Any opinions on Xecrets?

[Pool Hall Ace]

What do you think about Xecrets for keeping passwords safe? I know that the best place to store passwords is in my own noggin, but since I had brain surgery in January, I would prefer not to rely on it too much.

Or do you suggest another way? Thanks. :hi:

[RoyGBiv]

1. Just personal opinion ...

I wouldn't put the fate of my passwords in anything that requires a network connection to function and/or a company to stay in business.

I also don't like the way they're using the term "the cloud" in this. It comes off as more of a marketing gimmick than a description of how they function.

Anyway, as I've said before, I'm biased against these kinds of things, so you can take this for what it's worth.

I keep hard-to-remember passwords in a plain text file that I encrypt with GnuPG. When I need to access it, I just open it, enter my passphrase, and decrypt it. This isn't quite as convenient until you're accustomed to it, but it leaves me in control of my passwords and data, and I can carry around the file with me on a USB stick, upload it somewhere for storage, etc., and all I need is my key and GPG to get to it, both of which I also carry around with me, have uploaded other places, etc.

There are also installable password "wallets" you can have on your system that work on a similar theory. I can't recommend one for Windows, but I imagine they're out there.

[Pool Hall Ace]

2. I respect your opinion a great deal, Roy,

so I will definitely check in to GnuPG. I want to keep those passwords safe. :D

[RoyGBiv]

6. Careful now ...

I might start believing my own press. :)

Seriously, here's something. I forgot about this.

KeePass: http://keepass.info/



I've actually used this, and it has a version for Windows. Significantly, it also has a non-installable version, so you could put it on and run it from a USB stick that you could take with you anywhere. This is actually the version I've used. I have a PortableApps mini-system I take with me everywhere, and it's on that.

The most recent version requires you have the Microsoft .NET Framework installed, or you can use the older version if you don't need all the features. It works on the same basic principle as the clunkier method I use, but there are features associated with it that make it more friendly.

[david13]

3. I'm with Roy on that. If you can't keep them in your head, then try

Roy's ideas.
I don't know that brain surgery will remove your passwords from your head. It's not like brainwashing, which doesn't involve washing, either.
dc

[Pool Hall Ace]

4. The surgery did affect my memory somewhat

The tumor was fist-sized! :wow:

I also had issues with simple arithmetic for a while, but I just brushed up with exercises I found on the web. The hospital actually wanted me to work with an occupational therapist after I was released, but I just said phooey to that. :D

[Why Syzygy]

5. Call me old fashioned

I keep mine in my date book.

[Pool Hall Ace]

7. A date book? What's that?

Although I love high-tech devices, I just can't afford to have them all.

[Why Syzygy]

8. It's spiral.

;) I buy a new new one at B&N every year after January 1 when they are half priced.

I also use it for my shopping lists, and did have a scare one day when I left it in the cart at Target. I called and they found it. If you use this method, protect that book with your life.

[Pool Hall Ace]

9. Woo, that was a close call at Target.

Good thing you got it back!

I didn't realize the price drops so steeply so soon after January 1. ;)

[Kali]

10. I keep mine in the paper PC troubleshooting and maintenance guide that came with the computer

lots of scribbles and crossed out stuff. I keep it right next to the tower on my desk. Just have to remember to BRING it when I travel.:o

Even if it mattered, nobody could decipher it to snoop. (nothing around here that needs that kind of privacy) and as for ID theft or bank type stuff - ha good luck with that too - likely to be rejected for trying anything with my history:rofl:

[canetoad]

11. Here's another freebie

similar functions to KeePass that Roy recommended.

http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/

I've used PasswordSafe longer than I can remember. Access your passwords with one master password, portable version available for flash drives and built in backup facility for your password database.