Saving passwords in Chrome (or any browser for that matter) can be convenient, but there are several security and privacy concerns that should make you think twice. Here’s a breakdown of the main reasons why you might not want to save your passwords in Chrome:
- Browser Vulnerabilities
Browsers are frequent targets for hackers. If Chrome is compromised through a vulnerability or malicious extension, your saved passwords could be exposed. - Local Access Risk
Anyone with access to your device (especially if it’s not password-protected or encrypted) can potentially view or export your saved passwords from Chrome. - Malicious Extensions
Some Chrome extensions can request access to your browsing data. If you install a malicious or poorly vetted extension, it could potentially access your saved credentials. - Lack of Advanced Security Features
Chrome’s password manager lacks some of the advanced features found in dedicated password managers, such as:
Secure password sharing
Breach monitoring
Encrypted storage across multiple platforms
- Limited Cross-Platform Support
While Chrome syncs across devices, it’s not as seamless or secure as dedicated password managers when switching between browsers or operating systems.
Better Alternatives – Consider using a dedicated password manager like:
Bitwarden (open-source and free) My go to choice!
1Password
Dashlane
These tools offer end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and more robust security features.
How to remove your passwords from Chrome
If you use Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer
1 – Open Chrome and click the Customize and Control icon in the upper right-hand corner of the window (sometimes referred to as the “hamburger” menu – it looks like three vertical dots).
2 – Click Settings.
3 – In the left-hand pane, click Autofill and passwords.
4 – In the right-hand pane, click Google password Manager.
5 – In the left-hand pane, click Settings.
6 – In the right-hand pane, deselect Offer to save passwords and passkeys.
7 – Deselect Sign in automatically.
8 – Find the “Delete all Google Password Manager data” field and click Delete data.
If you use the Chrome app on a smartphone or tablet:
1 – Open the Chrome app and tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
2 – Tap Settings.
3 – Tap Google password manager.
4 – In the lower-right corner of the screen, tap Settings.
5 – Deselect Offer to save passwords.
6 – Deselect Auto sign-in.
7 – Tap Delete all data.
Here are some links to help you remove passwords from other popular browsers
Firefox:
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/password-manager-remember-delete-edit-logins
Microsoft Edge:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftedge/forum/all/delete-passwords-in-microsoft-edge/31f484aa-ae48-4d58-88a8-4a89ad9f4d7e
Brave:
https://community.brave.com/t/how-do-i-delete-all-passwords-in-the-brave-password-manager/518031
Safari on your MAC:
https://community.brave.com/t/how-do-i-delete-all-passwords-in-the-brave-password-manager/518031
Safari on your iPhone:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/104955
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