Is it safe to save passwords in my web browser?
Short answer
For most people, a modern browser’s password manager is far safer than reusing passwords. It encrypts saved passwords and fills them only on the matching site, which also helps against phishing. Protect it by locking your device and turning on MFA for the browser account that syncs them.
The details
A dedicated password manager adds features such as secure sharing, cross-browser support and breach alerts. Either is better than remembering a few passwords and reusing them.
Terms explained
- Password manager
- A password manager is an app that generates, stores and fills unique passwords and passkeys, protected by one strong master password and usually MFA.
- Multi-factor authentication
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more kinds of proof to sign in, such as a password plus an app prompt, security key or biometric unlock of a passkey.
- Phishing
- Phishing is a fraudulent message, usually email, that impersonates a trusted sender to trick people into revealing credentials, paying money or running malware.
Sources
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