Using OpenID to access online accounts

We are constantly reminded how important it is to have strong passwords when using online services. We are told to use different passwords for different activities.

But as we create more online accounts, remembering them can be a nightmare. But there are some ways to help. One handy tool is OpenID, which is a means of identifying yourself online.

Essentially OpenID is a very long web link that acts as both your user name and password and can be used on any participating website.

Because the link is long, some providers will also offer you the chance to use a password and user name; which can be easier to remember.

OpenID was created to be freely available so anyone can set up an account for free. The official website, OpenID, has a list of providers, but you may already have a suitable account.

Setting up an OpenID account
To use OpenID you will need an account but you may already have one as most of the big webmail providers include OpenID with their accounts.

These include Microsoft, Google and Yahoo. We are going to explain how to set up a Yahoo OpenID.

If you don’t have a Yahoo account, visit the Yahoo home page. Click on the ‘Sign Up’ link on the right of the page, next to Free Mail: Fill in the information required in the next form and enter the name you want to use for your Yahoo account.

Click on the Check button to make sure it is available. Enter a password and fill in the rest of the form. Click in the box labelled Do you agree? then click on the Create My Account button.

A summary page will appear with your account details and an email will be sent to your alternative address. Open the email and follow the instructions to verify it.

Once you have a Yahoo account, sign in on Yahoo and click on your account name at the right of the page to access the account settings.

Click on Account info at the right of the bar near the top and enter your password if requested. Click on the Edit/Add OpenID link on the right.

The process is automatic and you can now use your Yahoo account to log in to any website that accepts OpenID.

A nice extra from Yahoo is the Sign in Seal. This is a small image that appears to prove that you are signing into a genuine website rather than an impersonation.

It is easy to set up and a useful tool to help avoid phishing attacks. Watch Computeractive's video for a step-by-step guide to setting up a Yahoo ID .