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Connecting to the Cetis Password Manager (Vaultwarden)

Cetis utilizes Vaultwarden for our password manager.  

What is Vaultwarden?

Vaultwarden is an open-source, lightweight, self-hosted version of Bitwarden’s server. It provides the same functionality as Bitwarden’s official cloud service, but runs on your own server. This means your passwords and secrets are stored and managed by your organization instead of a third party.

Key points:
    •    100% compatible with the official Bitwarden apps, browser extensions, and mobile clients.
    •    Runs efficiently on small servers (like a Raspberry Pi, Docker container, or VPS).
    •    Gives your company full control over where your encrypted vault data lives.
    •    Still provides all the standard features: password vault, secure notes, organizations/collections, and support for two-factor authentication.

Vaultwarden is considered highly secure because it uses the same encryption model as Bitwarden—end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption. This means that all sensitive data (logins, notes, credit cards, etc.) is encrypted on the client side before it ever leaves your device. The Vaultwarden server never sees your plaintext passwords. Only you (with your master password) can decrypt the data. Even if the server is compromised, attackers would only get encrypted blobs that are useless without your master password.

👉 In short: Vaultwarden = Bitwarden server, but self-hosted and lightweight.

Bitwarden / Vaultwarden Setup Instructions

  1. Install the Bitwarden App (there are three different methods depending on your platform)
    1. Desktop: You’ll need the Bitwarden client or the browser extension (see blow) Go to https://bitwarden.com/download/ and install for Windows/Mac/Linux.

    2. Mobile: Search 'Bitwarden' in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

    3. Browser extension (recommended): Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari all have Bitwarden extensions. Install it from your browser’s extension store.
  2. Connect to Our Vaultwarden Server
    1. Open the Bitwarden app or browser extension
    2. At the bottom of the bitwarden window click on "Accessing: bitwarden.com"
    3. Choose "Self-Hosted"
    4. Enter: https://vault.cetis.com into the Sever URL Field
    5. Save and return to the login screen.
  3. Logging In
    1. Enter your email and master password.

    2. You may be asked to set up Two-Step Login (2FA).
   - Use an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator.
   - Scan the QR code provided.
   - Enter the 6-digit code when prompted.
  4. Adding Your First Login
    1. Click the '+ Add Item' button.

    2. Fill in:
   - Name (what the login is for)
   - Username/Email
   - Password (use 'Generate Password' for new accounts)
   - URL (website address)

    3. Click 'Save'.

    4. Next time you visit that site, Bitwarden will offer to fill in your login

- Always use the password generator (no re-using old passwords).
- Enable 2FA for critical logins.
- Never share your master password.
- Use the browser extension so logins auto-fill.
- Regularly update the app/extension to stay secure.
⚠️ If Something Breaks
If you can’t connect, email helpdesk@cetis.com and it will be addressed ASAP.


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