Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Password Storage And Encryption With A Desktop Twist
Posted by Brad Adrian in "SOFTWARE" @ 08:31 AM
A company called Siber Systems has just announced a new Pocket PC application, called RoboForm, aimed at helping people keep their passwords and files safe.
"RoboForm for Pocket PC and Palm lets people carry a 3DES-encrypted copy of their passwords, contacts and notes on PDAs, then use that copy to synchronize their passwords, contacts and notes with other computers that have RoboForm installed. RoboForm for Palm and RoboForm for Pocket PC are small device "siblings" of RoboForm, a Windows desktop-based password manager and form filler that automates logging in to online accounts and filling of online registration and shopping checkout forms.
The thing that makes this password storage tool a little different is its integration with a desktop tool for pre-filling online forms. I have recently really shyed away from anything that can even remotely LOOK like it might install spyware or adware, but the RoboForm Web site claims this application does neither. There is one additional comment from the press release that the Pocket PC bigot in me latched upon:
"Synchronization between the Palm and desktop PC requires just one click, while synchronization between Pocket PC and desktop is completely automatic and requires no clicks at all."
Say what you will about Activesync, at least it doesn't require me to manually initiate synchronization; I can literally grab my Pocket PC and go!
You can download a free 30-day demo or buy the full version of RoboForm for $9.99 from the RoboForm site. If you want the desktop integration, you'll need a license for that version, too, which costs an additional $29.99. The site does mention a free version of the desktop application, but it's really just a crippled version that limits the user to only 10 password "cards." (I don't know about you, but at last count I had over 100 passwords in my e-wallet!)
"RoboForm for Pocket PC and Palm lets people carry a 3DES-encrypted copy of their passwords, contacts and notes on PDAs, then use that copy to synchronize their passwords, contacts and notes with other computers that have RoboForm installed. RoboForm for Palm and RoboForm for Pocket PC are small device "siblings" of RoboForm, a Windows desktop-based password manager and form filler that automates logging in to online accounts and filling of online registration and shopping checkout forms.
The thing that makes this password storage tool a little different is its integration with a desktop tool for pre-filling online forms. I have recently really shyed away from anything that can even remotely LOOK like it might install spyware or adware, but the RoboForm Web site claims this application does neither. There is one additional comment from the press release that the Pocket PC bigot in me latched upon:
"Synchronization between the Palm and desktop PC requires just one click, while synchronization between Pocket PC and desktop is completely automatic and requires no clicks at all."
Say what you will about Activesync, at least it doesn't require me to manually initiate synchronization; I can literally grab my Pocket PC and go!
You can download a free 30-day demo or buy the full version of RoboForm for $9.99 from the RoboForm site. If you want the desktop integration, you'll need a license for that version, too, which costs an additional $29.99. The site does mention a free version of the desktop application, but it's really just a crippled version that limits the user to only 10 password "cards." (I don't know about you, but at last count I had over 100 passwords in my e-wallet!)
