Article: Getting started with LastPass password management

[Dos_Box]

You can view the page at http://www.edugeek.net/content.php?r=330-Getting-started-with-LastPass-password-management

[EduTech]

I use this all the time myself, it is very good!! :-) I recommend it to a lot of people... (ZH introduced this to me a few months back)

 

James.

[sonofsanta]

Was recommending this in a thread just the other day. Works brilliantly.

 

Top tips:

1) If forms aren't filling out correctly (e.g. your username is being put in the search box), right click in the username field, go down to the LastPass menu and choose autofill from there.

2) LastPass now works with Google Authenticator for free multi-factor authentication on any smartphone - more info at Google Authenticator « LastPass User Manual

[CHR1S]

Thanks DB, does this not work with Chrome tho?

 

Edit - you have to manually install the plugin (man im lazy today)

Edited November 14, 2011 by CHR1S

[Admiral208]

Sorry of this is a really obvious question/already answered, but if i install this on my machine and use it to generate a password for edugeek for example and then I want to log on to another machine without LastPass, can I still do that or do I need the software?

[sonofsanta]

Sorry of this is a really obvious question/already answered, but if i install this on my machine and use it to generate a password for edugeek for example and then I want to log on to another machine without LastPass, can I still do that or do I need the software?

 

You can always just go to the lastpass.com website and login to access your password vault, so you only need to install the plugin on machines you use regularly.

[Dos_Box]

As long as you have the password (it is just a site password after all) you can use that to login. Go to Start-All Programs-LastPass-My LastPass Vault to show the save passwords list. Highlight Edugeek and click 'Edit' (on the right hand side). Once the pop-up box appears click 'Show (beneath password) to reveal your stored password.

[CHR1S]

It even supports biometrics, I can swipe my finger to log in.... sweet :-)

[pcstru]

So ... a site then stores ALL of my passwords. And this site is as secure as maybe ... Sony, Steam ... err edugeek?

 

I'd love something that makes using stronger passwords easier but I'm a little nervous of putting all the eggs from my golden geese in one basket which I'll then let some anon organisation look after.

[Dos_Box]

It is trustworthy. Even they do not have access to your passwords because they are encrypted on their servers. Only you can see them. You also keep a copy on your local machine should their service become unavailable.

[featured_spectre]

If I have this installed on more than 1 machine will my account transfer the data required to those machines? EG Home PC and Work Laptop (or to that effect)?

[Dos_Box]

Yes it will. I installed it to a laptop this afternoon to check and it worked fine.

[featured_spectre]

Sweet, will get it later then

[Arthur]

And this site is as secure as maybe ... Sony, Steam ... err edugeek?

LastPass is much more secure than all of those websites.

 

As Dos_Box mentioned, your passwords are encrypted and salted locally before they are transferred to their servers. In addition to that, LastPass supports multi-factor authentication systems such as Google Authenticator and YubiKey, you can set auto-logoff timeouts for both the browser extensions and the website (ranging from 5 minutes to 2 weeks, or as soon as your browser is closed), and anyone attempting to login as you from an unrecognized computer would be denied access even if they knew your master password (similar to Steam Guard).

 

I have been using LastPass for several years now and currently have over 500 passwords stored in my account. I feel confident they will remain safe and secure, despite a possible hacking attempt earlier this year. The key is to choose a good master passphrase or password and use the additional security protections LastPass provide.

[acrobson]

I've used KeePass and find it more re-assuring that my data is stored where I choose it to be by me and move it around manually. It too is available on most platforms like Lastpass.Everyone has there favorites though. That's IT for you!

[markcuk]

and why are we suddenly pushing this? did someone leave a laptop lying around with access to the edugeek admin accounts? Just wondering thats all glad its back

[acrobson]

Also, the LastPast Android app charges after a trial period too. Granted it does 'sync' all your accounts to each of your devices. Personally I prefer managing this myself.Just thought I'd mention it before people go and set up their LastPass account and passwords and find they can't access it on their Android platform after 14 days.Good to see Edugeek back though!

[Arthur]

Personally I prefer managing this myself.

When you use numerous web browsers across multiple PCs, the alternatives start to become a major hassle. I originally started with 1Password, switched to KeePass, then RoboForm and finally settled on LastPass because it works with pretty much every operating system, browser and device currently available.

[CHR1S]

and why are we suddenly pushing this? did someone leave a laptop lying around with access to the edugeek admin accounts? Just wondering thats all glad its back

 

I think its a gesture from EG admin for the hassle caused (the free premium accounts that is)

[matt40k]

What's wrong with KeePass?

[plexer]

What's wrong with KeePass?

 

Nobody said anything was wrong with any password storage services.

 

Maybe it should have been titled "Getting started with LastPass password management - other services are available"

 

Ben

[EduTech]

Yeah, I use KeePass for keeping track of passwords for network devices etc. Anything Browse releated I have LastPass installed to handle it. :-)

 

James.

[sonofsanta]

Yeah, I use KeePass for keeping track of passwords for network devices etc. Anything Browse releated I have LastPass installed to handle it. :-)

 

James.

 

+1 to that here - different tools for different jobs. LastPass works well for browsing for one user, i.e. me between home and work, and KeePass works well for storing any passwords to be shared between people, i.e. different logins for work shared between the support team.

 

I imagine EduGeek are recommending LastPass specifically as that tool is better suited to websites. It's by no means the best tool for every situation.

[Rawns]

When you use numerous web browsers across multiple PCs, the alternatives start to become a major hassle. I originally started with 1Password, switched to KeePass, then RoboForm and finally settled on LastPass because it works with pretty much every operating system, browser and device currently available.

 

Looks like a good system and for a $1 a month, not too bad. We use KeePasss in work but limits access locally. I like the idea you can access your logins from anywhere - work, home, phone etc.

[jmak]

I use keepass as a portable app. It runs from the usb key, so gets round the problem of not having access to your passwords away from your main machine without having to trust a website.