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Community Newsletter: Q&A: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords
- 2/23/06 3:46 PM
Storing my passwords
by Graham012 - 2/24/06 7:44 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I use Winzip which I have password protected for all my important passwords, banking etc...
For most Web sites I let my Browser(Firefox)remember them and also keep a copy on my hard drive.
Old fashioned method
by Liz7188 - 2/24/06 7:52 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I do use a Palm handheld with SplashID software for storing my personal log on info. It's password protected. However, I have found that for day to day use at home and work, a card file was the best solution for me.
I have hundreds of registrations at publisher web sites for work and dozens for various online news, shopping and entertainment sites at home.
There are so many variations on what sites require for access. In addition, since I've been doing this, all the experts warned to use lots of different passwords, never the same one. Lately I have been happy to take advantage of Firefox's password manager whenever I can.
I do use a free Yahoo email account for registering at sites that may generate spam. This, in addition to changes in my work email address have resulted in additional complications with registration information.
I've found it just easier to use a plain old 3X5 index card file.
I keep the boxes right out on my desk!
However, there's no danger of anyone stealing either my name or passwords. I use mnemonics to let me know which name and password I've chosen for a site. Thus a card may say: ID:''Old work email'' and PW: ''Mom +SS'' which is my mother's maiden name plus the last four digits of my SS #.
When I set up a registration I want to use at home as well, I make out two cards.
I freely admit this might be cumbersome to many. I am still trying to reduce the variations in passwords or log-in IDs where possible, but it will take time. Meanwhile, I have a quick flip-file to aid my aging memory.
Rolodex!
by marymm - 2/24/06 10:05 AM In reply to: Old fashioned method by Liz7188Since the only place I use my computer is at home and since security isn't a risk for me there, I use an old-fashioned Rolodex. It's small, not at all conspicuous if my home should ever get broken into (who's going to steal an address box?) and is easily accessible to me.
I tried one of the on-line services but it was more of a pain than it was worth. My friend came up with this idea, and I love it!
Great Idea!
by Liz7188 - 2/24/06 1:25 PM In reply to: Rolodex! by marymmHi! I think this is a great idea.
I considered getting a Rolodex for work, but they are expensive. Besides I kept thinking we'd get some kind of vendor software to manage the information in a rational way. Duh! Our System's staff don't want to buy third party software they might have to end up supporting.
As of now, I'm on my third ''upgrade'' to a larger wood box (10'''') for my cards and it's almost full.
Believe me, I am not about to transfer all that info over to Rolodex cards now. 
You were very smart, Mary and don't let any of the paranoids tell you different. 
password managers
by rfc - 2/24/06 7:59 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
What password manager do you recommend? And thank you for the information on passwords.
Palcott's Natural Login Pro gets my vote for securing data
by edyang - 2/24/06 10:14 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I've tried many different solutions, but the software solution from Palcott (Natural Login Pro) gets my vote for easiest to use.
Rather than try and do it justice, I just cut and pasted their description:
Natural Login Pro can secure the computer when a user steps away, while even allowing the user to avoid having to enter a password to gain access. Natural Login Pro does this by linking a user's authorization to physical devices a user carries every day, such as USB or MP3 flash storage drives. When a user leaves the computer, taking the personal storage device secures the computer against intruders. Version 1.10 now supports most removable storage devices, such as USB drives, MP3 players, memory cards and digital cameras.
They have a free trial at http://www.palcott.com/trynbuy/try-natural-login.php?idl=n
Password Managers: Which Backup & Xfer To Another Machine?
by gdmellott - 2/24/06 10:27 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
Hi,
I presently stick with using a very small address book one can buy at a grocery store for storing passwords. I may be using one of several machine with several types of OSs. Is there any password managers that are that flexible and inherently able to backup or transfer its info base to another machine's copy.
Sincerely,
Gregory D. MELLOTT
There's another way
by Themisive - 2/24/06 11:23 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
Use a Flash drive - basically it's a non-moving parts removeable hard drive, and keep ANY sensitive info on there, including passwords, bank details pin numbers and the like.
What happens is tha you can access this drive via your own computer's system, but whatever you do SO NOT connect it whilst the internet connectioon is on. At least this way you can keep your security to the maximum.
I have a personal finance programme, all the backup details are on this drive, as are encrypted bank card details. in addition, I have a large number of passwords, that consist of all types of character, these are also stered there, along with the files they relate to.
In short, though it will cost some money - mine's about 512Mb - this varis according to the type of drive, also you can keep sensitive detail this way and not leave it open to attack from the 'net.
Which Password Manager
by bmcmanus9 - 2/24/06 11:33 AM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I am directing this query to Kasey C. Which password manager are you using to store your passwords? I use Password Plus by DataViz. Do you know of any password managers that once on a certain web site will input your username & password automatically when asked to do so? Thanks.
Which Password Manager
by nhiep nguyen - 2/27/06 12:54 AM In reply to: Which Password Manager by bmcmanus9I am using PC MAC PasswordVault.
It is encrypted and to be on the safe side I put it within a folder which is encrypted by Cypherix software.
This software has a master password that can be a phrase up to 100 characters!
Private Data Protection
by datamancf - 2/24/06 12:01 PM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I used to keep notes on the back of punch cards. When passwords came along I ''Kept the tradition.'' Now I feel the insecurity of historical pressure - like when the caveman moved out and left his writing on the wall!
Who would have predicted that the caveman's personal data would be secure for centuries or that archeologists would re-record these rock paintings, plus a password, on silicon(sand)! PROGRESS? Rock - Paper - Password! That is the question.
Trend Micro Intenet Security 2005 has a security feature I like called Private Data Protection. It shuts down my internet connection when it detects private information in an outgoing data stream.
Store any four sequential characters of a login, password, phone number, credit card, bank account, email address... into a password protected area of the program and relax. Just checked, Google desktop didn't find it.
Trend Micro Log shows fifteen blocks during the past month. Most are when I forward or return an email and forget to erase my email address link in the text of the message. The rest are for a few sites where Trend Micro detects something unusual in what appears to be a normal login procedure to me. I won't use those sites till the problem is resolved.
Good explanation
by Laceyjane - 2/24/06 12:03 PM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
Thanks for a good answer. I never understood this before. I feel a lot safer on my PC now. I use a firewall, Spybot and Adaware but I never knew if "they" could get to me anyhow or not! Jan in FL
Write it down on paper - it's simple and secure!!!
by SaraJanel2003 - 2/24/06 12:15 PM In reply to: 2/24/06 Questions about storing and managing passwords by Marc Bennett
I have found that the easiest way to store passwords is simply by writing them down on a piece of paper. I don't write the entire password, just a hint that only I would understand so that if someone finds the list, they won't be able to figure out what the passwords actually are. I keep my list near my computer because it is convenient, but if you wanted to really be sure that no one sees it, a more secure way would be to keep the list locked in a safe or in a really good hiding place. I don't like to store passwords on my computer because I sometimes let other people use it.
Good point
by JmboCov - 2/24/06 1:55 PM In reply to: Write it down on paper - it's simple and secure!!! by SaraJanel2003Its also a good point to only write or store part of it, and always tack on a word on the front that you will never forget. For example if you wrote down 572443 as your password, your real password might be hawkeyesrule572443 (this way even if your stored list is found, they would still need your password that you add on to every password you have stored).
Keeping it simple
by Liz7188 - 2/24/06 2:03 PM In reply to: Write it down on paper - it's simple and secure!!! by SaraJanel2003This is pretty much what I do too, only on 3x5 cards. But I imagine I have a lot more registrations to keep track of.
I think the hints are the best way to go in these situations. I don't have the best memory, but I've never had a problem using the hints if I am careful with things such as case sensitive situations and so forth.
The best thing is how convenient the list is! No pulling up/logging into a password app, no handheld to consult, no real security risk (despite how easy those movie hackers figure out passwords ;)).
Simple is best.
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