Password Managers, general questions

iviv · 10 Aug 2012 at 14:31

So, given that everyone and their dog is ending up getting hacked, most notably battle.net recently, I figure its time to properly start looking into password managers. The main reason I hadn't was that it seemed like a lot of bother. What if I'm out on my laptop and need to check my email? Or I'm at a friends? It always seemed to me like I'd essentially be locked down onto one computer where the password manager was installed, and without the long complicated passwords it stores, you wouldn't be able to access anything?

Though I guess this is wrong since that's probably something which has been brought up so many times they would have accounted for it? So how exactly does this work? Do you have to install the password manager on every computer? What if I want to check something on my phone? And when I want to log into a website, do I have to load the manager up, find the website in the list, and copy the password out?

Finally, what's the best free program available?

Thanks!

this_is_gav · 10 Aug 2012 at 15:06

You can use Keepass, and there's an extension for Chrome which will automatically fill in most login boxes with the username and password.

There's also a addon for Firefox, but I've no idea how well that works.

UnworthyBean · 10 Aug 2012 at 17:36

You can get ones that will sync to your phone and then you will have it on the move.

Keepass as mentioned above can do this (AFAIK) but its a bit messy, You have to use dropbox.

I currently use Msecure for iPhone/PC, but I'm sure there are plenty more.

BarKeep · 10 Aug 2012 at 17:44

I use RobForm but its not free, you will have problems finding and using free ones with the features you need.

KIA · 10 Aug 2012 at 20:29

KeePass. DB synced using Dropbox. Key file doesn't touch Dropbox.
LastPass

PapaLazaru · 10 Aug 2012 at 22:03

Keepass mobile. Keep is on a USB stick. Simple and effective.

InfiniteNoise · 10 Aug 2012 at 22:11

I used to use KeePass with the KP database file stored on Dropbox, but I switched to LastPass, I find LastPass to be a lot more effective and simple.

I still use KeePass for few things though, things I'm not too comfortable using LastPass for. (online banking and etc)

PR. · 10 Aug 2012 at 22:28

Another vote for LastPass. Extensions for all the main browsers, bookmarklet for the iPad and iPhone, nice and simple

Pilgrim57 · 11 Aug 2012 at 22:54

+1 Lastpass
I now have different passwords for all my login. It is great for generating password % there is a checker to test the strength of yr security.

smogsy · 11 Aug 2012 at 22:56

am i the only one that stores there password systems in there head? with 15+ password combinations?

MikeHunt79 · 11 Aug 2012 at 23:34

Another vote for keepass, works nicely on windows, osx, ios, android, etc. should you ever find yourself using another os.

rfc-billy · 12 Aug 2012 at 01:05

Another Lastpass user here.

LostPhil · 12 Aug 2012 at 09:31

Personally I use Keepass synced via dropbox and keepassdroid on my phone to read the database.

I did find it irritating if I didn't have my phone to hand and was at a new computer so I just came up with a couple of unique strong but easy to remember passwords for my main email accounts and left the rest up to keepass.