If you use Google Chrome, your passwords aren’t as private or secure as you think. While it’s convenient to have Chrome save your logins and passwords, anyone can see all your saved info with just a few clicks, simply by heading into Chrome’s settings. All you’d need to do to uncover a saved password is click “Show” next to the associated site. That’s all it takes. Other major browsers, like Mozilla’s Firefox, have built-in ‘Master Password’ features, which require further authentication before revealing any saved passwords. While it doesn’t seem like Google is rushing to change this security oversight, there are third-party options you should look into if your computer is used by anyone else you don’t completely trust; programs like RoboForm link to your browsers and store your login information more securely behind a master password. A dedicated enough hacker will uncover your saved passwords no matter how secure they are, but do you really want to leave the front door unlocked for anyone to walk in?
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.