Best Password Managers of 2015 - Comments Page 3

In answer to questions raised by Carol and Herb:

Carol wrote, "what happens if that system goes down or becomes unavailable for some reason? It seems to me that you are doubly screwed that way. Is there a way to keep a record of what's there and store it elsewhere as a data backup, if needed? Can the system generate one?
Would really love both your answers and opinions."

As a user of RoboForm for many, many years, perhaps I can provide some answers regarding that system.

With RoboForm (and presumably other password managers) your passwords are stored in encrypted form on your local computer. The only way they can be unencrpyted is by entering your master password. If you use RoboForm Everywhere, your passwords are ALSO stored--in encrypted form--on RoboForm's secure servers. They are encrypted in transit, and only YOU know the key.

RoboForm also allows you to print out a hard copy of all your sites and passwords. I use RoboForm to manage somewhere around 400 passwords, and the printout takes many pages, so I only print it occasionally. I keep the printout locked in a fireproof safe.

If you're worried that forgetting a password will keep you locked out of a favorite site, remember that virtually every password-protected site has some sort of "Forgot password?" provision, which will either recover your password or allow you to create a replacement. You usually have to jump through a hoop or two to prove it's really you.

As Bob pointed out in an earlier reply, the mainstream password managers are highly reliable and packed with server-side redundancy. In the many years I've used RoboForm, I've never been aware of a single reliability issue.

Is RoboForm a PERFECT solution? No, it's a fussy sometimes, and I can't get it to automatically enter my password on a few non-standard sites (I have to manually tell it to enter the password). But it's certainly a BETTER solution than using "asdfasdf" as my generic password of choice, or posting my passwords on the wall near my desk.

My wife and I share a RoboForm account (we have no secrets), and our two computer password files are automatically kept synchronized by RoboForm, so if I change a password, it's changed on her machine also. And RoboForm also syncs the mobile application I have on my smartphone.

[Bob, sorry to be so verbose; please edit as desired!]

Mac

I use the simple method of a list (i wrote a dinky MS Access lookup but any list would do) on a thumb drive. Always available with any notes I want to make.

Quote: "remember to change them [passwords] regularly."

I have yet to read a logical explanation why a p/w is safe, but after some mysterious date, it's no longer safe. Some claim six months, so the p/w is good until day 179, but suddenly unsafe the next day?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's the thinking behind that. If someone does obtain/guess your password. They might be secretly reading your email. Changing your password on a regular basis will limit the damage by limiting the amount of time your info is exposed.

I had an Rolodex setting around and decided to use it to keep the passwords. I have it set on the top of the desktop computer. Works for me.

I am using Google's password manager automatically available with Chrome. Is that safe enough ? Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe. It depends on the physical security of your computer (and your home). Chrome does not encrypt your stored passwords, nor does it require a master password to grant access to the stored ones. Anyone with access to your computer could easily view all the stored passwords.

I have a manager called Mindful2. I have had it long enough that I don't remember if it was free or if I bought it. I am happy with it.

This comment is for those folks who seem concerned that the password manager will crash and all of their passwords be lost. I have used Roboform for years and never had a problem with it. However, it does have the ability to print a copy of all of your passwords so that you have hard copy. How you choose to protect that hard copy is up to you, but it is available

I also vote for KeePass. Been using it for ages.
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My problem in looking at one of these p/w managers is the ease in which you provide/fill-in/work the particular program. I am not a computer guru and want something that is user friendly. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

I've been a RoboForm user for many years. Why do I like it? Well... every thing that Mac said is exactly spot on.

BTW: As a backup I let Explorer and Firefox save the IDs and PWs also.

Also, for Mac.. I save my RoboForm printout as a PDF then copy it to my backup HD.

My husband & I have been using LastPass for about a year & a half. We really like having it & feel quite secure. Am able to get to it from multiple computers, iPad & iPhone as well. Great. Thanks for your Articles Bob!

We really like the free Password Corral. It is organized very well, searchable, and seems very secure. It is available at: http://www.cygnusproductions.com/

I have been using Dashlane for a few months and because I use the method of typing a combination of the real password within the dialogue box plus other letters/numbers outside, for fear of keyloggers, thus causing a jumble it is a bit of a pain daily. But my real concern is, all this security hinges around the "master password" and if that is obtained then the baddies have complete access to everything.
Am I missing something?

Ok, I'll ask the obvious question. How safe is Googles password manager. Every time I log into a site it ask me if I want it to remember the log in information. Would be a great asset if it is safe.

Wondering why I never hear eWallet by Iliumsoft (www.iliumsoft.com) mentioned. I've been using it for 15-20 years and (needless to say) it's a "keeper"!

I have been using PasswordWallet for years. It synchronizes my desktop, laptop, and iPhone. You can store URLs in a record, setting up one click to get to a site, and one more click to type your user name and password.

It's very easy to set up great passwords. You can set up a template with a combination of lowercase, uppercase, number, and special characters. I use a twenty-character template, and it requires no (human) memory to use that awful string of characters.

Plus excellent customer service!

I've used and enjoyed Robofoirm foir year on my laptop. But on mobile it sucks. You have to be a star in CIRQUE DE SOLIEL to get it to work on a smartphone. Any better ideas for smartphones?

I have been using PasswordWallet for years. It synchronizes my desktop, laptop, and iPhone. You can store URLs in a record, setting up one click to get to a site, and one more click to type your user name and password.

It's very easy to set up great passwords. You can set up a template with a combination of lowercase, uppercase, number, and special characters. I use a twenty-character template, and it requires no (human) memory to use that awful string of characters.

Plus excellent customer service!

I use Sticky Password. It is Editors Choice of PCMag.

I have been using LastPass, for about 2 years now and overall have been pleased with it. However, I have noticed, like Ryan James did -- LastPass has had some odd results, in getting a password to generate on a website. I attribute it to the website, making changes. I may be wrong, about that.

I will continue to use LastPass until my subscription runs out. If, it still
is only $12 a year, I will continue to use it. I hope, that there are no major changes to LastPass, only correction of issues.