Password Managers

[PapaBravo]

Does anyone use a Password Manager for use on their computers? I have a couple of questions.

[dippersgirl]

I'd like to know about them too, don't use one, but wondered, but suspicion wins

[Dalartokat]

This was discussed on "Money Box" a few weeks back, see if it helps...if you don't want to listen to all then move along to the time about 11.55 for the said article............http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b087p2k4

[Philoz]

I use 'last pass-and have done for years-it saves all your passwords in a vrtual vault,and you can use it from any web browser.
It also creates new passwords for you .
There is a free version.
Iave never had any problems,and if you google it you will see it is legit and has loads of favurable reviews.

[Mowgli597]

1-Password.
App for iOS devices, Mac and PC. Syncs across all devices.
Holds a multitude of info securely, not just passwords. Invaluable.
Can also share data with others (e.g. Family)

[PapaBravo]

Philoz and Mowgli - as I understand it, both systems create complex passwords for you for each website, but I have a couple of sites where I am asked (for example) 'what is the first, third and seventh letters of your password?' As the password has been created by the system, it is not known to me, so how do I know what the first, third and seventh (or any) letters are?

If I download the system and then after a while choose not to continue, do I have to reset all my passwords? If yes, is this difficult?

Thanks in anticipation. PB

[jofra]

Philoz and Mowgli - as I understand it, both systems create complex passwords for you for each website, but I have a couple of sites where I am asked (for example) 'what is the first, third and seventh letters of your password?'....

...And just to further complicate matters, one (thankfully only one!) of my bank sites requires a username, a password AND (for example) "what is the first, third and seventh letters of your memorable phrase"....
...so I don't use a password manager; I have a (increasingly tatty) piece of paper with over a hundred different passwords for different sites, programs, email accounts etc - but the odd thing is, ask me offhand for a password - I don't know, but when I connect to a specific site etc - somehow I automaticaly remember....

[Mowgli597]

In 1-Password the app can choose a password for you - and it is the most secure option. However you can choose your own as usual and all the app does is store it for you.

You can also store "Memorable phrases" or anything else in a "Noted" field.

But you can always open the app and view the password for the 3rd, 5th etc character.

Entries can always be deleted if you decide not to use a site again. Passwords etc can always be edited.

Jofra: think of such apps as an electronic replacement for your tatty bit of paper (or in my pre-app days a tatty notebook!)

[PapaBravo]

Thanks Mowgli. Before I make the huge leap into technology (for me), are there any obvious disadvantages you have come across when using your password manager?

Philoz Does your system do what Mowgli's does?

[sophie]

Not sure how you can open an app for 1st, 3rd and 6th letters and or number, as per my bank, when I have the signing on page open for my bank. Do I have to have another PC or laptop open at the same time> My bank in fact shuts down if you take too long to do something.

[Mowgli597]

PB. Not really though I am (spare my blushes) computer literate.

Take a look at the website here.

Sophie. Most things (PCs, iPhone, iPad) will open more than one window at a time. That way you can find the different characters required.

[Mowgli597]

One other thought just struck me (ouch!)

Because as I say, I am computer literate I've been helping several friends of late who have had problems with their PCs and smart phones.

99% of the time the problem has required the resetting of passwords. In almost every case the person involved didn't know (or remember) their password.

Some of you may have come across the "double check" security feature whereby to reset a password required a text message or email to be sent.

Because many here in Cyprus are, let's say, chronologically gifted or experientially enhanced, another family member may have set "things" up for us or given us a second-hand unit. Often the password isn't passed on or the email address/phone number for the second security check isn't ours (or may not work on a UK phone in the TRNC.

Just another consideration for a password manager - or even a tatty bit of paper/notebook!

[Hector]

I've been using 1password for some time and find it incredibly useful and wouldn't want to be without it. Any webpage that requires a username/password, 1password already has that ready when you click on it and fills it in. When ordering goods online, just click on the appropriate credit card you want to use and its all filled in for you. Only have to remember the one password to open 1password. Have a look on Youtube for videos on how it works. Worth the money. It also syncs across my PC,laptop, ipad & iphone. You can still have a written password book hidden just in case.

[PapaBravo]

Thank you one and all.