iStar Tip: Password Management

One of the concerns we heard about iHCPL was how many logins and passwords they had to create and how hard it was to keep track of them all. While it's not possible to explore some of these sites without registering, there are tools and tips to aid you in remembering those logins and passwords.

• Try to use the same - or similar - logins and passwords when registering for sites. However, for safety reasons, you should have different standard passwords for registering for online sites and for your secure online banking and bill paying.
• Create a password that is difficult to guess. Microsoft has an excellent article on Password Strength and Password Security. Use their Password Checker to assist you in creating a password that is easy to remember, but difficult to crack - it well tell you if you password is weak, medium, strong, or best.
• If you need help creating a password, try SafePasswd.com, which will generate a password for you based on the length and type.
• If you don't want to register for a site, try Bugmenot, a service that helps you bypass compulsory registration for popular sites such as The New York Times, YouTube, and IMDB by providing existing logins and passwords.
• Finally, since there's no getting around creating some logins and passwords, try PassPack: Online Password Management to help you keep track of them.
• Sign up for an account - you will need a login of your choosing and two passwords. Because you will use this to store other passwords, make sure it's secure and different from what you normally use. They suggest phrases.
• Once your account is created, you can add your logins and passwords for any site - you only have to remember your Passpack login to access your logins and passwords. Note: Don't use this to keep track of your financial passwords.
  
• As you add accounts, don't forget to Save Your Pack.
• If you want to use PassPack to automatically log in to sites for you:
• Click the AutoLogin tab
• Click Activate
• Add the PassPack It button to your favorites
• When you click the Go button on your list, click the PassPack It button to automatically enter your login information.