As editor of Here's a problem that faces everyone who spends any time on the Web -- and if you're reading this blog, it applies to you. How do you keep track of all of your Web passwords, while at the same time keeping them secure?
Chicago Tribune Internet critic Steve Johnson writes about the problem on his Web log.
If you’re even a little bit digitally inclined, you’ve got password-protected accounts for at least some of the following: Amazon, eBay, your bank’s Web site, Best Buy.com, BestBuy.com. the Bloglines RSS reader.You’ve got passwords for accessing your office e-mail from home and your home e-mail from the office, your credit card companies, mortgage company, and home equity company. And I could name a dozen more.
Security is a big issue. As he points out, if you keep a list of passwords in a Microsoft Word file labeled “passwords,” you might as well just email them to hackers to save them the trouble. I guess the same applies to using passwords like your dog's name, or your school's mascot.
The column is worth a read because it gives some good tips for picking more secure passwords, and for keeping track as you travel and use different PCs.