There are a lot of password managers out there, and each has its own pros and cons for your own use. Many of these password managers operate on their own website in the ‘cloud’, encrypting the password to try to reduce the chances of hackers getting a hold of your password information. Unfortunately, these security breakdowns do happen, as seen as recently as 2023 which affected some of the most popular password managers. But don’t worry, there is an easy option to avoid these risks and increase the security of your personal passwords.
Password Safe is a open-source, free to use Password Manager software that you can run on your computer, or on your phone via an app. You only need to remember one master password to access all your passwords, as it is extremely important to use different passwords for every website, app or account to decrease the chance of your data being breached and sold online. The primary difference when using Password Safe is that it doesn’t have its own cloud to store the encrypted files, and will allow you to place the file where you want, or on a cloud service of your own choosing. This approach provides additional mitigation against your passwords being exposed in data breach of popular password manager tools, and allows you to feel secure in using and accessing your passwords anywhere.
Step by Step Guide to using Password Safe
You’ll find a step by step guide below on how to set this up for yourself on your desktop or your phone, and how I’ve managed my passwords for several years without any security issues.
- Download and install Password Safe on your Windows computer. You can download the software here by clicking on the ‘Download (Windows)’ button.
- Follow the easy setup guide from ‘HowToAnswer’ you can find here, with one small change. When you are choosing where to save the ‘Safe’ file, navigate to your chosen Cloud service (ie. Google Drive, OneDrive, etc) and save the file there. I personally store mine in OneDrive in a folder I’ve named ‘Safe’.
- This will ensure that your ‘Safe’ file, which is already encrypted, is then stored on an additional layer of security within your chosen Cloud service. This will allow you to access the ‘Safe’ from your phone when not at the computer.
- You have now setup your Password Safe software to store your ‘Safe’ file on the cloud, which is encrypted and stored online behind an additional layer of security. Whenever you save changes to your ‘Safe’ file, your cloud software will automatically store the latest version in the cloud.
- Add your passwords as you create them, keeping in mind you only need to remember one password to access your Password Safe ‘Safe’.
- To access your passwords while on the go using your phone, you will need to install the appropriate app for your device.
- If you are using Android, click here to install a popular clone on Google Play that I personally use. This app is freely available and highly rated.
- If you are using an Apple iPhone or iPad, click here to purchase and install a popular clone on the Apple Store. While there is no free option for Apple devices at this time, the app is not a subscription and is a one time purchase.
- Go to your cloud software app on your device, and download your ‘Safe’ file.
- Open the Password Safe clone app you installed, and open the downloaded ‘Safe’ file. You will be prompted to enter your master password, and will then have access to all your passwords on the go.
The Downsides of My Approach
While I personally enjoy this approach, there are some downsides to this password management approach that I wish to be transparent about. Please consider these as you consider your own approach and whether you wish to use Password Safe in the same way.
- There is no ‘auto-fill’ function in your browser or apps that will allow you to quickly login to your favourite websites, apps or accounts. You will need to copy your username and copy your password from Password Safe manually each time to login.
- You will be responsible for management of your own ‘Safe’ file on the cloud, and while this will be more secure, it does require a small amount of extra effort and awareness to setup and manage.
Additional Support and Documentation for Password Safe
- Help for Password Safe (Official Documentation)
- Frequently Asked Questions (Official FAQ)
- Donate to support Password Safe‘s development (PayPal)