This DIY Hardware Password Keeper Is Unlocked with RFID

If you’re like most people, you probably only use one or two passwords for all of your various accounts. But that’s a bad idea, because if those credentials are compromised on even one website or service, then all of your accounts that share the password will be compromised. What you should do is use two-factor authentication, or at the very least use a unique password for every account. Of course, remembering all of those passwords would be nearly impossible, which is why you may want to build this DIY hardware password keeper.

Passkeeper was designed by Eugene and Maxim, and instructions are hosted on Eugene’s website jdevelop.com. The device is small and has a simple interface compromised of an OLED screen, three LEDs, and three buttons. To use passkeeper, you simply plug it into your computer with a USB cable. Once it boots, you insert an RFID key fob into the slot. That unlocks the device, and makes it show up as a network interface on your computer. Then you can use your web browser to visit the local website where you can enter or retrieve your passwords. Afterwards, you can find passwords directly on the device.

To create your own, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W, an OLED display, an RFID reader, buttons, and LEDs. You’ll also need access to a 3D printer to fabricate the case from the provided STL files. Assembly is easy, and setting up the software only requires a few steps that are outlined in the build guide. It isn’t completely clear how secure this device actually is, but it’s certainly better than only using a single password or writing all of your passwords down on a piece of paper.