Securely Organize Your Passwords

Let me start this article by explaining how stupid I am. I currently use 2 different passwords for every account I've opened. This includes my bank accounts, my AOL account, Facebook, MySpace and OfficeArrow, just to name a few. Now, I've always known this is not a good idea, but the thought of managing a different password for each account makes my stomach turn. I don't want to have to remember to jot each password down when I create it. I don't want to have to find a secure place to put them and organize them...geesh, I really don't want to do. Everything has surprisingly been fine and safe with my accounts until recently. My EBay account was hacked and so was my MySpace. Of course, EBay scared me a bit more than MySpace but both were a wake-up call. Some strange activity showed up on my EBay account. According to them, I was selling products I didn't even own; paintball guns mostly. Luckily, no harm was done...except to those who may have bid on the items to no avail.

Though this is a simple lesson learned, I'm still faced with the challenge of creating different passwords for each of my jillion accounts and then learning how to organize them all. This is something we could all use a tutorial in, so let's get started.

Believe it or not, storing your passwords in a password protected Word or Excel file is NOT a good idea either. Many of us don't realize how easy it is to crack one of those files. This article I found gives step-by-step instructions (2 steps to be exact). It's as simple as saving a Word document in a rich text format. Even if you don't know what that is, there is plenty of information on the web to walk you through it. Disturbing, I know.

Other options include high-tech and low-tech solutions.

Electronic Password Keepers

There are tons of programs and databases for passwords out there. Some free and some require a nominal fee. I know it seems silly to protect all of your passwords with another password, but it's actually quite safe. Some of these programs even offer a place to hold sensitive information like social security numbers, bank account numbers or even your service tag numbers (the numbers on your computer required when you call for service) for easy reference.

Some free options:

KeePass - free open-source password manager. Simply enter all of your passwords into their database and secure it with one master password. The program is encrypted to ensure security.

Clipperz - free online password manager. You can access this program from anywhere with an internet connection. This web application allows you store passwords and sensitive information.

Paid option:

SplashID - for $19.95 you can download this program and manage passwords and sensitive information. They do have a trial version, but also offer a 60 day money back guarantee. It's available for both Mac and PC and it's easily synchronized with PDA platforms.

Of course, some still prefer the old fashion way of managing passwords. Simply writing them down and keeping them in a safe place isn't really all that bad. The worst case scenario is that someone breaks into your home and gets a hold of them. Fortunately, the odds of this happening are much slimmer than an online hacker stealing your information. This article suggests using the following tips when organizing on paper:

• Use pencil to write them down as they may change.
• Don't label the file or folder you use to keep them in with "Passwords".
• Try using hints rather than writing down your passwords.
• Use index cards that hold more room to write more information about the account the password is attached to.

It never hurts to securely store paper passwords either. Leave them in a locked safe or filing cabinet. It may not make them easily accessible, but you don't want them falling into the wrong hands.

As web predators become savvier, our passwords become less secure. It's a constant battle, but the key is to create good passwords and change them often. Don't use your birthday, your kid's names or your family pet's name. Combine letters and numbers or try to use the first letters of each word in a book title or your favorite song. The idea is to be tricky. If it's obvious to you, it's obvious to hackers.