Passwords are necessary, but are sometimes difficult to keep under control. Some people simply use the same password for everything, and that's exactly what the bad guys want you to do. It cuts down on your work, and it cuts down on their work, too.
You could also save time by leaving your keys in your unlocked car or not locking the door to your home. While there are still a few places where you can do that, most people lock up and take their keys with them.
Valentine's Day 2006 -- Beth and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for a romantic dinner just like we have for thirty-something Valentine's Days. As she has done for over thirty years, Beth left her purse in the car, hidden from view and covered with a blanket. After a delicious dinner we walked to the parking lot to discover shattered glass next to the car -- purse and blanket missing.
The shattered window was covered by our automobile insurance, but the purse and its contents were covered by our homeowner policy. Ever wonder what a woman has in her purse? Make an inventory list for an insurance company and you'll have a good idea. That night we began contacting credit card companies and banks to turn off all those pieces of plastic that were in the purse.
Note to thieves: we learned out lesson. You won't find anything in our vehicle.
Wouldn't it be great if restaurants and other gathering places had secure storage where purses, laptops and other such items could be left while you enjoy yourself for a meal or for the evening?
Would it not be equally great if there was a secure place you could store the passwords to all of your Internet accounts?
Robo to the Rescue
For several months, we've been using and testing a secure method of storing Internet passwords.
Let me define secure. This program uses AES, Blowfish and RC6 128 - 256 bit encryption algorithms. I understand you probably don't have a clue what that last sentence means. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard and was adopted by the US Government's National Institute of Standards and Technology. They announced AES is secure enough to protect classified information up to the TOP SECRET level, which is the highest security level and defined as information which would cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security if disclosed to the public.
Next, 128-bit and 256-bit encryption describes different security levels. Most banks use 128-bit encryption for online banking. That's how I define secure.
How it Works
Okay, it may not be the best thing since sliced bread -- but it might be the best password management program you can find. It comes in two versions: a free one that allows you to see just how powerful the program is, and a professional one that offers more bells and whistles.
Even the free version does more than help you securely manage your passwords. It can do forms, too -- like when your making a purchase online. The form that contains your payment information is encypted the same as your passwords.
Step by Step Procedures
- Create a New Folder in the My Documents section of your computer and name it Software
- Download the Password Management software. You'll get a screen asking if you want to run it or save it. Save it to your new Software Folder. Click here to download the free version.
- Go your to Software folder, locate the application file that has the word Robo in it, and double click that file name. The program will then install itself and will appear on your Internet Browser bar.
- When you visit a website that requires you to use a login and password, simply log in as you normally would. The Password Manager will jump up on your screen and ask if you want to password protect that login and password.
- As you go from site to site that requires a login and password, the Password Manager will remember all that information and encrypt it under one password.
- The next time you want to go to that site, just click logins on the RoboForm toolbar on your Internet Browser bar. A list of your protected logins will appear. Simply click the one you want. You will be taken to that site and logged in.
Keylogger Benefit: If you haven't read the article about keyloggers, there will be a link at the end of this paragraph so you can do so. Think of this. Suppose someone has installed a keylogger on your computer without your knowledge to read and record your keystrokes. Using the Password Manager software, you are not keying anything. You click the encrypted link in your browser. There is nothing for the keylogger to record and steal from you.
Click here to learn about keyloggers.
