Password Managers?
- Thread starter Joe Nardy
- Start date
Thanks!
Update:
I've been adding entries to my Bitwarden Vault as I go and learning more about features. Bitwarden makes it easy to add entries. It automatically asks if you want to add a login when it recognizes a new or changed login. You can create folders and organize logins by category if you like. Once a login is saved in the vault you can generate a new secure password using criteria you define in settings, like length and what kind of characters to use (upper case, lower case, numbers, special characters). You can copy and paste the new password to change it on the website.
I have changed passwords on some important sites like banks and credit cards but have been holding off on less critical sites. My wife and I share a lot of logins and I haven't yet got her setup with Bitwarden on her devices. She was initially skeptical but is beginning to realize the value of a password manager. If she decides to opt in I can start making all our passwords much more secure.
The bottom line for me is that a password manager is many times more secure than what I was doing before and, once you're familiar with the functionality, also eases the login process by automating it (if you choose to do so). You only need to remember one password to open and use your vault. So, better security and more efficiency are good in my opinion.
Thanks,
Joe
I've been adding entries to my Bitwarden Vault as I go and learning more about features. Bitwarden makes it easy to add entries. It automatically asks if you want to add a login when it recognizes a new or changed login. You can create folders and organize logins by category if you like. Once a login is saved in the vault you can generate a new secure password using criteria you define in settings, like length and what kind of characters to use (upper case, lower case, numbers, special characters). You can copy and paste the new password to change it on the website.
I have changed passwords on some important sites like banks and credit cards but have been holding off on less critical sites. My wife and I share a lot of logins and I haven't yet got her setup with Bitwarden on her devices. She was initially skeptical but is beginning to realize the value of a password manager. If she decides to opt in I can start making all our passwords much more secure.
The bottom line for me is that a password manager is many times more secure than what I was doing before and, once you're familiar with the functionality, also eases the login process by automating it (if you choose to do so). You only need to remember one password to open and use your vault. So, better security and more efficiency are good in my opinion.
Thanks,
Joe
Ylizzy
New Member
I’ve been sticking with the one mentioned earlier in the thread, and it's worked fine for years. What really helped seal it for me was how well it works with their sms api for two-factor stuff—super smooth without needing extra steps. I like having everything in one place instead of juggling a bunch of tools or copying codes all the time. Keeps my setup simple but still safer.
Keeper has been such a time saver. Using BitWarden at work.
About a year ago, I had my identity stolen by 2 crooks in Rutland VT who opened a Verizon account in my name, purchasing 2 iPhones. I found the verizon record in the Equifax credit report. I immediately froze all 3 credit reports.
got a bill from Verizon for $1,400 or so Verizon claimed they presented picture ID .. Not cool. Finally got the police investigation and filed a report, then Verizon dropped the invoice...It was no big deal to Verizon, but I had done nothing wrong. I felt violated. 2-3 hours on the phone etc .. Someone has to pay for those iPhones..
Anyway- the reason I tell the tale is I knew I needed to change all my passwords, esp credit card accts, banks, financing sites etc..I was able to go through every account/login/website etc in Keeper (did not know I had so many !) and change the password..it seemed like it would take all day, but it was remarkably quick. And, I could generate crazy passwords. Lock the bastards out.
Of course, the security of password managers hinges on the complexity of the passphrase. Should be at least 16 characters. This is why 2FA is so critical. If for whatever reason the passphrase gets compromised, bad actors still cannot access the vault without the second form of identification. No additional cost to freeze credit. Modern times..
About a year ago, I had my identity stolen by 2 crooks in Rutland VT who opened a Verizon account in my name, purchasing 2 iPhones. I found the verizon record in the Equifax credit report. I immediately froze all 3 credit reports.
got a bill from Verizon for $1,400 or so Verizon claimed they presented picture ID .. Not cool. Finally got the police investigation and filed a report, then Verizon dropped the invoice...It was no big deal to Verizon, but I had done nothing wrong. I felt violated. 2-3 hours on the phone etc .. Someone has to pay for those iPhones..
Anyway- the reason I tell the tale is I knew I needed to change all my passwords, esp credit card accts, banks, financing sites etc..I was able to go through every account/login/website etc in Keeper (did not know I had so many !) and change the password..it seemed like it would take all day, but it was remarkably quick. And, I could generate crazy passwords. Lock the bastards out.
Of course, the security of password managers hinges on the complexity of the passphrase. Should be at least 16 characters. This is why 2FA is so critical. If for whatever reason the passphrase gets compromised, bad actors still cannot access the vault without the second form of identification. No additional cost to freeze credit. Modern times..