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Old 08-22-2012, 11:10 AM   #1
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Password Manager SW

Lost my password manager the other day (RoboformToGo). It was on a flash drive that failed. What a PITA. My last backup was in January but can't find it. Sigh. Siber Systems (RoboForm owner) no longer has available the version I used so it can only be replaced with a new $$ version.

Anyway, I'm looking at new password managers and wonder what others are using. RoboForm and LastPass seem to be quite popular. I don't use them for access to critical financial accounts, but do use them for everything else, and with so many web sites requiring registration I'm willing to pay a couple of bucks for something decent.
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Old 08-22-2012, 11:42 AM   #2
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I use MyPadlock. It's only a 1.0 version and doesn't appear the developers are adding to it. But that for the most part meets my requirements.

I used to use Anypassword (free) which great. But the version I was using did not support Win 7 (I had temporarily moved from XP to Win 7 Starter). There is a pro version (not free) that works with Win 7 but that seemed to me to just add features I really don't need. That was when I found MyPadlock.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:05 PM   #3
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I just use a password protected spreadsheet, and the spreadsheet hold hints at the passwords to jog my memory.

When my memory goes, I'm screwed.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:11 PM   #4
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I just use a password protected spreadsheet, and the spreadsheet hold hints at the passwords to jog my memory.

When my memory goes, I'm screwed.
+1 But then, when our memory goes I suppose we probably won't be far behind.

In addition to the safeties you mention, in my case there is an absolutely gigantic quantity of other unrelated info in that particular spreadsheet. Anybody looking for the passwords would have a terribly hard time finding them even if the spreadsheet itself were not password protected.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:21 PM   #5
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+1 But then, when our memory goes I suppose we probably won't be far behind.
That's what I figure as well

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In addition to the safeties you mention, in my case there is an absolutely gigantic quantity of other unrelated info in that particular spreadsheet. Anybody looking for the passwords would have a terribly hard time finding them even if the spreadsheet itself were not password protected.
+1

Have we ever met?
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:22 PM   #6
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I use a spreadsheet for most of mine (most would just be a nuisance if lost), on my HD and backed up on an external HD. For the sensitive ones I generate 5 "strong" randomized passwords for each site and change every 6 months, print and hide the hard copy. Only have to print every 2-1/2 years, no file saved anywhere. No way a hacker or a burglar would ever get at them...so my approach is relatively primitive. Would I be better off with a password manager?
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:30 PM   #7
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I use the new RoboForm. In theory, besides saving the passwords, it should stop you from being phished since it would not present you with the passwords at a different site (since it doesn't care that it looks the same). I discovered this when my city changed water bill payment sites and the information didn't come up.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:31 PM   #8
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That's what I figure as well



+1

Have we ever met?
Well, do you run the place where the password is used and password hint together, to make one word out of it? If so, then we were probably twins separated at birth.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:35 PM   #9
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Well, do you run the place where the password is used and password hint together, to make one word out of it? If so, then we were probably twins separated at birth.
This is where we differ, so we probably don't need to bother with a DNA test.
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Old 08-22-2012, 12:58 PM   #10
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I also use a spreadsheet. For Example:

Regular = our regular password pretty self explanatary
"R"egular = As above with a Capital "R" = first letter capitalized
"R"egular+1 = As above but with a 1 tacked on the end.

We have 3 password in various shapes and forms. Regular, Financial and PIN.

Pretty easy really.

SWR
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Old 08-22-2012, 01:24 PM   #11
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I use Roboform Everywhere and was a previous user of the desktop and 2 go versions. I have no problems with the current version.

I have tried lastpass also but it has been a while. It has been in my mind to go back and try it again (the price is right).

I have too many pw's to remember these programs really help me!
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Old 08-22-2012, 01:54 PM   #12
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Thanks for posting this - I am a little afraid of getting 'fancy' with passwords, and this is some validation.

I've been cleaning up my act lately - for all those various sites that require a password, but I really just am not concerned about hacking, I just use the same pw for all. I chose one with 8 char, upper and lower case, and some numbers. That seems to satisfy those accounts. EZ to remember - something like:

AWwiCHi1776 - Anyone Who wants it Can Have it 1776

I have not cleaned up my more important ones, but I plan on something simple. A strong PW combined with a 'key word' I would know, but not write down the key. Like pfIgTT4aYsbCLOCK, but "CLOCK" would not be written down. There would be a key to it somewhere else. I would keep two different pieces of paper, one with the PW one with the site and logon. Get both papers, line them up, and you have it.

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Old 08-22-2012, 02:07 PM   #13
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No way could I get by without a password manager. Some sites require passwords of certain lengths. Others want special characters. Others do not. You get the picture. Not only that, but many sites have challenge questions in case you ever forget a password.

I remember only a few passwords, the rest are randomly generated and kept with the password keeper. The password keeper I use has a random password generator, but doesn't allow me to set the requirements of the password. So, got a good, simple freebie password generator that fits the bill.
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Old 08-22-2012, 02:11 PM   #14
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No way could I get by without a password manager. Some sites require passwords of certain lengths. Others want special characters. Others do not. You get the picture. Not only that, but many sites have challenge questions in case you ever forget a password.
For the challenge questions, a great tip I read (maybe here?) was to answer each with the same non-sense answer.

Where were you born? - Powerdrill
What is your Father's middle name? Powerdrill
What street did you first live on? Powerdrill

I haven't done that yet, but will next time I need to.

As far as the char and numbers, eight char total with Upper, lower case and a few numbers has worked for me on a whole bunch with no exceptions yet.

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Old 08-22-2012, 02:16 PM   #15
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For a "regular" a couple of suggestions -

and OLD childhood telephone number - only YOU remember that it was something like HE1-2345 ... and you will NEVER forget it.

OR an old childhood address - again YOU remember 2315OAK or 23Oak15 if you want to get REALLY good.

Wife's maiden and birth year is also good: Jones1955 or 19Jones55

or do them Da Vinci style... backwards. 5591senoJ

just some ideas.....
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Old 08-22-2012, 03:46 PM   #16
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I use Passpack and love it. DH insists on having funky usernames as well as passwords so if I need to get into a site he has set up I am SOL without the password manager. I do not keep my bank password and ID there, but everything else. I also have printed out the list in plain text and put a copy in our safe deposit box along with the id and PW for Passpack itself, my computer login and PW, and the bank info (because although DH also has a bank login, I do all the online bill pay from my account so he can't do it from his account).
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Old 08-22-2012, 05:47 PM   #17
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I use Roboform - the desktop version. I've considered doing the Roboform everywhere but I find I do fine with the desktop version although I may buy a second license.

I do have about a gazillion back ups of it though.
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Old 08-22-2012, 06:12 PM   #18
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I've used Password Safe for years. Then I use SmartSync Pro to sync the Password Safe database between our different computers so it's pretty much always up to date on each machine.
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Old 08-22-2012, 06:31 PM   #19
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[QUOTE=Midpack;1224527]I use a spreadsheet for most of mine (most would just be a nuisance if lost), on my HD and backed up on an external HD. For the sensitive ones I generate 5 "strong" randomized passwords for each site and change every 6 months, print and hide the hard copy. QUOTE]

Generating 5 "strong" randomized words sounds like a good idea.

Where do you hide the hard copy?
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Old 08-22-2012, 06:34 PM   #20
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midpack View Post
I use a spreadsheet for most of mine (most would just be a nuisance if lost), on my HD and backed up on an external HD. For the sensitive ones I generate 5 "strong" randomized passwords for each site and change every 6 months, print and hide the hard copy.
Generating 5 "strong" randomized words sounds like a good idea.

Where do you hide the hard copy?
Nice try...
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