Being able to handle credentials securely and safely is always tricky. However, those who deal with sensitive information often have to go abroad. DontSpoof Vault does what you would expect as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge: it provides a space to safely store, encrypt and organise credentials and accounts, all while avoiding using the cloud.
Developed by cybersecurity journalist Iam Waqas, DontSpoof Vault takes a straightforward, local-first approach to password management. Designed for users who value both security and independence, the tool allows you to encrypt your credentials, back them up securely, and access them when needed, with the ability to wipe them out entirely when you’re done.
In this review, we put DontSpoof Vault to the test. From its user experience and encryption capabilities to practical use cases, we evaluate whether it meets the demands of cybersecurity professionals, frequent travellers, and privacy-conscious users alike.
Overview of DontSpoof Vault
In part, DontSpoof Vault is a minimalist creation with a clear goal in its sights. It lets you:
- Take credentials, store them locally and encrypt the data using AES-GCM cypher.
- Unlink the backup/restore of your credential data and eliminate dependency on third-party servers.
- Transfer shared encrypted credentials to those trustworthy users via a User ID and a passphrase.
- Erase all information with one click of a button.
Created by cybersecurity journalist Iam Waqas, the extension is designed to meet the needs of an audience that wants no one but themselves to access their passwords. No one will call it simply a new tool for ordinary users; it is an application for people who know that losing their personal data is dangerous and who are ready to control it.
However, as is often the case, vision is one thing, and doing is another. To support them, we dissected each feature and ‘fed’ it through other situations that mimic actual usage.
Testing Methodology
To provide an authentic review, we tested DontSpoof Vault on the following parameters:
- Encryption Strength and Integrity: We thoroughly checked that the vault provides AES-256 encryption while storing passwords.
- Data Management: We tested the vault to see if it efficiently adds, modifies, and deletes data. We also tested the vault’s searching functionality and secure password-sharing functionality.
- Backup and Restore: The vault offers an offline backup option. We tested its functionality by backing up our data several times to ensure its security and reliability.
- Sharing Functionality: We also tested the password-sharing feature and found that we could securely share passwords through AES-encrypted messaging.
- Session Management: We also tested the timeout feature and session persistence. To ensure password security, the vault logs out after 15 seconds of inactivity.
- Usability and User Experience: The vault has a simple interface that is easy to understand and navigate.
All of those tests were performed on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers to ensure that the vault works well on all the platforms on which it is available.
DontSpoof Vault Audit Results
We audited the DontSpoof vault to check its privacy, security, and functionality. Here are the results of our audit.
Encryption: Keeping Data Locked Down
DontSpoof Vault promises the utmost password privacy and security through high-end AES-GCM encryption standards. We checked the Chrome browser’s local storage ( chrome.storage.local ) and found no sensitive data was stored in plain text.
Test 1: Encrypted Storage
We checked if the passwords in the DontSpoof Vault were stored in AES encryption. Here are the results of the test:
- The Vault stores all passwords in encrypted form. Even with direct physical access to the storage, all data remained encrypted and could not be read without the master password.
Evidence: Picture that expresses encrypted credentials as they appear in the browser console.
Test 2: Decryption Validation
We tried to decode stored credentials with a proper master password, which worked flawlessly. However, the Vault immediately rejected the entry when the wrong details were entered.
When it comes to providing password security, DontSpoof Vault provides the encryption it promises. However, to ensure their data remains secure, users must not lose their master password, as there is no option for password recovery.
Vault Functionality: Managing Credentials
A password manager’s usability depends heavily on how efficiently it handles credentials. We tested adding, editing, deleting, and searching stored data.
- Adding Credentials
Result: Adding credentials was intuitive, though the lack of inline field validation meant errors (like empty fields) were caught only after submission. - Editing and Deleting Credentials
Result: Editing credentials worked as expected, and deleted entries were removed permanently. No residual data was found in storage after deletion. - Search Functionality
Searching for credentials using partial matches (e.g., entering “Google” instead of “Google Account”) produced accurate results. This feature worked smoothly even with a large dataset.
Backup and Restore: Freedom from Cloud Reliance
The offline backup system is one of DontSpoof Vault’s standout features. Users can generate encrypted .dsvault files, download them, and later restore them securely.
- Backup File Security
Result: The .dsvault files generated by the extension were encrypted and unreadable outside the vault environment. Even forensic attempts to analyze these files without the correct passphrase failed. - Restore Functionality
Restoring from backup worked seamlessly. Credentials were re-imported into the vault without data corruption. Invalid files were appropriately flagged, preventing accidental overwrites.
Secure Sharing: Sharing Without Compromising
DontSpoof Vault allows users to share passwords securely via encrypted messages. The recipient needs a unique User ID and passphrase to decrypt the shared credential.
- Encryption Test for Sharing
Result: Passwords shared through this system were encrypted and tied to the recipient’s User ID, ensuring that even intercepted messages couldn’t be decrypted by unauthorised parties. - Recipient-Specific Decryption
We attempted to decrypt a shared message using the wrong User ID. Unsurprisingly, this failed. The extension refused to process the request, ensuring that the credential remained secure.
Session Management: Staying Secure While Idle
Session management is critical for any password manager. We tested how DontSpoof Vault handles user sessions during activity and inactivity.
- Session Timeout
Result: The extension logged out automatically after a period of inactivity, requiring re-authentication. - Session Persistence Across Browsers
Active sessions persisted across tabs and browser restarts. But only within the timeout window.
Usability and User Experience
While DontSpoof Vault targets a security-conscious audience, it still needs to cater to users who may not be tech-savvy. Here’s how it fared:
- Setup Process
Setting up the extension was straightforward. Users are guided through creating a master password, though there’s a notable absence of suggestions for creating strong passwords. - Password Generator
The built-in password generator produced secure credentials, but saving them directly to the vault required manual copying and pasting—an unnecessary extra step. - Error Handling
Invalid inputs, such as mismatched passwords or empty fields, were flagged immediately. Error messages were clear and actionable.
Documentation for Further Guidance
DontSpoof Vault offers comprehensive resources for users:
Final Thoughts
DontSpoof Vault is a no-nonsense tool that prioritises privacy and offline security. It’s not for everyone. Users seeking flashy features or cloud syncing may look elsewhere. But it’s a reliable and secure option for professionals, journalists, and enthusiasts who value control over their data.
