This means using unique, complex passwords that are difficult to guess. If you use them, be sure to ask yourself why you were hacked and don’t rely on easily guessed passwords.

Password managers are a great way to keep your passwords safe and secure. KeePass is a popular open-source password manager, and it’s easy to use. ..

The product has my loyalty because it has a portable version so it fits on my USB stick.

Setting

Up KeePass For The First Time

I am going to use the Windows portable version of the software for this article as I generally dislike installing software if I don’t need to. Plus, since I use multiple devices, having something that can go on a USB stick appeals to me.

Download

It

Then, you need to find the right software to install it on your computer. There are a few different software programs that you can use, but the one we’re going to use is called Windows 7 Professional.

If you’re using KeePass 2.x, make sure to download the latest version of KeePass for Windows. Always use the most recent version. ..

KeePass is a password manager that lets you keep your passwords in multiple places, such as on your computer, in a safe place, or in an encrypted format. There are also KeePass versions for other platforms, such as MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and so forth.

KeePass is a password manager that is fully compatible with password databases.

Open It

Up

Open the zip file and place the folder structures on your computer or USB stick. ..

To start KeePass, you will need to click on the KeePass.exe program file and then enter your secure password database password.

First, you will need to create a KeePass database.

If you close the login window, a blank window will jump up.

Creating

Your First Database

If you’re using a Mac, the easiest way to create a new document is to click File–>New. If you’re using Windows, go to Start–>Programs–>Accessories–>Wordpad and click on the New Document button. If you’re using a Mac, the easiest way to create a new document is to click File–>New. If you’re using Windows, go to Start–>Programs–>Accessories–>Notepad and click on the New Document button. ..

The next step is to make a KDBX file.

Keep your KeePass password safe by keeping it in the same folder as your other important files. ..

You can rename the KDBX file to whatever you want. Call it Mango if you want. KeePass doesn’t care. As long as the KDBX file format is there, that’s all that matters.

Setting The Database Password

If you want to keep your data safe, don’t give your KeePass database to anyone. Make it weak and they’ll break through. Make it strong and they’ll never get in.

Don’t rush this part of the process. ..

Your database password should be difficult to guess. Use upper and lower-case characters, numbers, and maybe a few special characters such as a comma or a full stop.

To make sure your password is as strong as possible, KeePass will estimate the quality of your chosen password. You want this number to be as high as possible. ..

You Will Definitely Want An Emergency

Sheet!

Please print an “Emergency Sheet” and hand it to the desk when you arrive.

There is no reset password option on our website. If you forget your database password, or you die and your next-of-kin needs your passwords, then you or they are going to have a major problem.

If you are in an emergency situation and need to access your personal information, print out the emergency sheet and write the master password down. If it is for your next-of-kin, put it with the will where they can find it.

Customize Your Database

Your database will now open and you can begin making and saving passwords.

KeePass gives you four default login categories: “Personal”, “Work”, “School”, and “Other”. You can delete or rename these categories if you want, or create new ones. You can also make as many new ones as you want. ..

It will have two sample entries already saved on the right and you can go ahead and delete those.

Generating Your

First Password

To generate a password, type in the following: password

The new password window will now open. You now need to fill in the fields. The title would be the name of the website, software, whatever. The user name…well that is self-explanatory. The URL would be the link to the website or software service obviously. None of these fields HAVE to be completed but it helps.

The password is concealed with dots. If you click the three dot button, the password will reveal itself. Click the button again to mask the password.

To generate a password, click the three dot button and you will get this menu. Choose Open Password Generator.

Generate using character set

Now click OK and the password box will be pre-populated with the password. Click on the three dot button to see what you were given. Don’t like it. Use the password generator again for another spin.

Logging In

When you want to log into that site, right-click the entry in KeePass and choose Copy Username. Then click in the username box on the website and CTRL + V to paste the username in (or CMD + V on a Mac). Right-click on the entry again and choose Copy Password.

You can choose how long KeePass takes to erase clipboard data.

Conclusion

KeePass is a password manager that makes it easy to generate and manage difficult passwords. Now there is no longer any excuse to say that maintaining unique passwords is draining and stressful. KeePass makes it easy as a few clicks of the mouse. ..