KeePass: The best way to securely store your passwords!
When it comes to keeping track of all of our passwords, a password manager is a must-have tool. One of the best options out there is KeePass, which is a free, open-source password manager. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing why I choose to use the client KeePassXC, which is available for both MacOS and Windows, and why I believe it is a great choice for anyone looking for a password manager.
One of the biggest benefits of using KeePass is that it allows you to store all of your passwords locally, rather than in the cloud. This is important to me because I believe that storing passwords locally is more secure. For example, with a service like NordPass, your passwords are stored in their own cloud and are therefore at risk of being leaked. However, when your passwords are stored locally, you have much more control over their security. This is especially important for those who have sensitive information that they need to protect, such as financial or business information. Of course, it is also important to be able to access the passwords quickly in your browser, which is possible with KeePassXC through an extra browser plugin. The passwords can only be filled in in the browser if the database is unlocked.
KeePassXC - an alternative client
KeePassXC is a free and open-source password manager that is an alternative to the traditional KeePass client. One of the main advantages of using KeePassXC is its user-friendly interface, which is designed to be easy to navigate and understand.
The design is much more visually pleasing than the original KeePass and makes it easier to manage your passwords.
Another key benefit of KeePassXC is the regular updates that are released. These updates often include new features and improvements to the software, which means that it is constantly evolving and getting better. This is in contrast to the original KeePass client, which is not updated as frequently.
As a windows and MacOs user I immediately noticed that there is no “normal” KeePass client for native macOS. Of course you can now install the Windows version on Mac via Parallels or wine, but why do that when there is a better alternative anyway. For me, after some research, KeePassXC was the one to go for.
If you are looking for other KeePass clients/apps or want to browse for plugins, I can recommend this GitHub repo.
Where are my passwords stored?
One of the biggest benefits of using KeePass is that it allows you to store all of your passwords locally, rather than in the cloud. This is important to me because I believe that storing passwords locally is more secure. For example, with a service like NordPass, your passwords are stored in their own cloud and are therefore at risk of being leaked. However, when your passwords are stored locally, you have much more control over their security. In my case I store the file on our own SeaFile server, which is hosted from home. This way I can always synchronize my database quickly no matter where I am and no matter what device I use.
When you open KeePass(XC) for the first time, you will be asked to create a new database or add an existing one. Normally the file containing your database is a .kbdx file. What you do with this file/where you store it is up to you. From iCloud to USB sticks that you remove from your computer every time you use them, pretty much anything is possible.
For what is not possible, there is mostly thanks to the gigantic community a suitable plugin. The plugins are listed here on the official website, truly there is a plugin for almost everything you can imagine.
KeePassium for iOS/iPadOS
There are also numerous apps for iPadOS/iOS that are compatible with KeePass. Most of them cost money either once or even as a subscription. But since I was looking for a free alternative, I ended up with KeePassium. Although the app also offers a version for which you have to pay, the free version is completely sufficient for me. In my opinion, the most important disadvantages of this version are that you can only synchronize a maximum of one database and that you can not use QuickAutofill in Safari. However, the normal AutoFill works, so you only need a few clicks more. The paid version costs 14,99€/year or lifetime 59,99€. More details here!
Another great feature of Keepassium is its support for Touch ID and Face ID. This allows you to unlock the app quickly and securely, without having to enter your master password.
In terms of design, Keepassium is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The interface is simple and straightforward, making it easy to find the information you need.
Overall, Keepassium is a great app for anyone who uses KeePass or KeePassXC. It offers a lot of functionality and convenience, and its support for cloud syncing and biometric authentication make it a secure option as well. It is a must-have app for anyone who wants to access their passwords on the go.
In conclusion, KeePass is a great option to store your passwords. KeePass surely is a password manager that offers a lot of security and flexibility. The fact that it’s open-source and free makes it even better. With KeePass and Seafile, I have complete control over my passwords and their storage, which is something that I find very important. The user-friendly interface given in KeePassXC makes it easy to navigate and manage my passwords. I highly recommend giving KeePass a try if you’re in the market for a password manager. It offers the perfect balance of security and convenience, making it a great choice for both personal and business use.
