and report suspicious emails. Implementing email filtering technologies and advanced threat protection can also help detect and block phishing attempts before they reach users' inboxes.
<h3>5. Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Information</h3>
When personal devices are used for work, there is an increased risk of unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data. This can occur if the device is lost, stolen, or left unattended, allowing unauthorized individuals to access the device.&nbsp;
Personal devices often lack the advanced security features of corporate-owned devices, such as encryption, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">strong passwords</a>, and multi-factor authentication. Without these additional security measures in place, it becomes easier for cybercriminals to access the device and the sensitive information stored on it. Furthermore, personal devices are more likely to be shared among family members or friends, increasing the risk of unintentional access to confidential data.&nbsp;
Companies can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information due to BYOD by implementing strict access controls, such as multi-factor authentication, role-based permissions, and secure VPN connections. Furthermore, using machine learning-powered tools to log user activity and monitor and analyze user behavior can help detect potential security breaches, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual login patterns.
Although machine learning is mostly used in business to improve performance and analytics, manage risks, assess market opportunities, and reduce operating costs, its use in cybersecurity is growing. In fact,<a href="https://youngandtheinvested.com/machine-learning-statistics/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank"> 47% of IT companies</a> reported increasing their machine learning budgets by up to 25% in 2020.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/zIaSmxWgQcSkioNFOZh0" alt="undefined">
<h3>6. Inconsistent Software Updates and Patches</h3>
Personal devices typically have inconsistent software updates and patches, leaving them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Users may neglect to update their devices or applications regularly, as they are not managed by an IT department that enforces timely updates.&nbsp;
Outdated software and apps may contain exploitable security vulnerabilities, which can expose an organization's network and data to potential attacks, as a compromised personal device can <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/attack-surface" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">serve as an entry point for attackers</a> to infiltrate the company's systems.
Companies can maintain consistent software updates and patches in BYOD environments by enforcing a policy requiring employees to regularly update their devices' operating systems and applications. On top of this, incorporating mobile device management (MDM) solutions can help monitor, manage, and enforce software updates across all personal devices accessing the corporate network.
<h2>Find the Right Cybersecurity Solution for Your Organization</h2>
Using personal devices for work comes with several cybersecurity risks that companies must address proactively. While organizations can take steps to mitigate these risks, one crucial aspect that they cannot overlook is the effective management of passwords. A secure and efficient way to manage passwords is <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow">using a password manager</a> like TeamPassword.
TeamPassword provides an encrypted platform that enables users to store strong, unique passwords for every account. This level of security ensures the protection of sensitive data and helps prevent unauthorized access to personal and work-related accounts.
As an individual, it's essential to understand the importance of password security and how it impacts the safety of your personal and work-related data. By using a trusted password manager like TeamPassword, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape without compromising your organization's overall security.

Bring your own device policies are more common than ever, but they aren't without risks. Here are the top six risks and how to avoid them.

Bring your own device policies are increasingly popular as remote work trends continue. With them come risks. This ...

6 Cybersecurity Risks of BYOD Policies

Bring your own device policies are increasingly popular as remote work trends continue. With them come risks. This article explains six cybersecurity risks of using personal devices for work and how to avoid them.

6 Cybersecurity Risks of Using Personal Devices for Work

<div class="col-md-7">
<div class="card card-body">
<div class="prose">
A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-it-ok-to-use-your-browsers-built-in-password-manager/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">built-in password manager</a>, the type that comes with your internet browser, is like a piece of buttery toast in the morning &mdash; quick, convenient, but not the most exciting option ever.&nbsp;
Sure, browser password managers beef up your internet security, but they are just OK. Not bad, not good, just somewhere in-between. You're about to learn why. Plus, discover how to disable your browser's current built-in password manager.
TeamPassword is the No.1 password manager for teams that lets you share logins across browsers and devices. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Click here</a> for a free trial.
<h2>Contents</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="#whyareinbuiltpasswordmanagersjustok" rel="follow">Why Are In-Built Password Managers Just OK?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whyarethirdpartypasswordmanagersbetterforteams" rel="follow">Why are Third-Party Password Managers Better For Teams?</a></li>
<li><a href="#whatarethebenefitsofthirdpartypasswordmanagersliketeampassword" rel="follow">What are the Benefits of Third-Party Password Managers Like TeamPassword?</a></li>
<li><a href="#howtodisableyourbrowsersbuiltinpasswordmanager" rel="follow">How to Disable Your Browser's Built-In Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="whyareinbuiltpasswordmanagersjustok">Why Are In-Built Password Managers Just OK?</h2>
Let's take Google Password Manager, Chrome's de facto password protector. It does what it says it does:&nbsp;Manages saved passwords in Chrome and Android. But what happens to passwords if you switch to Firefox? Or Microsoft Edge?&nbsp;
And what happens to passwords saved in Firefox Password Manager when you switch to Chrome or Edge? Or passwords in Microsoft Edge Password Manager when you use Firefox or Chrome?
It's messy.
The problem is, a lot of us use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/268299/most-popular-internet-browsers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than one browser</a>&nbsp;&mdash; Chrome on a laptop and Safari on an iPhone, or Edge on a desktop and Chrome on an Android.&nbsp;
In-built password managers&nbsp;can't pull passwords from browser-to-browser&nbsp;or passwords from&nbsp;device-to-device. This means fewer protections and more forgotten passwords. (Seventy-eight percent of us <a href="https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2019/12/new-password-study-finds-78-of-people-had-to-reset-a-password-they-forgot-in-past-90-days.html#:~:text=Study%3A%2078%20Percent%20People%20Forget,For%20Reset!%20%2F%20Digital%20Information%20World" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can't remember passwords</a>.)&nbsp;
<h2 id="whyarethirdpartypasswordmanagersbetterforteams">Why Are Third-Party Password Managers Better For Teams?</h2>
In-built password managers aren't popular among large teams that collaborate on projects. In a survey, employees in the technical sector used in-built password managers for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/nicolasc/publications/Pearman-SOUPS19.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15-50 login credentials</a>&nbsp;and third-party password managers for over 100 password-protected accounts. Employees contained more passwords in third-party managers.&nbsp;
But why? 
Firstly, there isn't a convenient or secure way to share passwords saved to your personal (or work) Google account. You have to enter your Chrome password manager, find the login, then copy the username and password to send to your colleague...probably through an unsafe medium like text or email. Secondly, browser password managers autosave basic login information but lack a good way to save other types of secrets or notes. Even if they did, they would be a pain to share.
There's a perception that in-built password managers are a better fit for personal passwords &mdash; logins for banking, email, and streaming accounts. Most teams use third-party password managers for shared files, folders, and other projects.
<h2 id="whatarethebenefitsofthirdpartypasswordmanagersliketeampassword">What Are the Benefits of Third-Party Password Managers Like TeamPassword?</h2>
Third-party managers serve different purposes than in-built managers. They boast features such as
<ul>
<li>Automatic password syncing across all browsers and devices.</li>
<li>Password encryption.</li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/one-time-passwords-vs-two-factor-authentication" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two-factor authentication</a>.</li>
<li>Password activity.</li>
<li>Password logging.</li>
<li>Unique password generation. (Some third-party password managers can create randomized passwords for&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/can-you-put-a-price-on-your-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extra security</a>.)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword goes one step further with enhanced password management for teams that need to access shared login details and keep collaborative projects moving.&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">Discover more here</a>!
Using a third-party password manager provides a bundle of benefits. But you'll probably need to disable your browser's&nbsp;current password manager before using one.
<h2 id="howtodisableyourbrowsersbuiltinpasswordmanager">How to Disable Your Browser's Built-In Password Manager</h2>
We've written articles with steps and screenshots for the four major browsers:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-google-chrome-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Google Chrome Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-firefox-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Firefox Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-microsoft-edge-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Microsoft Edge Password Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-disable-safari-password-manager" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">How to Disable Safari Password Manager</a></li>
</ul>

<h2>Before You Go</h2>
A built-in password manager is a primer for password management, but they lack features that security-conscious enterprises require in 2023. With cybersecurity on the rise as more people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3609596/wfh-security-lessons-from-the-pandemic.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">work from home</a>, consider using a password manager that provides encryption, two-factor authentication, password activity, password logging, automatic password syncing, and unique password generation for&nbsp;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-security-for-your-remote-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remote teams</a>. These managers benefit enterprises of all sizes that share logins and collaborate on data-driven projects.&nbsp;
Are you looking for a safe alternative to your built-in password manager? We designed TeamPassword for teams with collaboration in mind. Start your free&nbsp;<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="follow noopener">14-day trial&nbsp;</a><a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=bcms#signup/testimonial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">now</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div>

How to disable your built-in password manager and why you should use third-party password managers like TeamPassword instead. | TeamPassword

How to disable your built-in password manager and why you should use third-party password managers like TeamPassword instead. | ...

How to Disable Your Browser's Built-In Password Manager

Passphrases are the newest way to create passwords. They are often considered more secure and easier to remember than traditional passwords, but what exactly is a passphrase? Simply put, passphrases are passwords created by putting multiple common words together instead of a randomly generated set of letters, numbers, and characters.
Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about passphrases to decide if you should use them.
<ul>
<li>Passphrases are often better than passwords because they are longer.</li>
<li>Using unrelated words and adding characters and numbers makes passphrases more secure.</li>
<li>You should never use the same passphrase for multiple accounts.</li>
<li>A password manager can help you store and share your unique passphrases.</li>
</ul>
TeamPassword is the best way to store passphrases online. Don&rsquo;t believe us? <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today and try for yourself.
<h3>Table of Contents</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#what" rel="follow">What is a passphrase?</a></li>
<li><a href="#how" rel="follow">How secure are passphrases?</a></li>
<li><a href="#pros" rel="follow">The pros and cons of passphrases</a></li>
<li><a href="#should" rel="follow">Should I use a passphrase?</a></li>
<li><a href="#8" rel="follow">8 steps to creating and remembering a strong passphrase</a></li>
<li><a href="#TeamPassword" rel="follow">TeamPassword is the best way to store and share passphrases and passwords</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="what" is="" a="" passphrase="">What is a passphrase?</h2>

It seems like everyday we hear about a new &ldquo;<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-the-future-of-passwords" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">future of passwords</a>&rdquo; concept, from single sign on (SSO) to biometrics or multi-factor authentication (MFA). Unlike all of these other solutions, passphrases are really a low-tech way to make passwords more secure and easier to remember.&nbsp;

Simply put, passphrases are a set of three to five words put together to create a very long and therefore secure password. Here&rsquo;s an example:

Passphrase example: MonkeyPlainsMilkEurope

At 22 characters long, it&rsquo;s already pretty secure. However, you could make it more secure by substituting numbers and characters.

Passphrase example: Monkey.Pl4ins.Milk.Eur0pe!

What&rsquo;s really valuable is how much easier it is to remember. In fact, you&rsquo;ll probably remember &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; a week from now.
<h3>Passphrase vs. password</h3>
Passphrases are a set of common words put together and used as a password. Conversely, when looking at a password, it&rsquo;s a random jumble of letters, numbers, and characters.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s an example from our <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">free password generator</a>: ac=oei$EdrN5`2k

There&rsquo;s no question that is a hard password to guess, but is it really that secure? At 15 characters long and no discernable pattern for a dictionary attack, it would force computers to run a <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-and-are-you-at-risk" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">brute force attack</a>.&nbsp;

However, even the simplest passphrase could be more secure. Our example above, Monkey.Pl4ins.Milk.Eur0pe!, is also changed enough to make a dictionary attack impossible, is far longer (24 characters), and is easy to remember.&nbsp;

In fact, you might never forget &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; again!&nbsp;
<h3>The problems with passwords</h3>

<a href="https://xkcd.com/936/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">XKCD</a> summarized the problem with traditional passwords in one of their comics. Essentially, passwords are usually not long enough to trick computers running brute force attacks, but they are still too long and complicated for humans to remember.

That&rsquo;s completely backwards.

Ideally, we want easy for humans, hard for computers passwords and not the other way around. That&rsquo;s where passphrases come in. &ldquo;Monkey.Pl4ins.Milk.Eur0pe!&rdquo; is very, very hard for a computer to crack, while you&rsquo;ve probably memorized for life &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; at this point.
<h2 id="how" secure="" are="" passphrases="">How secure are passphrases?</h2>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-secure-is-my-password" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Passwords are only as secure as the way they are stored.</a> That&rsquo;s the same for passphrases. If you have a super complicated password on a sticky note in the corner of your monitor, then you do not have a secure password. Since passphrases are easier to remember, they are often stored in the brain, making them more secure than equally long random passwords.

That being said, most people require hundreds of passwords, and even though passphrases are easier to remember, that doesn&rsquo;t make 200 of them easy to remember.&nbsp;
<h2 id="pros" and="" cons="" of="" passphrases="">The pros and cons of passphrases</h2>
Passphrases can certainly be considered better in a lot of ways than passwords. However, they have some of the same shortcomings. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of passphrases.
<h3>The advantages of passphrases</h3>

Let&rsquo;s look at the two main advantages of passphrases:

<ol>
<li>
Passphrases are easy to remember.
</li>
<li>
Passphrases are long and complex.
</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/pS4AyqRbqFiMkvSdRjbQ" alt="undefined">
<h4>Passphrases are easy to remember</h4>

No human can remember passwords that look like the example above, &ldquo;ac=oei$EdrN5`2k&rdquo;. It&rsquo;s just too hard. However, you can probably already say the passphrase we&rsquo;ve been using without reading it, &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo;.
<h4>Passphrases are long and complex</h4>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/lets-talk-about-password-complexity" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Password complexity</a> really comes down to two points:

<ol>
<li>
Longer is more complex.
</li>
<li>
Using more types of characters (upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and character) is more complex.
</li>
</ol>

Of these, the first point is more important. That&rsquo;s why just &ldquo;MonkeyPlainsMilkEurope&rdquo; is already a very strong password. Changing it to &ldquo;Monkey.Pl4ins.Milk.Eur0pe!&rdquo; brings the complexity level even higher.

Comparing both to a very complex password like &ldquo;ac=oei$EdrN5`2k&rdquo; above shows how much more complex a passphrase can be.&nbsp;
<h3>The disadvantages of passphrases</h3>

It&rsquo;s hard to come up with specific disadvantages of passphrases. However, it is important to remember that they still have three of the same big vulnerabilities as passwords:

<ol>
<li>
A passphrase is not necessarily more secure.
</li>
<li>
Passphrases are still vulnerable to the same storage mistakes.
</li>
<li>
A passphrase is easy to remember, but hundreds are not.
</li>
</ol>
<h3>A passphrase is not necessarily more secure</h3>

Remember that dictionary attacks exist. If you pick words that are commonly used in passwords to make your passphrase, then you are at risk of dictionary attack. For example, &ldquo;PasswordPasswordPassword&rdquo; is still going to be cracked in seconds. If your words are short, for example &ldquo;DogIceUp&rdquo;, then you still have an easy-to-crack password.
<h3>Passphrases are still vulnerable to the same storage mistakes</h3>

If you store passphrases in unsafe locations, for example a sticky note on your monitor or a Google Sheets document, then it is still at risk of being stolen. If someone can find your passphrase, then it doesn&rsquo;t matter if it&rsquo;s long and complex.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/buKeFWj8RHe0Ju6BtO9r" alt="undefined">
<h3>A passphrase is easy to remember, but hundreds are not</h3>

You are probably getting tired of &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; at this point because it is stuck in your head. However, if you need 200 accounts, then it might not be the easiest task to remember 800 words.&nbsp;

If you cheat and use the same passphrase across your accounts, then <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/have-i-been-hacked-how-to-know-for-sure" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">getting pwned</a> once means hackers have all of your information.&nbsp;

This leads to the next question.
<h2 id="should" i="" use="" a="" passphrase="">Should I use a passphrase?</h2>

Yes, passphrases are great. If you are looking for a super strong password for your email account or password manager, then a passphrase is a great option. Use a super complex passphrase to keep these key accounts safe.&nbsp;

However, it&rsquo;s not recommended to use passphrases for every single account you need to access. Trying to remember hundreds of passphrases is impossible. It&rsquo;s best to use a handful of passphrases to protect key accounts and then let a password manager remember the rest of them for you.
<h2 id="8" steps="" to="" creating="" and="" remembering="">8 steps to creating and remembering a strong passphrase</h2>

<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-build-a-passphrase" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Building a passphrase</a> is easy. Actually, it can even be fun!

Here are 8 steps to follow to create and remember a strong passphrase:

<ol>
<li>
Avoid common phrases: Using four random words can create a strong passphrase. Using a common phrase like &ldquo;TomBradyIsTheGOAT&rdquo; will leave you vulnerable to dictionary attacks.
</li>
<li>
Jokes are easier to remember: If you think something is funny, then you&rsquo;ll remember it. However, it won&rsquo;t necessarily be an easy to predict phrase for a computer or someone making a social engineering attempt. For example, &ldquo;NoisyGiraffeInfestation&rdquo; is funny but not exactly what you&rsquo;d think would go together.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Add an unusual word or two: This is the point where you pull out your thesaurus and pick one of the alternative words. For example, I&rsquo;ve always liked &ldquo;parsimonious&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;cheap&rdquo; to describe someone unwilling to spend money.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Avoid common password words: We all know &ldquo;password&rdquo; should be avoided, but did you know <a href="https://cybernews.com/best-password-managers/most-common-passwords/">ice, rice, tea, and pie</a> are the most common food items in passwords? It&rsquo;s best to avoid anything in the top 100 most common passwords at a minimum.
</li>
<li>
Substitute in numbers and symbols: Just like normal passwords, passphrases should also have upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Where possible, consider unusual substitutions to prevent advanced dictionary attacks. While &ldquo;4&rdquo; is often used for &ldquo;A&rdquo;, consider &ldquo;7&rdquo; for an upside-down &ldquo;L&rdquo;.
</li>
<li>
Practice typing your passphrase: Type out your passphrase 20 or 30 times to make sure you don&rsquo;t forget. Even if you&rsquo;ve memorized &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; for life, &ldquo;Monkey.Pl4ins.Milk.Eur0pe!&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t quite as easy. Since passphrases should be used to protect your most important accounts, you don&rsquo;t want to forget yours!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-often-should-you-change-your-password-the-importance-of-password-safety" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Update your passphrase regularly</a>: Just like all of your passwords, passphrases will eventually be stolen by a hacker. To protect yourself from stolen passphrases, update yours regularly (roughly every three months is recommended).&nbsp;
</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="TeamPassword" best="" way="" to="" store="" and="" share="">TeamPassword is the best way to store and share passphrases and passwords</h2>

Passphrases are a great new way to create complex passwords that are still easy to remember. If you&rsquo;ve read this far, you&rsquo;ll never forget &ldquo;monkey plains milk Europe&rdquo; and that&rsquo;s the whole point. They are long and easy to remember.

However, it is still not easy to remember hundreds of passphrases, so use them for your core accounts and then let a password manager create, store, and update your other passwords for you.&nbsp;
 <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today to see why TeamPassword is the easiest way to store passwords online and share them with your team.

Passphrases use multiple common words to create passwords instead of random letters and characters, making them secure and easy to remember.

Passphrases are the newest way to create passwords. They are often considered more secure and easier to remember ...

What is a passphrase and should you use one?

Passphrases are the newest way to create passwords. They are often considered more secure and easier to remember than traditional passwords, but what exactly is a passphrase? Simply put, passphrases are passwords created by putting multiple common words together instead of a randomly generated set of letters, numbers, and characters. ...

Small business password management requires a robust password manager. Learn more about managing passwords for your business in this guide.

Small business password management requires a robust password manager. Learn more about managing passwords for your business in ...

Small Business Password Management: The Best Password Tools

In this digital age, our lives are pretty much lived online - from banking to socializing, we rely heavily on our accounts and passwords to keep our sensitive information safe.&nbsp;
But let's face it, passwords alone are not enough to keep the bad guys out. That's where 2FA comes in &mdash; an extra layer of security that can make all the difference between a secure account and a breached one.
Most of us have heard of 2FA, but not everyone knows how to use it properly. When used correctly, 2FA <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/your-passwords-arent-safe-unless-youre-taking-these-5-steps" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">provides an additional layer of security</a> that can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.&nbsp;
In this article, we'll discuss why 2FA is so important and share the best practices for using it.
The four key tips to maximize security with two-factor authentication are:
<ul>
<li>Use 2FA on all of your accounts.</li>
<li>Choose the type of 2FA that's right for you.</li>
<li>Store 2FA backup codes in a secure location.</li>
<li>Use 2FA with a password manager.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into the world of online security and explore how 2FA and password managers can help keep your accounts safe and sound.
<h3>Table of Contents</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#Why 2FA is Important" rel="follow">Why Two-Factor Authentication is Important</a></li>
<li><a href="#How%20to%20Use%202FA" rel="follow">How to Use Two-Factor Authentication</a></li>
<li><a href="#2FA%20and%20Password%20Manager" rel="follow">Use 2FA and a Password Manager for Ultimate Security</a></li>
<li><a href="#Security%20Best%20Practices" rel="follow">Other Security Best Practices to Follow</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="Why 2FA is Important">Why Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Important?</h2>
The risk of unauthorized access and data breaches is higher than ever. By using 2FA, you can <a href="https://authy.com/what-is-2fa/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">add an extra layer of security</a> to your accounts, making it much more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your sensitive information.&nbsp;
2FA makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts because even if they manage to steal your password, they still need a second factor to gain access. It could be a fingerprint, a code sent to your phone or a hardware token.&nbsp;
By implementing 2FA, you can significantly <a href="https://www.imperva.com/learn/application-security/2fa-two-factor-authentication/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">reduce the risk</a> of unauthorized access and protect your personal and sensitive data from being compromised. This is a great way to protect yourself and your business against cybercrime and online fraud.&nbsp;
<h2 id="How to Use 2FA">How To Use Two-Factor Authentication</h2>
<h3>Use 2FA on All Accounts</h3>
To maximize security, it&rsquo;s vital for individuals and businesses alike to use 2FA on all accounts, including social media, email, banking, and other online services. This way, even if one account is compromised, the others remain secure.&nbsp;
This is even more important today when almost all critical business and financial data online is being stored and accessed online. For instance, one recent survey of small business owners found that <a href="https://www.creditdonkey.com/best-bank-small-business.html" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">over 40% of respondents</a> are now using online banking exclusively for their financial needs. The good news is that most online financial and banking services offer 2FA measures.
To enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts, go to your account settings and look for the option to enable 2FA. Most services will guide you through the process, which typically involves linking your account to a second factor, such as your phone or fingerprint.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/jPz7hNH8QjhBOPPd9viN" alt="undefined" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h3>Choose the Right Type of 2FA</h3>
When setting up 2FA, choosing the right type that suits your needs is essential. The most common types of 2FA are SMS codes, email-based 2FA, <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/what-is-identity-as-a-service-idaas" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">app-based authentication</a>, and hardware keys.&nbsp;
SMS codes are the simplest to set up but can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks, where <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/10/07/educating-users-about-phishable-multifactor-authentication/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">hackers can take control</a> of your phone number and intercept your 2FA codes.
Email-based 2FA sends a verification code to your email address. It&rsquo;s easy to set up and receive messages, however, like SMS it too can be vulnerable to attack, but is safer than SMS.&nbsp;
App-based authentication, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, is more secure and reliable than either SMS or email-based 2FA. It relies on the use of an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to generate time-based codes. The app syncs with the online account you&rsquo;ve secured with 2FA. These options are more secure because they're not tied to your phone number and require physical possession of the linked device.&nbsp;
Hardware keys are the most secure but also the most expensive and may be less convenient. Hardware keys are small physical keys that users plug into their computer in order to access the accounts that are linked to the key.&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s also biometric 2FA, a <a href="https://www.iproov.com/blog/multi-factor-authentication-using-biometrics-mfa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">relatively new form</a> of two-factor authentication that verifies a user's access level using a unique identifier, such as a fingerprint, voice, or iris structure. It is generally more reliable and harder to compromise than other types of 2FA, but it's also much more expensive to implement.&nbsp;
<h3>Store Backup Codes in a Secure Location</h3>
When setting up 2FA, most services provide you with backup codes that you can use to log in to your account if you lose access to your primary authentication method.&nbsp;
It's essential to store these backup codes <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/password-manager-with-2fa" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">in a secure location</a>, such as a password manager or a physical safe. Be sure to keep them separate from your primary authentication method to avoid losing both at the same time.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/txwhKLaLSxiyaNyFh2PG" alt="undefined" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h2 id="2FA and Password Manager">Use 2FA and a Password Manager for Ultimate Security</h2>
In addition to using two-factor authentication, password managers are another essential tool for securing your online accounts.&nbsp;
Reliable password managers like TeamPassword <a href="https://teampassword.com" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">allow you</a> to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This helps reduce the risk of a hacker accessing multiple accounts if one password is compromised. Password managers use military-level encryption technology and comply with all regulations, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (also known as PCI DSS), which <a href="https://www.atlantic.net/pci-compliant-hosting/what-is-pci-compliance/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">are a set of requirements</a> designed to ensure online merchant transactions are kept encrypted and protected.&nbsp;
Here are some more benefits of using a password manager:
<ul>
<li>
Generate strong, unique passwords: Password managers can create and store passwords that are more complex and harder to guess than anything you would come up with on your own.
</li>
<li>
Autofill login information: Instead of typing in your username and password every time you visit a website, a password manager can automatically fill in your login information.
</li>
<li>
Encrypted storage: Password managers <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/141500/why-you-should-use-a-password-manager-and-how-to-get-started/" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">store your passwords</a> in an encrypted format, meaning that even if a hacker gains access to your password manager, they won't be able to read your passwords.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Audit trail: They keep a record of all password-related activities, providing full visibility and accountability to team administrators.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Convenient access: Password managers <a href="https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/security/password-managers" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">can be accessed from multiple devices</a>, so you can easily log in to your accounts from your phone, tablet, or computer.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="Security Best Practices">Other Security Best Practices To Follow</h2>
<ul>
<li>
Update your phone and apps regularly: Keeping your phone and 2FA apps up to date is essential to ensuring your accounts are secure. Updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
</li>
<li>
Monitor your accounts regularly: Even with 2FA enabled, it's important to monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, change your passwords immediately and contact the service provider.
</li>
<li>
Keep your second factor secure: Treat your second factor (e.g., your phone or hardware key) with the same level of security as your password. Keep it in a secure location, and don't share it with others.
</li>
<li>
Revoke access to old devices and accounts: If you replace or dispose of a device or account that has 2FA enabled, make sure to <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/how-to-protect-company-information-when-an-employee-leaves" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">revoke its access</a> to your accounts. This prevents someone else from accessing your accounts using the old device.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Secure Your Digital Life Today, One 2FA at a Time</h2>
With the increasing prevalence of online security breaches and cyberattacks, taking proactive measures to protect your personal information is more important than ever.&nbsp;
Securing your online accounts is critical to protecting your digital life. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and <a href="https://teampassword.com/" rel="follow">password managers like TeamPassword</a> are powerful tools that can help you achieve this goal.&nbsp;
By following the best practices outlined in this article and using these tools to their fullest potential, you can significantly enhance the security of your online accounts and ensure that your sensitive information remains private. Implement these security measures to stay ahead of potential threats in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Passwords aren't always enough to keep the bad guys out. That's where 2FA comes in. Maximize your security by following these 2FA tips.

Passwords alone are not always enough to keep the bad guys out. That's where 2FA comes in — ...

How to Maximize Security with Two-Factor Authentication

Passwords alone are not always enough to keep the bad guys out. That's where 2FA comes in — an extra layer of security that can make all the difference between a secure account and a breached one. This article explains how to maximize security using 2FA.

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.

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Password encryption is essential to store user credentials stored in a database securely. Without password encryption, anyone accessing a user database on a company's servers (including hackers) could easily view any stored passwords.
Even a strong 32-character password created using a <a href="https://teampassword.com/password-generator">secure password generator</a> is useless without password-encryption! If someone can read your password on a server, they can use it simply by copy/pasting it&mdash;no matter how long or complicated the password might be!
Encryption scrambles your password before saving it on the server. So, if someone hacks the server, instead of finding password123, they find a random series of letters and numbers.
In this article, we're going to explore the world of password encryption, why <a href="https://teampassword.com/blog/tips-and-tricks-to-create-a-strong-password">strong passwords matter</a>, and how you can practice better password management!
<a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">TeamPassword</a> is the password management solution for small businesses! Create, store, and share login credentials safely with employees, contractors, and clients. <a href="https://app.teampassword.com/dashboard#signup/testimonial">Sign up for a 14-day free trial</a> today!
&rlm;&rlm;&lrm; &lrm;[Table of Contents]
<ul>
<li><a href="#understandingpasswordencryption" rel="follow">Understanding Password Encryption</a></li>
<li><a href="#howdoespasswordencryptionwork" rel="follow">How Does Password Encryption Work?</a></li>
<li><a href="#5commonpasswordencryptionmethods" rel="follow">5 Common Password Encryption Methods</a></li>
<li><a href="#whystrongpasswordsmatter" rel="follow">Why Strong Passwords Matter</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="understandingpasswordencryption">Understanding Password Encryption</h2>
To explain password encryption effectively, we must first grasp the language. Several terms might be unfamiliar, so here is a quick intro to password encryption terminology.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Key: Used to lock and unlock passwords using a random string of bits. You get private and public keys that crypt and decrypt data differently, but we won't get too deep in the weeds with keys!</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bits: A logical state with one of two possible values, including 1/0, true/false, yes/no, or on/off as typical examples.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Block (block cipher): A deterministic algorithm operating on fixed-length groups of bits, called blocks.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash function: The algorithm that uses the key to create password encryption and decryption. A hash function is essentially a piece of code that runs every time someone saves a password or logs into an application.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hash: A random series of numbers and letters representing your password. The hash function uses your hash instead of the raw password for authentication.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salt: Additional letters and numbers appended to the hash</li>
</ul>
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<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>
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<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.
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<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>
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<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 ...

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