1. True
2. False

Synchronizing passwords between accounts is actually less secure than having different passwords for each account. Password management software helps you keep track of all those different passwords.

1. personal computing at home
   e-mail
2. the Web

The Web has encouraged the creation of sites that have their own separate user account systems. Trying to remember all those passwords can be challenging, especially for Web sites you don't access often. Password management software helps you save and retrieve all those passwords when you need them.

1. Your passwords are not hidden from view while they're on your screen.
   The password file is as vulnerable to hacker attacks as other files on your computer.
2. Both a and b

Plain text in a document isn't as secure as an encrypted file or database record. Besides the fact that someone could look over your shoulder and read your password file, a hacker who accesses your computer could open the document and read all your passwords.

1. It doesn't do anything to keep saved passwords secure.
   It encrypts the password file in your user account.
2. It saves passwords to the Windows registry.

As of this writing, Microsoft's approach to keeping saved passwords secure is to save them in the Windows registry. The registry keys that store the passwords are protected with Triple DES encryption, which uses your Windows login credentials as part of its cipher.

1. True
2. False

Firefox encrypts and encodes passwords, but actually saves them in a plain text file named signons.txt, signons2.txt or signons3.txt.

1. malware
   dictionary
2. brute force

Malware can be designed to sniff out where the most common Web browsers store saved password information, and then to gather that data and send it over the Internet to a remote hacker. Protect yourself from such malware with a reliable firewall plus up-to-date anti-virus software.

1. someone reading passwords over your shoulder
   malware obtaining your password data
2. a hacker logged in as you on your local computer

If a hacker can log in as you on your own computer, that's the most vulnerable position your password could be in. In most cases, the password management software lets you set a master passkey that adds an additional layer of protection against these local attacks.

1. True
2. False

Aurora has a form-filling feature that works across most major Web browsers. This means you can disable both password saving and form filling in each browser and, instead, let Aurora manage all that data entry. This option means you can take advantage of Aurora's strong encryption when saving your personal information.

1. Lenovo
   Dell
2. HP

Lenovo T-series ThinkPads include a chipset on the motherboard called the Embedded Security System. That chip can encrypt, decrypt and store passwords and other sensitive data. You'll need to run Lenovo's ThinkVantage software in Windows to configure the chip.

1. the password manager in Norton 360 security software
   Aurora's standalone password management application
2. RoboForm, a password management Web app

Because RoboForm is a Web app, you can use it on Windows, Mac and Linux desktop platforms and Apple iOS, Android, Blackberry and Palm mobile platforms. Chances are, as long as you have a Web browser, you can use RoboForm password management software. The other choices here will only work on operating systems in which you can install the software.

1. when you boot the computer
   when you boot the computer or wake it up after it has been idle
2. when you boot the computer, wake it up after it has been idle or step away from the screen long enough for the screen saver to kick in

For optimal security, you should set your computer up so that a password must be entered any time it is booted or wakes from an idle state. In addition, you probably want to lock your screen manually before you step away and choose an idle interval before the screen saver automatically kicks in.

1. You only use computer your when you're at home and you live on your own.
   You only use one computer, but you travel with it a lot.
2. You use multiple computers in different locations running different operating systems.

If you're using multiple computers with different operating systems, you might want to use your password management app in all of them. The most cross-compatible option is to use a Web app that runs in most browsers on a variety of operating systems.

1. You only use your computer when you're at home and you live on your own.
   You only use one computer, but you travel with it a lot.
2. You use multiple computers in different locations running different operating systems.

Staying in one place means you're less likely to lose the paper with your passwords on it, and you'll probably keep it in the same spot by your computer at all times. The only risk in this scenario is someone with malicious intent coming into your home, either at your invitation or by breaking in.

1. worms
   malware
2. spyware

Since password management software tends to save files using the same names or in the same locations on every file system, malware can be easily programmed to find and retrieve the contents of those files.

1. Use reliable and frequently updated anti-virus software.
   Make sure all your saved passwords are different from each other.
2. Encrypt all the files associated with passwords.

Malware is best fought with good anti-virus software that's updated regularly with the latest threats. The other choices can help keep your passwords more secure, but they don't prevent the malware from trying to snag your data.

1. using fake passwords in place of real ones
   using a complex password or strong encryption
2. using counter-hacking software

By using a complex master password or strong encryption for your list of passwords, hackers may give up on your data and move on to an easier target.

1. bionic
   biosecurity
2. biometric

Biometric data is a digital representation of your physical features, which can be used to identify you.

1. True
2. False

To keep your data as safe as possible, you should change your master password every two or three months or any time you think that password has been compromised.

1. having your computer stolen
   malware attacks
2. losing the master password or key

Typically, if you lose or forget your master password for your password management software, you can probably still use your computer and initiate a password recovery procedure. If you add in the hardware-based feature that requires that master password to boot your operating system, you risk being unable to access your entire system if you lose or forget that password.

1. Research the company and the product to determine if it's worth the risk.
   Start using a free trial version.
2. Don't use it in multiple browsers.

When it comes to Web-based password management software, the best way to minimize your risks is to only use products from companies that have a reputation for being trustworthy and dependable.