Today, I cast aside my worry. There is a chance that some may not need this or use it to the extent that I do, but this application is my longest-running favorite application for Mac (it has complimentary iPhone & iPad apps, as well). The application is 1Password for the Mac, by Agile Web Solutions.
There are a handful of other similar applications and the Mac even has built-in functionality with Keychain Access, but I got 1Password a couple of years ago and have never really tested the others out because it fit the bill and has evolved over time. I use 1Password (currently version 3.3.0) for 2 main things: secure passwords & secure data. I continue to use 1Password because of the ease it allows me to use the web, the ability to securely have my information available to me, the continued support that the software developer provides, and the peace of mind that all of these allow.
So, here the gist of it for those who are completely in the dark about what I am talking about. Maybe you have some sort of notebook, spreadsheet, napkin, whatever that you use to keep track of all of those logins, passwords, serial numbers, etc. Perhaps you just kind of use the same two or three moderately complex passwords for passwords every time you register on a web site; or maybe you step that up a little and use slight variations of those two or three standards. You are well aware of the security concerns with regard to your personal data - either you hear about it from work or in the media, or, if you are relatively computer-illiterate, then you have a built-in paranoia about putting anything on your computer, much less the internet. Underlying all of those concerns, just managing the passwords you do have can be frustrating (ie. paging through that notebook for the right one or not being sure if your spreadsheet is current.) Even though sites are able to help you if you forget your password, the process can be just a frustrating (but, for the sake of security, we kind of need it to be, right?)
1Password has helped me tremendously because I can have it create some crazy JEpd&@03jk0z!€{_ type of password for a banking site that I access, whether it be once a month or three times a day. It can create, store, auto-fill, and update the passwords for online sites as I need. Then, in case I am not on my Mac, I can have a secure vault on my iPhone, via the 1Password for iPhone app. Yes, I may have to type crazy password in now and again, but 1) I know it is safe and 2) I always have it available to me (note: even if I don’t have my phone, there are other, more in-depth ways of doing this). 1Password easily integrates itself into Safari and Firefox browsers, so much of my secure browsing and internet use can be done within 1 or 2 clicks
Outside of web browsing, there are numerous ways to use 1Password. I can keep personal data securely in one place. I am not great with remembering numbers, so whether I have bank account numbers that I need to use once in awhile or need my daughter’s social security number for whatever reason, I can have it all - even locked under a couple of passwords, depending on how secure it needs to be. I can keep track of software registration numbers (and even attach receipts to that file), personal notes, a home inventory in case of disaster, securely shop online and more. I just looked over the current web site and there are even more ways that I could leverage 1Password in my daily routines.
Agile Web Solutions has been very good concerning updates, whether they are adding functionality, continually ensuring that the software is as secure as it can be, or making sure the software works in concert with all of the updates to OS X. The updates are quick and simple when they do come, as well.
1Password is $39.95 for a single license / $69.95 for a family license(5 users). There is also a trial version as well. The accompanying iPhone app is currently $9.99.
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