Encryption software

It's obviously not a good idea to use the same password for every internet service, nor is it a good idea to write passwords down on paper. But, in my dotage, I can't remember them all.

I wonder if there is any software which would allow me to encrypt my various passwords, using a memorable key, write the encrytped versions down, then decrypt them with the same memorised key if necessary?

Anyone out there who knows about this stuff?

Robin.

Whilst I don't use it myself, largely though inertia, KeePass seems highly regarded.
I think it was just being introduced for internal use by my employer before I retired.
At the moment I'm still using a notebook, which lives in a proper safe, as the thought of transcribing several hundred accounts is a little daunting.

Bill

Google for: ' password manager '

Passwords on paper is about as secure as you practically need to be - they cannot be hacked remotely. It's unlikely that a quick opportunist burglar is going to go hunting for a piece of paper tucked somewhere. A nasty burgar type determined to get your passwords - should such exist - and you're going to tell them anyway and open any.safe.

Anyone with several hundred different passwords might consider what benefit that has. Does it really matter if someone hacks into your access here (for instance) compared to the few worrying accounts might mine own such as 3 or 4 banks a couple of credit cards an online shop or two etc

You need a password manager. There are lots available, some are totally free and some require a subscription. The one I use is called Keepass

Its totally free and there are compatible versions for Windows, Android, iPhone, Linux, etc.

The master repository is password protected - if you loose it's password you are royally stuffed. My safe contains in excess of 100 passwords.

I use non words which are easy to remember

robinspanner321

robinfido1

Just make up your own unique system and throw in numbers etc

The safest most secure and convenient place is inside your head

Edited By Ady1 on 16/02/2020 08:00:21

Sadly I have to disagree that your head is the safest place, many a time I've stood in a shop because I cant recall my card no, I have my own method of recording the number which doesnt involve pen and paper apart from the master kept at home.

Martin P

It has never seen sensible to me, to keep your computer passwords in your computer where they can possibly be hacked. I cannot remember mine, so they are written down in an A5 ring binder so I can easily change individual pages when I change passwords. I live on my own and the book is in a safe place, but easily accessible when I need it. Lets see if the nerds can hack my notebook.

Edited By Anthony Knights on 16/02/2020 08:27:32

Exactly my way of thinking, if needed, a few critical passwords can be places or events that are easy to remember, so a password could be the first school I went to and thats what I would write down to remind me what it is, for example Amazon = 1st School.

.

It’s also wise not to disclose such detail on a public forum

MichaelG.

I use 1Password which generates and stores passwords. I only need to remember the master password.

It is not whether you use a password manager or use paper copies, it's how you create your password. Using words and numbers alone such as Loco265 is not very secure as computers these days can run through a dictionary of words in a fraction of a second and try billions of combinations.

If you are going to use words then a password such as nuthatch-bereave-selfsame-laos is more advisable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NjQ9b3pgIg

This video is worth a look.

Sadly I have to disagree that your head is the safest place, many a time I've stood in a shop because I cant recall my card no

Use the years

so 5375

ascent of everest

end of vietnam war

1953

1975

Edited By Ady1 on 16/02/2020 09:27:21

I you really want to keep something safe give it to my wife...not even she will ever find it again...

For day to day use on 'unimportant' sites, I use a combination of my late dads 'Ham' radio call sign, and my grandfathers telephone number which I inherited when I married in 1965, Easily remembered, until BT in their wisdom issued us with a new phone number in one of their 'upgrades'.

yup

old phone numbers and car numberplates

For some reason I never forgot my first car, I was the proud owner of a jobby brown escort

("aztec bronze" being the official colour)

Edited By Ady1 on 16/02/2020 09:26:14

I agree with you and that's why I used it as an example, I don't have an Amazon account or use my school name as a password, and even if I did there's almost certainly no one alive who knows it or records available as to the name or location of my first school.

Another vote for KeePass here. I've been using it for a long time now as I'm an open source fan. If you decide to use it make sure that you keep backups of the file and a note of the main password in a safe place. If you lose the main password it is game over and everything in the file is lost forever.

Its difficult to have an easy rule to remember different passwords. As soon as you have developed your own rule, a password will need a special character or like UK Tax office, only a selection of special characters. Then some sites demand a change of password if you have not used it for some time. basically, you can't have a single rule.

Password Manager here is free and seems like it would do the job.

Martin.

Worth looking at Sandisk USB Memory Sticks for storage. The ones I have come password protected, better than bits of paper just one long password to remember.

Edited By V8Eng on 16/02/2020 14:41:16

Edited By V8Eng on 16/02/2020 14:51:05