A primary password adds an extra layer of security to protect your stored logins and passwords. When enabled, you'll need to enter this password before accessing any saved login information.
What is a Primary Password?
A primary password is a master password that protects all your stored login information. Think of it as a vault that contains all your other passwords - you need the master key (primary password) to access anything inside.
How It Works
- Encrypts all stored passwords
- Requires entry before accessing logins
- Protects against unauthorized access
- Works across all saved sites
- Provides centralized security
Security Benefits
- Prevents unauthorized password access
- Protects against device theft
- Secures shared computer usage
- Adds encryption to stored data
- Centralizes password protection
Setting Up a Primary Password
Follow these steps to enable and configure your primary password:
Access Password Settings
Open your browser settings and navigate to the Privacy & Security section. Look for the "Logins and Passwords" or "Saved Logins" option.
Enable Primary Password
Find the option to "Use a Primary Password" or "Master Password" and check the box to enable this feature.
Create Your Password
Enter a strong, memorable primary password. This should be different from your other passwords and something you can remember easily.
Confirm and Save
Confirm your primary password and save the settings. Your stored logins are now protected.
Using Your Primary Password
When You'll Need It
- Viewing saved passwords in settings
- Accessing the password manager
- Auto-filling login forms
- Exporting saved passwords
- Managing stored login information
How to Enter It
- Enter when prompted by the browser
- Use the same password each time
- Can be remembered for the session
- Required after browser restart
- Case-sensitive entry
Security Best Practices
Creating a Strong Password
- Use at least 12 characters
- Include uppercase and lowercase letters
- Add numbers and special characters
- Avoid common words or phrases
- Make it memorable but secure
Password Management
- Don't share your primary password
- Store it securely if you need to remember it
- Change it periodically
- Use a password manager for the primary password
- Consider using a passphrase
What Happens When You Enable It
Encryption
All your stored passwords are encrypted using your primary password as the key. This means they cannot be accessed without the correct primary password.
Access Control
Every time you need to access saved passwords, you'll be prompted to enter your primary password first.
Session Management
You can choose to remember the primary password for the current session, so you don't need to enter it repeatedly.
Recovery and Troubleshooting
If You Forget Your Primary Password
- There is no way to recover a forgotten primary password
- You'll need to reset all stored passwords
- Consider using a password manager for the primary password
- Write it down in a secure location
- Use a memorable but secure passphrase
Common Issues
- Password not being accepted - check caps lock
- Session timeout - re-enter the password
- Browser updates - may require re-entry
- Profile corruption - may need to reset
- Sync issues - check sync settings
Advanced Features
Session Management
- Remember password for current session
- Automatic timeout after inactivity
- Manual logout option
- Session persistence across tabs
- Secure session handling
Integration Features
- Works with password manager
- Compatible with sync services
- Supports password export
- Integrates with form filling
- Works across devices
What to Expect
When you enable a primary password, you may notice:
Security Benefits
- Enhanced protection for stored passwords
- Peace of mind about login security
- Protection against unauthorized access
- Centralized password protection
- Encrypted storage of credentials
User Experience
- Additional step when accessing passwords
- May need to enter password more frequently
- Session-based convenience options
- Secure but slightly slower access
- Better overall security posture
Technical Details
Primary password functionality uses advanced encryption to protect your stored login information:
How Encryption Works
- Password Derivation: Your primary password is used to generate encryption keys
- Data Encryption: All stored passwords are encrypted using these keys
- Secure Storage: Encrypted data is stored locally on your device
- Access Control: Decryption only occurs after primary password verification
- Session Management: Keys may be cached in memory for the session
Since Oasis is built on Firefox core technology, primary password functionality may be available in your browser, providing essential security protection for your stored login credentials.
Need Help with Oasis Browser?
Join our Discord community to get support, ask questions, and connect with other Oasis users and the Kahana team.
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About the Author
I'm the CTO of Kahana, bringing a unique perspective from my management consulting experience at Clarkston Consulting and biomedical engineering background from Duke University. I'm focused on making the future of work more ergonomic through innovative technology solutions that prioritize user well-being and productivity.