Browser password security

[Halibut]

Browser passwords in Chrome and Firefox are stored as plain text. Been that way for a while, I gather, but it's getting a lot of recent media (http://www.itnews.com.au/News/352619,chrome-firefox-store-saved-passwords-in-plain-text.aspx) attention.

The response from Firefox and Chrome is basically, "Passwords are unsafe anyway, so what difference does it make."

I would hope/assume that shared public computers in schools and libraries, etc. have locked down their browser settings so users can't access that, but jeeze.

[Midvale]

Look into LastPass.com.

[billethkid]

I looked at lastpass.com.

Sounds interesting and for free. However, I am always concerned about something like this that is free. Somehow it is either a hobby, or flash in the pan, or bait or whatever. There has to be a way for a provider to make a profit or profit from indirectly from a service being provided.

So what is in it for the provider?
What are the downsides for putting this on one's computer?

btk

[Midvale]

They hope you will buy their yearly premium plan. That lets you access password s across computers, tablets and phones.

[zcaveman]

I use KeePass - a freebie - to store my passwords. I share the database with my other PCs.

But then I do not think that this is what you are asking about. I would hope that the public computers have the save password feature turned off. All sites with the Remember ME feature usually caution you to not click on Remember Me if you are on a public computer.

Z

[ncbro]

Many of us hate the process of coming up with usernames and passwords to get into places in the web we have been drawn to or stumble upon just trying to comment on a news article.

Well, as my best half says, "never can remember them" and "just say I lost it and they let me make a new one". If that is the way you are, you are making a big mistake, especially if you do financial transactions online.

I, myself have 99% of the usernames and passwords written down in a log so they are always at my fingertips, not the edge of my memory.

Even so, I have the problem of keeping the same passwords year after year and that could become a problem with the increase of identity or password theft. You could end up losing your shirt (and your wife's blouse) in the process if you are not password-wise.

A friend writes a blog at gonnasayit . com and his Jan 16 2013 article is titled "It’s Time To Change Your Passwords" and explains the ins and outs of the proper passwords to use. You can find it by going to the bottom of the blog page and clicking on the circle with "2" in it. Scroll to the bottom of that page or near there. Also he gives a couple of websites to help you choose, and test, your new passwords for secure rating.

Go there if you need help or just interested. Enjoy .

PS: for those who are or wanna-be geeks, twit.tv has a plethora of subject matter in security, electronics entertainment, gadgets of the latest variety. Lots of shows to watch there. TWiTSecurityNow on youtube.

Those who like to tinker sometimes, Ifixit . com is one place to go

[Computer Corner]

Using an encrypted spreadsheet is a great way to store and organize your passwords.