I use several sites that require login to access certain features. Today, I attempted to log on to one, and as I started to enter my password, my mind went blank. At my age, this can be a concern.

What do you find as the best method for remembering passwords and not blatently advertise them to the world? I\'m sure that everyone has different methods and I\'m open for suggestions.

I strongly agree that you should have different passwords for each site. You wouldn\'t want one to be discovered and allow access to all accounts. I don\'t want to write them down on paper to be picked up and carried off. And I\'m nervous about keeping them in a file or database on the computer in the event of a successful attack.

Thoughts anyone?
Bill

BrotherBill -

I just looked through my login/password list, and I currently have over 350 different logins and passwords that I have to keep track of. Some of these are rarely used, and some of them are used multiple times every day. I would never be able to keep up with all of these without help.

Years ago, I started using a product called RoboForm. RoboForm integrates into my browser toolbar (and standalone on the system tray), and it keeps track of every one of my logins. I never have to remember any passwords, and I can fill a form or password login with a single mouse click.

It stores everything securely, so I also don\'t have to worry about someone getting into my list of important logins. This product really changed the way I work, and I save a huge amount of time every day. It also makes my logins much more secure, because I can use a built-in password generator that makes my passwords a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.

I don\'t recommend specific products unless I really believe in them. I really fell in love with RoboForm, and now I can\'t live without it! This is a link to a trial download that lets you run a fully-loaded version for a limited time.

There\'s also an open-source password manager called KeePass Password Safe. If you don\'t want or need all of the features included with RoboForm, this is another excellent option.

Thanks Professor,

I guess I really need to learn a little more about encryption. I\'ve been relying on a method of word association, sometimes with a mix of caps, lower case, and numbers, sometimes not. I was really surprised how many passwords you can accumulate over time.

I\'ve asked this question in a couple of places, here\'s links to a couple more password managers if anyone else can use them.

Password Corral Windows only.

Password Safe

Thanks again,
Bill

I hate to contradict James, but if you use a password manager it is only a matter of time until a vulnerability is found in the software you use and you get hacked. As an administator, no matter what level, you are a target for people who wish to hijack your account. Having something automagically fill in your passwords is unwise to say the least!

The sooner you refine your security practices the better, the method I use is that of mnemonics. I take a phrase, and I memorize the first letter of each word. Capitalize some, and replace others with letters. When you are finished you will have a fairly cryptic password!

If you do have 350 unique passwords, you may need an alternative. Store your passwords on an external thumbdrive, and encrypt it with TrueCrypt. There is also a nifty military grade toy which will run you $50...though if you have that $50, it is better just to donate it to this site and go with TrueCrypt and a cheap thumbdrive

-Billy