Where are my logins stored?

Revision Information
  • Revision id: 34455
  • Created:
  • Creator: adampeebleswrites
  • Comment: inserted more links
  • Reviewed: No
  • Ready for localization: No
Revision Source
Revision Content

Where are my logins stored?

When you're logging into a website that requires a username and password, the Firefox Password Manager will ask you if you want Firefox to remember your logins and automatically fill them in for your the next time the website. This article describes how to save your usernames and passwords with the Firefox Password Manager and website cookies, the advantages and disadvantages of both methods, the advantages and disadvantages of using a master password, how to delete your usernames and passwords from Firefox and website cookies, what third-party password managers do, and three third-party password managers that are widely used today.

How do I save my logins?

Your logins can be saved and stored in the Firefox Password Manager. The Firefox Password Manager securely stores the usernames and passwords you use to access websites and then automatically fills them in for you the next time you visit. For a general overview of using the Password Manager to save website passwords, see Password manager - Remember, delete and change saved passwords in Firefox.

Your logins can also be saved in website cookies. Website cookies are stored on your computer by websites you visit and contain information like your site username and password. For a general overview of website cookies, see the article, Cookies - Information that websites store on your computer.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of storing logins?

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each method:

The Firefox Password Manager

The advantages of the Firefox Password Manager are that it securely stores your logins you use to access websites and then automatically fills them in for you the next time you visit, so you don't have to manually login again.

Also, the logins you use at a particular website can be read by the website's administrator. If this concerns you, you may wish to use a different password and username at every website with which you register. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to remember every single password and username you've ever used. The Firefox Password Manager can help you by storing your logins on your computer's hard disk, and entering them for you automatically when you visit such sites.

The disadvantage of storing logins with the Firefox Password Manager is that if you use the same simple password for everything you will be more susceptible to identity theft. The Create secure passwords to keep your identity safe article shows you an easy method for creating secure passwords.

Also, even though the Password Manager stores your usernames and passwords on your hard drive in an encrypted format, someone with access to your computer can still see or use them. The Use a Master Password to protect stored logins and passwords article shows you how to prevent this and keep you protected in the event your computer is lost or stolen.

Website Cookies

The advantages of storing logins with website cookies are that, like The Firefox Password Manager, you can use cookies to securely store the logins you use to access websites and then automatically fill in your login information the next time you visit the same websites.

Also, cookies can store a wider range of information, including personally identifiable information, such as your name, home address, e-mail address, or telephone number.

The disadvantage of storing logins with website cookies are that since cookies are transmitted back and forth between a browser and website, someone may be able to intercept your website cookies and gain access to your username and password.

Also, each website cookie has a unique expiration date. This means your login information might be lost after the website cookie expires. Then you will need to re-enter your login information.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a master password?

The advantage of using a master password is that it prevents other users who are sitting at your computer from seeing your list of usernames and passwords you have told Firefox or Thunderbird to save. It takes only fifteen seconds for a prying user sitting at your computer to see the list. The list is shown plain as day. By setting a Master Password, anyone using your profile will be prompted to enter the master password when access to your stored passwords is needed.

The disadvantage of using a master password is that if you have lost or forgotten your master password or you want to disable the feature, you will have to reset the master password. Resetting the master password will remove all stored password information. Upon resetting, you will lose all the stored information in the Password Manager, as this is a built-in security feature to prevent people from simply resetting your Master Password to gain access to your passwords.

Deleting usernames and passwords in Firefox

You can easily manage logins that Firefox has saved for you. The Password manager - Remember, delete and change saved passwords in Firefox article shows you how to delete your usernames and passwords.

Deleting website cookies

You can also manage website cookies that save your logins for you. To delete cookies for one or more websites stored on your computer, see the article, Delete cookies to remove the information websites have stored on your computer.

What do third party password managers do?

Third party password managers are softwares, such as websites and desktop applications that store your logins for you and allow you to access your logins from any browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.). They often provide more features, such as random password creation, password auditing, and security for additional private information (credit card numbers, confidential documents, bank account information, insurance numbers, etc.).

What are some widely used third party password managers?

Here are three third party password managers that can securely store your logins:

RoboForm is the top-rated Password Manager and Web Form Filler that completely automates password entering and form filling. RoboForm was named PC Magazine Editor's Choice, and CNET Download.com's Software of the Year.

LastPass is a free online password manager and Form Filler that makes your web browsing easier and more secure. Also for IE, Safari and Chrome. Your sensitive data is encrypted _locally_ before upload so even LastPass cannot get access to it.

KeePass: Simple and secure password management. Login automatically, never forget another password, stay in control of your passwords and improve their security. Powered by the world-renowned KeePass Password Safe.