How do you manage your passwords?

[Strk]

I just remember them for the most part. It only stinks when it is something that has important info so I use a hard password, but don't use it often so I totally forget it.

 

[purbeast0]

with my brain

 

[clamum]

KeePass. I use the Windows app on my desktop and keep the latest version of the .kdb database in my Dropbox. I use the mobile app on my phone and tablet. I takes a few seconds to login to the database to get a password, but I think it's a great system overall, using Dropbox to always have the latest version available to myself.

 

[KeithP]

I tried some password manager, and quit. The problem I have is that our desktop is open for the whole family to use, and I'd like to selectively allow most websites for everybody, while some others (bank, investments, etc) only for wife/me, not the kids. I was unable to make that distinction, so I went back to our old option : a password document.

Some password managers allow for separate accounts which would handle that scenario but why on earth wouldn't you be using separate accounts on your computer? You and your wife could have one account and the kids another. Or, better even still, everyone gets their own account.

-KeithP

 

[olds]

Write them down on a piece of paper.

 

[dainthomas]

Minor variations on the same basic password for absolutely everything.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Got tired of all the different passwords with different length requirements and restrictions.

I dumped all logins, credit card info, etc... everything into a KeePass DB. Encrypted database, absolutely useless without the key file and my Master password (Incredibly long password). Very helpful, and I wouldn't be able to do without it now.

 

[olds]

Y0u(ant(ra(kth1$!

 

[mcvickj]

I use LastPass for my personal stuff. I also use KeePass for work.

 

[gururu2]

master file seems easiest. wish I had it on an unconnected computer though.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Been using passwordsafe since maybe 2004 or 2005... I should revisit my options probalbly not the "best" thing out there these days, just been using it 10+ years and never had a reason to complain or change.

 

[TwiceOver]

Just use the same one for everything. BarfDog37#

 

[Imp]

1. Everything is written down. Yes, if you stole the thing, you'd "have your way" with me. That's why I started a new system where I write everything but a few characters down. Those characters I memorize and insert them into all passwords.

2. Generic password I've been using for a decade. I use this for stores I rarely go to. Hack it all you want, I don't save my credit card on sites.

I am actually appreciative of the fact that more sites are now using 2-stage authentication. That way, you need my password AND phone. Now, why the hell don't any of my banks use 2-stage? Why not Visa? I mean, you already have my phone on record when I signed up for the account/card.

 

[thefordmccord]

Lastpass with 2FA.

 

[trmiv]

LastPass with an absurdly long master password and 2 factor. Also Being able to unlock it on my phone and laptop with a fingerprint is awesome. I used to use KeePass which worked great, but I prefer LastPass overall.

 

[destrekor]

Just develop a repeatable system. You probably already need credentials to log into your employer network, so employers that don't use single sign-on but instead impose strict password standards for ancillary work systems like vacation tracker tools is asinine. Thus for me I just use a simple additive password system for the second, third, etc. levels of system logins when I'm already logged onto the employer network:

For me, it's

<special character> plain English word <1>

As it's time to change password on the system, I just increment the end number by one so it goes something like this:

#nefnefnef1 gets changed to #nefnefnef2, then #nefnefnef3, etc.

For passwords I can't use with a password manager, I do something similar, but still keep it a complex password.

 

[stargazr]

A text file in an encrypted file on a flash drive.

 

[tjtech94]

I don't. I just click "Forgot My Password" and reset it every time I log onto a site

 

[Skeeedunt]

I used KeePass for a long time and it worked great. Upgraded to 1Password a year or so back to get a prettier UI and easier iPhone syncing, and have been very happy with it.

Important sites get a unique, decently strong password only stored in brain compartment. Not sure if this is ultimately better or worse.

 

[Fenixgoon]

lastpass

 

[Red Squirrel]

I used to use a desktop program called Pins. We use it at work, it's simple and it works. When I switched to Linux I wanted something cross platform, and perhaps even something that is not dependent on a program being installed. So web based made sense. I could not find any premade apps so I wrote my own web based one. Nothing fancy, just a front end to a Mysql database. The password to login to the program is the AES256 encryption key for the passwords. Not exactly ideal, but it works. I may improve on that later so that I can more easily change my password. The nice thing is being able to access it from anywhere that I can VPN into my network using just a web browser.

 

[RossMAN]

What's the best and most secure option for multiple Windows PCs and Android phones?

I'm OK with free or paid as long as it's damn good.

 

[John Connor]

I use a Firefox addon called PWDhash which was developed by there dudes at Stanford. I also use Keepass, and the database is encrypted in a 7Z SFX archive and uploaded to 5 different locations.

 

[PowerEngineer]

Some password managers allow for separate accounts which would handle that scenario but why on earth wouldn't you be using separate accounts on your computer? You and your wife could have one account and the kids another. Or, better even still, everyone gets their own account.

-KeithP

This. :thumbsup:

KeePass for me too. Local file saved on RAID 1 drive; print-out as back-up.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

#nefnefnef1 gets changed to #nefnefnef2, then #nefnefnef3, etc.

That sounds like reps in my workout routine.

Oh wait . . . I thought you said #fapfapfap1 #fapfapfap2 #fapfapfap3 . . .

Carry on.