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Thread: Is it safe to save passwords?

  1. #1
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    Is it safe to save passwords?

    Except for the fact that someone might physically come behind my computer and log in to my ... say, bank account, is it safe to have my login information (usernames/account#s and passwords) saved on my computer? Would it be possible for someone to steal them through the net?
    OS X 10.4.10, usually firefox (sometimes omniweb, sometimes camino).

  2. #2
    Just Another Geek
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    Quote Originally Posted by sepandee
    Except for the fact that someone might physically come behind my computer and log in to my ...
    How about some spyware or a trojan?
    say, bank account, is it safe to have my login information (usernames/account#s and passwords) saved on my computer?
    No, not without some sort of encryption.
    Would it be possible for someone to steal them through the net?
    Yes, unless encrypted.

    Have a look at Keepass. http://keepass.info
    Oliver's Law:
    Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

  3. #3
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    So are you suggeting that keepass (keepassX for me, as I'm running Mac OS X) is enough for me to save my important passwords?

  4. #4
    Just Another Geek
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    IF you protect the database with a master password, yes.

    The stored (cached) passwords in Firefox or other programs can usually be easily retrieved. By storing the passwords in an encrypted container the risk is minimal. Added bonus, you run keepass from an USB stick and take it with you..
    Oliver's Law:
    Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

  5. #5
    Senior Member wolfman1984's Avatar
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    You may also want to consider keeping the login information stored in an encrypted disk image in OSx. This funky encryption feature comes already installed on your Mac!

    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107333
    I AM... THE WOLFMAN!!
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by wolfman1984
    You may also want to consider keeping the login information stored in an encrypted disk image in OSx. This funky encryption feature comes already installed on your Mac!

    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107333
    You mean I create an rtf or any other document, type in my login info on it, and then move that file to the encrypted disk image?

    Or are you talking about something else?

  7. #7
    Senior Member wolfman1984's Avatar
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    That is exactly what I'm talking about. This way your rtf will be encrypted.
    I AM... THE WOLFMAN!!
    The Wolfman's Homepage: http://www.fangtastic.org
    Do you dig the Wolfman?? Sign his Ghoulbook or listen to him Howl

  8. #8
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    well, I do not think i am real intelligent to talk THIS here. but still, I save all my passwords at m,y gmail account (in a password protected excel file) and lock the gmail account in turn with a strong password. How about this technique? Easy and secure.... and u have to remeber only 2 passwords!
    "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."

    - Albert Einstein

  9. #9
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    this question has been burning in my head for a while too... thanks for all the pointers guys. Sounds like keepass is a good option to try out.

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