Question:
Is there a computer program where you can keep your passwords and pins and they're kept secure?
KEE
2008-09-15 10:28:17 UTC
Is there a computer program where you can keep your passwords and pins and they're kept secure?
33 answers:
UC BLUES -Jose
2008-09-15 11:53:19 UTC
i create a folder in my email and send it to myself

for example a pin number for lloyds bank i would name for security

as john lloyd and put a false phone number with the last 4 digits

that are your pin.

been doing it years, you can access it anywhere

i also have all my passport,birthcertificate and if necessary visa and

travel insurance scanned and filed this way.

you can with the pin numbers do same thing on your mobile
Mad Jack
2008-09-15 11:49:26 UTC
I use the free program called Password Safe. All passwords are kept in an encrypted database.



With a program like this, you only need to remember one password, the one that opens your encrypted database. You should make a strong password that no one could guess but one that you can easily remember. Use something like P@ckers#1 (This isn't even close to any of my passwords so don't try). You can use anything you like.



Addressing some of the bad ideas given here:

Using one password or similar variations for everything is not a good idea. If someone figures out one password they can easily figure out all of them. Using home made codes is also not a good idea. I doubt any of the people who suggested this here are experts in cryptography. A professional would break this in no time. Storing passwords on slips of paper is not a dood idea. If someone searches your desk, they will find them. Using WinZip to secure passwords is a bad idea. The security used in WinZip is ancient by computer standards. This security was cracked a long time ago and there are free programs on the Internet to crack WinZip files.



Password Safe is encrypted using Twofish encryption. Much more secure than some of the suggestions other here have used.



There are some other cool features. For each entry there is a field where you can enter the URL for the website login page. With this entry in place, you right clock the entry and it opens the login page. You then place the courser in the first field of the login page, go back to Password Safe, right click the entry again and select Auto Type. Password Safe automatically enters the username, password, and enter so you are automatically logged into the website.



Another useful feature is a password generator. The program will generate new random passwords for you. There are several options to tweak this feature.



There is an option to install on a flash drive to make the program portable.



I have been using Password Safe for a few years. This is a program that I wouldn't want to be without. I currently have about 250 passwords in my Password Safe.



Comodo also has a free password program called iVault. As near as I can tell, it is similar to Password Safe. I haven’t used this program because I like Password Safe enough that I wouldn't want to change. But I have used other Comodo programs and like them.



On a different subject, but still relating to computer security. To create an encrypted partition on your computer or portable storage like a flash drive, I use a program called True Crypt. You can then save any of your sensitive data in this encrypted partition. It works very well for my flash drive or portible hard drive. I use Password Safe to generate a 25 random character password. I don't need to remember the password for this as it is safely stored in my password safe. And I have a very strong password for my password safe. There are several levels of ecryption that can be used with True Crypt so even a professional would have a very difficult time accessing the data.
86x
2008-09-15 13:41:27 UTC
I agree with the others that say there is no safe program to record passwords on your computer. Everything is hackable.



What works for me is a basic algorithm that I use and can update with various events occurring at the time. That way I keep everything memorized in my head. I have a different one but here are some examples, you can make up most anything that works for you.



Examples:

1st two characters = something significant to you

next 3 or 4 characters = a date that is only significant to you and no one else

Last 2 or 3 characters = something corresponding to a current event



Another example:

Mix Every other Character with two passwords



such as Yummy 2008

y2u0m0m8y



In this way you can create useful/unique passwords that you can remember.
River Euphrates
2008-09-15 12:12:02 UTC
No.



Never store any of your secure information on a computer - in any form.



If you absolutely must, then work out some kind of code - most of my passwords are already variations on one main password, so if I do forget one, I can simply go through a couple and find it (hopefully less than it allows before locking my account).



Personally, I keep all of my pin numbers in my head - but if you have too many to keep track of, then like I said - invent some kind of code, and write them down. I still wouldn't suggest keeping them on a computer though.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:43:06 UTC
Like everyone else says ,yea there are programs, but a free fast and easy way is to just do the following..



1: Create a notpad

2: fill out the notepad document with the info

3: make a .zip or .rar folder using winzip/winrar

4: Put in the the folder

5: Put a password on the folder, so only you can open it, and write the password down somewhere that you can find it but others won't think to look.
Kevin
2008-09-15 12:36:01 UTC
Kee,

There are several great answers here, but no one has said exactly why you should not store the entire list on your pc.



The reason is that the use of mal-ware has become so prevalent that you can no longer be confident that your pc is secure unless your level of vigilance is essentially on par with professional level network security systems.



The use of software to facilitate identity theft, use other peoples computers to send e-mail/spam automatically, and the hijacking of them to secretly use them as 'zombies' for 'denial of service' attacks has become so common that the AVERAGE open port (access into a computer that has an active internet connection) is 'pinged' (tested) for access every 15-20 minutes (roughly).



Keep in mind that the systems that do this pick the addresses (not e-mail, but your URL) by systematically running through series of numbers by the millions, and check the open ports (an inlet into your pc used to communicate with the internet or printers, etc) automatically day in day out hoping for something accessible. When they find it, they 'push'/upload software that will do their bidding into your computer. The worst form is a keylogger, which will record your every keystroke, and then returns the information to them without you ever knowing it. If you typed key sequences repeatedly in association with 16 digit numbers (as in credit cards), addresses, your name, or an e-mail address, that data will be extracted for testing to see if they can use it.



The only way to avoid these problems are:



1. Us a hardware firewall. Check your router for this, and then make sure it's been set up with passwords. A firewall that hasn't been set up is not a firewall.



2. Encrypt your wireless network if you have one using WPA level encryption (WEP is no longer secure). If you still have WEP, it's worth it to go to the next level of defense and it's cheap. You can get a decent secure router for less than 80 bucks.



3. Use a malware / antivirus filter on your pc, and never hook up to the internet without having it on. Be very, very careful of so called "free" anti-malware software available on the net or through spammed and unsolicited e-mails. Many of them are the exact opposite of what you are looking for and will actively compromise your security.



4. Do not share out files, use, or download software from sites such as limewire and other peer to peer networking systems unless you know exactly what you are doing and what your security is. These are notoriously packed with mal-ware. Even if you are careful, trouble may find you. It's best to avoid this stuff entirely.



5. Make sure that everyone who uses the computer understands the need for security. A 10 year old downloading free games from unchecked sites will compromise your security. So will a teenage boy going to sites you probably wouldn't approve of. People in the malware and computer crime business rely upon the fact that people are tempted by stuff they want when it's available for free.



6. Scan your pc for malware each day and prior to using it for financial reasons. Overkill? Maybe, but not in my own opinion.



These are the reasons your pc isn't safe for storing your passwords - ever. As several people said, the best way to handle it is to write them down on a piece of paper. If you live alone, just leave it under the keyboard. OH - if you are worried about people finding it, then make password that are what they are, but don't write down the entire thing. Pick something that will never change - your year of birth, first crushes initials, whatever, and tack that on the end of each password when you set it. For example: Write down - ilikebbq, mydogisfido, and ilovemygf, but make the passwords ilikebbq55, mydogisfido55, and ilovemygf55. If the list is stolen, or someone finds it, nothing has been compromised.



-Good luck

Kevin
Sophist
2008-09-15 11:43:49 UTC
There are several that claim to be. However, the best way is to go to your word processor and type the info out, save it to a disc and then delete the file on your computer. From the time of the initial creation onward all you have to do is call up the file from disc and add to it, deleting the file each time from you computer. Clean your Trash file also. If you want to be certain, turn you computer off and then back on. This clears all active info off the memory.Since you never accessed your hard drive, all traces of your info should be gone. It would take a forensic examination to find any trace of the file and they still wouldn't have the actual document.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:31:45 UTC
Yes, there is and I've used it for years in complete safety. It's called Roboform. The free version allows you to keep 10 logons and passwords, but if you use the Passcards, you can keep a lot more. Of course, if you buy it, you can keep as many as you want. after several years of using it, I decided this year to buy it, and have never regretted it. It has a random password generator, which is what all security experts recommend to keep you from using your cat-dog-kid-mother-father-birthday, etc. Give it a try!

http://www.roboform.com/download.html
?
2008-09-15 12:07:34 UTC
There are lots of programs for this but they're not hack proof. I created a notepad file with all my passwords surrounded by a bunch of meaningless numbers, letters, words and phrases. I store this file in a tiny, key chain sized USB drive that I keep on my keychain. If I do happen to loose my keys anybody finding them, if they do open the notepad file on the drive won't see anything of meaning.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:38:59 UTC
I use Password Depot. I like that it can be customized to not only store passwords for websites, but software registration keys, credit card numbers and just about anything you want. It's extremely secure. Just be sure you don't forget the master password!
jacksparrowcp
2008-09-15 12:22:38 UTC
Some of those suggestions are too scary to me. Why do you want to trust anybody with your username & password, whether it's Roboform, safepass or another vendor, they are all strangers, you don't know whether they are uploading those information into their website for safe keep. It takes one dishonest developer to leak all those information to the bad guys; you will never find the source to hold those vendors accountable. I will not trust. Save it in your password protected excel spreadsheet.



happy surfing
cg9214
2008-09-15 11:35:39 UTC
I would recommend a program called Password Safe. I use it with my job and we work with high-level banking officials that also use it.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:43:17 UTC
The short answer - no. If your computer becomes a target for a skilled hacker, he/she can extract anything you have on it. Keep your sensitive information almost anywhere rather than on a computer. Your wallet, or purse.

On the up side, most skilled hackers aren't going to try for your pc. Not enough of a challenge.
Can I Be Your Pet?
2008-09-15 12:16:18 UTC
I had a very, very bad experience with doing this...



Everyone one answering this will give you examples of software products they know or have heard of. I also asked for recommendations and did my share of browsing before I committed to one.



Turns out that either the company was a scam or someone got access to the companies records and scammed them and me. This was before internet scammers were a big deal. I had a big job proving that I didn't max out my credit cards and bank accounts myself and was trying to find a way out of paying them. It worked out in the end but the grief was unimaginable. So be careful.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:50:25 UTC
It's called password manager
infobee
2008-09-15 11:34:56 UTC
I been using KeePass http://keepass.info/ for awhile now and Im pretty happy with that open source & free software + my husband using it too for couple years. Its easy to use and allows you to print out all passwords too and keep them somewhere else



I actually installed it on my usb stick so there is portable version

http://portableapps.com/news/2008-09-08-_keepass_portable_1.13
FlareHeart
2008-09-15 11:34:45 UTC
You could create a folder and store a MS Excel spreadsheet in it and then use a program called TrueCrypt to protect it.



It's completely free.
anonymous
2008-09-22 18:37:20 UTC
theres none really as any experienced user will be able to find your passwords if they're stored on your pc
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:49:14 UTC
With all the hackers and viruses out there i wouldn't take a chance . Get a small note book and hide it or put in a safety deposit box if you don't trust anyone.
Greshnab
2008-09-15 11:47:11 UTC
there are a number of programs to do this.. i would suggest getting winzip, storing all your pw's in a spreadsheet or notepad and then zipping it with a password.. easy and doesn't require software you don't already have.
Brenda
2008-09-15 11:52:47 UTC
I have entered them by codes B=Bank account in the note section in my cell phone, that way I always have them with me.
anonymous
2008-09-15 12:14:01 UTC
Write them down on a piece of paper and keep it under your pillow.
Don
2008-09-15 11:53:55 UTC
comodo.com offers i-vault free it encrypts your data and protects from entry they also offer a complete security suite free good for vista to
Oot n Aboot
2008-09-15 11:43:51 UTC
yes, on a piece of paper at the back of a drawer
Cyprus.1
2008-09-15 12:01:43 UTC
aaahhhh my friend...

100% no program guaranty passwords secure.
Keith B
2008-09-15 11:51:53 UTC
Roboform is good
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:55:41 UTC
diamond

http://lawnsupply.com
Sophie B
2008-09-15 12:28:27 UTC
you could just do what every one does anyway... write it on a post-it note and stick it to your monitor.......
JW.C
2008-09-15 12:03:39 UTC
Use PGP
Shape-shifter 9x9
2008-09-15 11:26:00 UTC
How about in your email files. create a folder and mail it to yourself.
anonymous
2008-09-15 11:47:29 UTC
rfghtyer
dngrSdmn
2008-09-15 11:27:28 UTC
passwordsafe.sourceforge.net
lugar t axhandle
2008-09-15 11:26:30 UTC
yes there is a great program for this..



its called your brain..


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