Secure your saved passwords in Firefox

I don't use this feature of Firefox for passwords, but I know a lot of people do. . .

"One of Firefox's most convenient features is its ability to save the passwords you use to log on to web sites - like your webmail and online banking - so you don't have to type them in every time. Those saved passwords appear as asterisks in the password field, but did you know how easy it is to see what they are? In Firefox, from the Tools menu, choose Options, and in the Passwords tab hit the "View Saved Passwords" button. Then hit "Show Passwords." Yup, there they are, all your high security passwords in plain text and full sight. I kid you not.

Try it. Right now. I'll wait.

Now consider how easy it would be for your Firefox-lovin' housemate to log onto your Gmail, or the computer-sharing temp at the office to get into your checking account. . . Today we'll go over a lesser-known feature in Firefox which secures your saved passwords without requiring you to give up the convenience of those autofilled login details." [From: Lifehacker.
]