I finally figured out how to upload a spreadsheet to BW, as an encrypted (by Bitwarden) file. The key was realizing that I could first create a new item of Item Type “Secure Note”, and then attach my spreadsheet to that Item. Ok, that works, even though it is, IMHO, a make-do design allowing me to use Bitwarden to store files in a secure and encrypted place. Conceptually, my spreadsheet does not belong as an attachment to a Secure Note or any of the other Item Types. I guess I’d consider the BW encrypted storage space as it’s own “item type”, that BW does not provide.
I need to access this spreadsheet frequently, to both view and edit it. I prefer to have the spreadsheet only reside with Bitwarden, encrypted and away from my desktop machine. This presents a problem. If I create the spreadsheet on my desktop, save it locally, then attach it to a Bitwarden Secure Note, it is then encrypted and uploaded to Bitwarden. I’d then need to delete the copy on my desktop machine. To open/view/edit the spreadsheet at a later time, I’d need to download it via Bitwarden back to my desktop machine. If edited, I’d need to save then reattach it to the Secure Note Item to upload it back to Bitwarden. Then, once again, delete it from my desktop machine.
This is quite a process. Am I missing something?
Also, I’d like to note that unless I change the spreadsheet filename each time I make an edit, BW attaches the new version of the spreadsheet without asking me if I want to overwrite the existing file. It just saves it as a second attachment using the very same file name! This seems like a dangerous thing to do. Would this be considered a design bug? A feature, one that I don’t understand?
I think you’re attempting to use your password manager as a cloud file storage system, which it really isn’t designed to do. So by doing that you are likely going to have odd issues or things that just don’t work the way you want them to. Is there some reason you can’t use an encrypted cloud storage provider?
It would be more “dangerous” to overwrite the original file (something that has the potential to result in data loss). It seems that Bitwarden has chosen a more conservative approach.
I’d think the correct approach would be to warn me of the overwrite, allow me to say Yes, or otherwise allow me to specify a new file name to use, so both files are still there.
Sure, I could invest in another app, which for me would be total overkill for the one spreadsheet I’m working with here. I’m a retired individual with no technical responsibilities regarding work or other organizations. If I had a need for a full file system to be encrypted on the cloud, I’d totally agree with you.
I was hoping to make use of one of the feature checkboxes listed under the Premium Account Upgrade offered by Bitwarden, File Attachments. I must admit that I do have a habit of utilizing available objects for things they may not be designed for. Storing my single spreadsheet file, encrypted, under Bitwarden’s security blanket, without needing to purchase more than my Bitwarden Premium Account … well, that would be ideal for me!
I’ll probably solve my dilemma by utilizing LibreOffice’s password/encrypted feature and just keep the file on my desktop drive. I’ll need to check out that feature a bit more, first. I’ll use Bitwarden to generate that password!
Do you have a need to access this spreadsheet from devices other than desktop computer, and if so, do such needs arise frequently/unexpectedly?
Also, what type of data are contained in the spreadsheet? Do you use spreadsheet functions such as pivot tables, formulas or graphs to work with the data, or is it just static text information organized in a tabular form? Maybe there is a better solution.
At this point the information is just tabular text information with formatted grid lines, and a few uses of italics and bold. I also make use of colored text and shading to indicate the status of the data in particular rows. I also make use of multiple tabs. So, as is, it needs to be a spreadsheet for the simple formatting and for the use of tabs.
If I were to do this with only a text file, well, it would be a moderate pain in the rump.
In that case, the best approach for you may be to keep a local, encrypted copy of the spreadsheet stored on your computer, and save the encryption password in your Bitwarden vault.
For example, you could store the file inside an encrypted VeraCrypt container. Encrypted containers are files stored on your computer, and when you use VeraCrypt to open and decrypt the container file (using a strong password), it creates a virtual drive attached to your computer — thus, you can open the files (like your spreadsheet file) that have been stored in the container, allowing you to view them, edit them, and save them (saving them back to the virtual drive). When you are done working with the file, just detach the virtual drive from your computer, which will re-encrypt everything. The decrypted file data are never saved to your computer, so there is nothing that has to be deleted.