AltF Vault

Encrypted vault backup and restore

Because AltF Vault lives in one browser, a backup file is how you protect it and move it. The backup is the same AES-256-GCM ciphertext the browser stores, so it is safe to keep in cloud storage, email to yourself or put on a USB drive. Restore it on any device by choosing Restore backup and entering the passphrase.

  • Free, no account
  • Encrypted on your device
  • Works offline
  • Not yet independently audited
Checking this browser for a saved vault...

A simple backup routine

  • Download a backup right after you create the vault and add your first items.
  • Download again after any big change, such as importing a CSV or rotating passwords.
  • Keep at least two copies in different places, for example cloud storage and a USB drive.
  • Test a restore once on another browser so you know it works.
  • Old backups keep the passphrase they were made with. After changing it, make a new backup.

Why the browser can lose data

Browsers may clear site storage when disk space is low, when you clear browsing data, or, in Safari, for sites you have not visited in a while. The Backup tab can ask the browser for persistent storage, which lowers the risk, but a backup file is the only real protection.

Encrypted vault backup and restore: questions and answers

Is the backup file encrypted?

Yes. It is the exact encrypted record from your browser. Without the passphrase it is unreadable.

Can I open a backup in another app?

No other app reads the AltF Vault format. To move to another password manager, use the plain CSV export instead, then delete that file.

What if I restore an old backup?

Restoring replaces the vault in that browser with the backup's contents. Items added since the backup was made are not in it.

Is it safe to email the backup to myself?

The file is encrypted, so yes, provided your passphrase is strong. A weak passphrase can be guessed offline from any copy of the file.

Vault guides and features

AltF Vault homeThe vault, how it is built, what it cannot do and the FAQ.How the encryption worksThe full AltF Vault security design in plain English: PBKDF2-SHA-256 key derivation, AES-256-GCM, what is stored, and what it cannot protect against.Encrypted secure notesWrite encrypted notes in your browser: bank details, ID numbers, door codes and private lists, sealed with AES-256 on your device. Free and no sign-up.2FA recovery code storageStore two-factor backup and recovery codes encrypted on your device, tick off used codes and get warned when a set is running low. Free, no account.Password health checkFind weak, reused and years-old passwords in your vault, plus expired API keys and low recovery codes. Checked on your device, breach check optional.Import passwords from CSVImport a password CSV from Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Bitwarden, 1Password or LastPass into an encrypted vault. Read on your device, never uploaded.Offline password managerA free offline password manager that runs in your browser with no account or cloud. Encrypted on your device, works without internet after loading.Master passphrase guideHow to choose a master password for a password manager: random word passphrases, how many words you need, how to memorise it and what to avoid.How to choose a password managerA checklist for choosing a password manager: audits, encryption, recovery, sync, offline access, export and cost, with an honest look at where AltF Vault fits.

Free tools that work with the vault

AltFTool stores nothing from your vault. It is encrypted and kept in your browser; the only optional network request is the k-anonymity breach check.