Let’s talk about something that affects everyone – password management. Whether you’re running a business or just trying to keep track of your online life, passwords are a pain. And most solutions either want you married to the cloud or charging monthly fees.
I use and recommend Password Safe from pwsafe.org. Here’s why it works:
It’s Free Not free-trial-then-pay. Not freemium-with-limits. Actually free. Open source since 2002, originally designed by security expert Bruce Schneier. You download it, you use it, done.
Your Data Stays Local The password database lives on your computer. Not in someone else’s cloud. Not on a server you don’t control. If you want it synced across devices, throw it in your iCloud, Dropbox, or network share – your choice. The point is, you decide where your passwords live.
It Actually Works One master password unlocks your entire database. Double-click an entry, password’s on your clipboard. The autotype feature can even fill in login forms automatically. It generates strong passwords, keeps password history, organizes entries in groups, and has keyboard shortcuts for everything.
Network Sharing Need your team to access certain passwords? Drop the database file on a network share. Multiple people can use it. Simple.
The interface isn’t fancy. The YouTube tutorial on their site is… let’s call it “nostalgic.” But the software does exactly what it should – keeps your passwords encrypted and accessible without making you jump through hoops or pay monthly fees.
Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. There are mobile apps too (pwSafe 2 for iOS, passwordsafe for Android) that work with the same database format.
Watch the full walkthrough:
Check it out at pwsafe.org. If you’ve been putting off password management because everything else feels like overkill or nickel-and-diming, this might be exactly what you need.