Computer/password security

Rico · July 28, 2010, 11:06:02 AM

Listening to a podcast today got me thinking of the security of my PC. Being out of town I've been a bit more concerned with things like security. Even though my PC is a giant, heavy tower in the apartment, it isn't exactly completely safe and secure. Back home I could count on Kaylee and other things to keep unwanted folks away when we were out. Anyway, I'm wondering what types of security any of you use for your computers, laptops, etc.? I was looking at this USB security key called Iron Key (www.ironkey.com). Seems pretty cool to lock your PC down. I have quite a few passwords for various forums, and other online things too. Thinking of trying Roboform.

So, opinions? Thoughts??

billybob476 · July 28, 2010, 11:12:29 AM

I'm actually listening to Security Now episode 256 all about LastPass as a password manager. Steve Gibson approved!

http://lastpass.com/

http://www.twit.tv/sn256

I don't do much locking down or encryption on my PC itself as I don't really keep very much personal info on there in general.

X · July 28, 2010, 11:29:35 AM

I've seen iron key before, but I thought they were just usb drives

Rico · July 28, 2010, 11:58:25 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on July 28, 2010, 11:12:29 AM
I'm actually listening to Security Now episode 256 all about LastPass as a password manager. Steve Gibson approved!

http://lastpass.com/

http://www.twit.tv/sn256

I don't do much locking down or encryption on my PC itself as I don't really keep very much personal info on there in general.

Thanks Joe, I'll check it out. So, you don't do any type of online banking or access things like that via your home PC? It's really not personal info on the PC that worries me, it's the access the PC has to certain online locations.

On Ironkey, from what I could tell you can set it up to act as a sort of key for your PC. Without it, no access is allowed. I'm not sure if that would still apply if a hard drive was simply pulled out and put into another computer but probably not. I'm guessing it just locks you out from booting Windows up.

billybob476 · July 28, 2010, 12:07:43 PM

Yeah I do banking etc. I don't like using anything to save passwords, I figure that is decent enough. I use memory tricks to remind myself of my passwords.

billybob476 · July 28, 2010, 12:10:58 PM

Oh Security Now did a review of IronKey back in 2008. A little old but Gibson is very thorough.

http://twit.tv/sn135

billybob476 · July 28, 2010, 12:39:59 PM

ALSO (I'm being spammeriffic today)

You may want to look into the Yubikey http://www.yubico.com/home/index/

Rico · July 28, 2010, 12:47:39 PM

Thanks for the suggestions Joe. I'll check into those.

Blackride · July 28, 2010, 02:50:01 PM

Don't use Windows if you want to be secure :) , and this is coming from a Windows user.

Rico · July 28, 2010, 04:20:33 PM

Quote from: Blackride on July 28, 2010, 02:50:01 PM
Don't use Windows if you want to be secure :) , and this is coming from a Windows user.

Well, I don't really agree with that. And I'm not talking about security such as bouncing around on the internet, etc. I've done that for a very long time and haven't had an issue (as long as you take the right precautions). This is more about the physical security of my PC and what is on it.

Blackride · July 29, 2010, 08:31:47 AM

use Cyber-Ark