I would like to propose a change to the primary password system. The primary password is important because it protects all passwords saved on Firefox. Here is my main idea:
Make it similar to Thunderbird. In Thunderbird, if you enable the primary password option, you cannot open thunderbird unless you enter the primary password. If you enter the password, Firefox is open for you to use. All passwords can be seen and used without requiring the primary password. After x minutes of inactivity and/or y minutes of normal activity, the primary passwords should be prompted for. I also think both times should be specified by user.
For example: Say I set a primary password “Mozilla” and set 5 minutes of inactivity and/or 1 hr of usual activity. When I first start up Firefox, it will ask me for it, and I am given three times to enter the correct password. If I can't Firefox auto-closes. If I enter “Mozilla” Firefox opens, and I am given full control, I can see all saved passwords and all passwords are autofilled for me without requiring the primary password. But then if I leave the computer for 5 minutes, or I work for an hour I will get a prompt asking for the primary password, when I get this prompt all my windows are hidden from me but are in cache or something. I am again given 3 chances and if I fail Firefox, again, autocloses and if I am successful Firefox just opens all the windows again. Also, if you know you will be in a meeting or something when this prompt comes, you should have an option to enter the primary password early to avoid problems. If you are entering it early, you can get it wrong until your 1hr session ends and the normal prompt appears. Also, if you are entering it early, it won't hide your windows.
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