The password you enter here MUST be strong, and different to your Firehawk-Systems account
[](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/0aVampgamQeU4f02-image.png) Once you create your account, you'll see the Web Vault where you can managed passwords and TFA secrets. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/9Olh8DBIwIre7FgU-image.png) ### Importing Existing PasswordsNative browser password stores are NOT secure and shouldn't be used. Bitwarden supports importing them
You may see a popup like below where you can quickly begin the import process [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/a7GqCPI9pgSkcDI0-image.png) Otherwise you can find the Import utility by clicking on Tools -> Import. Select the File format for the browser/app you wish to import data from [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/7yEYBHcv1RrfzkzJ-image.png)Once a File format is selected, Bitwarden will provide instructions on how to export the data. Follow them, and select the exported file
[](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/77TGEst6sxHoRVBr-image.png) ### Setting up the Browser Extension Bitwarden ships a browser extension for all major browsers. The extension carries the benefit of offline access to your password, and auto-completion of login prompts.The Getting started popup will offer a link to install the Bitwarden browser extension
[](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/lgS8zxZIPmTsXHaF-image.png) You may also visit your browser's extension store directly and search for Bitwarden [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/TmTsP0QWaWcfecFW-image.png) Install and confirm if prompted [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/OICPpPqyVuptwWpj-image.png) When complete, you should see "Bitwarden..." in the browser toolbar. If it is not visible, you can find it in the extension list and pin it. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/Jdb97NOcTtusn1lW-image.png) Open the Bitwarden browser extension by clicking the icon in the toolbar. If prompted to make Bitwarden the default password manager, click "Continue" [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/GVpCM9B7cSGdMx0d-image.png) On the next screen, click "Log in" [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/2VPVvskrih3McQLS-image.png) At the bottom of the popup, click on "Accessing: bitwarden.com" and select "self-hosted" [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/S29O0xNOLlUMsMDN-image.png) Input [https://warden.firehawk-systems.com](https://warden.firehawk-systems.com) and press "Save" [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/wWowCjlIXekzYlto-image.png)With the field changing to "Accessing: self-hosted", you can now login with your email and password
### Setting up Mobile App Visit [https://bitwarden.com/download/](https://bitwarden.com/download/) on your mobile device to find the Bitwarden app.This process is very similar to "Setting up the Browser Extension". Once the self-hosted URL is entered, you can login
### You have completed the Bitwarden Account Setup Passwords, notes, TFA, and files will be synchronized between devices logged into the same account, and both the Bitwarden app and browser extension provide offline access to your vaults.Visit: for steps to secure your Bitwarden vault. You will not be given full access to Bitwarden resources until you follow those steps
# Secure Account Access ### Securing AccessOnce logged in, Bitwarden uses insecure settings by default. It is strongly recommended to do the following steps
#### Session Timeouts Setting session timeouts is essential to prevent anyone with physical access to your devices from stealing passwords ##### Web Vault Once logged in, go to Settings -> Security -> Session timeout. Set the timeout to something you're comfortable with. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/MH3ImpFti3rKyoyu-image.png) ##### Browser Extension Once logged in, got to Settings -> Account security [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/X15XvdqObBRlir9K-image.png) Set the Session timeout to something you're comfortable with. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/Gxs6HL0xqaBc9XNo-image.png) ##### Mobile AppThis process is very similar to "Browser Extension". Find Account security and set the Session timeout
#### Two-factor Login (TFA)Your passwords protect you, your vault protects your passwords. Protect your vault.
This step must be performed in the Web Vault at [https://warden.firehawk-systems.com](https://warden.firehawk-systems.com)
Once logged in, navigate to Settings -> Security -> Two-step login [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/Dp3r1xZLe5u5NgDz-image.png) If you have a YubiKey and know how to use it, select Passkey. Otherwise select the "Manage" button next to Email. You will be prompted for your password again.Do not select Authenticator app unless you know what you are doing, Bitwarden app should never be used for this
[](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/SAHXvu02fNbSBURV-image.png) Enter the code that gets sent once 'Send email" is clicked. A green tick will appear next to Email when successful ##### Save Recovery Code The recovery code is required to regain access to your account if the primary TFA method fails, and should be stored somewhere safe. In the warning box, click "View recovery code". You will be prompted for your password again. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/VC96EXuWTr5YdBFw-image.png) Highlight and copy the pink text, then save somewhere safe. [](https://knowledge.firehawk-systems.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/55RVfPat65renOZP-image.png) #### You have completed the securing of your Bitwarden Account