Did Firefox save my logins? Did this website save them? How do I control what logins are entered automatically on websites? We'll explain how to store your logins so you can control what happens automatically.

How to tell where your login will be stored

Your logins may be stored in the Firefox Password Manager and in cookies.

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.

When you enter a username and password Firefox hasn't already stored for a website, Firefox's Remember Password prompt will ask if you want Firefox to remember them. When you click Remember Password, the next time you visit the website, Firefox will automatically log you in to the website.

A cookie is a piece of information that a website stores on your computer. Some websites will save your login information on cookies.

When you visit a website and check a box that says something like, "Remember me", the website will save your login information, such as your username and password or just your username, on a cookie. The next time you visit the website, your computer will send your login cookie back to the website, and you'll be logged in automatically or required to enter your password but not your username to log in.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of storing logins?

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each method:

The Firefox Password Manager

Since the logins you use at a particular website can be read by the website's administrator, 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 remembering your different passwords and usernames.

Another advantage of storing your logins with the Firefox Password Manager is that it allows you to easily manage all your logins from one single place. Instead of visiting a different website each and every time you want to manage a different login, you can just manage them from Firefox's browser. With the Firefox Password Manager, you can quickly view and edit your usernames and passwords. For more information, see the article, Password manager - Remember, delete, change and import saved passwords in Firefox.

The disadvantage of storing your 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 Choose a strong password article can show you an easy method for creating secure passwords.

Also, even though the password manager stores your logins 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 can show you how to prevent this and also keeps you protected in the event your computer is lost or stolen.

Website Cookies

The advantage of storing logins with website cookies is that 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 is 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 a 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 15 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. For more information on resetting your master password, see the article, Reset your master password if you've forgotten it.

Deleting usernames and passwords in Firefox

You can easily manage logins that Firefox has saved for you. The Password manager - Remember, delete, change and import 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, Clear cookies and site data in Firefox.

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 completely automates password entering and form filling with one click, which is very efficient for companies and their employees.

1Password works exceptionally well with all browsers and stores more than just passwords, such as credit card numbers, bank information, software licenses, and user id information.

KeePass is free and is available for just about every commonly used computing platform, including mobile devices.