[rbalaji]

Hi,

I am trying to figure out whether I should change the way I choose passwords for the various things in my life that need passwords and also how to manage them (store them, retrieve them, enter them into the appropriate boxes, etc.). I invite you to participate in the attached poll and also post a message about what you do and why if you please. Thank you for your participation.

[AKAJohnDoe]

eWallet Pro. Encryption and both a PDA and PC interface, plus the ability to unload/reload via standard data formats such as .csv. I have also used SplashID and CodeWallet in the past, but eWallet is the best at this time, IMHO.

[valis]

memory.

[karbo]

In my head. The safest way, unless you get Alzheimer's disease.

In fact, exercising your brain prevents the disease itself...

[rbalaji]

Karbo and Valis, do you have different passwords for different sites and so on or do you tend to use the same password for all sites (or minor variations of the same password)? I found the biggest problem with keeping my passwords in my head was that I started to use the same passwords over and over again and that is more insecure than using a software to store the passwords.

AKAJohnDoe, thanks for sharing your solution. I hope they create a free version of that software soon.

[valis]

Originally Posted by rbalaji

Karbo and Valis, do you have different passwords for different sites and so on or do you tend to use the same password for all sites (or minor variations of the same password)? I found the biggest problem with keeping my passwords in my head was that I started to use the same passwords over and over again and that is more insecure than using a software to store the passwords.

AKAJohnDoe, thanks for sharing your solution. I hope they create a free version of that software soon.

I have a 5 part system that can generate a lot of variations. Basically there are 5 core words or numeric sequences, such as my wife's maiden name or my wife's maiden name in numbers. That will be the center. Then on either side I will choose a book or a movie title and split it. So let's say I choose the move the shining, we would now have shi(corepassword)ning. Then I wrap both ends in numeric headers and footers that are usually date specific but not in date format, just regular excel number format that parses out to date format. So if I choose a date that's important to me, like my birthday, in excel's view that number is 39493. So we end up with 39shi(corepassword)ning493.

It's not that hard to remember once you sit down and pick your pools to choose from. And it's rather secure.

[karbo]

Most of them are different. But for unimportant things, like new disposable webmail accounts created for different mandatory registrations, I won't be too fussy on passwords.

[AKAJohnDoe]

I use eWallet not only for passwords (of which there are about a dozen different kinds), but for software registration keys, policy numbers, lock combinations, etc. ... Many of these are not of my choosing.

[perfume]

The first thing i do is to write down a new password and store it in two different places, sort of backing up the backup. Opposite each password i enter a random single or double digit number. Most importantly, to remember which password for which program or software, i just enter the initials of the site,program,software etc.

For example for this site, i supposedly choose a password like 11techgom, and note it down. I often use a CD-RW to store these different passwords and the CD is securely kept!

But, there are techies who can break into your computer and retrieve passwords for a fee!

On-line transactions ARE risky! I have been a victim twice,so heed my words!

[Jason08]

I see I am the first person to vote "none of the above." I use Microsoft Word.

[1002richards]

Doesn't everyone use "password" for everything ... or is that just me!?

[AKAJohnDoe]

I read that "1234" is at least as common as "password"

[Jason08]

I've seen 1234 as a password in a few routers.

Originally Posted by 1002richards

Doesn't everyone use "password" for everything ... or is that just me!?

I don't. Doesn't seem that safe.

[1002richards]

.... ah but it's a doubledouble bluff!

[Compaq__]

I just use things like my last name or just keep the password taped in a good hiding spot like under my keyboard. Sometimes to make it real easy, just keep the password similar to your username. like USERNAME1

You won't forget then....