Vaultwarden

What is Vaultwarden?

Vaultwarden (formerly known as Bitwarden_RS) is a Rust-based alternative to the official Bitwarden server. It is designed for self-hosting environments where resources are limited, offering similar functionality without requiring the heavy infrastructure of the official server. Vaultwarden ensures data encryption and security while providing seamless compatibility with Bitwarden's desktop, mobile, and web clients.

Its small memory and CPU footprint make it suitable for hosting on devices like Raspberry Pi, VPS servers, or other modest systems. Vaultwarden’s modular architecture and community-driven enhancements further expand its usability, offering features such as custom domain support and alternative authentication mechanisms.

Main Features

Vaultwarden provides a comprehensive password management solution with additional features optimized for lightweight, self-hosted setups.

• Bitwarden Client Compatibility: Fully compatible with Bitwarden's apps, browser extensions, and CLI tools.
• Efficient Resource Usage: Designed to run smoothly on low-spec hardware while supporting large user bases.
• End-to-End Encryption: Implements AES-256 encryption, PBKDF2 hashing, and other security measures for data protection.
• Custom Domain Support: Allows the use of personal domains with HTTPS for secure access.
• Multiple User Support: Enables account creation and management for multiple users, making it ideal for families or small teams.
• Self-Hosting Flexibility: Works on diverse platforms, including Docker, bare metal, and virtual machines.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Offers support for TOTP-based 2FA for added account security.
• Advanced Features: Supports additional tools like WebAuthn for hardware key authentication and integrations for external SMTP servers.
• Admin Panel: Includes an optional admin interface for managing users and server settings.

What is Vaultwarden Used For?

Vaultwarden enables individuals and organizations to securely manage and store sensitive credentials without relying on external cloud services.

• Password Management: Store and organize credentials, notes, and sensitive data with robust encryption.
• Team Collaboration: Share passwords securely between users, with features like folder organization and permissions.
• Offline Access: Access password vaults without requiring an internet connection.
• Enhanced Security: Reduce dependency on third-party servers and maintain complete control over your data.
• Resource-Constrained Hosting: Run a full-featured password server on small or embedded devices.
• Backup and Restore: Support for exporting and importing encrypted vault data for disaster recovery.

How to Install Vaultwarden

Vaultwarden is most commonly deployed using Docker, although it can also be installed manually or with other containerization systems. Refer to the official Vaultwarden GitHub page for detailed setup instructions.

Installation using Docker:

1. Create a Data Directory:

Prepare a directory for persistent data storage.

mkdir -p /path/to/vaultwarden/data

2. Pull the Vaultwarden Image‍

Download the latest image from Docker Hub.

docker pull vaultwarden/server

3. Run the Vaultwarden Container:

Configure and launch Vaultwarden with volume and port mappings.

docker run -d --name vaultwarden \
  -v /path/to/vaultwarden/data:/data \
  -p 80:80 \
  vaultwarden/server

‍4. Access Vaultwarden:

Navigate to http://<server-ip> in a web browser to complete the setup.

For additional features like HTTPS or reverse proxies, integrate with tools like Nginx, Caddy, or Traefik.Vaultwarden delivers a robust, efficient, and secure solution for self-hosted password management, making it an excellent alternative to the official Bitwarden server.

Vaultwarden delivers a robust, efficient, and secure solution for self-hosted password management, making it an excellent alternative to the official Bitwarden server.