Is a password manager better than an encrypted file for storing passwords?












1















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 this new 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?










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  • maybe this should be on Information Security

    – phuclv
    2 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
    2 hours ago
















1















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 this new 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?










share|improve this question









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
    2 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
    2 hours ago














1












1








1


0






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 this new 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?










share|improve this question









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 this new 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






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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.











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edited 1 hour ago









Blackwood

2,88861728




2,88861728






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asked 2 hours ago









CMBCMB

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CMB is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






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Check out our Code of Conduct.













  • maybe this should be on Information Security

    – phuclv
    2 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
    2 hours ago



















  • maybe this should be on Information Security

    – phuclv
    2 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
    2 hours ago

















maybe this should be on Information Security

– phuclv
2 hours ago





maybe this should be on Information Security

– phuclv
2 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
2 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
2 hours ago










1 Answer
1






active

oldest

votes


















3














Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having shared 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)






share|improve this answer
























  • Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • apt install keepass2

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

    – davidgo
    1 hour ago











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1 Answer
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oldest

votes








1 Answer
1






active

oldest

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active

oldest

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active

oldest

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3














Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having shared 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)






share|improve this answer
























  • Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • apt install keepass2

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

    – davidgo
    1 hour ago
















3














Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having shared 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)






share|improve this answer
























  • Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • apt install keepass2

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

    – davidgo
    1 hour ago














3












3








3







Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having shared 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)






share|improve this answer













Having an encrypted text file with passwords in it is certainly better then having shared 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)







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 2 hours ago









davidgodavidgo

43.2k75290




43.2k75290













  • Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • apt install keepass2

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

    – davidgo
    1 hour ago



















  • Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • apt install keepass2

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

    – davidgo
    2 hours ago











  • Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

    – CMB
    2 hours ago











  • I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

    – davidgo
    1 hour ago

















Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

– CMB
2 hours ago





Yes, I use Mint. I didn't realize Keepass worked on linux.

– CMB
2 hours ago













apt install keepass2

– davidgo
2 hours ago





apt install keepass2

– davidgo
2 hours ago













Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

– davidgo
2 hours ago





Also, you may find kpcli helpful.

– davidgo
2 hours ago













Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

– CMB
2 hours ago





Cool, thanks. Does using keepass make cross-platform a problem? For example, if I want to login from android, is there a way to sync passwords across devices?

– CMB
2 hours ago













I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

– davidgo
1 hour ago





I've not used it on Android yet, but it should work OK if you have a shared system like Dropbox, or even use Webdav or any of a number of mechanisms (included in keepass2Android for example)

– davidgo
1 hour ago










CMB is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










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