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Why self host a password manager?
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this post was submitted on 08 Oct 2024
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I recommend against hosting a password manager yourself.
The main reason is self hosted systems require maintenance to patch vulnerabilities. While it's true that you won't be on the main list if e.g. bitwarden gets hacked, your data could still be obtained or ransomed by a scripted attack looking for e.g. vulnerable VaultWarden servers (or even just vulnerable servers in general).
Using professional hosting means just that, professional hosting with people who's full time job is running those systems and keeping people that aren't supposed to be there out.
Plus, you always have the encryption of the binary blob itself to fall back on (which if you've got a good password is a serious barrier to entry that buys you a lot of time). Additionally vaults are encrypted with symmetric crypto which is not vulnerable to quantum computing, so even in that case your data is reasonably safe... And mixed in with a lot of other data that's likely higher priority to target.
There's self-hosting that's low risk but does remove some convenience. For example, I use a offline password manager. I keep a Veracrypt container on my computer that hosts that and a few other important files. When I make enough updates, I'll throw a copy into Dropbox so I can save access it elsewhere. The disadvantage is that I cannot update the primary version from one of those other devices but, for me, that's not really an issue.