KeePass Password Safe 2.58 / 1.43 Classic Edition

Overview

KeePass Password Safe is an open-source password management application that helps you keep track of all of your passwords. By giving you the ability to store all of your passwords within an encrypted file that is secured by a master key this software takes the hassle out of remembering and protecting multiple login credentials for e-mail accounts, websites, social networking sites, and online banking interfaces.

Installation

This nifty utility comes in an extremely compact package of only about 1.5 MB, giving it a lightning quick download time. Furthermore, KeePass is available in a portable version that requires no installation, so it can be loaded onto a USB disk and quickly used on any computer. Alternatively, you can utilize one of the available installer packages to set up the program so that it is accessible within the Windows Start menu, although this will consume slightly more disk space. Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, and 8.

Interface

The user interface has a well-organized layout that is easy to get used to, with a left navigational pane that displays expandable lists of various types of password groups (i.e. – Windows, Network, Internet, E-Mail, and Home Banking). You can also create your own custom password groups – a feature that is particularly useful if you're trying to manage the passwords of several users on one computer. After you've selected a password group, all of the login credentials/profiles within that group will be displayed within the large frame on the right side of the main window. You can quickly edit, manage, and view usernames and passwords by right-clicking a password title.

Pros

• Utilizes the latest Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) methods to encrypt password databases. In addition, the entire profile is encrypted, including the username and any associated notes.

• Provides advanced protection against common hacking attacks by routinely transforming the final master key to prevent malicious software from accessing passwords

• Security-enhanced password edit controls provide unparalleled safety

• You can choose to set a master password, or store a key file on an external storage device like a USB disk, floppy disk, or CD. Alternatively, you can utilize a combination of a key file and password in order to ensure the utmost security

• Lets you lock password databases to specific Windows user accounts, so password data can only be accessed by the same user who created it

• Password lists can be exported to a variety of formats including CSV, HTML, XML, and TXT

• You can easily transfer password databases from one computer to another, and they can be accessed from anywhere as long as the end-user has the necessary master password or key file

• Lets you create, edit, and delete password groups. Groups can also be further organized into subgroups

• Simply double-click on any entry list text field to immediately copy its contents to the Windows clipboard for easy copying and pasting

• Available in 30 different languages

• Compatible with open source plug-ins, so developers can enhance and extend functionality at will

Cons

• It may take a while to become acquainted with the large number of unlabeled button icons at the top of the main window. However, hovering over each icon will reveal its intended function.

Alternatives

There are a number of other free open-source password managers available, including LastPass, 1Password (Win, Mac), and Roboform. Of these alternatives, Last Pass and Roboform are by far the strongest competitors, providing many of the same features as KeePass Password Safe.

Conclusion

The software provides an excellent solution for individuals who need to keep track of a lot of different usernames and passwords. With state-of-the-art encryption methods, plenty of customization options, and a user interface that even the most experienced computer user could become acquainted with, KeePass Password Safe definitely deserves a trial run at the least.