How to Store Passwords Safely

Keeping passwords secret is a basic security principle.

But sometimes you do need to share a password; in an emergency, perhaps.

How can you safely prepare for this?

How to Store Passwords

The only way to safely store passwords is with encryption.

But you can also use physical protection. For example, you could put your passwords on a flash drive and lock the drive away.

Wherever you store your passw0rds, make sure only trustworthy people have access.

All of these layers help to keep your data secure.

The Contents Of a Password File

When you store passwords in a file, don’t explicitly write the name of the service next to the password. That way, nobody will know what that password is for.

Use a format that is “future proof” by using a safe file format, rather than a new application that may not be around in few years’ time.

Also, make it easy to keep your file up-to-date once it has been created. Password files are sometimes inconvenient, but you need to find that balance.Keep up with posts like this by subscribing to our RSS feed, or following @WhoIsHosting on Twitter.