Avast WEBforum

Other => General Topics => Topic started by: REDACTED on March 25, 2015, 11:54:56 PM

Title: Password Managers
Post by: REDACTED on March 25, 2015, 11:54:56 PM
Hello Avast forums
So after having multiple online accounts hacked because of easy to guess passwords I decided to improve my password secruity by using very random and long passwords 15+ characters long ontop of this using a different password for every single different email, forum and other websites. This was literally impossible to remeber every single dam password.

So after researching online I found something called a password manager e.g. Keepass,last pass or 1password many more that I can't name on the top of my head

So I'm wondering if anyone has ever used these password managers and if they are safe to use?

TLDR Password managers are they safe?
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: MrMaxaMan on March 26, 2015, 01:37:56 AM
I've used LastPass for the last couple of years, never had a problem with it and it's safe to use.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: bob3160 on March 26, 2015, 12:16:39 PM
I've also used and recommended LastPass (https://lastpass.com/) for several years.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: Para-Noid on March 26, 2015, 05:33:27 PM
You can test password strength here https://howsecureismypassword.net/
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: DavidR on March 26, 2015, 05:44:04 PM
You can test password strength here https://howsecureismypassword.net/

This really isn't relevant as password managers already have this sort of thing built in. Not to mention it isn't getting round the user having to create and remember/record said passwords, what the OP is actually trying to get round.

@    ullop1
I have just been reading an article in a computer mag about this and LastPass is highly recommended. Two things were railed, 1. that the encrypted passwords are stored on-line and 2. there is a Free and a Paid version, so it depends on exactly what you require, if it is all in the free version.

Another one is KeePass, very close in name and is completely free - the encrypted passwords are stored locally or you can save it to a USB.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: REDACTED on March 26, 2015, 06:58:54 PM
You can test password strength here https://howsecureismypassword.net/

This really isn't relevant as password managers already have this sort of thing built in. Not to mention it isn't getting round the user having to create and remember/record said passwords, what the OP is actually trying to get round.

@    ullop1
I have just been reading an article in a computer mag about this and LastPass is highly recommended. Two things were railed, 1. that the encrypted passwords are stored on-line and 2. there is a Free and a Paid version, so it depends on exactly what you require, if it is all in the free version.

Another one is KeePass, very close in name and is completely free - the encrypted passwords are stored locally or you can save it to a USB.

Sounds like KeePass could be an option also how would I get around using the password manager in different locations  using a different pc e.g at work/college ?
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: bob3160 on March 26, 2015, 07:22:36 PM
You can test password strength here https://howsecureismypassword.net/ (https://howsecureismypassword.net/)

This really isn't relevant as password managers already have this sort of thing built in. Not to mention it isn't getting round the user having to create and remember/record said passwords, what the OP is actually trying to get round.

@    ullop1
I have just been reading an article in a computer mag about this and LastPass is highly recommended. Two things were railed, 1. that the encrypted passwords are stored on-line and 2. there is a Free and a Paid version, so it depends on exactly what you require, if it is all in the free version.

Another one is KeePass, very close in name and is completely free - the encrypted passwords are stored locally or you can save it to a USB.

Sounds like KeePass could be an option also how would I get around using the password manager in different locations  using a different pc e.g at work/college ?
Lastpass is designed for your browser. So if you're online and signed into LastPass, you'll have access or have it fill in the information for you.
For your desktop, take a look at RoboForm but, it's not free. (Very limited in the free version.)
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: DavidR on March 26, 2015, 07:52:55 PM
<snip>
@    ullop1
I have just been reading an article in a computer mag about this and LastPass is highly recommended. Two things were railed, 1. that the encrypted passwords are stored on-line and 2. there is a Free and a Paid version, so it depends on exactly what you require, if it is all in the free version.

Another one is KeePass, very close in name and is completely free - the encrypted passwords are stored locally or you can save it to a USB.

Sounds like KeePass could be an option also how would I get around using the password manager in different locations  using a different pc e.g at work/college ?

By carrying your KeePass on a USB as previously mentioned.

I would suggest visiting the KeePass site http://keepass.info/ and the Features page http://keepass.info/features.html

Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: Eddy on March 26, 2015, 07:56:59 PM
I use the best free password manager there is.
It is already build in in my system.
It is called brains  ;D

Here are some suggestions on how to generate passwords that are still quit easy to remember:
https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~help/security/choosing_passwords.html
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: REDACTED on March 26, 2015, 08:05:47 PM
I use the best free password manager there is.
It is already build in in my system.
It is called brains  ;D

Here are some suggestions on how to generate passwords that are still quit easy to remember:
https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~help/security/choosing_passwords.html
Well it may be easy for u but remembering unique passwords for every different site is quite difficult and the guide doesn't really help since those passwords maybe easy to remember are not sercue IMO.

I'm going to check out KeePass cheers for the advice : D
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: REDACTED on March 26, 2015, 08:31:19 PM
I have another quick question what if I have to use a public computer and cant install anything how would I go about being safe and using my online accounts ?
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: Eddy on March 26, 2015, 08:38:12 PM
Since you have no control at all on a public system/access point, you have also no influence on the safety.
If you still want to use those systems/access point to access a account you have somewhere, you either should remember your login details or use a online "password manager".
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: Para-Noid on March 26, 2015, 09:45:46 PM
I posted my post on testing password strength for reference. A password manager is a good idea but so are strong passwords.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: DavidR on March 26, 2015, 09:58:32 PM
I have another quick question what if I have to use a public computer and cant install anything how would I go about being safe and using my online accounts ?

Have you read the Features page link that I gave you as I remember briefly seeing something that stated it isn't installed on the system.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: Eddy on March 26, 2015, 10:01:50 PM
The best way was and likely always will be, is to never to store login details other than in your mind.
Title: Re: Password Managers
Post by: DavidR on March 26, 2015, 10:13:53 PM
The best way was and likely always will be, is to never to store login details other than in your mind.

Unfortunately that isn't what the OP is asking for, so to keep suggesting what he doesn't want is futile.