KeePassXC

Every individual and organization with any concern for security should use a password manager. Particularly for those for whom cost is a concern, the fact that KeePassXC is free makes it an excellent choice. 

KeePassXC is a password manager, designed to hold all of your passwords for the myriad of websites and apps that we all need to use. At one point it was estimated that an average user has over 50 passwords they need to create and manage, which is far too many for any human to remember safely. KeePassXC provides a secure database to hold all these critical passwords, as well as other sensitive information or small attachments you may wish to have access to.

There are several variants of the original KeePass, which was built for the Windows operating system. We recommend KeePassXC, as it can be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. KeePass X has not been frequently updated, and should be avoided.

KeePassXC can be configured to integrate with many web browsers to provide automated filling of password boxes, but it is also very quick to copy-paste from the app itself.

Many commercial password managers, such as LastPass and Dashlane, have automatic cloud-syncing capabilities. KeePassXC does not provide that capability; however, the same goal can be achieved by saving the KeePassXC database in Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, or other cloud storage solutions that integrate with your computer’s operating system. 

Note that KeePassXC does not work on phones. However, the encrypted password database format is a standard supported by a range of other apps through which your passwords can be accessed on your phone. For instance, users can use KeePassXC on their laptops and access the same database saved in Dropbox with the Strongbox app.

Cost

Free, donations to support this project are welcome: https://keepassxc.org/donate/

Technical Requirements/Capacity

KeePassXC is easily downloadable from their website. 

Support Available

As a community open source project, KeePassXC does not have formal support 

Getting Started: https://keepassxc.org/docs/KeePassXC_GettingStarted.html 

Full User Guide: https://keepassxc.org/docs/KeePassXC_UserGuide.html 

Maintenance considerations

The app should be updated as new versions are released. It is a good idea to save a backup version of the database from time to time in case it is corrupted or lost – but be sure you also remember the primary password to unlock it. 

Cybersecurity

KeePassXC, or another password manager, is an indispensable element in everyone’s cybersecurity. KeePassXC is well regarded by other organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which is very focused on cybersecurity.

KeePassXC, like all software, should be updated whenever there are new versions. 

Since all other passwords will be protected behind KeePassXC’s one primary password, it is critical that that one password is particularly good. We recommend four simple words to make a long passphrase.