In a world where so many hackers are out to get their hands on your information, it’s vital to keep track of all the passwords. A password manager helps you accomplish this task. There are two main password managers people use – cloud password managers and local password managers. How do they compare to each other?
Here is a comparison of the two:
| Cloud Password Manager | Local Password Manager | |
| Advantages | Recoverable Can store more than passwords Simple | Simple Easy to make complex passwords Security belongs to you |
| Disadvantages | Not always secure One hack means loss More at stake | Not always secure One hack means loss Not recoverable |
These are critical before making any commitment.
If you’re still undecided, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. I’m going to go over the good and bad that comes with both local and cloud password managers so you can determine which one is correct for you. Let’s get started.
What is a Cloud Password Manager?
Why is a cloud password manager? A cloud password manager is a memory system that operates within the cloud, a massive memory system available with modern technology. It is integrated across many platforms, rather than just one. There are many things you can do with a cloud password manager.
Some of the tasks you can accomplish with a cloud password manager include:
- Saving and storing passwords for use in systems later on
- Keeping credit card information in one place
- Storing login information for various accounts
These are just a few of the main tasks a cloud password manager can do for you.
I think many excellent qualities come with a cloud password manager. However, some disadvantages come with it. Let’s talk about the good first, and then dive into the bad so we can compare the two to each other.
Advantages of a Cloud Password Manager
There are a few advantages that come with using the cloud password manager. It’s a unique system that can give many security advantages to those who decide to use this system, rather than a traditional local password manager.
Some of the advantages that come with a cloud password manager include:
- Recoverability of passwords: With a cloud password manager, you can recover your passwords even if something happens to your device.
- Ability to store more than passwords: A cloud password manager allows you to store items like credit card information along with passwords.
- Simple to use: A cloud password manager is typically already installed and is simple to use.
There are more advantages than this, but these are the most prominent in a cloud password manager.
A cloud password manager provides a little more ease of access than a local password manager. However, some poor things come with a cloud password manager. I’ll jump into these next.
Disadvantages of a Cloud Password Manager
Just as there are advantages, there are also some disadvantages that come with using a cloud password manager. It’s just as critical to understand these so you have a complete idea of what you’re getting into with this version of a password manager.
Some of the disadvantages that come with a cloud password manager include:
- It’s not always secure: Cloud password managers require you to have faith in a third-party server, which can be dangerous compared to a local manager.
- One hack means everything: All your information is here. One efficient hack means everything goes, especially if you have one password for everything.
- There’s more at stake: If you have credit card information here, there’s much more at stake.
These are critical to consider before deciding if the cloud is the way to go.
I’ve talked a lot about the good and the bad that come with a cloud password manager. Now, it’s time to do the same with the local password manager.
What is a Local Password Manager?
Now that I’ve gone over the cloud password manager, it’s time to dove into the more traditional method. So, what is a local password manager? What does it do differently from a cloud manager?
A local password manager is almost the same as a cloud password manager, but it stores inside the device rather than on the cloud. It’s more in your control.
Some of the things a local password manager does include:
- Storing your passwords
- Auto-filling in information
- Keeping other accounts on track
These can help any user who needs to keep things in line.
A local password manager may be similar to a cloud password manager, but it has its unique advantages and disadvantages. I’ll go over these next.
Advantages of a Local Password Manager
Just like the cloud password manager, there are unique advantages that come with the choice to utilize a local password manager, rather than a cloud-based one. We’ll dive into these so you can see how this version stacks up against the cloud password manager.
Some of the disadvantages that come with a local password manager include:
- It’s simple: A local password is easy to use, no matter who you are.
- It’s easy to make complex passwords: A local password will derive complex passwords for you.
- Security is yours: Unlike a cloud password manager with third parties, a local version permits you to ensure you’re secure.
These are slightly different from what a cloud password manager has to offer.
Now, I’ll go over the disadvantages of the local password manager. You can determine if it’s worth it based on these contrasting factors.
Disadvantages of a Local Password Manager
Now, I’ll discuss the disadvantages that arrive with the decision to utilize a local password manager. These are vital to compare with the advantages for the sake of your password storage future.
Some of the disadvantages that come with a local password manager include:
- It’s not always secure: Security is in your hands, but human error happens. It’s possible to fail on the security front.
- One hack means everything: All your information is here. One efficient hack means everything goes, especially if you have one password for everything.
- It’s not recoverable: Unlike the cloud version, you can’t recover your passwords if the device fails on you.
These contrast the advantages this password manager offers to users.
I’ve talked about the good and the bad that come with both of these password managers. The cloud is more convenient, while the local permits you to take security into your hands. They balance out the advantages and disadvantages offered.
Closing Thoughts
There are good and bad qualities for both versions of password managers. Where one lacks in security, the other lacks in readiness for the user. One is recoverable, while the other makes it simpler to make it secure.
I think it’s up to you to determine which password manager is better for you. Do you prefer security? Ease of access? The choice is yours. I hope this was helpful for you and your password future!