The use of unique passwords is a must
With all the logins to social media, e-commerce shopping sites, online banking, streaming services, and the like, we have to take care of a whole range of passwords. To protect ourselves from online data breaches, we should use unique passwords consisting of random sets of characters. Nobody can remember all these long and complicated credentials. That is where using an open-source password manager comes in handy; users can generate strong and unique passwords with just a few clicks. An open-source program allows us to generate and store everything in one safe software bundle.
A fairly new open-source password manager with strong encryption
This article will discuss and focus on a relatively new password manager, known as Bitwarden, which was introduced in 2016. This software ensures the security of your login information through the implementation of AES-256 encryption, a highly secure military-grade encryption algorithm. Additionally, it can sync on multiple devices. Moreover, the free version includes all the necessary security components. And the premium version offers additional features for a nominal fee of $10 per year. Another advantageous aspect of Bitwarden is that it is open-source. When the source code of a program is accessible, it enables anyone to examine it. This, in turn, enhances the chances of discovering and resolving vulnerabilities, leading to the development of a more secure software package.
The importance of choosing a robust master password
First, you will need to create an account. Enter your email and choose a strong master password. Bitwarden differs a bit from other password managers on this. When you enter your master password, it gives you a notification indicating whether it is weak, good, or strong. However, Bitwarden allows you to choose a weak master password if you prefer. Most other password managers will stop you from continuing in such a case. In order to safeguard your online privacy, it is crucial to generate a secure password. Additionally, it is absolutely essential not to forget this master password since Bitwarden does not offer any alternative methods to access your login credentials.
An app with extensions for various web browsers
Once you have successfully completed the initial registration, you are able to download the Bitwarden app onto your device and proceed to log in. If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you will be provided with the option to install extensions for the latest browser versions. These additional extensions can improve your online experience by automatically filling in forms and login details. However, it is not obligatory to install these extensions. You can also access the same features through the mobile apps available for both Android and iOS. Worth mentioning is that you even can enable fingerprint authentication on mobile devices supporting this feature.
Bitwarden organizes your passwords by categorizing them into folders
The application’s interface is easy to understand. Currently, it allows users to input four different types of information: login, card entry, identity, and secure note. Although these are fewer options compared to other password managers, users can still expand the available categories by adding custom fields. The Bitwarden open-source password manager differs as well when it comes to organizing your credentials. You have the option to organize passwords by placing them in folders, rather than sorting them into categories.
A customizable password generator
As for the creation of random secure passwords, the password generator tool allows you to specify the length, a combination of numbers and letters, decide whether to capitalize or not, and use special characters. Furthermore, there is an added feature to check if the password has been data breached before or not. The browser extensions also provide password generation.
Easy to import your credentials
If you switch from another secure password manager or if you wish to bring your login information from a text file, Bitwarden offers compatibility with various programs for importing. Typically, this involves a straightforward import of a CSV file. It is important to note that this procedure needs to be conducted within the web vault, and not in the app.
Two-factor authentication is included in the free version
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) also requires you to access the web vault. This authentication method forces you to use a second code on another device before you can log in. The free version of Bitwarden makes use of authenticator apps. With the premium version, you also have the option to utilize hardware keys such as YubiKey or FIDO U2F.
An open-source password manager using end-to-end encryption
In case you question the safety of storing your passwords on Bitwarden`s cloud servers, you can rest assured that this open-source password manager does not store any of your logins. All passwords are end-to-end encrypted (e2ee) locally on your device before they are synced to their servers. This means that the data is encrypted on your device and remains encrypted until it is received by the intended recipient. The only way to unlock your encrypted data is by entering your master password. Bitwarden gets regularly reviewed by independent security test organizations so potential breaches can get fixed instantly.
All the essential security features to protect your online privacy
Bitwarden is a reliable open-source password manager offering all the core security features you need in the free version. This trustworthy platform ensures that your sensitive information is encrypted and protected, giving you peace of mind. With Bitwarden, you can conveniently access your passwords across multiple devices and enjoy the convenience of autofill and password generation features. This user-friendly password manager also allows you to securely share passwords with others and easily update them when needed. It is a top choice for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable solution to enhance their password security.
Other software programs – some of which will be discussed in future posts – provide additional functionality such as password verification, reporting, or encrypted storage, to name a few. However, Bitwarden will do an outstanding job in providing the essentials needed to protect your online digital privacy.
