Shared passwords without a shared spreadsheet
Your team's logins, access codes and customer lists probably live in a spreadsheet, a chat thread or someone's head. Nobody can say who changed what, and when a person leaves you can't tell what they could see. Crypt-o from Soft-o is built to fix that. It is a Client/Server multi-user password manager and custom database that you host yourself on your own network.
Quick facts
- Version: 3.4.433
- Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012/R2, 2008/R2, 2003, Vista and XP (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Price: $39.95 per user for 2-4 licenses, with lower per-user prices for larger quantities
- Licensing: per person, with no subscription or maintenance fees
- Encryption: AES with a 256-bit key; TLS between client and server
Key features
An encrypted server database you control
Data is stored in a Firebird SQL Server database and encrypted with AES and a 256-bit key. Clients talk to the server over TLS. Crypt-o is self-hosted, so your data stays on your own hardware.
Permissions down to a single record
You can set user and group accounts and control access to the whole program, a database, a folder or one record. Accounts can be authenticated through a Windows AD domain or any LDAP server. Multi-factor authentication is supported too.
A full audit trail of who did what
Every user action is written to the Audit log, and privileged users can review it. Email notifications can be turned on for important events.
Your own record layouts, not fixed password fields
Fields in a database or folder can be added, changed or removed, so you can store logins, employee lists, PIN codes, credit card numbers or files. You can attach files to records and import or export CSV and TXT. Shared OTP code generators let a team use one TOTP secret.
Autofill in browsers and Windows programs
Crypt-o fills web pages, registration forms and logon windows. It works with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and most ordinary Windows applications.
Portable mode and a Web interface for when you're away
You can install a portable version on a USB stick and read your data offline. Changes made offline can be synchronized back to the main database. Portable copies can be set to expire after a number of days. The Web interface lets you reach the databases from a phone, tablet or laptop browser.
Rollout and resilience tools for administrators
Deployment works through Windows Group Policy. Backup servers improve availability, and an API allows scripted access to data. Hundreds of remote clients can connect at once.
Who it's for
Crypt-o suits small and mid-sized companies, IT teams and departments that run Windows servers and want shared credentials on their own network. It also fits anyone who needs a custom encrypted database for more than passwords, such as customer or employee lists.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-hosted, with no subscription or maintenance fees.
- Fine-grained permissions, AD/LDAP sign-in and an audit log.
- Customizable fields, file attachments and a portable offline mode.
- Per-user price drops with volume.
Cons
- You have to install and maintain a server, which is more work than a hosted service.
- The client and server are Windows applications; other devices use the Web interface.
- Licensing is per person, so every user needs a license.
- Autofill covers Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Internet Explorer; other browsers are not listed.
FAQs
Do I pay a subscription?
No. The product is sold per user with no maintenance fee. Purchase includes free upgrades to all minor releases until the next major release, and free priority email support.
How is it priced?
One license is needed per person using it. The per-user price is $39.95 for 2-4 licenses and falls to $11.95 for 200 or more. Site licenses are available if you need 300 or more users.
Can I use it away from the office?
Yes, in three ways. The server can be reached over the Internet, LAN or WAN, you can use the Web interface in a browser, and you can carry a portable copy on a USB stick.
Can I sign in with my Windows accounts?
Yes. Crypt-o can authenticate users against a Windows AD domain or any LDAP server.
Can I move my existing data in?
You can import from CSV and TXT files. The version history also mentions import from Password Manager XP and Free Password Manager databases.
System requirements
- Operating systems: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012/R2, 2008/R2, 2003, Windows Vista and Windows XP
- Architecture: both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows