Google Password Manager is a free tool by Google that helps you store and manage your passwords. You can access Google Password Manager via the Chrome browser.
Although there are many password managers in the market, Google Password Manager comes built-in with Chrome so you don’t have to go anywhere else for a third-party tool to secure your passwords.
But how safe is Google Password Manager? Many people have asked this question on the web. In this article, we’ll answer this question in detail.
How does Google Password Manager work?
As other password managers operate, Google Password Manager also stores your password on your Google account.
Whenever you sign up on a website, you’ll see an option to save the password to the manager. Or, you can manually save the password by clicking on the key button at the top and then clicking on Save.
To access the password, click on the three-dot button on Chrome and then head to Passwords and autofill > Google Password Manager.
To edit or delete the password, click on the website and then enter your device’s password to continue. Then select Edit or Delete as per your preference.
We have covered a detailed article on Google Password Manager where we have covered this platform in detail.
If you visit a website whose password you have already saved, you will see that the login information and password are already filled. All you have to do is click on OK to continue the sign-in process.
Also read: How to make a Google Form public?
Safety assessment of Google Password Manager
In this section, we’ll analyse the Google Password Manager and assess whether it is safe for you or not.
Pros of Google Password Manager
- Google Password Manager will notify you in case of a website breach.
- As per Chrome devs “To check your credentials, Chrome first encrypts your username and password. Then it sends the encrypted credentials to Google for comparison against an encrypted list of known breached data. If Chrome detects a match between the encrypted data sets, it displays a warning that prompts you to change your password. Google never learns your usernames or passwords during this process.”
- Google protects your data by a secret key stored on your device, and an obscured copy of the data is sent to the company’s servers. Encrypted data is sent to servers, so your password information remains secure.
- The secret key stored on your device cannot be removed once you opt for it. Even if you lose your password, you can recover it by using your recovery phone number and email.
Cons of Google Password Manager
That being said, Google Password Manager does not have a great reputation among security experts.
- For one, it offers only limited functionality, while other password managers offer more security and functions like two-factor authentication, encrypted vault, and password sharing, among others. However, it is better than not having a secure password manager.
- Secondly, the password manager’s security depends on your Gmail account’s security. A hacker can access all the passwords if your Gmail account is compromised. There have been reports that G Suite’s passwords are stored in plaintext.
- As per experts at Proton, Google may be spying on you. “Google Password Manager seems designed to lock your identity further inside the Google surveillance ecosystem.” When you use Chrome while logged in to your account, Google sees all websites that you visit.
- Moreover, the big tech can disable your account if the company deems you violated the terms and conditions. This will also include your passwords.
In conclusion, Google Password Manager is the right choice for an average internet user. Although the features are fewer than those of other dedicated password managers, they are more than enough for most of us. Keep in mind the cons of the platform and see if it is suitable for you or not, and remember to choose a strong password for additional security of your account.
Also read: How to know a website is safe?
