Every day we use passwords for the most diverse purposes: applications, web pages, mail services … If we want to create a secure password, it is best to create one specifically for each service. However, they are so many and so varied that many times we can forget them and waste time trying to retrieve them or, in the worst case, we block our access by mistakenly entering it. People make mistakes so let’s see what computer programs can help us simplify our lives
Although you can always have your passwords written in a notebook, these tools are very useful to solve some problems that we face on a daily basis since they go beyond the mere list. On the one hand, they keep all the passwords we use, even those of those websites that we visit infrequently. On the other hand, they usually offer the possibility of generating your own keys, which improves our security because they are usually more complex than those created by an average user.
The offer of programs of this type is wide and varied including models of payment, membership or free. Today we are going to focus on those that are characterized by being free and open source. Both qualities are always well received by users.
KeePass, best OpenSource password manager
The most popular password manager is KeePass since its first version dates back to Windows XP and is updated to Windows 10. It also has versions for MacOS X and Linux, which increases its share of users. All this means that its updates are frequent and that its user community uses the forum regularly.
The installation is very simple and the interface is very clear and intuitive. Among its features, we highlight its strong security -supports advanced encryption standards-, its portability -no need to install it on the PC- and the possibility of exporting and importing your passwords in various formats.
You can download it here
Bitwarden, to synchronize passwords between devices
This second option allows you to synchronize all your devices, which is very useful if you manage the PC, mobile or tablet equally. Like KeePass, it can be used on Windows, MacOs and Linux. You can even integrate it into your usual browser since it has support for the most popular ones, from Chrome to Brave.
Also, in case you want to access your passwords from the device of a friend or another one of occasional use, you can resort to their “web vault” which can save you on many occasions.
You can get more information here
JPasswords, classic but functional key manager
This manager allows you to encrypt up to 255 passwords and protect them with a secret key that is randomly generated using the Twofish CBC algorithm . It also allows you to make backup copies and export and import data from CSV files.
The only drawback of the program is that it has not been updated since 2018 and its user community is not very active.
If you are interested, you can get it here
Password Safe, a simple alternative
In the line of the previous manager, we show you Password safe, whose greatest advantage is its simplicity and portability. This manager will allow you to easily and simply create a list of user / password pairs that you will access through a master password. Also, it can be used in most European languages besides Turkish and Chinese
Contrary to what happened with Jpassword, its last update dates from April 2020 and its user community is quite active in a forum that has more than 2000 conversation threads.
Download it here
Passbolt, the password manager to have in your cloud
This Luxembourgish manager is very interesting if you are part of a work team since it allows you to opt for self- hosting so it will keep your passwords on your system. If you do not want it, you can choose to store your keys in the cloud. You can export and import your data using various kinds of files (csv., Xls. Or kdbx) and you can also integrate it in your usual internet search engine.
In addition, it has a very active user community which will be very useful when you have a question
Visit their website for more information.
Psono, the alternative designed for companies
Specially dedicated to companies and workgroups, it offers the possibility of creating very strong passwords thanks to the encryption Curve25519 and Salsa 20. This company does not use the usual RSA and AES as it understands them slower and more complex when implementing them. Like the previous option, it allows self-hosting without giving up remote storage, even without internet access.
Its installation is not as simple as in the previous cases but it is a very good option if you want to learn how these types of managers work and become an advanced user.
For additional information, click here
Teampass, to share keys with colleagues
This French website dedicated to collaborative work groups and is characterized by its high degree of adaptation to user needs. It allows each one to define the access rights to the created passwords; Create an encrypted file that stores common keys and allows each team member to use Teampass for their own keys in complete privacy. In addition, it allows the export of all your data to be used in a location that does not have an internet connection.
Visit their website if you want more information