docs/user-facing/communication-and-security/vaultwarden.md

# Vaultwarden: Secure Password Management

**Vaultwarden** is the official password manager hosted on **The Nest**[cite: 5]. Powered by a self-hosted implementation of Bitwarden, Vaultwarden provides an encrypted vault to safely store your passwords, passkeys, credit cards, secure notes, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes across all your devices[cite: 5].

---

## 1. Why Use Vaultwarden over Other Password Managers?

With so many password management options available, here is why we encourage using Vaultwarden on The Nest:

* **Complete Privacy & Data Ownership:** Your passwords are encrypted and hosted locally on The Nest rather than on commercial cloud servers owned by Big Tech companies[cite: 5].
* **True Multi-Device Syncing:** Browser-based password managers (like Chrome or Safari) lock your credentials into a specific browser or operating system. Vaultwarden syncs seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and every major browser via official Bitwarden apps[cite: 5].
* **Integrated Passkey & 2FA Support:** Store WebAuthn passkeys and built-in authenticator (TOTP) codes in one single, secure location—no need for separate authenticator apps[cite: 5]!
* **Full Premium Feature Set:** Nest users receive full access to Bitwarden-compatible premium features (such as 2FA generation, secure attachment storage, and emergency access) at zero extra cost[cite: 5].
* **Automatic Backups vs. Local Files:** Local password files (like KeePass or un-synced text stores) risk permanent data loss if a device is damaged or lost. Vaultwarden keeps your vault synced in real time while benefit from automated Nest backups[cite: 5].

---

## 2. Getting Started & Account Setup

1. **Check Your Inbox:** When your Nest account is created, you will receive an invitation email containing a registration link[cite: 5].
2. **Set Your Master Password:** Click the invite link to create your account and set a strong **Master Password**[cite: 5].
3. **Save Your Master Password:** This password encrypts your entire vault[cite: 5]. Make sure to write it down or store it in a safe place[cite: 5]!

> [!WARNING]
> **Important:** Because Vaultwarden uses zero-knowledge encryption, administrators **cannot** view or reset your Master Password if you forget it[cite: 5]. Always keep a physical backup of your Master Password in a secure location[cite: 5]!

*If your invite link has expired before setup, simply reach out to an administrator on Matrix to request a new invitation[cite: 5].*

---

## 3. How to Migrate Your Passwords into Vaultwarden

Moving your existing credentials from Chrome, Firefox, Apple Passwords, 1Password, or LastPass into Vaultwarden is quick and easy!

### Step 1: Export Credentials from Your Current Manager
Export your saved passwords as an unencrypted **CSV** or **JSON** file from your current browser or password manager settings.

### Step 2: Import Your File into Vaultwarden
1. Log in to the Vaultwarden Web Console at [vault.mynest.love](https://vault.mynest.love)[cite: 5].
2. In the top navigation bar, click **Tools**, then select **Import Data**.
3. Choose the format corresponding to your old manager (e.g., *"Chrome (csv)"* or *"1Password (csv)"*).
4. Select your exported file and click **Import Data**.

### Step 3: Clean Up
> [!CAUTION]
> **Security Reminder:** Once your import is complete, immediately delete the exported `.csv` or `.json` file from your device and empty your Trash/Recycle Bin. Export files contain your passwords in plain text!

---

## 4. Connecting Your Apps & Devices

Vaultwarden uses standard **Bitwarden** client applications[cite: 5]. When signing in to any Bitwarden extension or app for the first time, click the **Gear Icon (Settings)** on the sign-in screen and set your **Server URL** to:

`https://vault.mynest.love`[cite: 5]

### Recommended Downloads:
* **Browser Extension:** Install the **Bitwarden** browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) for one-click password auto-fill on websites[cite: 5].
* **Mobile Apps:** Download **Bitwarden** from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to enable system-wide password and passkey auto-fill on smartphones[cite: 5].
* **Desktop App:** Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux for quick access to your vault off-browser[cite: 5].

---

## 5. Integrating with The Nest

While The Nest relies primarily on **passwordless passkeys** managed via Keycloak SSO for logging into services like Matrix or Forgejo[cite: 5], Vaultwarden is an essential companion:

* **Passkey Vaulting:** Vaultwarden can securely store and sync passkeys used for both Nest services and external websites[cite: 5].
* **Credential Organization:** Safely store API keys, personal notes, credit cards, or recovery codes for all your digital accounts[cite: 5].

> [!TIP]
> **Passkey Auto-Fill:**
> If you use the Bitwarden browser extension or mobile app, enable passkey support in the extension settings to sign into Nest services with a single click[cite: 5]!

---

## 6. Service Endpoints & Related Services

| Component | URL | Purpose |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Vaultwarden Web UI** | [vault.mynest.love](https://vault.mynest.love) | Web vault, import tools, and account settings[cite: 5] |

### Related Nest Documentation:
* **[Keycloak Identity](../technical/security-and-identity.md):** Powers central passkey logins across The Nest[cite: 5].
* **[Matrix Chat](../communication-and-security/matrix.md):** Get in touch with an administrator if you need help with your vault[cite: 5].