Passwords are a pain. Personally I keep track of dozens, from network signons to admin accounts to websites. Even a razor-sharp brain won't cut it, and mine definitely has a few dull edges. Instead, I rely on Password Safe.

Password Safe is an open source project that allows users to keep all their passwords in one place, securely encrypted with a single safe combination. It uses the Twofish cipher and was created in part by security maven Bruce Schneier.




Of course the whole thing falls apart if you encrypt the database with a stupid password like "ELVIS". Forget password, think passphrase, the more memorable but more obtuse, the better. And please, please don't come up with a clever passphrase and then stick it to the monitor with a Post-It note!

Password Safe is primarily Windows based but you'll find a host of related projects for a wide variety of operating systems here. And the Windows version works fine with Wine -- all except for the virtual keyboard, which I never use anyway!