Virtual Key Ring
 

I keep a spreadsheet with a list of account logins and passwords for all the web sites I frequent. Much of the time I can’t remember any login information. And even if I could, why make life any more complicated? Dozens of sites from banks to credit cards to utilities, mortgage lenders, to email, Paypal, eBay, newsletters, discussion forums, and on and on all require this information. This is the method I’m most comfortable with for safe keeping my online personal information.

Never show actual passwords in your list. Always use a hint or synonym that only you would know for the passwords themselves. This way even if someone obtains your list they won’t have the actual access information. Always use lowercase if possible to minimize confusion.

With most sites you’ll need an email address (handy if you forget your username or password), login ID or username, and password to login. Maintain your list with a spreadsheet like Excel, and keep a printout of the list with your files and ledger. Update the account information as soon as you change any information with any of the sites.

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