Waxingpoetic's System for Password Management

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by waxingpoetic, Nov 27, 2007.

  1. #1
    Hello, all. I thought this might help some of you with all of those passwords and usernames you're trying to keep up with. I have an account almost everywhere on the internet (well, it seems like it sometimes), and this is how I keep up with my passwords.

    - First of all, get yourself a notebook. :D Mine is a distinct yellow spiral, and it's one of those that is about half the size of a standard notebook.

    *NOTE* You could also use a file on your computer if you prefer. I choose not to do this because what if it crashes, you know?

    Now...think about your passwords. Do you have a main one that you use for several things? Do you have a couple others you use when that one won't fit or won't work for some other reason? I think most of us do. Think of at least 8 passwords that you can use for various things online. These days, it's best if passwords contain both letters and numbers

    Here are some examples based on my password list (these aren't and are nothing like mine):
    friedwonton634
    orange1934
    lus1tan1a

    ...and so on.

    - Remember while compiling your list to make them things that you already use, things you can remember easily, etc. Don't use things like the last 4 of your Social Security Number, your birthday, you anniversary, etc. exclusively as your password. It is okay to mix these types of things with random words.

    Got your passwords? Excellent. Now...the key to the system is that these passwords are things you can remember without having to write them down verbaitim.

    - The next step is to code your passwords.

    For example, from the list above, friedwonton634 would be simply: fw It's up to you whether or not you need to use the numbers in the code. Chances are slim that anyone will know what "fw" stands for.

    The next code for orange1934 would be something like: o1

    And so on...

    - I would suggest starting off your notebook by writing all of the websites you frequent the most. Leave 4-5 lines between each one to record pertinent information. Next to the URL, write the username (you can code these as well if you feel the need) you use for the website. Next to your username, write your password code. On the line in your notebook, it would look something like this:

    forums.digitalpoint.com
    waxingpoetic fw634

    - Now, you have 4-5 lines under this information or any other items you need to record. Sometimes I write the specific email address I used for that particular account. I might write a user ID number or some other info that the website gives me that pertains to my account login.

    Coding your information, and having the cypher located only in your own brain is a secure way to keep you passwords written down for easy reference. I've used this system for a few years now with great success.

    I'm sure that it's not completely 100% hacker proof, but what is? However, I do feel it is secure from the majority of people who come across it.

    I hope this helps y'all. Feel free to tear the system apart. This will only help me improve it in the future. Thanks for reading!!!
     
    waxingpoetic, Nov 27, 2007 IP