Topics Map > Office of Cybersecurity > Tools and Software > CyberArk
Topics Map > Office of Cybersecurity > Tools and Software > 1Password
Topics Map > Office of Cybersecurity > Tools and Software > Secrets Management
Secrets Management - 1Password and CyberArk Comparison
1Password vs. CyberArk: Comparison & Recommendation Guide
Both 1Password and CyberArk are officially supported at UW-Madison by the Office of Cybersecurity to help safeguard university data and personal accounts. However, they are designed for different audiences and purposes. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the right one.
Overview of Each Tool
| 1Password | CyberArk (Privileged Access Manager) | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A user-friendly password manager for storing personal and university-related passwords, passkeys, secure notes, and other credentials. | An enterprise-level privileged access management (PAM) solution, designed to secure and manage privileged accounts and credentials for high-risk systems and critical data. |
| Audience | General users, staff, faculty, students managing personal or university credentials. | IT administrators, researchers, and staff managing privileged accounts or sensitive/high-risk data and systems. |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | 1Password | CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Personal and team password management | Securing privileged access to sensitive IT infrastructure |
| Access Method | Browser extensions, desktop and mobile apps (macOS, Windows, iOS, Android) | Web-based access; some tools require special client software |
| Password Vault | Yes, individual and shared vaults (for teams and departments) | Yes, primarily for privileged credentials (admin accounts, service accounts) |
| Privileged Access Management (PAM) | No | Yes – designed specifically for PAM |
| Session Recording & Monitoring | No | Yes – session recording, monitoring, and auditing of privileged access |
| Single Sign-On (SSO) | Yes, integrates with UW-Madison’s NetID login | Yes, integrates with UW-Madison’s NetID login and more advanced integrations |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Yes, Duo MFA | Yes, Duo MFA and additional advanced authentication options |
| Password Sharing | Easy sharing within vaults and teams | Controlled access to privileged accounts; check-out/check-in processes |
| Compliance & Audit Logs | Basic audit logging (who accessed what) | Detailed compliance reports, audit logs, session recordings (meets NIST, HIPAA, etc.) |
| Integration | Integrates with browsers, mobile devices, and third-party apps (e.g., Slack, GitHub) | Integrates with enterprise IT systems (Windows servers, Linux, databases, cloud services) |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive, user-friendly interface | More complex; requires training for effective use |
| Support | Supported by UW-Madison IT with guides and workshops | Supported by UW-Madison Cybersecurity team with specialized training |
| Cost | Free to eligible UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff | Free to eligible UW-Madison users who require privileged access management |
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose 1Password if you are:
✅ A faculty or staff member who needs to store and manage personal and university-related credentials securely.
✅ A student managing multiple accounts (academic, personal, or research) and looking for easy password generation and management.
✅ Part of a small team or department that needs shared vaults for passwords, secure notes, or documents.
✅ Looking for an easy-to-use solution with browser and mobile support.
✅ Managing general account credentials without elevated or privileged system access.
Choose CyberArk if you are:
✅ An IT administrator managing privileged accounts for servers, databases, and critical systems.
✅ A researcher or staff member working with high-risk data (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, or restricted research data).
✅ Responsible for critical infrastructure and need session monitoring and auditing for compliance.
✅ Needing privileged credential rotation, controlled access, and session recording for security audits.
✅ Part of a large enterprise system requiring strict control and auditability.
UW-Madison Support & Resources
| 1Password | CyberArk |
|---|---|
| Getting Started: 1Password - Getting Started with 1Password at UW-Madison | Getting Started: CyberArk Privilege Cloud - Getting Started Guide |
| Support: UW-Madison DoIT Help Desk and knowledge base | Support: Office of Cybersecurity and specialized IT teams |
| Training: Self-guided tutorials, recorded video sessions offered | Training: Required training and onboarding with Cybersecurity team |
Recommendations
-
For Most Faculty, Staff, and Students
➤ 1Password is the best option. It’s user-friendly, easy to deploy, and perfect for managing day-to-day credentials securely. -
For IT Administrators & High-Risk Data Handlers
➤ CyberArk is the right choice. It provides robust controls and auditing necessary for managing privileged access and critical systems.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re unsure, contact the UW-Madison Office of Cybersecurity for a consultation. They can help you evaluate which tool fits your role, responsibilities, and data sensitivity needs.
- Contact: secretsmanagement@office365.wisc.edu
- Help Desk: https://it.wisc.edu/help/