Computer Security & Privacy

Password Managers

A password manager keeps track of the various passwords you use for different websites. (And the reason to use a different password for each account, is so that if your password at one place is compromised, it does not affect your other accounts.)

• Commonly recommended password managers are Lastpass and 1password.
• Lastpass has a free option, but will only sync passwords across similar device-types (e.g. between computers, or between smartphones), but not between computer and smartphone. Paid plans for Lastpass start at $2/month.
• 1password seems to have a nicer interface, but plans start at $2.99/month.
• The common usage for password managers is as browser plug-ins that can remember passwords, generate new random passwords, and autofill.
• Both Lastpass and 1password have secure notes, which allow you to keep track of answers to security questions, in case you want to generate random responses rather than use the middle school you went to, which anyone can look up.
• Apple’s iCloud Keychain is another option if you have all Apple devices. Here’s a discussion on the differences with third-party password managers.
• Since your email usually allows you to reset passwords, it can be preferable to NOT put your email password into your password manager, and instead to secure your email with another strong passphrase.

Passphrases

Because password managers are secured by a single master passphrase (that unlocks all your passwords), it is recommended that you use a strong passphrase.

• One method is to string together random words, possibly with capitalization and special characters added.
• Rather than use a website for this (who knows if it is truly random or recording the output it gives you), you can use dice and a word list.
• While trying to memorize the passphrase, you might consider having a written copy that you keep somewhere safe.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (commonly 2FA or MFA for multi-factor) means identifying yourself using components from at least two different categories:

• something you know (e.g. a password)

• something you have (e.g. a key or phone)

• something you are (e.g. fingerprints, biometrics) Thus, if someone else has your password, they still can’t access your account without e.g. your phone, too.

• Many large sites (e.g. banks, email) with security concerns have 2FA as an option, but it might need to be turned on. For example, here are the instructions for gmail.

• Common implementations are to send a code by email or text when you log in.

• Some places also support apps or devices that generate rolling codes (e.g. Google Authenticator). These generate rolling codes that rotate regularly, for example, every minute. When synced up with a website during 2FA setup, you can also use the rolling code to authenticate.

• Hardware tokens are also possible, for example Yubikeys. You will want to check compatibility with services. For instance, the basic U2F key will not work as 2FA for Lastpass, and you also need a paid Lastpass plan.

Misc.

• EFF has a browser extension to use encrypted HTTPS when possible.
• EFF also has a browser extension to block ads from tracking you across websites.
• Don’t plug in unknown USB devices to your computer or your USB devices into unknown ports. (e.g. 😱:

As an example, Hypponen said he had recently spoken to a European aircraft maker that said it cleans the cockpits of its planes every week of malware designed for Android phones. The malware spread to the planes only because factory employees were charging their phones with the USB port in the cockpit.

Because the plane runs a different operating system, nothing would befall it. But it would pass the virus on to other devices that plugged into the charger.

• You can use incognito / private mode when browsing to bypass some paywalls (e.g. NYT’s 10-article/month limit)
• OverSight comes recommended by some folks as a way to notify about microphone and camera usage on Macs.