Passwords and passcodes

Murdochcat · 2026-07-14T11:00:24+0100

For the 2nd time in 5 years I’m having to sort out the affairs of a single relative.

Both left wills - so all good there

Neither left any notes of passwords or pass codes - so more very good stuff useless. What a waste of my time and products that could be used in the future.

Wayners · 2026-07-14T11:13:09+0100

I've got a relative to write it all down in a book.
Take chances.
Book is in the dinning room draw.
Whatever...

For those worried.
Start every password with 1.
Don't write that in the book though. That way without knowing every password starts with 1 the information in the book is useless.

fillyboy · 2026-07-14T12:30:35+0100

I always use ********.

ReganAndCarter · 2026-07-14T12:36:22+0100

fillyboy said:
I always use ********.

That's spooky! So do I.

Ivor Windybottom · 2026-07-14T15:57:24+0100

Most websites should have a procedure for executors or relatives to inform them that someone has died. Google the website and the word deceased.

You'll need the death certificate.

I wouldn't want my relatives to leave me their passwords, you might see things you didn't want to know. Other relatives may have a snoop for gossip purposes.

PCs and phones can be securely wiped without knowing their details.

morqthana · 2026-07-14T16:05:22+0100

Wayners said:
I've got a relative to write it all down in a book.
Take chances.
Book is in the dinning room draw.
Whatever...

For those worried.
Start every password with 1.
Don't write that in the book though. That way without knowing every password starts with 1 the information in the book is useless.

Disclaimer - I've never used a password manager, so I cannot comment on how much better that would be.

For ones you need to remember, write them down. Do not write down that you then ROT47 the 'password' to become the actual one you use.

So, for example, 'Pa55w0rd' actually becomes '!2ddH_C5'. Doesn't help with brute-force attacks but it hampers dictionary ones, or guessing.

Or write down reminders that mean something to you but not a stranger. e.g. reg numbers of cars you've owned in the past. Addresses which you (without documenting that you do) turn into What Three Words.

For the "In the event of my death" ones, don't put them in a book - seal the sheet(s) of paper in an envelope, and lodge it with a family member or trusted friend. Or something I've wondered about, but never looked into - if you get an IP68 USB stick, can you freeze it?

Password Strength

xkcd.com

Ivor Windybottom · 2026-07-14T16:27:37+0100

You'll be dead, so definitely won't care.

The world can cope with people dying and not telling someone their passwords.

There are huge risks in writing down passwords. If your trusted relative has a dodgy friend or gets burgled and they take your special passwords list then your bank will definitely not cover your losses when all your money vanishes. If you make it too complex (e.g. the above post), then you may as well not bother, as nobody will work it out.

What would help would be to leave details of any savings, investments etc. Or just ensure you blow it on yourself before you're dead.

morqthana · 2026-07-14T16:55:35+0100

Ivor Windybottom said:
The world can cope with people dying and not telling someone their passwords.

Individuals can't necessarily.

Ivor Windybottom said:
There are huge risks in writing down passwords. If your trusted relative has a dodgy friend or gets burgled and they take your special passwords list then your bank will definitely not cover your losses when all your money vanishes.

I guess it depends on the life you lead, and whether it has dodgy friends in it or not.

Ivor Windybottom said:
If you make it too complex (e.g. the above post), then you may as well not bother, as nobody will work it out.

Nothing I suggested was too complex. And if you read it again you'll see the things I suggested were to help people with their own passwords, not for other people to be able to work them out.

footprints · 2026-07-14T17:06:25+0100

Certainly a potential headache with so much banking and savings done on line these days.
Best to download some paperwork so relations at least know the account exists.

Ihavenojob · 2026-07-14T18:01:00+0100

I use what they tell me to use-astrongpassword

Passwords and passcodes

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