Just wanted to share a little tip that helps you keep track of passwords in a secure way. If you're anything like me, you have many different online accounts; banking, email, facebook, google, etc. Each account requires a username and password. For security purposes, it is recommended that you use different information for each one. However, it's rather difficult to remember all those usernames and keep them straight with their respective passwords. So, what do you do? You write everything down, which just happens to be also ill advised (for those same security purposes).
Well, I've discovered a way to keep all your account information written down in one location and still keep it secure. I create a password-protected document (I prefer a spreadsheet) that tells me what an account is for (i.e. chase.com), the username associated with that account (e.g. mememe), and the password that I use to login to that account (e.g. aslkdfi2oi9). This works great for me, because I can make all my online passwords super strong (even change them frequently if I'm feeling paranoid), but I don't have to worry about trying to memorize all of them. All I have to do is remember the one password that protects this document! It's GREAT!
"I didn't know that you could password protect documents," you say. Well, the truth is that most word processing programs don't allow you to do so. The one that does is called OpenOffice.org and it's FREE! (which is another benefit).
Here's how you can make your own Password Protected Password Keeper:
1. Download and install the OpenOffice.org suite of programs (you can get it from - of all places - www.openoffice.org)
2. Choose a program that you want to use to keep track of your passwords.
If you want to keep track of them in a word processor document, choose 'Writer'
If you want to keep track of them in a spreadsheet document, choose 'Calc'
3. Input your account, username, and password information in whatever way works best for you
4. Save your document. IMPORTANT: In the "Save" or "Save As" window (the place you give your document a file name), check the box beside the option that says, "Save with password." Now, when you click "Save" a new box will appear, asking you to enter and reenter a password. Enter a password that you think you can remember with ease, but will be secure at the same time.
5. Forget your password worries! Anytime you need to log in to an account, simply open your Password Keeper, enter the right password, and copy and paste whatever info you need! So Simple!
Hope this little tip helps. I know I love to use it!
Next time.
Nathaniel
