One of the most popular pieces of advice that security specialists give is to always use complex, one-of-a-kind passwords for every website and service you use. However, no matter how often this advice is repeated, a high-profile hacking story always appears in the headlines, almost every month.
If your business still maintains passwords on an Excel spreadsheet in 2022, chances are high that you are inviting trouble in the long run. Have you considered what would happen if someone changes the password without informing the rest of the team?
This is where a reliable open-source password management solution can come in handy. Uninitiated, open-source password managers denote transparency. The biggest advantage of an open-source password manager is that anyone can verify whether security measures are being put into place correctly. For that, all you need to do is check the software program’s source code.
Given that open-source applications are built and developed based on the notion of “mass collaboration”, any security professional can correct defects easily. It enhances the process of patching flaws in the application; if any.
There are several open-source password managers available in the market. To help you choose the right one, here we have listed the top five open-source password managers. Let’s get started.
- KeePass
It was in 2003 when German software developer Dominik Reichl created KeePass. It is a Windows-based manager, although it is also supported on Linux and macOS. KeePass uses two-factor authentication (2FA) with bank-level encryption and supports a variety of database import and export options, and is customizable.
The software allows users to create searchable password groups. Additionally, its robust password generator helps you to create strong passwords and store them safely inside the app.
The biggest advantage of KeePass is that you don’t have to install it. The true essence of KeePass is its portability. The entire database of the software is stored in a single file, allowing users to carry it anywhere on a portable hard drive or USB.
- Bitwarden
Next on our list is Bitwarden, which operates on all major platforms and devices and offers teams and individuals a simple and secure platform to store and distribute sensitive data. Additionally, Bitwarden can be included in your preferred web browser (including Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and others).
You always have access to the information you require thanks to a “web vault” in your browser where you can access your private information. AES-256 is used to encrypt the data from beginning to end. You can even host your own instance if you prefer to do so.
Besides, the Bitwarden community is highly active, while this free open-source software is licensed under GPLv3 (General Public License version 3.0).
- LessPass
In most cases, the information you store in password managers is usually kept in a single location even if it is locally encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption. The biggest challenge in such situations is that your data could be vulnerable to a succession of intricate cyberattacks. This is mainly because you saved all of your data in one location. This is where LessPass comes into play.
LessPass follows a different strategy and doesn’t keep your information in one location. The software will enable you to access your data only if you enter the site URL, login username, and master password.
As far as customer support is concerned, LessPass offers the same for Chrome, Android, Firefox, Cozy Cloud, and more. Additionally, for added protection, it lets you self-host your LessPass database on your own server. Doesn’t it sound exceptional?
- Dashlane
Over the years, Dashlane has proved its worth in terms of security capabilities. Owing to its credibility, even the most seasoned cybersecurity experts recommend this particular open-source password manager.
What makes Dashlane a reliable option is that it never experienced a security breach or been penetrated by a hacker since it was first released in 2012. Given how frequently data leaks occur in tech organizations each year, this achievement is notable and praiseworthy.
The software’s foundation is built on U.S.-based patented security architecture and AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring hyper-security for users. Dashlane assists in automatic password synchronization across multiple devices and environments.
It gives admins access to a single dashboard that displays password security KPIs. Besides, it also comes with a free password generator.
- 1Password
Last, but not least on our list is 1Password. It gives customers access to a virtual safe where they may manage their software licenses, login information, and other confidential data that is protected by a master password using PBKDF2.
One of 1Password’s main features is its comprehensive privilege management capabilities, which are ideal for businesses that frequently handle sensitive data and are managed by different user roles. The software can be used by administrators to manage login sessions, discover disguised access, provision and de-provision passwords, and safeguard login credentials.
Among the other noteworthy features, 1Password first identifies the password policy of specific websites and offers automated password suggestions that meet necessary security standards. In short, it offers customized password recommendations depending on different website policies. Additionally, 1Password takes its security to the next level by providing multi-factor authentication with a security key.
Read Also: How to Solve Common Problems With the Arlo App?
Final Words
Open-source password managers typically collect personal data in a more transparent manner as compared to proprietary software programs. Besides, open-source password managers are less expensive than their closed-source competitors.
Given that the source code of open-source password managers is accessible to everyone, users can readily fix problems and errors. We believe that our list of the top 5 best open-source password managers will help you choose the ideal one for your business. Stay secure, stay password protected!
