Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises: Comprehensive Installation Guide

In today’s digital landscape, managing a multitude of passwords securely is more critical than ever. Password managers like Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises have become essential tools for individuals and organizations aiming to protect sensitive information. In this article, we’ll explore what password managers are, why you should use them, and the advantages of storing your passwords on-premises rather than in the cloud. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide based on the official instructions on how to install Passbolt Password Manager using Docker.

What Is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a software application designed to store and manage your online credentials securely. It encrypts your passwords and personal information, allowing you to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts without the need to remember them all.

Why Use a Password Manager?

• Enhanced Security: Using strong, unique passwords for each account reduces the risk of credential stuffing and hacking.
• Convenience: Automatically fill in login forms, saving time and reducing frustration.
• Centralized Management: Easily update and manage all your passwords from a single interface.
• Data Protection: Encryption ensures that even if the password manager is compromised, your data remains secure.

The Importance of On-Premises Password Storage

While cloud-based password managers offer convenience, they also introduce potential risks:

• Data Control: Storing passwords on-premises ensures you have full control over your data.
• Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements for data handling in certain industries.
• Reduced Attack Surface: Eliminates vulnerabilities associated with cloud storage and third-party providers.

Introducing Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises

Passbolt is an open-source, self-hosted password manager designed for teams and individuals who prioritize security and privacy. By deploying Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises, you can take advantage of:

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures only authorized users can access the stored passwords.
• Team Collaboration: Share passwords securely within your organization.
• Open-Source Transparency: Regular security audits and community support enhance trust.

How to Install Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises

Follow this comprehensive guide to install Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises on your server, based on the official instructions.

Prerequisites for Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Operating System: A server running a compatible Linux distribution.
• Docker and Docker Compose: Installed and properly configured.
• Domain Name: A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) pointing to your server’s IP address.
• SSL Certificates: For secure HTTPS communication (you can use Let’s Encrypt).

Step 1: Install Docker and Docker Compose

If Docker and Docker Compose are not already installed, you can install them using the following commands:

# Install Docker
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y docker.io

# Install Docker Compose
sudo apt-get install -y docker-compose

Verify the installation:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

Step 2: Clone the Passbolt Docker Repository

Clone the official Passbolt Docker repository to get the necessary Docker files:

git clone https://github.com/passbolt/passbolt_docker.git
cd passbolt_docker

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables for Passbolt Docker

Copy the example environment file and edit it to suit your configuration:

cp env-example .env
nano .env

In the .env file, set the following variables:

• APP_FULL_BASE_URL: Set this to your domain name, e.g., https://passbolt.yourdomain.com
• DATASOURCES_DEFAULT_HOST: Database host, usually database
• DATASOURCES_DEFAULT_USERNAME: Database username, e.g., passbolt
• DATASOURCES_DEFAULT_PASSWORD: Database password
• DATASOURCES_DEFAULT_DATABASE: Database name, e.g., passbolt
• EMAIL_DEFAULT_FROM: Email address for sending notifications
• EMAIL_TRANSPORT_DEFAULT_USERNAME: SMTP username
• EMAIL_TRANSPORT_DEFAULT_PASSWORD: SMTP password

Step 4: Generate GPG Keys for Passbolt

Passbolt requires a GPG key pair for encryption. You can generate these keys using the provided Docker command:

docker-compose run --rm passbolt app:install --no-admin

This command will generate the server’s GPG key pair and store them in the ./gpg directory.

Step 5: Configure SSL Certificates for Passbolt

If you have SSL certificates, place them in the ./ssl directory:

• ./ssl/cert.pem (Your certificate)
• ./ssl/key.pem (Your private key)
• ./ssl/chain.pem (CA Chain)

Alternatively, you can use Let’s Encrypt to generate free SSL certificates.

Step 6: Initialize the Passbolt Docker Containers

Start the Docker containers using Docker Compose:

docker-compose up -d

This command will build and run the necessary containers:

• Passbolt App Container
• MariaDB Database Container
• Nginx Web Server Container

Step 7: Create the Admin User for Passbolt

Run the following command to create an admin user:

docker-compose run --rm passbolt passbolt register_user \
    --username=admin \
    --first-name=Admin \
    --last-name=User \
    [email protected] \
    --password=yourpassword \
    --role=admin

You’ll receive a registration link. Open it in your browser to finalize the admin account setup.

Step 8: Install the Passbolt Browser Extension

To use Passbolt effectively, install the Passbolt browser extension available for:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge

Tips for Managing Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises

• Regular Backups: Ensure you back up your database and configuration files regularly.
• Updates: Keep your Passbolt installation and Docker images up to date.
• Monitoring: Monitor your server resources and performance.

Benefits of Using Passbolt Password Manager On-Premises

• Security: Keep your passwords behind your firewall.
• Customization: Tailor the software to meet your specific needs.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and workflows.

Conclusion

Managing passwords doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Passbolt Password Manager Docker On-Premises, you can achieve a high level of security and control over your credentials. By understanding the importance of password managers and the benefits of on-premises storage, you’re taking a significant step towards safeguarding your digital assets.

Empower your team with secure password management today by deploying Passbolt on your own servers.