'How to have lots of passwords without struggling to remember them' blog discussion

Former_MSE_Helen

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's "How to have lots of passwords without struggling to remember them" Blog.

Please click 'post reply' to discuss below.

Reaper

As all the passwords are for online use I use a password database on my PC. I suggest using a mainstream Open Source program to remove any worry about it being genuine. The one I use is a freebie called KeyPass. Now I only have to remember the single password to access it and the passwords are held encrypted on my hard drive so are no use to a hacker even if they do get into my machine. Do remember to back it up from time to time though!

RAS

I have a number of specialist interests. My passwords often refer to details aspects which are particularly relevant to me. So to start with someone needs to know what interests me, then which area I use for that account, then which of the very specialist aspects is uppermost in my mind. For passwords that have to be re-set frequently, I often use the names of people who are in the news or whose work I have read recently.

So if I am interested in dogs, the trigger might be Alsatian and the key some aspect specific to that type of dog, combined with a number. Then I play with combinations of that basic set. A short term password might relate to wedding say.

Not that I would ever use either of these!

swingofthings

Personally I use LastPass ... great for remembering all my passwords and accessible via the cloud which means I can use it on my various PCs at home and work. It is meant to be very secure - see reviews on the net for more information.

Incidentally re: RAS's post above, with respect, such passwords would be easier to hack if you make them up using things that are pertinant to you ... thus if a hacker knows your personal habits, it will be easier to crack your password ... it is much much harder to hack your account if someone knows everything about you but you have set up random letters etc.

jasdev

1Password is a very popular way to store/generate robust passwords without having to struggle to memorise lots of different ones. I use KeepassX (Keepass as mentioned above, but for Mac) instead but 1Password has the advantage of working on iPhones and Android phones.

real_woodworm

Roboform is good for PCs

originalmiscellany

lastpass. It's a great program and is very well thought of.

http://download.cnet.com/LastPass-Password-Manager/3000-2092_4-10889725.html

Heffi1

real_woodworm wrote: »

Roboform is good for PCs

I have used Roboform for quite a few years now and have peace of mind, as long as the master password is set, then it is pretty much childs play. There is a random password generator too if you dont want to have to think of a password yourself.

Gwyndster

Following a suggestion on a website I use a mnemonic:

For example you could turn:

I love to eat lasagne and garlic bread - into Il2el&gb

That way you have a mix of charcters and then I just add characters which represent the organisation.

Soosieboo

you can't beat LastPass. However I still don't store my bank login details there!
Rapport is another handy program to have for secure sites. http://www.trusteer.com/product/trusteer-rapport

Stompa

jasdev wrote: »

1Password is a very popular way to store/generate robust passwords without having to struggle to memorise lots of different ones. I use KeepassX (Keepass as mentioned above, but for Mac) instead but 1Password has the advantage of working on iPhones and Android phones.

FWIW there is a version of Keepass for Android:

http://www.appbrain.com/app/keepassdroid/com.android.keepass

(though it has some limitations)