The first line of defense for securing online notebook privacy requires establishing a formidable master password ideally a strong passphrase. Never use a simple word or digits only predictable code. Instead, generate lengthy four random word combinations allowing maximum encryption bits stumping brute force login attacks. Enable two-step authentication requiring both the robust master passphrase AND email confirmation of new devices attempting to access the account initially.
This stops successful password guessing alone from achieving unauthorized logins remotely. Notification alerts also inform about unknown device connections for swiftly changing credentials in a breach. Some notebooks allow setting security questions or backdoor email reset options if forgetting keys. Remove these recovery shortcuts allowing stealth account takeover requests. Just store the complex main master passphrase in a local offline password manager or write it within another secured offline journal if worried about forgetting.
Manage viewer and editor permissions
Beyond master encryption for the whole private journal notebook, granular visitor controls determine who views or modifies assigned journal sections after logging in. Viewer-level allows reading single permitted entries without altering documents. Editor permissions enable guests to add or revise submissions within delegated notebooks. Uncheck ALL global viewing and editing access besides your exclusive owner role—then explicitly invite specific reader or writer roles only where essential.
Is a private notepad app safe? Shared relationships warrant segmented notebooks isolating open posts apart from entirely personal entries and staying fully private. Dividing shared versus exclusive content into separate journals maintains partitioned visibility. Relationships shift, so continually review sharing assignments. Rescind all access instantly if uncomfortable with past read or write authorization.
Enable two-step authentication
Under account settings, ensure two-step verification requires BOTH entering your master password AND confirming an emailed OTP code when accessing the online journal initially on any unfamiliar device. So even correctly guessing your password on some other computer proves insufficient to log in without possessing the associated email for code verification. This blocks automated brute force attacks trying random master password combinations from remote systems. The dual credentials of something you know (password) plus something you own (email) together certify identity for trusted devices earning access to encrypted confidential journal content by entering both secrets.
Use password sentence mnemonics
The struggle to recall abstract letter numeric, create a memorable long passphrase from random dictionary words strung together nonsensically. Like “CorrectHorseBatteryStaple” is the classic example created by XKCD for easily recollected passphrases. Just avoid common song lyrics or famous movie quotes more prone to computerized guessing through lists.
Ideally, aim for at least four random words minimum. Or craft mnemonic imagery around a shorter trickier sentence. The weirder mental movie running through your brain latching nonsense words easier to replay from memory later beats relying on familiar phrases more easily guessable.
Guard master password offline
Avoid writing down or digitally saving the private journal account master password if possible. But if worrying about forgetting, at least record it offline disconnected from all networks. So somewhere physically secure like concealed index cards hidden in your residence, a disconnected external drive with basic text documents, or old-fashioned pen scribbling in another regular paper journal out of sight. Just keep it offline and securely positioned limiting exposure to visitors given physical home access through guests, significant others, house cleaners or anyone possibly snooping on the residence and discovering secreted stashes. Or memorize instead through mnemonic tricks.
