3 replies to this topic

[JackSpratts]

In five easy clicks anyone can quickly display the secret passwords and website usernames saved with popular browser Firefox, and it's so simple even your gram can do it...and maybe she already has.

There are two ways to accomplish this. One is through "Tools/Options" but the other is a bit more crafty. If a website is displayed, like this one for instance, or Facebook, or Amazon or just about any site where passwords have been autosaved, simply click the site logo at the left of the FireFox toolbar. That opens a menu with a "More Information" bar. Click that to display a page with additional data, including how many times you've visited the site with FireFox since you last cleared your history. Assuming you do clear your history. If not be prepared for a very big number.

Meanwhile among the menu selections is "View Saved Passwords" and now you're getting to the heart of the matter. After clicking "Show Passwords" select "Yes" and FireFox obligingly displays all the ones saved on that computer, including, if there are any, the passwords for users other than yourself, without being logged in to those sites. Why FireFox would allow this is uncertain, maybe it's just how they roll.

So if you'd like to read your brother's email or see what he's been up to at those social sites like Reddit he seems to spend his life on, well, you can do that and more. Like assume his online identities. In stealth, from other computers besides the one in the family room. Because when you have his passwords you can make his life a living hell from wherever you like. How fun is that?

Now I trust that you being sophisticated and all are not saving your passwords on a box others might have the briefest access to but still, forewarned is forearmed. Which means if you'd like to keep the power to sink your online life out of the hands of friends, family and other passing ships, it may be time to select an alternate mode of transportation, or rethink the whole saved passwords thing entirely.

- Jack Spratts

[Angerboy]

I never let my Browsers control passwords...I check so I'm safe.

[rastaX]

Click "Use a Master Password" and you will need to enter the master PW before any saved Passwords will be displayed. Or enter the MPW before any passwords will be filled in or saved.

[Calyxa]

I always use a master password. I like autosave but it can be a biach too b/c not entering your passwords means you also are likely to forget them. This is a v. good tip however esp to those who were unaware. Thanks Jack!