Railworks America

Hi Chacal, I busted this off the other thread.

Chacal wrote:Switching to using a password manager is an effort, but it is worth it.
There are several free or cheap ones.

I've shied away from stuff like that although I would like to try, the number of passwords is crazy. How safe is it?

I've always thought if they hack the one app they have the keys to everything, am I wrong on that?

I use Roboform. I have over 150 passwords stored. You can install it on one computer or use the web based version and it is highly encrypted.

They are quite safe. Safer than if you don't use them.

Have a look:
The best free password manager 2019 | TechRadar

Best Password Manager 2019 - Lastpass vs. Dashlane vs. 1Password

Google for more free or non-free offers.

Just remember, you can't hack a notebook or a sticky note.

EngineerJohn wrote:Just remember, you can't hack a notebook or a sticky note.

You don't have to.
People using notes or sticky notes invariably end up re-using the same few simple passwords for several sites, because of the hassle.
By invariably, I mean 100% of people. Including you and me.

So you don't have to hack their sticky notes, you just have to hack one of the several sites, the one that is easier to hack, and presto, you take control of several accounts, and in most cases, you get control of their e-mail account, which lets you change the password of all their sites, including their banking site. Ta-da!

Chacal wrote:
So you don't have to hack their sticky notes, you just have to hack one of the several sites,

Or just hack the password manager you are using and get everything. That sound easier to me. I'm not going for that yet, I still have SOME brain cells left but it's tough.

Actually it's not easier. Providers of this kind of apps understand the problem very well. It's a single point of attack yes, but also a single point to secure, and techniques for doing that are well-kown.
In any case, it's still much safer than whatever you do.

Thanks Chacal.

Chacal wrote: it's still much safer than whatever you do.

Go ahead, hack my brain! No, I get it though.

I think the worse are ransomware attacks. Your only survival is a complete up to date system backup or be prepared to spend thousands in bitcoin hopefully to get a release code. These hit everyday people as well as large corporations, government institutions and hospitals.

AmericanSteam wrote:I think the worse are ransomware attacks.

Really? What porn sites do you visit? I want in!!!

AmericanSteam wrote:I think the worse are ransomware attacks. Your only survival is a complete up to date system backup or be prepared to spend thousands in bitcoin hopefully to get a release code. These hit everyday people as well as large corporations, government institutions and hospitals.

The company I work for got hit by one of those last year. Our whole business system, servers, and network were down for almost two full days before our IT team could cleanse the system. The thing that struck me the most was the almost comical amount that the 'ransomers' were asking for. It was like $1,000 USD in bitcoin.

BoostedFridge wrote:The company I work for got hit by one of those last year.

In which case a password won't help you if you have idiots opening files.

Google Chrome has its own password manager. You are also able to get your password from it if you have forgotten one, Mind you you have to login to get it. On my computer with Windows 10, it is just a simple 4 digit pin number that I use when I startup my computer.

Norton gave me a PW program with the 360 update. Got VPN and Lifelock as well with it. Can also use it on 5 different systems, used to be only 3.