Is a password manager better than an encrypted file for storing passwords?
For any passwords other than websites I log into regularly (such as Gmail, Facebook, etc.), I use apg to generate a random 20 character password. I then add that password and a username or email address to a text file I keep stored in an encrypted VeraCrypt volume (password for that exists solely in my head).
In light of the Collection #1 breach, I'm planning to go through and change some of my passwords, and I'm wondering about the benefits of using a password manager such as Encryptr or Gnome Keyring. I usually use Mint with Cinnamon.
Is storing passwords in an encrypted file considered adequate for most peoples' needs? Even if it is, are there other benefits to using a password manager?
encryption passwords password-management
migrated from superuser.com 40 mins ago
This question came from our site for computer enthusiasts and power users.
add a comment |
For any passwords other than websites I log into regularly (such as Gmail, Facebook, etc.), I use apg to generate a random 20 character password. I then add that password and a username or email address to a text file I keep stored in an encrypted VeraCrypt volume (password for that exists solely in my head).
In light of the Collection #1 breach, I'm planning to go through and change some of my passwords, and I'm wondering about the benefits of using a password manager such as Encryptr or Gnome Keyring. I usually use Mint with Cinnamon.
Is storing passwords in an encrypted file considered adequate for most peoples' needs? Even if it is, are there other benefits to using a password manager?
encryption passwords password-management
migrated from superuser.com 40 mins ago
This question came from our site for computer enthusiasts and power users.
7
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago
add a comment |
For any passwords other than websites I log into regularly (such as Gmail, Facebook, etc.), I use apg to generate a random 20 character password. I then add that password and a username or email address to a text file I keep stored in an encrypted VeraCrypt volume (password for that exists solely in my head).
In light of the Collection #1 breach, I'm planning to go through and change some of my passwords, and I'm wondering about the benefits of using a password manager such as Encryptr or Gnome Keyring. I usually use Mint with Cinnamon.
Is storing passwords in an encrypted file considered adequate for most peoples' needs? Even if it is, are there other benefits to using a password manager?
encryption passwords password-management
For any passwords other than websites I log into regularly (such as Gmail, Facebook, etc.), I use apg to generate a random 20 character password. I then add that password and a username or email address to a text file I keep stored in an encrypted VeraCrypt volume (password for that exists solely in my head).
In light of the Collection #1 breach, I'm planning to go through and change some of my passwords, and I'm wondering about the benefits of using a password manager such as Encryptr or Gnome Keyring. I usually use Mint with Cinnamon.
Is storing passwords in an encrypted file considered adequate for most peoples' needs? Even if it is, are there other benefits to using a password manager?
encryption passwords password-management
encryption passwords password-management
asked 14 hours ago
CMB
migrated from superuser.com 40 mins ago
This question came from our site for computer enthusiasts and power users.
migrated from superuser.com 40 mins ago
This question came from our site for computer enthusiasts and power users.
7
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago
add a comment |
7
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago
7
7
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having common/reused passwords or an unencrypted file.
A good password manager is, however, incrementally better, in the following ways (off the top of my head)
- Better memory management - it can prevent passwords being left in computer memory which can be snaffled by other processes/users.
- It only exposes the needed password, not all of them.
- (Sometimes) Browser integration makes life easier
- Many eyes - a program designed specifically for password management, and audited, likely has stronger processes in place to ensure good hygene.
- Cross-platform compatibility, arguably easier to merge records and manage in a cloud environment/from multiple locations.
You might want to look at Keepass and other variants, and the kdbx format. (And how well its supported). I use that under Linux (I assume you use linux as you mention APG)
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
|
show 9 more comments
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1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having common/reused passwords or an unencrypted file.
A good password manager is, however, incrementally better, in the following ways (off the top of my head)
- Better memory management - it can prevent passwords being left in computer memory which can be snaffled by other processes/users.
- It only exposes the needed password, not all of them.
- (Sometimes) Browser integration makes life easier
- Many eyes - a program designed specifically for password management, and audited, likely has stronger processes in place to ensure good hygene.
- Cross-platform compatibility, arguably easier to merge records and manage in a cloud environment/from multiple locations.
You might want to look at Keepass and other variants, and the kdbx format. (And how well its supported). I use that under Linux (I assume you use linux as you mention APG)
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
|
show 9 more comments
Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having common/reused passwords or an unencrypted file.
A good password manager is, however, incrementally better, in the following ways (off the top of my head)
- Better memory management - it can prevent passwords being left in computer memory which can be snaffled by other processes/users.
- It only exposes the needed password, not all of them.
- (Sometimes) Browser integration makes life easier
- Many eyes - a program designed specifically for password management, and audited, likely has stronger processes in place to ensure good hygene.
- Cross-platform compatibility, arguably easier to merge records and manage in a cloud environment/from multiple locations.
You might want to look at Keepass and other variants, and the kdbx format. (And how well its supported). I use that under Linux (I assume you use linux as you mention APG)
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
|
show 9 more comments
Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having common/reused passwords or an unencrypted file.
A good password manager is, however, incrementally better, in the following ways (off the top of my head)
- Better memory management - it can prevent passwords being left in computer memory which can be snaffled by other processes/users.
- It only exposes the needed password, not all of them.
- (Sometimes) Browser integration makes life easier
- Many eyes - a program designed specifically for password management, and audited, likely has stronger processes in place to ensure good hygene.
- Cross-platform compatibility, arguably easier to merge records and manage in a cloud environment/from multiple locations.
You might want to look at Keepass and other variants, and the kdbx format. (And how well its supported). I use that under Linux (I assume you use linux as you mention APG)
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having common/reused passwords or an unencrypted file.
A good password manager is, however, incrementally better, in the following ways (off the top of my head)
- Better memory management - it can prevent passwords being left in computer memory which can be snaffled by other processes/users.
- It only exposes the needed password, not all of them.
- (Sometimes) Browser integration makes life easier
- Many eyes - a program designed specifically for password management, and audited, likely has stronger processes in place to ensure good hygene.
- Cross-platform compatibility, arguably easier to merge records and manage in a cloud environment/from multiple locations.
You might want to look at Keepass and other variants, and the kdbx format. (And how well its supported). I use that under Linux (I assume you use linux as you mention APG)
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
answered 14 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
35518
35518
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
|
show 9 more comments
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
7
7
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
With a password manager you can even copy passwords without showing them on the screen, so people around you won't even see that one password.
– Máté Juhász
12 hours ago
4
4
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
10 hours ago
6
6
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
Browser integration does not only make life easier; it's also a great way to avoid phishing. A website can fool a user, but definitely not the browser and an extension. If you try to log into a site and password autocompletion doesn't kick in, it's a red flag!
– Fabio Turati
8 hours ago
3
3
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
My worry with password managers is that they seem a very likely target for a hack. Whereas the secured file stored locally on my machine or usb-drive are not (assumptions on my part).
– Deruijter
3 hours ago
1
1
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
Password manager can provide an automatic close and lock after a certain length of time, if you walk away and forget to close your encrypted text file it is unlikely to close itself.
– user3067860
49 mins ago
|
show 9 more comments
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7
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
14 hours ago
@phuclv Thanks. I couldn't decide where to post this. I didn't know there was a sub site for information security.
– CMB
14 hours ago
Please ping me if this is not a helpful migration. Thanks! (SU ♦)
– studiohack
39 mins ago