Most accounts of any variety require passwords, and because of this, average users need to remember countless different and unique codes that need to be remembered while equally being secure. Today, we’re going to talk about how some web browsers have built-in password management systems that make having multiple passwords easier. But with this convenience, we are going to look into how secure each one really is and which are the best for managing your browser’s saved passwords.
Google Chrome
With the Chrome password manager, a user’s passwords are attached to their Google account. This offers many features like random password generation and two-factor authentication. This management system encourages users to use different, secure passwords for each site’s account, and doesn’t encourage the reusing of the same passwords.
Mozilla Firefox
When you use Firefox’s web browser, it will ask if you would like to save your username and password on the device, and then it can be viewed on the browser’s Options menu. While the credentials can be saved, it should be noted that the default setting for saving is pretty insecure. It is best to use a master password to protect the browser’s contents.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge was one of the last few browsers to get a password management system and didn’t have it until January 2021. Though it has a feature that makes it stand out, which is a Password Monitor that informs users of data breaches, and can help create passwords when a new account is created on a website.
Apple’s Safari
Safari offers autofill when using the password management system, and can generate passwords when a user is opening a new account. Safari can also save your credit card information, along with your contact information which can be accessed through the iCloud Keychain system. This is only available on Apple devices, but similar password management tools can be found on different devices.
What’s the Most Secure Offering?
If these are the only options you have available, they are passable and will work, but we recommend using a dedicated password management tool instead of these web browser based versions. A dedicated password management program always makes sure that your passwords are secure, unlike some of the ones offered in a web browser. While the convenience factor is at a peak with the web browser options, improved security is worth losing out on a little bit of convenience.
We also strongly recommend that you use two factor authentication, as well as all of the password best practices. Here are some you may want to keep in mind:
Always download updates on your device or your browser because this will keep your security as strong as it can possibly be.
Don’t use unprotected websites, such as ones that are “http” and not “https.” Without the S, it means that the website is not secure and could be a risk for your security. If there is not a lock in the web bar, it may not be secure, depending on the browser you’re using.
When using installed software and browser extensions, stay vigilant and don’t put yourself at an unnecessary risk while managing your browser’s saved passwords.
How To Deactivate Your Browser Password Management
If you don’t want to use the built-in password management tool in your browser, you can disable the feature. Here is how to do it for each different browser.
Google Chrome
In the browser, use the three dot menu in the top right corner and select the Settings option. Where it says “Autofill,” select the Password option and turn off “Offer to Save Passwords.”
Mozilla Firefox
In Firefox, open the hamburger menu and select Options. Look for the Privacy and Security selection on the left and find where it says Logins and Passwords. When you deselect Ask to Save Logins and Passwords for Websites, you are deactivating it.
Microsoft Edge
When you are in this browser, use the three-dot menu and find the Settings selection. Click Password and deselect the Offer to Save passwords option.
Apple Safari
Access the Menu and go to Preferences. Find the Autofill category and deselect “Using info from my contacts,” “Usernames and passwords,” “Credit cards” and “other forms.”
If you need help with password security, you should not rely on the built-in systems and security features that come with your technology. MyTek can help you figure out the best solutions for your specific needs, give us a call today at 623-312-2440 to learn more.