![]() ![]() Using KeePassXC gives you complete control over your passwords by storing everything in a secure local file instead of on a remote server, which for many users is preferable given the prevalence of data breaches. KeePassXC is more difficult to use than commercial alternatives like 1Password (opens in new tab) and LastPass (opens in new tab), but it’s not targeted at the casual user. We’d still recommend the native KeePassXC client over KeePass if you primarily work on Linux, as it integrates more cleanly with the operating system. KeePass offers more options and control than KeePassXC, particularly on Windows, so if you plan to use Windows more often, we suggest you check it out. ![]() (Image credit: KeePassXC) The competitionĭevelopment of KeePassXC began because KeePass (opens in new tab) was only available for Windows, but now that KeePass is installable on other desktop platforms using Mono, KeePass is a legitimate choice for those who need a cross-platform password manager. Lastly, the program could be a little more robust by offering different categories of entries such as Credit Card numbers and software license information, both of which have fields not necessarily applicable to logins and passwords.KeePassXC is free for personal and commercial use, but you can support the developers through Patreon. The Settings are a little sparse- for example, it would be nice to be able to make the username visible in the Entry list. Safari or FireFox integration would be nice, but since it’s open source maybe someone much smarter than I am will create a plugin. While the main screen has a “ New Entry” button, a “New Group” button would be nice also. While I have not experienced any crashes after a couple days of use, stability is something I consider of paramount importance for a program that handles such sensitive information. First of all it’s still in beta (version 0.4.0 as of this writing). There are some issues I have with KeePassX. Other nice features of KeePassX are cross-platform database formats and my personal favorite- the ability to use a key file to unlock the database. So if you wanted you could only unlock your database by inserting a USB stick containing the key file. Even 128-bit encryption like that used by 1Password would take millions of years to crack via brute-force, so you’ve really got nothing to worry about on that front. KeePassX’s databases are stored locally and protected by 256-bit AES or Twofish encryption. Passwords and usernames are blocked out with asterisks, which you can view by opening the entry. I’m partial to the 3-column layout of Apple’s Address Book and the various Apple Mail plugins that do the same thing, but that’s a minor issue. The main window of KeyPassX is simple and intuitive- 3 different panes containing the list of password groups, the list of passwords within the active group, and a sort of “card” showing the basic information for each password entry. While not as polished as the commercial alternatives like 1Password, KeePassX is no less functional and comes without the rather hefty $39.95 price tag. ![]() Well in a word, “no,” but we can come close. Password management applications offer a compromise between convenience and security by storing an encrypted database of your usernames and passwords behind one master password.Įnter KeePassX, a cross-platform password manager based on the old Windows Keepass Password Safe. If you’re like me, you cheat a little. You probably use your e-mail address as a username whenever you can (or recycle the same username), re-use the same password depending on the sensitivity of whatever you’re logging into, and save certain passwords on the sites you visit frequently. Let’s not kid ourselves- we know in the back of our minds that this isn’t the best way to do it, but everybody does it anyways. But is there a better way? Can we keep our really sensitive information safe with the same kind of convenience given by saved passwords, recycled usernames, and re-used passwords?
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