Remembering Master Password

alanho

I know that only I'm the only one who knows the Master Password that I've set. I'm worried that I may wake up one day and forget it or forget some of the password.

Do you have similar worries and what have you done to mitigate this risk of potentially forgetting the Master Password? I'm looking for sensible (and secure) ideas. Thanks in advance.

Stephen_C

There is an excellent AgileBits blog post called "Towards Better Master Passwords" which I think you'll find very helpful in answering your question.

Stephen

alanho

Thanks Stephen, I've read that post before - it's more about choosing a good Master Password which is a good start, but I'm more focused about after you've chosen a good password, how do you prevent yourself from forgetting it and if you do forget it, what system do you have in place to re-call the password.

littlebobbytables

Personally I'd say the only real tip I can give you @alanho‌ is repetition. Use it daily (repeatedly) and you will hammer it in but you're correct, it is tricky. A hint has to guide you to remember a complex password without giving anything away to others - not an easy task at all.

It isn't quite aimed at your situation but the The 1Password Emergency Kit might prove useful. It was aimed at being stored somewhere safe e.g. with a will but if that is something you can access then may it can be adapted to a backup plan. I do mean somewhere safe though, if anybody could obtain this document then it's no better than leaving your password on a post-it note.

alanho

Thanks @littlebobbytables‌, I've previously read an older version of the Emergency Kit. It's a good idea, but not sure how safe it is storing the passwords in plain written form. However, I'll think more about this suggestion as it's the best one so far.

There may not be a right or best answer to my question, just trying to get as many suggestions as I can from those who may have a back-up strategy already.

[Deleted User]

There isn't that much you can do if you can't recall the password yourself. Either you choose to keep it in your memory or you create a copy on paper (hide it in a book or somewhere else) or on an electronic device (the mentioned emergency kit is an example). The only other thing you can do is to set up a password that serves your memory better, for example by using mnemonic devices instead of random Diceware words or numbers/letters.

Megan

Hi @alanho,

The idea with the 1Password Emergency Kit is that this document will be stored in a safety deposit box or another secure location. Of course it's not as secure as having the data digitally encrypted inside 1Password, however, if your loved ones don't already use 1Password having a solution in place like the Emergency Kit can ensure that they have the access they need to your data if anything were to happen.

Other than that, @Eitot has said it really well: create a password that is simple for you to remember. We all learn and remember differently, so choose the advice from the Towards Better Master Passwords article that best fits your memory. And, if you are really concerned about forgetting it one day, you might consider writing it down and storing it in a secure location.

Plato

I'm a believer in safety deposit boxes. There's nothing wrong with applying a non-technical solution to a technical problem.

rickfillion

I like @Plato's solution. Use a solution you trust in the real world to help you in the computer world.

alanho

All very good suggestions... thanks everyone!

littlebobbytables

@alanho‌

Glad we could offer some ideas and good luck with whatever you end up doing (as long as it's secure!).