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 on all operating systems. Each version has some security features that many password managers lack.
The interface may be a bit outdated, but as such a long-lasting and reliable tool, KeePassXC can contribute a lot to your security.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 spun off the application from KeePassX, a Linux conversion of the KeePass password manager available for Windows.
KeePassXC works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a cross-platform solution for password management. Each version of KeePass relies on the AES encryption algorithm to 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 to generate 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 the mobile version on an Android phone.
Installing KeePassXC for Linux
You can download KeePassXC from Flathub. This method will work on most versions of Linux.
KeePassXC is also available in the package repositories of almost every Linux distribution. You can choose the appropriate command to install your distribution.
If you encounter an error when entering the appropriate command for the GNU/Linux distribution you are using, you can try manually downloading the latest version by browsing the official download page for KeePassXC.
If there is no problem, you can run KeePassXC after the installation process is complete. You can open KeePassXC like any other app, including from the command line.
How KeePassXC Works
There are several options on the welcome screen. After installation, KeePassXC does not have a database, so you will need to create one. This is where all your passwords will go.
You will then see a page about the encryption algorithm of the database. The value specified here as decryption time is about how much computational load you want to put on the algorithm. That way, you make it more difficult for an attacker to try every possible way of opening the database.
Of course, you can keep the value suggested by KeePassXC or specify a higher value. Doing so will increase your database decryption time. If you want to choose which algorithm you want to use for Technical Data, you can access these settings from the Advanced Settings button.
You can also take advantage of KeePassXC’s advanced capabilities for protecting databases. If you click on the Add additional security option, you will see an area where you can upload a key file.
Key file: To decrypt the database, you need to provide both the password and the key file that KeePassXC will generate. To generate this key, you can select Add key file and create a new file with the Generate button.
You must keep this file as well as your password safe, otherwise, you may lose all your passwords. The best option is to store one copy on a USB stick and the other in some other trusted location. If you have no idea about it, you can protect the database with Yubikey Security Key.
After completing the database operations, the main screen of KeePassXC will appear. To add a new password, on this blank screen, you can click on the plus icon on the top bar to open the required interface for adding a new password.
After filling in the required fields, you can save your password. KeePassXC has a generator in the Password Generation area.
Instead of using this, you can select the Password Generator tab from the Tools section of the menu bar, open the page required to generate random passwords, copy the password you created, and enter the Password section. Can Thus, you can make the password you create even stronger.
Now you can copy and edit the required details by clicking on your saved password. Every time you close KeePassXC or lock the database, you will need to decrypt it again with the values 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 visit the official site of KeePassXC and download the installation file for your desired operating system from there.
