How to Use KeePassXC to Secure Your Passwords
KeePassXC belongs to the KeePass family of powerful free and open source password managers. The original KeePass is available for Windows, but KeePassXC works seamlessly across all operating systems. Each version has some security measures that many password managers lack.
The interface may be a bit dated, but as such a long-standing and reliable tool, KeePassXC can contribute a lot to your security. Here’s how to make the most of it.
What Is KeePassXC?
KeePassXC is a free and open source password manager. A community of developers forked the application from KeePassX, a Linux adaptation of theKeePass password manager available for Windows. KeePassXC works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a cross-platform solution for password management. Each version of KeePassrelies on the AES encryption algorithmto encrypt a secure database that stores passwords and other confidential information.
The application also supports multiple credential types, such as usernames, passwords, URLs, and notes. It includes a password generator for creating strong passwords. Users can also import and export data in various formats.
How to Install KeePassXC
You can install KeePassXC on all desktop operating systems. You can also install KeePassXC as a browser add-on, or you can use a mobile version on Android phones.
Installing KeePassXC for Linux
You candownload KeePassXC from Flathub. This method will work across most versions of Linux.
KeePassXC is also available in the package repositories of almost every Linux distribution. you could choose the appropriate command for your distribution to install.
On Debian-based distributions:
On RPM-based distributions:
On Fedora distributions:
On Arch Linux distributions:
If you encounter any errors when entering the appropriate command for the GNU/Linux distribution you are using, you can attempt to download the latest version manually by browsingKeePassXC’s official download page. If there is no problem, you can run KeePassXC after the installation process is completed. You can open KeePassXC as you would any other app, including from the command line.
You should now see KeePassXC’s welcome screen.
How KeePassXC Works
There are multiple options on the welcome screen. After installation, KeePassXC does not have a database, so you need to create one. This is where all of your passwords will go.
If you are not a KeePassXC user, proceed by selecting theCreate new databaseoption to create a new database and give your database a name.
Then you will see a page about the encryption algorithm of the database. The value specified here as the decryption time is about how much computational load you want the algorithm to impose. This way, you make it even more difficult for an attacker to try every possible way to open the database. Of course, you’re able to keep the value suggested by KeePassXC or assign a higher value. Doing so will extend your database decryption time. If you want to choose which algorithms you want to use technically, you can access these settings with theAdvanced Settingsbutton.
You will have to make decisions regarding the security of your database on the next page. The most basic of these is to set a password. As always, you need tocreate a strong password.
You can also take advantage of the advanced capabilities to protect KeePassXC’s database. If you click on theAdd additional protectionoption, you will see an area where you can upload a key file.
After completing the database operations, KeePassXC’s main screen will appear. To add a new password to this blank screen, you’re able to click the plus icon on the top bar to open the interface required to add a new password.
After filling in the required fields, you’re able to save your password. KeePassXC has a generator in the password generation area. Instead of using this, you can select thePassword Generatortab from the Tools section of the menu bar, open the page required to generate a random password, copy the password you created, and enter the password section. Thus, you can make the password you create even stronger.
You can now copy and edit the required details of your saved passwords by clicking on them. Every time you close KeePassXC or lock the database, you will need to decrypt it again with the values you set during installation.
Installing KeePassXC for Windows and macOS
KeePassXC has the same setup process for all operating systems, so you can follow the same steps for both Windows and macOS devices. All you have to do is go to KeePassXC’s official site and download the installation file for the operating system you want from there.
KeePassXC Browser Firefox Add-On
With the KeePassXC-Browser plugin, it is possible to use your KeePassXC passwords in your browser. For this, you need to install theKeePassXC-Browser add-onfor Firefox.
For the add-on to access the KeePassXC database, theBrowser Integrationoption must be enabled within KeePassXC. For this, you need to open KeePassXC, clickSettingsin theToolstab, go to theBrowser Integrationtab, select theEnable KeePassXC browser integrationoption at the top, and then tick the browser you are using among the listed browsers.
After making this setting, request the KeePassXC browser plug-in to connect to the database and give this connection a name. Then, if you have entered the URLs of the pages in your database where the passwords you entered will be used, the plugin will automatically offer you to fill in the login information on these web pages.
However, there is one small thing to note here. If you installed KeePassXC from a different source than your distribution’s repository, you may need to run a script to establish communication with the browser plug-in. See the KeePassXC download page for this. The browser plugin may also refuse to work with an older version.
KeePassXC for Android: KeePassDX
You can use KeePassDX to access the passwords you generate with KeePassXC on your Android device. You can find this app inF-Droidand onGoogle Play.
To reuse your existing passwords, select the database you created earlier by using theOpen existing databaseoption.
You can access your passwords in your database after entering the password you set for your database and other security information, if any.
After entering all the information, your database will open and you will be able to access your passwords.
Besides, you can create a new database from scratch using KeePassDX.
Password Management and Storage Applications
Password management and storage apps are tools that help you create, securely store, and easily access strong passwords for your online accounts. These apps don’t require you to remember your passwords or write them down, making them more secure. They are also encrypted with serious encryption protocols and cryptographic methods.
Among desktop-based password managers, KeePass is a tried-and-true program you can trust.
What is the best password manager app for your computer, smartphone, or tablet? Let’s find out…
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