3 Secure Ways to Store Your Passwords

If you’re anything like me, you probably have all your passwords jammed into a text file or stored in your browser somewhere for easy retrieval when you need them.  While convenient, you may want to consider more secure ways to store your passwords to prevent your account(s) from being hacked.

The following applications and services are free, easy to use, and absolutely capable of protecting your sensitive data from peering eyes.

KeePassX

KeePassX is perhaps the most popular method of storing passwords and is an open-source application available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.  It can store a variety of usernames, passwords, URLs and more in a single, encrypted database. Being compatible across multiple platforms, the database can be easily exported, moved, and imported into KeePassX on other computers.

Password Dragon

You may consider Password Dragon a lightweight version of KeePassX. Also open-source and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, Password Dragon stores all of your passwords in an BlowfishJ-encrypted database that you can access with a master password.  You can also bypass the GUI and access your passwords via command line.

PassPack

You may be a bit weary of the concept of storing passwords online, but this can be an excellent option for those that need to be able to access data from any location, on any device.  PassPack offers both free and professional accounts for individuals or businesses, and allows you to securely share your passwords with anyone you wish.  For the security-conscious, PassPack provides disposable logins for use on public computers and two-factor authentication with a virtual keyboard to deter keystroke-logging programs.

So now that you know that there are free applications out there dedicated to providing you with an easy, secure method of storing your passwords, stop using Notepad and put your Post-its away!