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PC utilities: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords
- 2/27/09 4:58 PM
One password for everything
by timtak - 2/28/09 1:33 AM In reply to: make up one master password by wc4skyThe problem with using one password for everything, even if it is a safe password are IMHO
1) There are lots of computer viruses that record keystrokes and look for strings such as "paypal.com" or perhaps even "Lastpass" and then pay particular attention to the next characters typed and then send the characters by email to a hacker.
2) There have recently been successful hacks of web sites that have enabled the hacker to download all the passwords for a forum. It does not take a rocket scientists to realise that some of the same username password combinations might also work at paypal.
I would recommend using one password on sites such as CNET where even if you are hacked it will not cause you financial loss. It is much more dangerous to use use that password on any site that would give a hacker the ability to use your money.
I am not sure of the solution though. I don't like the sound of sites that allow one to protect all ones passwords using one password.
I wish more sites offered IP address limiting. I generally only access the web from two IP addresses. If I could limit access to my amazon/paypal/ebay accounts to these two ip addresses I would be safe with the password, "password."
I agree with you! At least two pw
by Cadillac84 - 3/16/09 12:18 PM In reply to: One password for everything by timtakI use one pw for things that don't matter. I really don't care if someone finds out my CNET pw and starts making me look bad. Heck, they may do a better job than I do. Or they may be less adept than I and actually IMPROVE my image! 
But I have another pw of ten characters which I use for those things that would matter such as my PayPal etc.
If I have to vary a pw because of a web site requirement, I have a text file in which I save clues about how to change the non-secure or secure pw. For example, my non-secure pw is seven characters. If a site insists on eight or wants upper and lower case, I may repeat the alpha portion with opposite case. All I need do is remind myself that the site requires UC&lc and I will remember what to do about that.
The secure pw does not suffer that problem, and I always remember it simply because it is so nonsensicle.
If you use a computer program to manage your software, you are providing a target for a hacker and once he hacks the software, you're . . . .
Well, the President will bail you out so don't worry about it.
I also agree...AT LEAST two.
by trishdom - 3/16/09 12:34 PM In reply to: I agree with you! At least two pw by Cadillac84And I'll tell you this....I DO NOT and WILL NOT use a program that auto enters the information to web sites for me. Call me paranoid, but I'm just not that trusting.
I keep the Acerose encrypted file on a usb flash drive that is only accessed when I plug it into a machine. So I not only have the UN/PW in an encrypted file that requires a password to access...I also have physical security over it. That way I can have different passwords and usernames for all sites.
And...of course....my encrypted file is backed up elsewhere in case I lose my flash drive or it gets destroyed(OFF the machine also). That way I can quickly get the backup and go change them all if I do lose the flash drive.
How to manage a plethora of passwords
by dancote - 2/27/09 7:00 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I know what you mean. I just looked at my password list and it's just shy of 250. I'm sure others have many more.
Years ago I used a small free program called Whisper 32 to manage my (then) small but growing number of passwords. I quickly outgrew that.
Then I switched to Roboform - the paid version ( http://www.roboform.com ). It's been just what I've needed for several years now. If you haven't tried it, I believe they still offer a free version you can try that doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the commercial version. Roboform makes it easy to maintain all your passwords, it'll help you create new ones if you like, it'll offer to save new logins whenever you join a new site, etc. You can set up 1 master password so it's the only one you need to remember and encrypt the rest or you can leave them all unencrypted. Your choice.
Just recently I've begun to experiment with Lastpass ( https://lastpass.com/ ) an online password manager that does everything Roboform does ... and more. And it's free. This may be just the ticket for you.
There are lots of password managers out there. Google is your friend.
Password Tracker
by Pinda - 3/13/09 6:07 PM In reply to: How to manage a plethora of passwords by dancoteIve used this for years and have no problem. I use the 1st letters to lines in lyrics of songs. Some in English some in Dutch and the last 2 digits of the year I met my husband. These have been safe ever since I used a password and have never had a PW hacked
A Simple and FREE solution
by rziulek - 2/27/09 7:02 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I use LastPass to manage my passwords. It is a free and very good password manager. When you get to a site that requires a password, just enter the needed info one last time. LastPass will ask you if you want it to save the info. Click 'yes' and forget about it. The next time you visit the sight, it will fill in the info for you.
The only password you will need to remember, is the LastPass master password. When you start your browser, enter the master password to activate LastPass. No one will be able to use your LastPass info without this master password.
I went one step further. I purchased a fingerprint reader ($10 on sale at Office Depot). This fingerprint reader stores my master password. When I start my browser, I just place my finger on the reader and the master password for LastPass is entered.
Just don't lose your finger
Excellent question!
by rockinbaja - 2/27/09 7:03 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I couldn't remember my password for this forum! I used a variety of half baked ideas for remembering passwords. Most of the time I'm just guessing at the password.
I believe that there are applications that use your fingerprint to access a file with all your Web site addressess and passwords. But, if you happen to be somewhere without your fingerprint reader that could be a problem.
Then there are programs that work with flashdrives, as long as you don't forget the flashdrive.
Excellent question. I look forward to the answers.
Passwords
by TheTug - 2/27/09 7:03 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've tried various free programs, but finally decided to try RoboForm.
It works like a charm and the RoboForm2Go is the one I now use as it goes with me anywhere and has all my passwords on a flash drive. Plug it in to any computer and you only need to remember one password to use it. Once you enter that you have access to ALL your passwords and it will even take you to a web page and enter the login and password. Go to www.roboform.com to order either version. BTW, the RoboForm2Go is totally secure...after you use it and exit, all traces are removed from the computer you have used.
you can just keep two or three passwords
by shiyinian - 2/27/09 7:06 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
if the passwords are not very importent ,you can just use the same password.for others you can use a complete password,but you have to remember it ,maybe you can keep it in your phone.its ok ,dont worry it too much
Password Manager
by markpcfixer - 2/27/09 7:08 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have used Roboform Pro for years now, and I must say that it works exceptionally well, whether you use internet explorer or Mozilla firefox. They update the software on a regular basis, so it consistently works with the newest website technologies. I cannot imagine life without it. You can download the free version at Cnet's download.com, and it will let you store several passwords. Once you exceed that limit, it will ask you to buy the paid version. You can password protect the info in roboform itself. Another nice feature is that it stores all pertinent data about you, so that you can fill out forms online with the click of a single button. I use it multiple times every day.
Use SplashID to manage passwords
by flashflood42 - 2/27/09 7:11 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A friend saw my stickies a few months ago open on my computer and was aghast as all my financial info (passwords, urls, etc) were right there in front of his nose. He warned me that were my computer to be stolen, the thief would have access to everything and talked me into getting a great application called SplashID. I use it both for my computer and iphone (they synch together) but I'm sure it also comes just for a computer. You enter all your info. into the program and it does the rest. It is itself password protected., but this will be the only password you will need (and you won't forget it because you will use it often!). I think the cost is about 30.00 but it is well worth it but as a way to store your passwords and as a way to access them easily from any computer you might use. I can't remember all the categories but there are templates for membership ids, credit cards, web sites, bank accounts, etc. I love this application and now my information is all secure. True, it does take some time to enter all the information but it is time well spent.
Definitely try SplashID!
by sprocket79 - 3/13/09 6:12 PM In reply to: Use SplashID to manage passwords by flashflood42I totally agree with SplashID. It's very secure and you can use it as a standalone desktop app, or as a desktop app and an app on your iPhone, Palm, BlackBerry, or smartphone. I use it at least 3 times a week - and not just for passwords. I use it to keep my membership info for various things, my credit cards so I don't have to find my purse when I'm shopping online, my mom's prescriptions, etc. It's incredibly useful and it's extremely secure.
Full disclosure though, I interned there a couple years ago. However, this isn't rhetoric. I really believe in their software; working there really showed me how it's the best product of it's kind on the market. I still recommend it to everyone I know.
Splash ID, Yes!
by pamelad - 3/13/09 7:52 PM In reply to: Definitely try SplashID! by sprocket79SplashID works great. I have always felt it is secure, and it's nice to hear the confirmation from sprocket (who interned at SplashData) about the security.
There's a single master password, the data files are encrypted, and they are confined to my Palm and home computer. You can add lots of additional notes for each entry.
Personally, I would rather keep all sensitive information off the Internet. I have used Splash ID for about three years.
Summon WindTalkers with a little help from OpenSource!
by rbeliveau - 2/27/09 7:11 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Here is a secure layered method that workes well for me:
Keep an ecrypted file on your main PC that uses a good easily memorizable pwd. I use free encrption SW for this, but XP Pro's native stuff works fine.
Then inside the file, summon the WindTalkers and uses codephases for your pwd, with punctuation hints when anal sites require non alphanumerics.
For example:
Ou81Too might be coded as "VanHagar" (Get it?)
Use variations of that at your sites that have funky rules like:
Ou8.1Too is "Van.Hagar" or "SammyDotRelease"
I have fun with the code. You probably need 4 or 5 versions max.
Two browsers of note.
by drogen1 - 2/27/09 7:12 PM In reply to: Help! I'm at my wits end trying to manage my passwords by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Get yourself the Avant browser or the Firefox. I consider the Avant the best, it will ask you if you want to save the password and then that sign-on page will be available under the 'AutoFill' tag. It will take you to that page by clicking on it as well. It's how I do it and it works out well.
The Firefox will allow toolbars & such as well. Many love it to death.
The there's a software package called Robo-forms, but the guy wants $30 after 30 days. I find it a bit too intrusive. You'll proably be offered it if/when you download the Avant browser. I'd pass but the option is there for you to try it out.
However; some websites are resorting to Adobe Flash software so auto fill may not work. If worse comes to worse you can always keep your passwords written down in a book on a bookcase. But I wouldn't associate the password with the website, hopefully you can put two & two together.
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