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?
security encryption passwords password-management internet-security
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
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asked 6 hours ago
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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?
security encryption passwords password-management internet-security
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 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
6 hours 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?
security encryption passwords password-management internet-security
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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?
security encryption passwords password-management internet-security
security encryption passwords password-management internet-security
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
edited 2 hours ago
Scott
15.6k113890
15.6k113890
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
asked 6 hours ago
CMBCMB
272
272
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 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
6 hours ago
add a comment |
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 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
6 hours ago
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 hours ago
maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 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
6 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
6 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
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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 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
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
4 hours ago
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
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1 Answer
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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 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
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
4 hours ago
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
|
show 3 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 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
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
4 hours ago
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
|
show 3 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 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
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 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
edited 1 hour ago
answered 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
answered 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
answered 6 hours ago
davidgodavidgo
43.3k75291
43.3k75291
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
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
4 hours ago
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
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
4 hours ago
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.
– CMB
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
apt install keepass2
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
Also, you may find kpcli helpful.
– davidgo
6 hours ago
1
1
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
4 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
4 hours ago
1
1
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
Not to mention that a password manager can autogenerate very strong, random passwords, using a variety of algorithms.
– Ian Kemp
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
CMB is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
CMB is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
CMB is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
CMB is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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maybe this should be on Information Security
– phuclv
6 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
6 hours ago