Google Chrome is getting new security-enhancing features for the built-in password manager, making it easier for users to manage their passwords and protect against account takeover attacks.

THE Chrome Password Manager is an integrated part of Google services that can manage and auto-fill credentials on Chrome browser and other Google software products, synchronizing login credentials across all applications used by the same Google account.

Although storing account credentials on the web browser makes them susceptible to theft and decryption information thieves (malware), users who follow sound security practices can enjoy the convenience of Google Password Manager with minimal hassle.

Today, Google announced five new features that are already available that increase the security of data stored in its password manager and define safeguards that protect users from exposure to risk.

The first novelty is the addition of a desktop shortcut for Google Password Managerallowing users to quickly access and manage all of their stored account credentials, change autofill settings, and more.

The second addition is the introduction of desktop biometric authenticationwhich until now was only available on mobile platforms.

This will allow users to set an additional layer of security by requiring additional biometric or Windows Hello authentication, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, before the password manager automatically fills in a user’s credentials. site.

Another new “quality of life” feature is the ability to save personalized notes with each of your saved connectionsallowing you to register other information necessary to log in to an account.

For example, some websites require additional information to log in, such as security questions or PIN codes, which can now be saved in notes.

The fourth feature promoted by Google is the ability to import passwords from other password managerswhich can now be done by exporting a CVS file from the old tool and importing it to Chrome.

Google Chrome currently supports importing passwords from Edge, Safari, 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, and LastPass.

Finally, the Password Checker tool that alerts users when their account credentials match passwords known to be exposed will now flag weak and reused passwords as well. on mobile Chrome app for iOS.

It should be noted that storing passwords in your web browser poses an additional risk, as these credentials are commonly sought out and stolen by information-stealing malware.

These malware infections will scan for installed browsers, access the browser’s database and steal those credentials for further attacks or to be sold on dark web marketplaces.

However, even with these risks, many people continue to use their browser to store credentials due to its ease of use and, in many cases, constant prompts to save passwords.

Therefore, any security improvements to Google Password Manager are welcome and should improve the security of millions of accounts.