# Set up a password manager **URL:** \ **Category:** Security Controls and Comms\ **Created:** [February 9, 2026, 8:13am UTC](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/t/set-up-a-password-manager/25 "2026-02-09T08:13:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Deez](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/cafe.useboardwalk.com/deez/32/8_2.png) [@Deez](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/u/Deez)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 8:13am UTC](https://cafe.useboardwalk.com/t/set-up-a-password-manager/25/1 "2026-02-09T08:13:31Z")
# Set up a password manager A password manager is the simplest way to run **team-owned accounts** (X, Facebook, Discord, Telegram, domain/DNS, email) without password sharing, reused passwords, or “lost access” drama. ## Baseline controls - Use **one vault system** (don’t mix browser-saved passwords + random spreadsheets). - Require **2FA on the password manager itself** (non-negotiable). - Use **unique passwords per account** (no reuse, ever). - Create **shared vaults** for project accounts; keep personal logins private. - Store **recovery codes + backup codes** as first-class items. - Minimize who has access to “Owner/Admin” credentials; use least privilege. ## Top 5 password managers 1. **Bitwarden (Free)** — best default, especially if you want a real free tier 2. **1Password** — best for teams that want the cleanest onboarding + admin controls 3. **Dashlane** — best for “security dashboard + anti-phishing” style features 4. **Proton Pass** — best for privacy-first users (and Proton ecosystem) 5. **Keeper** — best for enterprise-style controls and documentation depth ## Setup checklist 1. **Create the “Owner” account** using a team-controlled email alias (not a personal inbox). 2. Set a **long master password** (passphrase) and store it offline once (sealed envelope / secure offline note). 3. Enable **2FA for the password manager** immediately (authenticator app or security key). 4. Install the **browser extension** + **mobile app** for the owner and admins. 5. **Import passwords** from browsers/CSV, then delete browser-saved passwords to avoid drift. 6. Create a **shared vault / organization** for project credentials (domain/DNS, socials, chats, wallets, vendors). 7. Invite team members and grant **least-privilege access** (separate “Owner”, “Admin”, “Comms”, “Ops”). 8. Add **recovery kits/codes** for every critical account (domain registrar, email, X, Meta, Discord, Telegram). Treat these like keys. ## Suggested vault layout for a token/community project - **01 Core Ownership (Restricted)**: domain registrar, DNS/Cloudflare, primary email, payment methods - **02 Socials Admin (Restricted)**: X, Facebook/Meta, YouTube, etc. - **03 Community Chats (Moderators)**: Discord, Telegram (owner + bots + invite tools) - **04 Vendors/Tools (Ops)**: analytics, forms, CRM, hosting, design tools - **05 Break-glass (2 people max)**: emergency admin creds + recovery codes (use only for incident response) ## Operating rules - Never store “shared accounts” if the platform supports **role-based access** —use roles, store only what’s needed. - When someone leaves: **remove vault access first** , then rotate passwords for anything they touched. - Quarterly: run a **credential review** (who has access to what, which credentials are still needed). **Bitwarden** — Pricing (includes Free): > **[Bitwarden Password Manager Pricing & Plans | Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com/pricing/)** > > Check out the Bitwarden Password Manager pricing and sign up for a Free Trial to get access to all the great features that will help secure your digital life. Bitwarden — Organizations (free 2-person org quick start): > **[Organizations Quick Start | Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com/help/getting-started-organizations/)** > > Bitwarden Organizations enable your family, team, or enterprise to securely share common information like office WiFi passwords, online credentials, or shared company credit cards. Bitwarden — Two-step login (2FA): > **[Two-Step Login Methods | Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com/help/setup-two-step-login/)** > > Bitwarden Password Manager supports multiple two-step login methods, also know as 2FA and two-factor authentication, such as through an authenticator app or email. Learn how to set up and use each method. **1Password** — Pricing: > **[Pricing Plans for the Best Password Manager | 1Password](https://1password.com/pricing/password-manager)** > > Choose a 1Password plan for your small business, family or enterprise. Start a free trial and enjoy password management, data breach protection, and more. 1Password — Add/remove team members: > **[Add and remove team members | 1Password Support](https://support.1password.com/add-remove-team-members/)** > > Learn how to invite people to your team, and suspend or delete their accounts. **Dashlane** — Personal pricing: > **[Personal Password Manager Pricing | Dashlane](https://www.dashlane.com/pricing-personal)** > > Discover our personal password management tools, plans, and pricing. Keep your passwords and data safe and organized with our trusted solution. Learn more now! Dashlane — Business pricing: > **[Business Password Manager Pricing | Dashlane](https://www.dashlane.com/pricing)** > > Check out plan pricing for business and enterprise password management and learn more about protecting your organization with our scalable and secure solutions. **Proton Pass** — Pricing: > **[Proton Pass: Pricing & Plans | Proton](https://proton.me/pass/pricing)** > > Our pricing makes a great password manager available to all. Our free plan has everything you need to keep your passwords safe. It just gets better from there. Proton Pass — Family sharing (example of shared vault workflow): > **[How to share items in Pass Family | Proton](https://proton.me/support/pass-family-share-items)** > > In this article, we help Pass Family plan users understand how to share items and how to revoke access to shared items **Keeper** — Personal & family pricing: > **[Secure Password Management for Families and Individuals](https://www.keepersecurity.com/pricing/personal-and-family.html)** > > Keeper's Personal and Family plans keep your passwords, files and private data secure across all your devices. Find the right plan and try it free. Keeper — Encryption/security model (docs): > **[Keeper Encryption and Security Model Details | Enterprise Guide | Keeper...](https://docs.keeper.io/en/enterprise-guide/keeper-encryption-model)** > > The full details of Keeper’s encryption and security model are outlined below, with block diagrams, implementation details and additional resources.