If you're anything like me, you've given up trying to remember the password for every site you visit and have instead come to rely on Firefox's integrated password manager. While the password manager is ridiculously convenient, have you realized that anyone with access to your computer can easily see your passwords?
Just fire up Firefox and click on the "Tools > Options" menu item. Now go to the "Privacy" tab and click on the "Passwords" subtab. (See Figure 1)
Figure 1: Firefox's Password Manager Tab
If you click on the "View Saved Passwords" button then click on the "Show Passwords" button after that, Firefox will display all your passwords! Not a good thing, huh? Let's fix that ASAP. Close that window and return to the Options window you opened a few seconds ago. Click on the "Change Master Password" button. (See Figure 2)
Figure 2: Setting a Master Password in Firefox
Just enter your desired password, preferably something strong - random numbers and letters, and make sure it's something you'll remember without having to write it down (that's not usually safe 
). Click "OK." Although you don't have to, I would recommend restarting Firefox. Now you must enter the master password before you can view that list of passwords. Also, Firefox will ask for your master password before automatically entering your passwords on websites. (See Figure 3)
Figure 3: Firefox Asking for Your Master Password
Now your passwords are a lot safer from casual snoopers. Even if your computer is only used by you, its still be a good idea to add this little bit of protection to your passwords.
Enjoy! And take a look at my forums at www.pentapenguin.com!
abracadabra