Using Password Safe

The NSBTM Passwords are currently maintained in Password Safe, a password management program which runs on PC, Mac, iPad and Linux platforms. The software is installed locally and the passwords are stored on the local machine, not in the “Cloud” which is safer from hackers. To share the encrypted Password Safe file (.PSAFE3), it is emailed to someone for installation or shared on Dropbox. When passwords are updated or changed a new .PSAFE3 file is sent to anyone who needs it. Even if the .PSAFE3 file is intercepted by someone other than the intended receiver, it cannot be opened in Password Safe unless you know the password for the file. The Password Safe file can also be easily edited to only display the passwords a particular user needs. In addition to usernames and passwords, all the security questions and answers, website URLs, email addresses used and other related information are stored in Password Safe.

Passwords are maintained, updated and distributed by the Web Content Manager if this person is a member of the Executive Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Board Treasurer maintains, updates and distributes Passwords.

  • Install Password Safe from https://pwsafe.org/ or the Apps Stores for Google Play or Apple Apps
  • On Windows computers
    1. Locate where the default .PSAFE3 file is stored on your computer (it will usually be under the My Documents folder in a My Safes folder)
    2. Request the NSBTM Password Safe File from the Web Content Editor (it will be emailed to you)
    3. Do not try to open the file you receive. Save the attachment to your computer and put the file in your “My Safes” folder
    4. The Web Content Editor will send you the NSBTM-yyyy-mm.PSAFE3 Password necessary to open this file in Password Safe.
  • If you are using a Mac, contact the Web Content Editor for assistance after you install the Password Safe software.
  • If you are using an iPad, the NSBTM Password Safe File will have to be put in a shared DropBox folder. Contact the Web Content Editor for assistance.

Who Gets NSBTM Passwords (Word version) 

Guidelines for creating strong passwords:

  • Passwords should be 15 or MORE characters long
  • Never use words that can be found in a common English dictionary
  • Incorporate upper case letters in your password, but never at the beginning of the password
  • Incorporate numbers and symbols (if allowed) in your password, but never at the end of the password
  • Never reuse passwords on the same site, or use the same password in multiple locations

Reference: InfoWorld (12/13/2012)