Digital Safe

KeePass on macOS

KeePass also runs on macOS, and various apps can handle KeePass databases. One well-known example is KeePassX [3]. If you install the tool on a Mac, you can use your database on the go with a MacBook by using synchronization with cloud storage, just as you would for access by iPhone and Android. Alternatively, you can use MacPass [4]. Both apps handle KeePass databases and are similar in terms of usage.

After downloading KeePassX, first drag the program to the Application folder, then open the app. If the tool does not start because of security settings, give it permission to start in System Preference | Security & Privacy | General in the Apple menu. Create a new database for KeePassX by selecting File | New Database . If you already use KeePass on Windows, you can open the database directly at this point.

After entering the database password, the tool opens the file, just like KeePass on a PC. You can also assign your passwords to groups to help you find them faster. The Root context menu is used to create new password groups, and you can select Icon to assign a separate icon for each group in KeePassX.

The context menu in the main KeePassX window is where you add new entries; just select Add New Entry . If you store the database in a location that you sync with iCloud, the database will be available on all Apple devices in the account. However, you can also work with OneDrive in macOS and synchronize SharePoint online libraries to open KeePass databases.

Setting up Network Access

KeePass can also be used by multiple users on a network. Of course, you need to share the password file (e.g., via a network drive or a synchronized library in SharePoint Online). In this case, several users can read the data in the file, but only one can write to the file at any given time. KeePass is not network capable itself, but with a little effort it can certainly be used in a team. On the other hand, you could opt for a KeePass server. However, KeePass servers are not available for free and rarely support mobile access. One example is the Pleasant Password Server [5]. The server gives you a multiuser environment for KeePass and apps for iOS and Android. The server can be used free of charge for up to 30 days.

Each employee can also use their own password file and store team data in the shared access file in parallel. You can use the lock icon in KeePass to block access for other users, if necessary. When this option is enabled, KeePass is minimized and access to the data is not possible again until the password is entered again.

Conclusions

The use of KeePass will undoubtedly require some training if you want to use the tool's database on multiple devices. Because all the data is stored in a single, secure database file, though, you only need a solution for transferring the data to your devices. It makes sense to synchronize with cloud storage. However, password servers can also be used, and synchronization with private cloud environments is no problem.