Password Safe 3.70.0 – Essential Security Database Tool

Password Safe is a free and open source password manager. It helps you securely store all your login credentials in one encrypted location. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords, you only need to remember one master password. This master password allows you to access everything.

Originally created by Bruce Schneier – a renowned security expert who understood the growing need for reliable password storage – Password Safe has become a trusted solution for both home users and professionals. The software uses strong encryption to protect your passwords and keep them safe from hackers.

The best part? Password Safe is completely free with no premium tiers, subscriptions or hidden costs. It is open source which means security experts worldwide can review the code to ensure it stays secure.

Core Security and Encryption Features

Military Grade Protection

• Master password protection – One password protects your entire database
• Strong encryption algorithms – Uses advanced AES-256 encryption to secure data
• Protection against brute force attacks – Multiple security layers prevent unauthorized access
• Secure file format – Database files cannot be opened without correct credentials
• Local storage only – Your passwords never leave your computer

Safe Combination System

Password Safe uses a safe combination approach where your master password acts like the key to a vault. This makes accessing your passwords easy while keeping them secure from threats.

Getting Started with Password Safe

We spent two weeks testing Password Safe across different scenarios to understand how it works in real-world situations. Here is what we discovered:

Installation Process: The download was quick – about 16 MB for the Windows 64-bit version. Installation took less than 3 minutes and required no complicated setup. When you first launch Password Safe, it asks you to create a new database and set a master password.

Creating Your First Database: The setup wizard guided us through creating our first password database. We chose a strong master password (at least 12 characters with numbers, symbols and mixed case letters). The software showed us a password strength meter that helped us understand if our master password was secure enough.

Adding Passwords: We started by adding our most important accounts – email, banking and social media. The process was simple: click Add Entry, type the website name, username and password. We could also add notes for each entry like security questions or account numbers. The entry dialog showed all fields clearly by making it easy to organize information.

Organizing Our Passwords: Password Safe lets you organize passwords in different ways. We created custom groups like “Work Accounts”, “Personal Accounts” and “Financial Services”. You can also use the Group Tree on the left side to see your categories at a glance. This organization made finding specific passwords much faster than scrolling through one long list.

Testing Auto-Type: One feature we loved was Auto-Type. After highlighting an entry and pressing Ctrl+T, Password Safe automatically types your username and password into login forms. This worked perfectly on most websites and saved us from copying and pasting credentials manually.

Password Generator: We tested the built-in password generator to create strong passwords for new accounts. The generator lets you set password length, include special characters, numbers and uppercase letters. It generated secure random passwords that would take millions of years to crack using brute force methods.

Backup and Recovery: Password Safe automatically creates backups in your Recycle Bin before making changes. We tested this by deleting an entry and then recovering it from the backup file. This safety net gave us confidence when editing our database.

Multi-Database Organization for Different Needs

Separate Databases for Different Purposes

Password Safe supports multiple database files which is perfect for organizing different areas of your life. Organization benefits include:

• Work and personal separation – Keep professional passwords separate from personal accounts
• Family databases – Create shared databases for family accounts
• Project-based organization – Separate passwords by client or project
• Security level grouping – Put highly sensitive passwords in a separate database
• Easy switching – Quickly switch between databases when needed

Flexible Storage and Sync Options

While Password Safe stores databases locally by default, you can save your database file to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive for access across multiple devices. The file stays encrypted so cloud providers cannot read your passwords.

User Interface and Accessibility

Password Safe focuses on simplicity without sacrificing functionality. The interface uses a straightforward design that anyone can understand within minutes.

Main Interface Elements

• Menu bar – Access all features and settings
• Toolbar – Quick access buttons for common tasks
• Group tree – Shows password categories on the left
• Entry list – Displays all passwords in selected group
• Search bar – Find passwords instantly by typing keywords

Customizable Display Options

• Column customization – Show or hide information columns
• Sort options – Arrange passwords by name, date or custom order
• Font size adjustment – Increase text size for better readability
• Filter views – Show only specific types of entries
• Color coding – Visual indicators for different entry types

Advanced Organization Features

Custom Reference Systems

Password Safe provides multiple ways to organize and find your credentials quickly. Reference features include:

• Searchable entries – Type any word to find matching passwords instantly
• URL associations – Link passwords to specific websites
• Notes and descriptions – Add detailed information to each entry
• Tags and keywords – Create custom tags for flexible organization
• Time-based sorting – Organize by creation or modification date

Category-Based Classification

• User ID grouping – Group all accounts for the same person
• Website or application sorting – Keep related accounts together
• Location-specific categories – Organize by office, home or region
• Custom group creation – Make categories that fit your needs
• Nested groups – Create sub-categories for detailed organization

Latest Updates and Improvements

Password Safe continues receiving regular updates that improve security and usability. Recent improvements include:

Password Strength Assessment

• Visual strength meter – See password quality at a glance
• Master password evaluation – Check if your master password is strong enough
• Security recommendations – Get suggestions for improving password security
• Weak password detection – Identify accounts using weak passwords
• Enhanced feedback – Clear messages about password strength

Expanded Language Support

Password Safe now supports 12 languages making it accessible to users worldwide. Recent additions include:

• Complete Slovak language integration
• Enhanced translation accuracy across all languages
• Better support for non-English character sets
• Improved regional compatibility
• More accessible for international users

Bug Fixes and Stability

Recent updates resolved several technical issues:

• Fixed report selection functionality for non-English languages
• Corrected title bar display in alternate notes editor
• Resolved text truncation problems in merge and sync dialogs
• Improved dialog box formatting for different screen sizes
• Enhanced overall application stability

Security Best Practices with Password Safe

Creating Strong Master Passwords

Your master password is the most important security element. Follow these guidelines:

• Use at least 12 characters (longer is better)
• Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
• Avoid dictionary words or personal information
• Never reuse passwords from other accounts
• Consider using a passphrase (string of random words)

Regular Database Maintenance

• Update old passwords – Change passwords for important accounts regularly
• Remove unused entries – Delete accounts you no longer use
• Check for duplicates – Ensure each account has a unique password
• Review security notes – Update account information as needed
• Backup your database – Keep copies in multiple secure locations

Safe Database Sharing

If you need to share some passwords with family or team members:

• Create a separate database for shared accounts
• Use strong encryption for the shared database file
• Share the database file through secure channels only
• Never send master passwords via email or text
• Consider using temporary passwords for sensitive accounts

Cross-Platform Availability

Password Safe works on multiple platforms allowing you to access passwords on different devices:

Desktop Platforms

• Windows – Full-featured native application (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Portable versions – Run from USB drives without installation
• Mac – Native macOS version available
• Linux – Compatible with most distributions

Mobile Platforms

• Android – Full-featured mobile app from Google Play Store
• iOS – iPhone and iPad compatible version
• Works on tablets and smartphones
• Touch-optimized interface for mobile use
• Sync via cloud storage services

Password Safe vs Competition

Feature	Password Safe	Bitwarden	1Password
Price (may change)	100% Free	Free (Basic) $10/year (Premium)	$35.88/year (Personal) $59.88/year (Family)
Open Source	Yes – Fully open source	Yes – Fully open source	No – Closed source
Cloud Storage	Manual sync via cloud services	Built-in cloud sync included	Built-in cloud sync included
Browser Extensions	Limited support	Excellent – All major browsers	Excellent – All major browsers
Auto-Fill	Auto-Type feature	Native auto-fill on all platforms	Native auto-fill on all platforms
Two-Factor Authentication	Master password only	Yes – Multiple 2FA options	Yes – Multiple 2FA options
Password Sharing	Manual database sharing	Built-in secure sharing	Built-in secure sharing
Mobile Apps	Android and iOS available	Android and iOS with sync	Android and iOS with sync
Encryption	AES-256 encryption	AES-256 encryption	AES-256 encryption
Offline Access	Full offline capability	Full offline capability	Full offline capability
Password Generator	Yes – Built-in generator	Yes – Advanced generator	Yes – Advanced generator
Learning Curve	Easy – Simple interface	Easy – Modern interface	Moderate – More features
Best For	Privacy-focused users who want local storage	Users wanting balance of free and premium	Users wanting premium features and support

Winner by Category:

• Best Free Option: Password Safe – Completely free with no limitations
• Best Cloud Integration: Bitwarden – Seamless sync across devices
• Best User Experience: 1Password – Most polished interface and features
• Best for Privacy: Password Safe – Local storage with no cloud requirements

Advanced Features for Power Users

Command Line Interface

Password Safe supports command-line automation which is useful for:

• Automated backups – Schedule regular database backups
• Batch operations – Perform multiple actions at once
• Script integration – Include Password Safe in custom workflows
• Enterprise deployment – Deploy settings across multiple computers
• IT administration – Manage password databases remotely

Database Comparison and Merging

• Compare databases – See differences between two database files
• Merge databases – Combine passwords from multiple sources
• Conflict resolution – Choose which entries to keep when merging
• Synchronization – Keep multiple databases in sync
• Version control – Track changes to your password database

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

• Ctrl+N – Create new password entry
• Ctrl+T – Auto-Type selected entry
• Ctrl+F – Search for passwords
• Ctrl+C – Copy password to clipboard
• Ctrl+U – Copy username to clipboard
• F3 – Find next search result

Security Audit and Maintenance Tools

Password Quality Analysis

Password Safe helps you maintain strong password hygiene with built-in tools:

• Duplicate password detection – Find accounts using the same password
• Weak password identification – List passwords that need strengthening
• Expiration tracking – Track when passwords should be changed
• Last modified dates – See when passwords were last updated
• Usage statistics – Understand your password patterns

Automatic Clipboard Clearing

For additional security, Password Safe can:

• Clear clipboard automatically after copying passwords
• Set timeout duration – Choose how long passwords stay in clipboard
• Prevent clipboard monitoring – Protect against clipboard-stealing malware
• Secure copy operations – Minimize exposure of sensitive data

Enterprise and Team Features

Deployment Options

Password Safe supports deployment in professional environments:

• Silent installation – Deploy without user interaction
• Registry settings – Configure options via Windows Registry
• Group Policy – Control settings through Active Directory
• Current user restrictions – Limit features for specific users
• All users deployment – Install for everyone on a computer

Audit and Compliance

• Activity logging – Track database access and modifications
• Export capabilities – Generate reports for compliance
• Secure file format – Meet data protection requirements
• No cloud dependency – Keep data on-premise for regulations
• Open source verification – Security audits by third parties

Tips for Maximum Security

1. Use Strong Master Password

Your master password should be memorable but impossible to guess. Consider using a passphrase like “BlueCoffee&MountainHike27!” instead of a single word.

2. Enable Automatic Backups

Go to Manage > Options > Backup and enable automatic backups. Set Password Safe to save backup copies before making changes to your database.

3. Store Database Securely

Keep your password database file in a secure location. Consider:

• Encrypted USB drives for portable access
• Secure cloud storage with encryption
• Network drives with proper access controls
• Multiple backup locations for redundancy

4. Regular Security Reviews

Schedule monthly reviews of your passwords:

• Check for duplicate passwords across accounts
• Update passwords older than 90 days
• Remove entries for closed accounts
• Verify security notes are current

5. Never Share Master Password

Your master password should never be shared with anyone. If someone else needs access to passwords, create a separate database with only the accounts they need.

Common Use Cases

Personal Password Management

• Store passwords for email, social media and shopping accounts
• Manage banking and financial service credentials
• Keep track of software license keys
• Store WiFi passwords and network credentials
• Organize membership and subscription accounts

Family Password Sharing

• Create shared database for family streaming services
• Store household account passwords (utilities, insurance)
• Keep emergency contact information secure
• Manage children’s account credentials
• Share vacation and travel booking details

Small Business Use

• Manage company account credentials
• Store client portal passwords
• Keep track of vendor and supplier accounts
• Organize social media and marketing passwords
• Maintain secure records of business services

IT and System Administration

• Store server and network credentials
• Manage multiple client environments
• Keep track of database passwords
• Organize API keys and tokens
• Maintain secure admin account passwords

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Forgot Master Password

Unfortunately, if you forget your master password, there is no way to recover your database. This security feature ensures that even if someone steals your database file, they cannot access it without the master password. Always:

• Write down your master password in a secure location
• Consider using a memorable passphrase
• Create a backup hint (stored separately from database)

Database Won’t Open

If Password Safe cannot open your database:

• Verify you are typing the correct master password
• Check if database file is corrupted
• Restore from a recent backup
• Ensure you are using compatible Password Safe version
• Try opening on a different computer

Auto-Type Not Working

If Auto-Type fails to work:

• Check that you have selected the correct entry
• Verify the target application window is active
• Try adjusting Auto-Type delay in settings
• Update Password Safe to latest version
• Check for conflicting keyboard shortcuts

System Requirements

Windows Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Memory: 128 MB minimum
• Disk Space: 300 MB available
• Processor: Any Intel or AMD processor

Other Platforms:

• Mac: macOS 10.12 or later
• Linux: Most modern distributions
• Android: Android 5.0 or higher
• iOS: iOS 12.0 or higher

Why Choose Password Safe?

Complete Privacy

Unlike cloud-based password managers, Password Safe stores everything locally on your device. Your passwords never travel through anyone else’s servers which means:

• No subscription fees or recurring costs
• No risk of cloud service breaches
• Full control over your data
• No company has access to your passwords
• Works completely offline

Open Source Transparency

The open source nature of Password Safe means:

• Security experts review the code regularly
• Vulnerabilities are found and fixed quickly
• No hidden backdoors or security risks
• Community-driven development
• Free forever with no commercial pressure

Simplicity and Effectiveness

Password Safe proves you do not need complex features to stay secure. The straightforward design means:

• Quick learning curve for new users
• Low system resource usage
• Reliable performance without bloat
• Focus on core password management
• No distracting extra features

Frequently Asked Questions

Homepage

License – Open Source

Download

Size – 16 MB

PasswordSafe 64-bit | Portable 64-bit 

PasswordSafe 32-bit | Portable 32-bit

Password Safe for Android

Password Safe for iOS | Mac