Mitto

**__ Introduction __**

Mitto is a free web 2.0 application for securely managing multiple user names and passwords. The name comes from a Latin word meaning “to allow to enter.” Most people have several, frequently used websites that require secure access. Good passwords are complicated, containing several characters, multiple character types, upper and lower case letters (1). This passwords are difficult to remember. Studies show that most people use one of two approaches to keep track of all their user names and passwords: 1) the sticky note method - you write the information in a place that you, and unfortunately others, can easily find it, or (2) the common password method - you use the same security information for every site. Both of these methods leave your confidential information, and possibly the website vulnerable.

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**__ Background __** Password manager programs are software applications that allow you to store your passwords and user names in a secure fashion. These applications generally fall into one of three catagories;  · personal computer- typically this is purchased software that stores password information on your personal or business computer’s hard drive  · mobile – typically this is purchased software that you use to store your password information on a portable device, such as a cell phone, flash drive, MP3 player or PDA. This allows you to access your security information from computers, other than your personal one.  · Internet based – Allows you to store your password information in a company’s server, thus allowing retrieval from any computer with Internet access. Many of these, like mitto are free, some are open source.

The big questions has to do with security. It's one thing to have your passwords all in one place on your desktop computer, and a whole other thing to send them off to a server you know nothing about. The strength of the security lies in the encryption algorithm the company selects (2).

**__ Features __** Mitto has two ways to access common websites, the first, called the one-click method allows you to store the username and password on the mitto server. Once you’ve logged into mitto, you can click on that website's tab and you’re instantly in and ready to navigate the site. Several sites, like facebook and google docs don’t support this feature. The second method is to use a mitto “bookmarklet.” With this approach, you go into the website, and once you reach the sign-in page, you activate the bookmarklet from your bookmark navigation bar and it will automatically fill the information needed to log in. This is a video explaining the mitto bookmarklet feature:

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Mitto claims to use encryption algorithms that won't even allow them to see your secure information. According to the company, along with network and online security, they also make sure that physical security is strong enough to repeal any potential identity thief looking to break into our secure password storage. All information is stored on the company's servers at a secure data center (SAS 70 Type II Certified) that is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by security cameras and personnel constantly watching over the facility to protect it from any malfeasance. In addition, all servers are stored in locked and inventoried racks with controlled access.

**__ Other Options __** Several proprietary software programs are available, primarily for use on personal or business computers. A review of the highest rated packages is available at TopTenREVIEWS. Another options is a free, open source program call KeePass. **__ References __** 1. Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 112 "Passwords" 1985 MAY 30,[]

=**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2. Protecting Privacy: Make the Data 'Fade Away' Like Footsteps in the Sand, July 10, 2010, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609094659.htm ** =

<span style="line-height: 19pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">**__ External links __** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[|mitto] Mitto web site <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[|web 2.0] Website explaination of Web 2.0 <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[|Password manager] Wikipedia entry discussing password managers <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[|TopTenREVIEWS] A review of proprietary software for password management <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;">[|KeePass]

**__About the Author__**

Tod Aeby is a masters student in educational technology at the University of Hawaii, Manoa campus.