Just Because Google Chrome Offers Password Management Doesn’t Mean You Should Use It

Let?s talk about why browser-based password managers are the inferior choice as compared to their standalone predecessors?and it?s not all about the difference in security.

A Dedicated Password Manager is Better

First Off, They Are More Secure

Like we said, convenience should never precede security, but that?s precisely what browser-based password managers have historically done. The key is the use of zero-knowledge encryption (where a platform has no visibility into what is stored on it), or rather, the fact that Google doesn?t use it. Google?s option to encrypt passwords on the device also keeps the key on the same device as the data?which is effectively like leaving a key to your front door hanging next to the lock. Not exactly effective, if someone were to breach your network and the hardware on it.

They are Also?Ironically?More Convenient

That?s right?despite the idea being that a browser-based password management system would be more convenient, the limitations of it being tied to the browser limits its convenience substantially. After all, your browser isn?t the only place you need your passwords, but the browser-based manager keeps them there exclusively. Consider all the mobile applications that require you to log in on your mobile device, for instance. A browser-based password manager restricts them.

Finally, Stand-Alone Password Managers Offer More Features

In addition to being restricted to the browser that hosts it, a browser-specific password manager is just that?a password manager, exclusively. By comparison, stand-alone options not only store your passwords, they also help you generate secure ones, save other sensitive details like payment card credentials and account numbers, and even addresses. Dedicated password managers also offer additional features, like password strength checks, password sharing, and even biometric support.

All That Said, Not All Password Managers are Created Equally

We?ve seen the impact that an insecure password management system can have, so it is important that you select one that is reputable and trustworthy.

Fortunately, you can trust White Mountain IT Services to select one for you, just like we can help shape the entirety of your IT infrastructure. Give us a call at (603) 889-0800 today for our assistance with your business technology.

White Mountain IT

Related Posts

Is Your Organization Prepared to Invest What is Needed into Cybersecurity?

Safeguarding your business' infrastructure from various threats is a well-known imperative. In discussions about network security, the term "endpoint" frequently arises. Exploring the significance of securing all endpoints is the focus of today's article. Commencing with an elucidation of what constitutes an endpoint, we define it as "any device connected to a network capable of serving as a po...

Securing Your Wireless Network

Alter the Security Information on Your Router As with any account that is protected by a password, you will want to ensure that your router?s login information is changed to something much more secure than the default configuration that comes with the device. This is because any default credentials for router models can be found online and can easily be accessed by anyone that can use a Google se...

Strategies to Control Your Passwords

Passwords are the keys to digital access, but they're often not treated as keys; meaning they aren’t always protected by their users. Unfortunately, people don’t always do everything they can to protect their passwords and there are a lot more scammers out there than pickpockets. Effective password management is crucial for any business. It works to maintain the security of online accounts and se...

Are Your Recovery Expectations Lined Up with Your Capabilities?

Let?s discuss the different perspectives to take into account as you establish your RTO and RPO standards. RTO and RPO Establish Where the Point of No Return Lies Just to contextualize what we mean when we reference your recovery time objective and recovery point objective, these metrics describe the worst-case scenario that you could still operate within. When it comes to your RTO, it is how lo...