If you struggle to remember passwords, or if you re-use them, then a password manager can help.

What it is

A password manager stores your usernames and passwords securely. It can also generate strong passwords for you. This makes it much easier to have a different and strong password for each site you use. There are options to store the passwords on your local system or in cloud storage, and for collaborating with a team.

This page explains KeePassXC (for DICE and other systems), LastPass (a cloud service promoted by the University), and other options. There's also further reading.

KeePassXC

DICE has keepassxc. It saves passwords to a local file, which it encrypts securely. You can store this .kdbx file anywhere - in your DICE home directory, or on removable media, or in the cloud.

You can also install KeePassXC or a KeePass-compatible program on your own computer or phone, and access your saved passwords there too.

To get started:

The original KeePass utility has been forked, copied or ported many times over the years. An extensive list of versions can be found on the Keepass download page, including several versions for phones.

LastPass

The University has a site licence for LastPass, a password management service. Students can have free Premium Accounts, and staff can use the Enterprise version.
If you use a University-managed Windows machine, you could try LastPass. But watch out, because they have been the targets of at least one "security incident" (security breach and data theft).

Others

Most phones and web browsers have a password manager, and a way to share passwords through a cloud service. These are often closely integrated with hardware security features such as biometrics.

For instance, Apple devices have a Passwords app which can share passwords between all devices using the same Apple ID.

Further reading

Both organisations have other helpful advice on computer security.

Last reviewed: 
03/03/2026