The Agile Web Solutions Blog is announcing that popular online password keeper 1Password has a version for the iPhone which is awaiting approval from Apple and then will be added to the App Store “likely by this time next week”. As you know I abandoned my Blackberry a few months back – and the ONLY application that I miss is the built-in password keeper. So news of the upcoming release of 1Password for iPhone is great news. Also interesting is the new security method they will use. Less secure items will be protected by a 4 digit number while more sensitive information can still require the master password

Unlike the Mac version of 1Password, the iPhone/iPod touch application will be constantly closed and opened throughout the day. Not only is the device turned off frequently (i.e. placed in your pocket) but only one application can run at a time so 1Password will be constantly closed and opened as you multitask.

Because of this unique usage pattern we did not want to require a Master Password every time 1Password was opened. Since you will often be accessing “less important” login details like Forum logins, Digg accounts, etc, we use an Access Code to open 1Password. The Access Code is a 4 digit number that allows you to quickly open 1Password without entering your full Master Password. Since the Access Code is short and only contains digits it can be entered very quickly, but as a consequence items protected only by the Access Code are not as secure.

For items that require a higher level of security, such as bank accounts, a real password is needed to keep your data safe and secure. These types of accounts are used less frequently so requiring a full password to be typed when using them will not be a burden.

You can configure each item in 1Password to be protected by your Master Password. In 1Password for Mac this is called a Security Level.

1Password Blog

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