Online passwords

[unclebulgaria67]

Does everyone have difficulty remembering online passwords ? What do you do to make life easier ?

 

I don't use the same password for different accounts or write them down, for security reasons. But this means that occasionally I forget a password and have to go through security password reset process.

 

Surely there is secure system for people that have difficulty remembering passwords ?

 

When you have even the best IT systems hacked e.g US military and government, it does make you think about online security.

[citizenB]

Yes !!

 

I find online passwords quite depressing. I used to rely on the computer remembering the password for me until it had a breakdown and I lost them all. Not just the passwords themselves, but with say the likes of Google who also want to know other things should you forget your password.. I couldn't remember what security questions I had chosen and Google simply wouldn't let me access my account until I did. It was sheer fluke that I managed to sort that one out.

 

I know some of them want your mobile numbers as well so they can reset your passwords that way. Yahoo is driving me mad, I do NOT want to change my password with them, nor do I want to provide them with my mobile number. So each time I log in now, I have to skip through no end of pages before I can sign in.

 

So yes, I do now write them down, I just hope I don't forget where I have hidden the list!!

[unclebulgaria67]

That is what I will have to do, write them down in a secure format with some missing digits. I generally use a theme for passwords, but the problem is when they want a mixture of capitals, lower case, numbers and even symbols.

 

I have to go the Bank today due to some online security related issue, which may be that I am using another device. Some Banks don't like you using a different computer or device. The detect it as a possible security breach.

[alchamist]

Take a look at the excellent open source program "keepass". You can store all your passwords in a secure database, and then you only need to remember the one password to open it.

[unclebulgaria67]

Take a look at the excellent open source program "keepass". You can store all your passwords in a secure database, and then you only need to remember the one password to open it.

 

And you trust this program ? There are many Trojans hidden in software that are not detected by Internet security.

 

I did have a look at this and decided against, as having all your passwords in one place appeared risky.

[alchamist]

Having been through the source code, and having built it from scratch, yes I do.

 

Interestingly the closed source, "premium available" LastPass has just had to ask it's users to change their passwords after admitting it had been hacked.

[unclebulgaria67]

Having been through the source code, and having built it from scratch, yes I do.

 

Interestingly the closed source, "premium available" LastPass has just had to ask it's users to change their passwords after admitting it had been hacked.

 

I don't have the knowledge or confidence to use such software . I have worked with IT experts and they always said to be cautious in trusting some software.

[alchamist]

Couldn't agree more. There are entirely too many dodgy programs out there and as always you should never install software from an untrusted source.

 

I completely understand that obviously you have no gauge of my skills or knowledge but for what it's worth I have been in IT for many (nearly 30) years as a professional, and I do not make recommendations lightly.

[Mr.P]

You can store all your passwords in a secure database, and then you only need to remember the one password to open it.

 

There is rumour that some banks will reject claims for fraudulent online activity if you use a password wallet.

[aburobert]

One series of letters and numbers I find very easy to remember are my motor cycle registration plates. I'm sure most on here know their motor vehicle plate numbers. I use mine as passwords and to make them longer I use symbols in front and at the end (tilda, exclamation marks, questions marks and the like). But I use a plate number from a bike I had a few years ago simply because it was a memorable plate number on a bike I purchased in Northern Ireland.

 

Similarly you could use your National Insurance number the same way. As both are alpha numeric both are difficult to crack if used as the base for passwords.

[brassnecked]

Reverse the NINO, and add symbols at beginning and end, so say XX224433A, becomes *@A|334433XX#