Propriety, or closed-source, password managers don’t share their source code publicly. That means users can’t independently verify how their data is secured or how the software works behind the scenes. Open source solutions offer greater transparency, giving users the confidence that security claims can be reviewed and validated. Proprietary tools also have restrictive licensing, making them less flexible for advanced customization for teams with specific needs. They may also come with licensing fees and limited options for customization, making them less flexible for teams with specific needs.
View Bitwarden open source licensing
To provide transparency, security, and community collaboration.
Transparency - A core value of transparency builds trust, as users can verify the security claims made by Bitwarden, such as its use of end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive data.
Security - Allowing anyone to inspect, audit, and contribute to the code can lead to faster identification and resolution of vulnerabilities.
Community collaboration - A community of engaged developers and users who contribute to the software's development drive innovation and enhance security, improving the overall product.
What is an open source password manager?
In an open source password manager like Bitwarden, every line of code is published online where thousands of security enthusiasts and third-party auditors review it.
Why choose an open source solution?
Open source security tools, such as an enterprise password manager or password vault, provide the transparency needed to build trust, along with strong security and a community that drives innovation.
Besides transparency and community innovation, open source solutions are also generally more accessible and cost-effective, making them a great option for organizations with limited resources.
Bitwarden has been recognized for its ease of use and robust security. Top security features include:
Zero knowledge, end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption.
Multifactor cloud encryption.
PBKDF2 SHA-256 authentication process.
In addition, Bitwarden partners with third parties such as Cure53 to conduct regular security audits, cryptographic analysis, and penetration testing. Bitwarden is SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and Data Privacy Framework (DPF) compliant.
Host It Yourself
Don‘t want to use the Bitwarden cloud? You don‘t have to.
With Docker you can easily host Bitwarden‘s entire infrastructure stack on the platform of your choice.
Linux / MacOS
$ curl -Lso bitwarden.sh https://go.btwrdn.co/bw-sh \
&& chmod +x bitwarden.sh
$ ./bitwarden.sh install
$ ./bitwarden.sh start
Windows
> Invoke-RestMethod -OutFile bitwarden.ps1 `
-Uri https://go.btwrdn.co/bw-ps
> .\bitwarden.ps1 -install
> .\bitwarden.ps1 -start