Internet Committee
Protecting your passwords
© J.F. (Mac) Macmahon 2009
Locking your usernames and passwords away in a safe place
Remembering several, even dozens of internet user names and passwords can not only be difficult but downright impossible for many people. I have passwords for logging onto Windows, three bank accounts, Centrelink, Pay Pal, BigPond, iTunes, Choice, the WA TAB, Pharmacy Direct and a couple of dozen more web sites and programs.
The potential list of passwords is endless. You should also use different passwords for each account. Writing the passwords down on a piece of paper or storing them in a so called secret file on your computer is definitely not the answer.
Sooner or later a single password, list or file will get lost or stolen and you will have a serious problem. The thief would have access to your computer, bank, e-mail account, etc. Unimaginable.
The answer is a neat little program called KeePass. It costs nothing to download and install. KeePass stores all your passwords in one encrypted and secure database on your computer. You then lock the KeePass database with a single password.
You then lock the KeePass database with a single password that only you know and can remember. Examples of this might be the name of the church where your mother married your dad or your first primary school teachers full name or the third line from your favourite poem or song.
This is equivalent to gathering your money and valuables from draws and hiding holes around the house and then locking them all in one strong, burglar proof safe. Then you add a touch pad lock that will only open with your thumb print.
After loading all your usernames and passwords into KeePass and locking the data base you then back the database up to another hard drive or computer. Now you can rest assured that your passwords are as safe as you can make them. And you only have to remember one password or phrase.
After opening KeePass in order to use a password you can simply drag and drop the appropriate username and password onto the sign on fields on the web page or program. No more remembering or even typing passwords. Good stuff.
Published 26th February 2009