Are password managers safe?

Question

I've already read about vulnerabilities in IE and Firefox's password managers but what about third party password managers like Password Safe or Roboform? Are they safe? What is the safest way to handle passwords when you have multiple online accounts including banks.

Answer 1

I use Keepass, and it seems to be pretty easy to use. It mentions AES 256-bit encryption or something like that.

The crucial thing is that you have a good password to the password database. If you have a weak password, then your database can be pretty easily cracked. If you have a very difficult password (like me, I can't even write mine out) then you have to make sure it's hidden in a good place. I copied my password into a couple of inconspicuous-looking text files and hid it there. Every time I use Keepass I open one of the text files and copy-paste the master key.

Now to talk more about Keepass:
It has a function where the password that you copy is stored in the system memory for only a few seconds.
It's not endorsed by a big company like Microsft, so hackers will focus on IE, not Keepass.
Database files are subject to fragmentation/corruption (like all computer files) and therefore I frequently backup my password database to avoid losing my passwords.

I think it's safe enough to use, but nothing in life is certain. Stay away from IE, get a firewall, check for viruses, trojans and keyloggers regularly in order to make sure you have a relatively good chance of being secure. Oh, and never use unencrypted wireless internet.

Of course, you should use a flash drive like me to put the passwords on. The flash drive is more difficult to compromise than the PC's hard drive.

Answer 2

I would suggest to install the software on a removable drive. Ensure that the password database is also stored into the removable drive. This way you will need to plug in the removable drive (could be a USB flash) when you need access to your passwords. Keeping the password list into your hard drive while working with the Internet is always risky. Another way is to create a separate user accounts. Keep the password database under one account and browse Internet with the other account.

Answer 3

there are a number of Password managers and you ought to verify each and each to verify how guard they are. Roboform is between the greater suitable ones which will paintings with internet explorer and firefox. It additionally has its own toolbar. all the passwords may be encrypted and you in basic terms use the single grasp password Theres a loose limited version of roboform or pay a small fee for the entire version It makes use of a few encryptions like AES Blowfish RC6 3-DES a million-DES

Answer 4

myself i keep all sites, id's and passwords in a notebook beside the computer. Safest way I think. Seperate them into catergories, a page for banks, one for gameing sites etc.