Struggling to remember all your passwords? Trust me, we’ve all been there! Trying to build a password manager using Python is a fantastic project, and it gives you a real peek behind the curtain of how these crucial tools actually work. You’ll learn a ton about encryption, data handling, and user interfaces, which are super valuable skills in the tech world. It’s also a way to gain complete control over your own data.
Now, while building your own is an awesome learning experience, it’s a big undertaking to make it truly secure and user-friendly for everyday use. If you’re just looking for an immediate, robust solution that handles all the heavy lifting of security, syncing across devices, and ease of use without you having to code, then checking out a professionally built option like NordPass is a smart move. They’ve got top-tier encryption and features that would take a single developer a lifetime to match. If you’re ready to boost your online security right now with minimal fuss, you can check out NordPass here and see how it fits into your digital life .
But if you’re itching to roll up your sleeves and dive into the code, you’ve come to the right place. Building a password manager in Python is more than just a coding exercise. it’s a journey into understanding the digital security we rely on daily. We’ll go through everything you need, from the core concepts to the essential Python libraries, and even how to make it look good with a graphical interface. By the end of this, you’ll not only have a functional password manager or at least a very good understanding of how to build one but also a deeper appreciation for secure coding practices. Let’s get to it!
You might be thinking, “There are so many great password managers out there, why would I bother building my own?” That’s a fair question! And while those commercial tools are fantastic for most people, there are some pretty compelling reasons why a developer or an aspiring coder might want to take on a Python password manager project.
The “Control Freak” in You: Customization & Understanding
One of the biggest draws is complete control. When you build your own, you decide exactly how your passwords are stored, encrypted, and accessed. You’re not relying on a third-party company’s servers or their specific security protocols. This means you can:
- Tailor it to your specific needs: Maybe you have a unique way you want to categorize or search for passwords. Maybe you want a very specific type of password generation. Building your own lets you add whatever features you dream up.
- Understand the inner workings: There’s nothing quite like seeing how the encryption actually happens, how the master password protects your data, and how everything ties together. It’s an incredibly valuable learning experience for anyone interested in cybersecurity.,
Level Up Your Python Skills: A Great Project
Let’s be honest, building a password manager is a really solid Python project for your portfolio. It touches on so many fundamental programming concepts:
- File I/O and Data Persistence: You’ll learn how to read from and write to files, manage data structures like dictionaries or lists, and make sure that data sticks around even after your program closes.
- Encryption and Hashing: This is where things get really interesting! You’ll work with cryptographic libraries, understand the difference between hashing and encryption, and implement them to secure sensitive information.
- User Interfaces Optional but Recommended: If you decide to add a GUI using something like Tkinter, you’ll gain experience in creating interactive applications. This is a common requirement for many real-world software projects.
- Error Handling and Robustness: Making sure your application doesn’t crash when things go wrong like a missing file or incorrect input is crucial, and a password manager project forces you to think about these scenarios.
The “Free” Factor mostly: No Subscriptions
While many excellent commercial password managers offer free tiers, their premium features often come with a subscription fee. Building your own, from scratch, means no recurring costs for storage or advanced features. Of course, your time is valuable, and learning takes effort, but in terms of monetary cost, it’s a budget-friendly option. Protecting Your Legal Research: The Best Password Manager for Oyez.org Users
The Core Ingredients: What Your Python Password Manager Needs
you’re convinced! You want to build this thing. But what are the essential components, the building blocks that make a password manager actually work and, more importantly, keep your data safe? Let’s break down the critical parts.
A “Brain” for Passwords Data Storage
Your manager needs a place to remember all those usernames, passwords, and website names. This is your data storage. You have a few options, each with its pros and cons:
- Plain Text Files
.txt: The simplest, but least secure method. You never want to store unencrypted passwords in a plain text file. But for learning the basics of file I/O, it’s a start. This is okay for encrypted data, though. - JSON Files
.json: A step up in structure! JSON JavaScript Object Notation is super common for storing data in a readable, organized format. It’s easy for Python to work with and great for storing encrypted passwords as key-value pairs.,, - SQLite Databases
.db: This is generally considered a more robust and secure option for more complex projects. SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database that doesn’t require a separate server. It’s fantastic for managing structured data, allowing you to easily add, retrieve, update, and delete entries. Using SQLite means your data is more organized and scalable. - Operating System Keyring: For truly secure storage, especially if you want to store a single master password or API keys for your script, Python’s
keyringlibrary can tap into your operating system’s native credential store like macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Locker, or Linux Secret Service. This is designed for storing sensitive data that applications need to access.
For most password manager Python projects, especially as you’re learning, a JSON file or SQLite database is a good balance between simplicity and functionality.
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The “Shield” Encryption
This is the most critical piece for security. You cannot store passwords in plain text. Period. Encryption scrambles your data so it’s unreadable to anyone without the decryption key.
- The
cryptographyLibrary: This is your go-to for secure encryption in Python. Specifically, you’ll often use theFernetmodule fromcryptography.fernet. Fernet provides symmetric encryption, meaning the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt the data. It’s robust, easy to use, and designed for secure data at rest.,,,, - How it works: You generate a unique encryption key, which you’ll need to keep super secret. When you store a password, you encrypt it with this key. When you need to retrieve it, you use the same key to decrypt it. If someone gets your encrypted password file but not the key, they’re out of luck!,
The “Gatekeeper” Master Password
Even with encrypted passwords, you need a way to protect access to your password manager itself. That’s where a master password comes in. This is the one password you need to remember to unlock everything else.
- Hashing with
hashlib: You should never store your master password in plain text, not even encrypted with the same key as your other passwords because then that key would be protected by itself, which is a circular problem!. Instead, you’ll hash your master password. Hashing is a one-way process: you can turn your password into a fixed-length string of characters a hash, but you can’t easily turn that hash back into your original password., - Adding Salt: To make hashing even more secure and protect against common attacks like “rainbow tables,” you’ll add a unique, random string called a “salt” to your master password before hashing it. This makes it so that even if two people have the same master password, their stored hashes will be different.
getpassfor Secure Input: When you ask the user for their master password, you’ll want to usegetpass. This module securely accepts password input, preventing it from being displayed on the screen or stored in your shell’s history.
The “Magic Word Creator” Password Generator
A great password manager doesn’t just store passwords. it helps you create strong, unique ones. A built-in password generator is a must-have feature. Password manager multi platform
- Randomness is Key: Your generator should create passwords that are truly random, incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.,
- Customizable Length and Character Sets: Users should be able to specify how long they want their password to be and which types of characters to include.
A Friendly Face GUI
While a command-line interface CLI is perfectly functional for a password manager, a Graphical User Interface GUI makes it much more user-friendly and accessible.
tkinter: This is Python’s de facto standard GUI library. It’s built-in, easy to learn for basic interfaces, and cross-platform. It lets you create windows, buttons, text fields, and other visual elements.,,,- Other options: For more complex or modern-looking GUIs, you could explore libraries like PyQt, Kivy, or even web frameworks like Streamlit though that’s a different approach for a local app. But for a learning project,
tkinteris an excellent starting point.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your Python Project
Before we dive into the actual code, let’s get your development environment set up properly. This isn’t just good practice. it’s essential for keeping your project organized and avoiding conflicts with other Python installations.
Virtual Environments: Keep Things Tidy
Imagine you have two Python projects. One needs an older version of a library, and the other needs a brand-new one. If you install them globally, they might clash! That’s where virtual environments come in. They create isolated spaces for your Python projects, each with its own set of installed libraries. Secure Your LJC Logins: The Ultimate Guide to Password Managers
Here’s how you set one up:
- Open your terminal or command prompt.
- Navigate to your project directory:
cd /path/to/your/password_manager_projectIf you don’t have one, create it first:
mkdir password_manager_project && cd password_manager_project - Create the virtual environment:
python -m venv env
This creates a folder namedenvyou can name it anything, butenvorvenvare common inside your project directory. - Activate the virtual environment:
- On Windows:
.\env\Scripts\activate - On macOS/Linux:
source env/bin/activate
You’ll know it’s active when you seeenvorvenvat the beginning of your terminal prompt. Now, any libraries you install will only be in this environment.
- On Windows:
Installing the Essentials: pip install cryptography and others
With your virtual environment active, it’s time to get the necessary libraries. We talked about cryptography for encryption and hashlib which is built-in. If you’re going for a GUI, you’ll need tkinter also built-in, but sometimes needs a separate OS-level install for its development files.
Here’s what you’ll typically install:
pip install cryptography
This will get you the powerful cryptography library with its Fernet module.,, Which is the Best Password Manager?
If you plan to use SQLite, which is a great idea for structured data storage:
sqlite3 is usually built-in with Python, but if you need to manage it externaly or integrate with ORMs
you might use a package like ‘SQLAlchemy’ or ‘peewee’, but for basic use, ‘sqlite3’ module is sufficient.
No explicit pip install is typically needed for the basic ‘sqlite3’ module itself.
And if you want to copy passwords to the clipboard a nice quality-of-life feature:
pip install pyperclip
For securely accepting the master password without it showing on screen, getpass is a standard library module, so no pip install needed there.
Once these are installed, you’re ready to start coding!
Building Blocks: Essential Functions You’ll Write
Now for the fun part: writing the Python code that makes your password manager tick. We’ll break it down into key functions. Level Up Your Security: Why You Need a Password Manager for IVPN (and Which Ones Rock)
Generating and Managing Your Secret Key
Remember that encryption key? It’s crucial! You’ll need a way to generate it once and then load it every time your password manager starts.
from cryptography.fernet import Fernet
import os
KEY_FILE = 'secret.key' # A file to store your super-secret encryption key
def generate_key:
"""Generates a new Fernet key and saves it to a file."""
key = Fernet.generate_key
with openKEY_FILE, 'wb' as key_file: # 'wb' for write binary
key_file.writekey
return key
def load_key:
"""Loads the Fernet key from the file."""
if not os.path.existsKEY_FILE:
print"No encryption key found. Generating a new one..."
return generate_key
else:
with openKEY_FILE, 'rb' as key_file: # 'rb' for read binary
return key_file.read
# This is how you'd get your key:
encryption_key = load_key
cipher_suite = Fernetencryption_key
This ensures that the encryption key is generated only once and then reused, which is vital for decrypting previously stored passwords.,
Hashing That Master Password: Your Ultimate Lock
Your master password protects everything, so it needs to be hashed.
import hashlib
MASTER_PASSWORD_FILE = 'master_hash.txt'
def hash_master_passwordpassword:
"""Hashes the master password with a salt."""
# Generate a random salt for each master password for better security
salt = os.urandom16 # 16 bytes is a good size for a salt
# Hash the password with the salt using SHA256
hashed_password = hashlib.pbkdf2_hmac
'sha256', # The hash algorithm to use
password.encode'utf-8', # Convert password to bytes
salt, # The salt
100000 # The number of iterations more is better for security
# Store both the salt and the hashed password
return salt + hashed_password
def verify_master_passwordstored_hash_with_salt, entered_password:
"""Verifies if the entered password matches the stored hash."""
salt = stored_hash_with_salt # Extract the salt first 16 bytes
stored_hash = stored_hash_with_salt # Extract the actual hash
# Re-hash the entered password with the stored salt
entered_hashed_password = hashlib.pbkdf2_hmac
'sha256',
entered_password.encode'utf-8',
salt,
100000
return entered_hashed_password == stored_hash
# Example usage for setting/verifying master password:
# You'd typically store `hashed_master_password` in a file
# For a real project, consider using a stronger library like 'bcrypt' or 'argon2'
Remember to save `hash_master_password` to a file after a user sets it up for the first time. For verifying, you'll read it back and pass it to `verify_master_password`.
Adding New Credentials: Storing Them Securely
This function will take new website/app details, encrypt the password, and save it. We'll use a simple JSON file for this example.
import json
PASSWORD_DATA_FILE = 'passwords.json'
def load_passwords:
"""Loads encrypted passwords from the JSON file."""
if os.path.existsPASSWORD_DATA_FILE:
with openPASSWORD_DATA_FILE, 'r' as f:
return json.loadf
return {}
def save_passwordspasswords_dict:
"""Saves encrypted passwords to the JSON file."""
with openPASSWORD_DATA_FILE, 'w' as f:
json.dumppasswords_dict, f, indent=4
def add_passwordservice, username, password, cipher_suite:
"""Encrypts a password and adds it to the storage."""
encrypted_password = cipher_suite.encryptpassword.encode.decode # Store as string
passwords = load_passwords
if service not in passwords:
passwords = {}
passwords = encrypted_password
save_passwordspasswords
printf"Password for {service} {username} added securely!"
Retrieving Passwords: The Decryption Dance
When you need a password, this function will fetch it, decrypt it, and present it to you.
def get_passwordservice, username, cipher_suite:
"""Retrieves and decrypts a password from the storage."""
if service in passwords and username in passwords:
encrypted_password = passwords
decrypted_password = cipher_suite.decryptencrypted_password.encode.decode
return decrypted_password
return None
def list_all_passwords:
"""Lists all stored services and usernames."""
if not passwords:
print"No passwords stored yet."
return
print"\n--- Stored Passwords ---"
for service, users in passwords.items:
printf"Service: {service}"
for username in users:
printf" Username: {username}"
print"------------------------\n"
Creating Strong Passwords on Demand
A simple function to generate strong, random passwords.
import random
import string
def generate_strong_passwordlength=16, use_uppercase=True, use_digits=True, use_special=True:
"""Generates a strong, random password."""
characters = string.ascii_lowercase
if use_uppercase:
characters += string.ascii_uppercase
if use_digits:
characters += string.digits
if use_special:
characters += string.punctuation # Common special characters
if not characters:
raise ValueError"No character types selected for password generation."
# Ensure at least one character from each selected type is present
password_chars =
password_chars.appendrandom.choicestring.ascii_uppercase
password_chars.appendrandom.choicestring.digits
password_chars.appendrandom.choicestring.punctuation
# Fill the rest of the length with random choices from all selected characters
while lenpassword_chars < length:
password_chars.appendrandom.choicecharacters
random.shufflepassword_chars
return "".joinpassword_chars
Updating and Deleting Entries
Maintenance is key for any manager!
def update_passwordservice, username, new_password, cipher_suite:
"""Updates an existing password."""
encrypted_password = cipher_suite.encryptnew_password.encode.decode
passwords = encrypted_password
save_passwordspasswords
printf"Password for {service} {username} updated successfully!"
printf"Error: Entry for {service} {username} not found."
def delete_passwordservice, username:
"""Deletes a password entry."""
del passwords
if not passwords: # If no more usernames for this service, delete the service
del passwords
printf"Entry for {service} {username} deleted successfully!"
# Making It User-Friendly: A Simple GUI with Tkinter
While you can absolutely build a command-line password manager, a graphical interface makes it much more pleasant to use. Tkinter is a built-in Python library that's perfect for this.,
Why a GUI?
* Ease of Use: Point and click is often easier than typing commands, especially for non-developers.
* Visual Feedback: Users can see immediately what's happening, like "Password added!" or a list of their saved credentials.
* Accessibility: A GUI makes your project more accessible to a wider audience.
Basic Tkinter Setup
Let's look at the basic structure of a Tkinter application.
import tkinter as tk
from tkinter import messagebox # For pop-up messages
import pyperclip # For copying to clipboard
# Assume all your functions generate_key, load_key, add_password, etc. are defined above
# and cipher_suite is initialized.
def setup_gui:
window = tk.Tk
window.title"Python Password Manager"
window.geometry"500x400" # Set a default window size
# Example: A simple label
label_title = tk.Labelwindow, text="Welcome to Your Python Password Manager!", font="Arial", 16
label_title.packpady=10 # Place the label in the window
# You'll have input fields Entry widgets and buttons here
# For instance, an entry for service name:
service_label = tk.Labelwindow, text="Service:"
service_label.pack
service_entry = tk.Entrywindow, width=40
service_entry.pack
# And a button to add a password
add_button = tk.Buttonwindow, text="Add Password", command=lambda: handle_add_password
service_entry.get, username_entry.get, password_entry.get # You'd get these from other Entry widgets
add_button.packpady=5
window.mainloop # Keeps the window open and responsive
def handle_add_passwordservice, username, password:
"""Wrapper function to call add_password and show feedback."""
if not service or not username or not password:
messagebox.showerror"Input Error", "All fields are required!"
# Call your actual add_password function here
# add_passwordservice, username, password, cipher_suite
messagebox.showinfo"Success", f"Password for {service} added!"
# And similar handler functions for retrieve, generate, update, delete.
You'll build out your GUI by adding more widgets labels, entry fields, buttons and connecting them to your backend functions.,
Connecting Functions to Buttons
Each button will trigger a specific function. You can use `command=your_function_name` for this. If your function needs arguments, you can use a `lambda` function.
For example, a "Generate Password" button:
generated_password_var = tk.StringVar # A Tkinter variable to display generated password
def on_generate_password:
new_pass = generate_strong_password
generated_password_var.setnew_pass
messagebox.showinfo"Generated Password", f"New password: {new_pass}\nCopied to clipboard!"
pyperclip.copynew_pass # Copy to clipboard automatically
generate_button = tk.Buttonwindow, text="Generate Password", command=on_generate_password
generate_button.packpady=5
generated_password_display = tk.Entrywindow, textvariable=generated_password_var, width=40, state='readonly'
generated_password_display.pack
This simple Tkinter setup provides a foundation. You can expand it with more sophisticated layouts, listboxes to display all entries, and more detailed input validation.
# Security, Security, Security: Don't Skimp Here!
When you're dealing with sensitive data like passwords, security is paramount. Building your own manager means the responsibility for security falls squarely on *you*. Don't cut corners!
Protecting Your Encryption Key
This is probably the most important security consideration. If someone gets your `secret.key` file, they can decrypt all your stored passwords.
* Don't put it in cloud-synced folders: If your `secret.key` is synced to Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, and that cloud account is compromised, your key is gone.
* Consider environment variables for specific use cases: For a script that runs on a server, storing the key as an environment variable `os.environ` is a common, secure practice. However, for a local desktop application, it's less practical for the user.,,
* Store it on a separate secure device advanced: For ultimate security, some might suggest keeping the key on a USB drive that is only plugged in when the manager is in use. This adds friction but significantly boosts security.
* Master Password for Key Encryption more complex: A more advanced approach involves using your master password to encrypt *the encryption key itself*. This means even if someone gets your `secret.key` file, they still need your master password to decrypt the key, and then use that key to decrypt your actual passwords. This layers your security nicely.
Master Password Best Practices
Your master password is the "master key" to your vault.
* Never store it in plaintext: We already covered this, but it bears repeating. Always hash it.,,
* Use strong hashing algorithms: `hashlib.pbkdf2_hmac` with enough iterations like 100,000 or more is good. For even more robust solutions, consider libraries like `bcrypt` or `argon2` specifically designed for password hashing.,
* Don't reuse it: Your master password should be unique and not used for *any* other online service.
* Make it strong: Long, complex, and memorable. Think passphrases!
Hashing vs. Encryption: When to Use What
This can be a bit confusing, but it's vital to understand:
* Hashing one-way: Used for verifying data integrity or securing passwords where you *don't* need to retrieve the original value. You hash a password, store the hash, and then when the user tries to log in, you hash what they entered and compare the two hashes. If they match, the password is correct. You can't reverse a hash to get the original password. Use for your Master Password.
* Encryption two-way: Used when you need to store data securely but also retrieve the original data later. You encrypt the data, store the ciphertext, and then decrypt it when needed. Use for your stored website passwords.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
* Hardcoding sensitive info: Never embed passwords, keys, or salts directly into your code.,
* Using weak encryption/hashing: Avoid outdated algorithms like MD5 or SHA1 for password hashing.
* Insufficient error handling: Make sure your program gracefully handles missing files, incorrect inputs, or other issues without crashing or exposing data.
* Not clearing clipboard: If you copy a password to the clipboard, make sure to clear it after a short delay e.g., 30 seconds to prevent it from lingering.
# Beyond the Basics: Taking Your Manager to the Next Level
Once you have a solid, secure basic password manager, there's a ton of room to expand and enhance its features. This is where your creativity and problem-solving skills really shine!
Better Data Storage SQLite, Keyring
While JSON files are fine for simple projects, for anything more serious, consider:
* SQLite Database: As mentioned before, SQLite provides structured storage, making it easier to manage, query, and scale your password data. It's still a file-based database, so it keeps your application lightweight and self-contained.
* Python Keyring Library: For critical, application-level secrets or your master password, the `keyring` library as discussed can tap into the operating system's secure credential store. This is especially good for a single, highly sensitive piece of information, as it leverages the OS's built-in security.
Advanced Encryption Techniques
Fernet is great, but there are other options and considerations:
* AES Advanced Encryption Standard with a Key Derivation Function KDF: While Fernet uses AES under the hood, understanding and implementing AES with a KDF like PBKDF2 which we used for hashing the master password gives you even finer control. A KDF generates a strong encryption key from a password, adding another layer of security.,
* Asymmetric Encryption for advanced use cases: For sharing passwords securely between different users or systems, asymmetric public/private key encryption could be explored, though it adds significant complexity for a personal password manager.
Clipboard Integration
This is a huge quality-of-life improvement.,,
* `pyperclip`: A simple Python library that allows you to copy text to the clipboard and paste from it. When a user retrieves a password, automatically copy it to their clipboard, but remember to implement a short timer to clear it!
Cross-Platform Compatibility
If you build a GUI with Tkinter, your password manager should largely run on Windows, macOS, and Linux without significant changes, as Python and Tkinter are cross-platform.
Multi-Factor Authentication Advanced
For the truly ambitious, you could integrate MFA. This would mean that in addition to your master password, you'd need a second factor, like:
* TOTP Time-based One-Time Password: The kind generated by authenticator apps e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy. You'd need to implement the algorithm or use a library to generate and verify these.
* Hardware Security Keys: While much more complex to integrate, it's the ultimate in local security.
Export/Import Functionality
What if you want to move your passwords to a different machine, or back them up?
* Encrypted Export: Allow users to export their encrypted password database e.g., as an encrypted JSON or SQLite file and then import it elsewhere. This is critical for data portability.
* Password History/Versions: Keep a history of old passwords for a service, allowing users to revert or see changes.
By continually adding features and refining your security, your Python password manager can become a truly impressive and useful tool. And remember, the journey of building it is just as valuable as the destination!
Frequently Asked Questions
# What is the most secure way to store passwords in Python?
The most secure way to store passwords in Python involves using encryption for the actual credentials and hashing for the master password. You should use a strong, symmetric encryption algorithm like Fernet from the `cryptography` library to encrypt individual service passwords. For the master password that unlocks your manager, always hash it with a secure algorithm like `hashlib.pbkdf2_hmac` with a high number of iterations and a unique salt or dedicated libraries like `bcrypt` or `argon2`. Crucially, never store your encryption key or master password hash in a publicly accessible or unencrypted location, and avoid hardcoding them directly into your script.
# Is building a password manager in Python a good project for beginners?
Yes, building a password manager in Python is an excellent project for beginners and intermediate learners! It covers a wide range of essential programming concepts like file I/O, data structures dictionaries, lists, user input, and crucial security principles such as encryption and hashing. It also provides a practical application for learning GUI development with libraries like Tkinter. While creating a *production-ready*, fully secure manager requires advanced knowledge, building a functional and secure-enough-for-learning version is highly educational and great for your portfolio.
# What Python libraries are essential for a password manager?
For a robust Python password manager, you'll definitely need:
* `cryptography`: Specifically the `Fernet` module for strong symmetric encryption of passwords.
* `hashlib`: A built-in module for hashing the master password e.g., using `pbkdf2_hmac`.
* `os`: For file system operations, generating random salts, and checking file existence.
* `json`: For structured storage of your encrypted passwords in a file. Alternatively, `sqlite3` built-in for database storage.
* `getpass`: A built-in module for securely accepting the master password without displaying it on the screen.
* `tkinter`: Python's built-in GUI library, if you want a graphical user interface.
* `pyperclip`: Optional but highly recommended for copying passwords to the clipboard.
# How do I protect the encryption key for my Python password manager?
Protecting your encryption key is paramount. Here are some strategies:
* Secure File Storage: Store the key in a dedicated file that's kept out of cloud-synced folders and sensitive version control like Git. Ensure the file has strict operating system permissions.
* Master Password Encryption: A common advanced approach is to use your master password to encrypt the encryption key itself. This means the key only exists in memory when your manager is unlocked, and even if the key file is compromised, it's still protected by your master password.
* Environment Variables: For server-side applications, storing the key as an environment variable is secure. For local desktop apps, this is less user-friendly but possible.
* Hardware Device: For extreme security, some might store the key on an external USB drive, only plugging it in when needed.
# Should I use hashing or encryption for storing passwords in my Python manager?
You should use both, but for different purposes.
* Hashing is for your master password. You hash the master password, store the hash, and compare it to a hash of the entered password for verification. You never need to "decrypt" the master password.
* Encryption is for your individual service passwords. You encrypt these passwords before storing them so they remain secret, and then you decrypt them when the user needs to retrieve them.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for building a secure password manager.
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