Password Safe

Everybody is aware of the recommendations security experts make with respect to a strong, unbreakable password. The issue here, at least for me, is not to create such a password but remembering it.

And when it comes to memorizing a ton of such complex, secure keys associated with the plethora of accounts I own on different platforms, searching for a reliable password manager became a must.

The options here are vast, with a palette of choices, from paid apps to open-source ones. Part of the latter category, Password Safe delivers a secure method to store credentials and other sensitive data in a single place, encrypted and protected.

Focusing more on functionality than looks, the interface of Password Safe might seem a bit outdated considering today’s trends. Even so, the application does its job as promised and allows you to store all your credentials in an encrypted, secure vault.

And not just one, as the application enables you to create multiple databases for different purposes, e.g. one for personal use and one for work. Database files can be transferred on other computers and opened as long as the same version of Password Safe is installed locally. 

As expected, you are required to create a master password for each database, which you will have to remember to access it. The encryption key of each database is closely derived from the master password you choose. Two-factor authentication can be added to Password Safe, since it supports Yubikey's authenticators.

Password Safe can organize all your passwords in groups, which helps you find a password much faster and easier. In turn, each group can include one or multiple entries and each entry stores details about the username and password, the URL, the email address and additional notes.

If you don’t have the inspiration to create a secure password, keep in mind that Password Safe also comes with an embedded generator to help you out. You can configure Password Safe to set a password expiry date and customize the rules for password generating.

Copying the username and password to the clipboard is easily done via the right-click menu in Password Safe, where you can also instruct the application to automatically type in the username and password in the fields you choose. Entries can be edited, renamed, duplicated or exported to plain text or XML format.

Password Safe is an open-source password manager that provides basic functionality for storing passwords. Unlike its competitors, it does not allow you to store other types of information in its secure, encrypted vaults (such as credit card information, flight numbers and so on) and, unfortunately, it does not allow browser integration or cross-device synchronization. Even so, it is a handy tool for less tech-savvy users who need the simplest method to store their passwords securely.