Systems and methods are disclosed for managing access between a data storage server and a client that are on the same local network. Access is managed using a cloud service that is remote from both the data storage server and the client requesting access to the server. The cloud-based management of local connections described herein simplifies the process of connecting to a data storage server on a local network from a client program or device. Connections are authorized based on the use of a local code. The local code is generated by the cloud service and includes a concatenation of a device identifier associated with the data storage server and a time-varying value, such as a timestamp.