Password Safe is a free and open-source password manager originally developed by Bruce Schneier, a renowned figure in the field of cryptography. Here’s an overview of what the product does and its key features:
What Password Safe Does
Password Safe is designed to securely manage and store your passwords, providing a robust solution for both personal and organizational use. It encrypts and protects your passwords, ensuring they remain secure even when stored online.
Key Features
Client-Side Encryption
Password Safe employs end-to-end encryption (e2ee) to ensure that your passwords are encrypted on your device before being stored or synced, maintaining their confidentiality even on insecure platforms.
Password Management
The software allows you to create, store, and manage your passwords in a secure database. You can generate highly secure passwords using the built-in password generator, which can be customized to meet specific requirements.
Cross-Device and Cross-Platform Syncing
Password Safe supports syncing your encrypted password databases across different devices and platforms, including Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can store your encrypted files on cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive and access them through compatible apps.
AutoType
The AutoType feature automatically fills in your username and password on web pages or login fields, streamlining the login process.
Import and Export
You can import passwords from various formats, including plain text, XML, and KeePass v1 files, although there may be limitations with newer KeePass formats. Passwords can be exported in several formats, including plain text, XML, and Password Safe’s own PSAFE format.
2-Factor Authentication
Password Safe supports 2-factor authentication, enhancing the security of your password database. On Android, this can be achieved using YubiKey NEO tokens.
Mobile Apps
The Android app, PasswdSafe, and the iOS app, PwSafe, offer additional features such as fingerprint unlocking, password expiration, and secure keyboard input to avoid storing data in the clipboard. These apps also support cloud syncing and other advanced features.
Command-Line Tool
For advanced users, Password Safe includes a command-line tool, providing additional flexibility and automation options.
File Encryption and Security
The software ensures that all files are securely encrypted before they are stored or synced, protecting your data from unauthorized access.
Additional Functionality
- Password Policies and Compliance: While primarily a personal tool, Password Safe’s features can be adapted to enforce strict password policies, though it may not offer the same level of centralized management as some enterprise-focused solutions.
- Offline Access: You can access your password database offline, making it convenient for use in various environments.
In summary, Password Safe is a versatile, secure, and user-friendly password manager that offers robust encryption, cross-platform compatibility, and a range of features to simplify and secure your password management needs.