Password management from the command line
Advanced Uses and an Alternative
Pass was designed with passwords in mind. However, like many password managers, it can also be used for storing other small bits of information, such as credit card numbers that you want to be stored securely but accessed quickly.
Another advanced used of Pass is to set it up as a Git repository with the command pass git init
. By adding the pass
or push
command in front of the basic commands listed above, you can then pass whatever information you store to both local and remote repositories. In this way, you have version control and backup storage that can help you if anything goes wrong. However, this use of Pass requires an article in itself. The samples provided at the end of the man page will show you the details if you are interested [9].
If you are already using a password manager, Pass's home page also links to a number of Python scripts for migrating from other leading password managers to Pass. Before migrating, however, set up a dummy .password-store
with which to experiment, and satisfy yourself that Pass is the solution you want.
As you use Pass, calling on GnuPG and pwgen, you might wonder whether you actually need a dedicated password manager. Could you not just use other common Linux utilities instead? In fact, the answer is yes – with a little work. Several users have detailed such solutions online [10], using Vim and the GnuPG plugin [11] along with GnuPG itself and pwgen. Their solutions are ingenious, with extras such as using Vim's folding ability [12] to ensure that only one line at a time is visible to anyone looking over their shoulder.
Functionally, the result is much like Pass, but with more effort and knowledge for users. In fact, you might think of Pass as a trade-off: In return for memorizing eight or nine commands, you get much the same simplicity and efficiency with less effort than such do-it-yourself solutions, and less mystery than with desktop or cloud alternatives.
Infos
- KDE Wallet Manager: http://utils.kde.org/projects/kwalletmanager/
- Gringotts: http://gringotts.shlomifish.org/
- KeePassX: https://www.keepassx.org/
- LastPass: https://lastpass.com/
- Pass: http://zx2c4.com/projects/password-store/
- GnuPG: http://gnupg.org/
- Pwgen: http://pwgen.sourceforge.net/
- Generating a GnuPG key: http://pear.php.net/manual/en/package.encryption.crypt-gpg.generate-key.php
- Pass man page: http://linux.die.net/man/1/pass
- Password Management with Vim and GnuPG: http://pig-monkey.com/2013/04/4/password-management-vim-gnupg/
- GnuPG plugin: http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=661
- Folding: http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/Folding
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.