Password Managers

As promised in this post, tools you can use to manage your passwords.

Important: Always keep a current backup of your password database file somewhere safe.

(Just in case your hard drive fails, your computer is lost or stolen, or the file gets corrupted.)

For Everybody (cross-platform)

1. PC Tools Secure Password Generator – This website will let you generate random passwords from your browser. Select the length of the password and requirements (numbers, special characters, and so on). (free)
2. Nic’s Password Generator – this site lets you generate passwords by entering a master password and an easy-to-remember identifier. You can use the web form or download it to run from your computer. (free)
3. pwgen plug-in for Firefox – This plug-in adds a password generating utility to your Firefox toolbar. (free)
4. SplashID – cross-platform password manager and generator. Desktop software for both Mac and Windows, plus a variety of mobile platforms include iPhone and BlackBerry. Can synchronize between devices. (30 day trial, full version: $19.95)

For Windows

1. PC Tools Password Utilities – Windows users can download a version of the generator linked earlier, along with a utility for checking how strong passwords are. (free)
2. Password Safe – generates and securely stores passwords. (free)
3. KeePass – another program to generate and store passwords. It can also be run on Linux and OS X using Mono. (free)

For Mac

1. Keychain – This is Apple’s password management system. You can use it to generate and store passwords. To learn more about using Keychain, check out these articles: The Mac OS X Keychain Service, The Keychain’s Hidden Powers, and Manage Mac OS X Keychain. (included in OS X)
2. Pastor – software to generate and securely store passwords. (donationware)

For Linux

1. MyPasswordSafe – generates and securely stores passwords. For Ubuntu users, the package is already in the repositories, just $ sudo apt-get install mypasswordsafe. (free)
2. pwgen and gpg – for the somewhat nerdier, use pwgen to generate passwords, and save them in a text file encrypted with gpg.