Initially, it is important to recognize that any password security tool is only an aid to increased data security. Use of that tool does not and should not substitute for prudent judgment. You cannot cede you privacy responsibilities to a third-party application.

Browser Password Management

When creating a user profile for a new site using Google’s Chrome browser, no doubt you have noticed a pop up asking if you want Google to remember your password. This is a free security feature built in to Chrome that can remember your new password, store it securely in the cloud, and make it available across your devices. Other internet browsers such as Firefox (Lockwise), Microsoft Edge (Credential Manager), Opera and Safari all offer their own password managers. Using multifactor authentication (see our prior Privacy Peril on this topic) for your Google account or your Apple ID further increases the security of your stored passwords. However, while better than using no password manager at all, browser password managers suffer from some significant weaknesses. In addition, by definition these built-in browser password managers only work within that particular browser. Even though porous, a browser password manager can ease the burden of remembering multiple passwords and provide a first line of defense against an online account compromise.

In addition, Google has now added a security feature to its Chrome browser that will warn you if your user name and password have been compromised when you try to access a particular website.

Read the first installment of our five-part series:

• Privacy Perils: Refresher Course in Good Password Hygiene, Part 1

Up next, third-party password managers.