Anyone using a password program

ctviggen · « **on:** 4 Mar 2016, 04:14 pm »

I'm thinking of getting a password program to keep all of my passwords. I have way too many passwords and accounts and can't remember all of them.

Anyone use a password program? If so, which one? I was thinking of this one:

https://lastpass.com/how-it-works/

But I'm open to others.

andy_c · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 04:36 pm »

I'm using Keepass. It's a standalone password program, so it doesn't integrate with a web browser. You just copy to and paste from the clipboard. It is open source, which to me is a good thing, as an experienced developer can look through the source code for bugs or any hanky-panky.

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 04:37 pm »

I don't use a password program mostly because I guess I would rather not store all of my usernames and passwords on some company's hackable server (although that does make them conveniently available to all of your devices).

I instead use a password-protected spreadsheet (Libre Office in my case). It has a unique non-descriptive name and is stored in a random folder location. I locate it by typing the name in the Windows Search box (or Mac Spotlight or whatever) and enter the master password.

It has columns for website w/hyperlink, username, password, PIN, account #, notes, etc., and I just copy and paste the usernames and passwords.

I only use it on my Windows desktop and laptop, so I keep the file synced with Microsoft SyncToy.

Steve

Nick B · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 05:27 pm »

I have used LastPass, but did not care for it. An excellent program which I've used the last 4-5 years is Roboform.

Doublej · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 05:59 pm »

+1 on Keepass as a standalone vault. If you want extra security you can put it on a USB drive and only attach it when you want to use a password in it.

jtwrace · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 06:07 pm »

I use LastPass. No complaints.

WGH · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 06:08 pm »

Keepass also. I generate a new password for each site that needs one.
The only password I know is the 13 character master password to open Keepass.

I also use the backup plugin to automatically backup the password db file.

ctviggen · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 06:14 pm »

Quote from: srb on 4 Mar 2016, 04:37 pm

I don't use a password program mostly because I guess I would rather not store all of my usernames and passwords on some company's hackable server (although that does make them conveniently available to all of your devices).

I instead use a password-protected spreadsheet (Libre Office in my case). It has a unique non-descriptive name and is stored in a random folder location. I locate it by typing the name in the Windows Search box (or Mac Spotlight or whatever) and enter the master password.

It has columns for website w/hyperlink, username, password, PIN, account #, notes, etc., and I just copy and paste the usernames and passwords.

I only use it on my Windows desktop and laptop, so I keep the file synced with Microsoft SyncToy.

Steve

I have been using MoneyDance (a checkbook program) to store a lot of my passwords. This allows me to put in usernames, too. My MoneyDance file is encrypted, and I use a long password for it. So, I think it's relatively safe, but the extension is probably known. MoneyDance really isn't meant for this (I'm saving each password in its own "account", which really isn't that great).

Your idea is a pretty good one, though.

ctviggen · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 06:17 pm »

Quote from: WGH on 4 Mar 2016, 06:08 pm

Keepass also. I generate a new password for each site that needs one.
The only password I know is the 13 character master password to open Keepass.

I also use the backup plugin to automatically backup the password db file.

What happens if I go to work and need to login there? Could I access the file using my phone? Or would I have to also have a copy of the file/program on my phone? Does Keypass also allow you to see the actual password, e.g., so I could use the password on a different computer? Last Pass doesn't seem to let me do this.

For the other comments, I try to store as little as possible on the "cloud". So, I'd prefer not to use a program that does that.

randytsuch · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 07:55 pm »

I have the paid version of lastpass so I can run it on my phone.

Works great for me.

MarkR7 · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 07:57 pm »

Been using 1Password for years.....

WGH · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 08:28 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 4 Mar 2016, 06:17 pm

What happens if I go to work and need to login there?

KeePass-2.xx is portable on a USB stick

Quote

Could I access the file using my phone? Or would I have to also have a copy of the file/program on my phone?

There are mobile ports on the download page

Quote

Does Keypass also allow you to see the actual password, e.g., so I could use the password on a different computer? Last Pass doesn't seem to let me do this.

You can toggle between show password or dots

jpm · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 09:01 pm »

As a long time Xmarks user, I tried LastPass and liked the way it works enough to pay them actual for real money for it! I was also impressed by the fact that when they had a security breach a year or so back, no customer passwords were exposed.

randytsuch · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Mar 2016, 09:36 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 4 Mar 2016, 06:17 pm

Does Keypass also allow you to see the actual password, e.g., so I could use the password on a different computer? Last Pass doesn't seem to let me do this.

For the other comments, I try to store as little as possible on the "cloud". So, I'd prefer not to use a program that does that.

Lastpass lets you look at the password, go to the "vault", edit the site, and then push the little "eye" icon the the right of the password box.
I usually put the password in the notes box at the bottom too.

Randy

GentleBender · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 03:25 pm »

I have 1Password for iPhone. I set it up and added one password, but forgot the password to get into the app.

I just reset the password I needed and haven't used the app again, yet.

pocomo · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 03:36 pm »

Another recommendation for LastPass Premium, which I have been using for years. It is especially secure if you use the integrated 2-factor authentication (w/ Google Authenticator on your smartphone). I love how it syncs across all my devices, and the fact that my passwords are essentially uncrackable (16-character random strings) and are not shared across any two sites. I think it's far more likely that some small site you access will be hacked (exposing a shared password) than LastPass itself.

fiveoclockfriday · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 03:38 pm »

Also using 1Password for years. I couldn't imagine going back to trying to remember all the logins/passes, or using the same pass for everything.

I keep a reasonably up to date print out of everything in a safe deposit box, so even if some serious app/electronic mishaps happen I can still get all my info.

JoshK · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 03:55 pm »

I thought I was the only one to use a password protected spreadsheet. I started doing that some 17 years ago when I started working on wall street. Each broker and data vendor have their own password systems to get research from their website and many don't let you set your own password, so I used a spreadsheet to keep track of them and then eventually started using that at home too.

But for websites and such I mostly just let Google remember me, as I don't have things to hide, but I don't let Google remember for thinks like online banking, paypal, etc.

kbuzz3 · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 04:12 pm »

after dealing with one password for a while i find dashlane superior

Early B. · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Mar 2016, 06:54 pm »

Quote from: kbuzz3 on 9 Mar 2016, 04:12 pm

after dealing with one password for a while i find dashlane superior

Same here. I plan to upgrade to the premium version soon.