Tips on Keeping Passwords Safe yet Accessible
Keep your usernames, passwords and other access info safe yet accessible
Tip #1: Create a password-protected Word document
Based on my research and discussions with experts in the field, this is a very secure method - as secure as any app, because it is password protected and because it is an integral part of a well-establish and well-documented software package, Microsoft Office.
No system is 100% forever secure, but this method is as strong as your password is.
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BUT YOU CANNOT LOSE OR FORGET THE PASSWORD THAT YOU CHOOSE FOR THIS DOCUMENT! SAME GOES FOR ANY APP THAT YOU PURCHASE FOR PASSWORD PROTECTION. BUT AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER THIS ONE PASSWORD, YOU ARE SET FOR LIFE. MAKE IT A GOOD ONE (AT LEAST 12 CHARACTERS LONG) AND MEMORABLE
Step 1: open a Word document - this will be where you keep your usernames and passwords
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Step 2: type a few words in it (title, website address for one of your apps, whatever)
The next steps will differ, depending on which version of Word you are using (on a PC, on a Mac, 2013, 2016)
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Step 3: on the Word menu, click Word (far left side of menu), and then click Preferences
Step 4: in the Personal Settings section, click Security
Step 5: in the Password to Open dialog box, type the password you will use to open the document, then click OK
Step 6: in the Confirm Password dialog box, type your password again, and then click OK
Step 7: Click Save
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To Remove Password Protection from your document:
If you ever want to change your password or turn off the password protection for this document:
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Step A: Open Preferences again via the same steps 1-4 above.
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Step b: In the Password to Open dialog box, highlight the entire contents in that dialog box and then:
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To change the password, type a new password. When asked to Confirm Password, type the new password again, and then click OK, and then Save.
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To turn off password protection, hit delete to remove the contents.
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For a Video Tutorial on this, click here
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Tip #2: download a reputable password protection app
Apps for keeping passwords private, secure, and yet accessible are popular.
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To find a reputable app, consider reading reviews on the app download page or these other reputable tech review sites:
Tip #3 (last resort) Use "Forgot my Password"
This is for when you are without any password notes or lists and just NEED to get into the website you are on (Facebook, Twitter, Canvas, whatever)
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Go here for some step-by-steps instructions
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