I was probably like most people: I used the same password over and over for nearly everything. After all, keeping up with all of the different UserIDs and Passwords can become a huge, difficult-to-manage ordeal. With just a small number of passwords, you could have taken over my life.
No more!
After having my professional Twitter account compromised a few weeks ago, and going through about 2 weeks of tech support with Twitter to get it resolved, I decided it was time for me to get serious about online security. What a drag!
Not really!
I revisited a program I had used a couple of years ago when it first came out: 1Password. (Similar programs exist for Windows users: search link.) A couple of years ago I abandoned this tool after giving it a trial run. It had too many limitations. But, now on version 3, 1Password is much more robust, and I really like it.
1Password stores online detailed login information, account information (like email, ftp, router, database, and server settings, etc.), identities (for filling out those pesky online forms requiring name, address, email, phone numbers... for business use, personal use, volunteer use.), software licenses, and more. This information can all be shared between multiple devices (like your iPhone, iPod Touch, laptop, desktop). And, best of all, is made easily available to your various browsers.
Because 1Password will generate long, obtuse, secure passwords for you when you go to set up an online account at any web site, now everything requiring a password has a different one that would be a stupendous challenge for the dark side to figure out. And if the evil hackers did break one, that's the only one they have. Each site has a unique password that is equally as difficult to guess.
What I love most though, is how easily the information is retrieved for my later use. For example: If I want to post to this blog, I have to log in to it. I can now do that 1 of 2 ways. I can launch 1Password; do a quick search for this blog in my list of 64 log ins, and double click it. 1Password launches my browser and logs me in.
Or, I could launch my browser and go to the URL required to log in to my blog, just as I have always done. At the top of my menubar and at the top of my browser window, I have a 1Password button. When I click it, the top choice is "Fill & Submit." When I select that, 1Password fills in the login credentials for that webpage and logs me in. The process is now much faster, much simpler, and much more secure than before!
Really easy!
In the past, whenever I setup an online account (and I tend to do this a lot), I had to be certain I wrote down the URL, the UserID, and the password on my password reminder sheet. I especially hated those sites that had password requirements and restrictions: "Your password must contain at least ## numbers," or "Your password must be ## or more characters," etc. 1Password makes all of this so much easier and more secure!
Passwords can be easily tagged for later search and retrieval. Emails and other documents (containing login confirmation information or serial numbers) can be attached to your 1Password logins or software serial numbers. 1Password even maintains a password history log. And, if you wish, you can print out your detailed information and place it in your bank vault. :o)
So, as part of this Spring Cleaning season, join me in organizing your passwords, making them far more secure and much easier for you to use. Start using a password management system like 1Password!
[I am in no way associated or affiliated with 1Password. I bought the application like anyone else would and use it and like it! Your mileage may vary. Numerous other options are available.]
