Why Browser Password Managers Can't be Trusted

What is a browser password manager?

A browser password manager is a built-in feature of web browsers that helps users store, manage, and autofill their website login credentials (such as usernames and passwords).

Almost all popular web browsers offer this function, including Chrome, Safari, Mozilla, and Brave.

The primary purpose of this add-on feature is to make your web experience more convenient by simplifying the login process for websites and web services.

Here's how it works:

Saving login credentials: When you log in to a website for the first time and enter your username and password, the browser password manager typically prompts you to save this information. If you choose to do so, the browser stores these credentials locally on your device.

Autofill: The next time you visit that website, the browser password manager recognizes the site's login fields and offers to automatically fill in the saved username and password for you. This eliminates the need to remember or type in your login details each time. Convenient!

Password storage: Browser password managers store your login information in an encrypted form. It means that even if someone were to gain access to your device, they shouldn't be able to view your stored passwords without your master password or biometric authentication (such as a fingerprint or face recognition).

Master password: To access your stored passwords or manage them, you'll typically need to set a master password. This master password is crucial because it serves as the key to unlock and view your saved credentials.

Cross-platform synchronization: Some browser password managers offer synchronization across multiple devices. This means your saved passwords can be shared between your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices, ensuring you have access to your login credentials wherever you go.

How do browser password managers differ from dedicated password managers?

Why would someone choose to use a dedicated password manager when their favorite browser does the same thing?

Well, on the surface, browser password managers and dedicated password managers do the same thing— they both help you store, manage, and autofill your login credentials for online accounts. However, their features and security provide a very different user experience.

Let's compare:

Purpose

Browser: First and foremost, a web browser is designed as your gateway to the internet. Although a useful feature, managing your passwords is not its primary function. As such, browsers won't have the dedicated infrastructure or security that dedicated managers do.

Dedicated: The clue is in the title! Dedicated password managers are designed for the management of your passwords. They have purpose-built security and features all focused on that one thing. They can even prompt you to change weak or reused passwords which is something that web browsers don't do.

Integration

Browser: Browser password managers are built directly into web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. They offer seamless integration with the browser's user interface, making it easy to save and autofill passwords for websites you visit.

Dedicated: Dedicated password managers are usually standalone applications or browser extensions that are not tied to a specific browser. They work across multiple browsers and operating systems, providing a consistent experience regardless of the browser you use.

Security

Browser: While browser password managers use encryption to store passwords, they may not provide the same level of security as dedicated password managers. Browser vulnerabilities or extensions could potentially expose your stored passwords to attackers.

Dedicated: Dedicated password managers are designed with strong encryption and security features, such as zero-knowledge encryption, which means that the service provider (password manager developer) has no access to your stored passwords. They often include additional security options like two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure sharing of passwords.

Cross-platform compatibility

Browser: Browser password managers are typically limited to the browser they are integrated with, making it less convenient if you use multiple browsers or devices.

Dedicated: Dedicated password managers usually offer robust cross-platform compatibility. You can use them on various devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and multiple browsers, ensuring consistent access to your passwords.

Advanced features

Browser: Browser-based solutions are generally more basic in terms of features. They focus on password storage, autofill, and password generation. They may lack advanced features like secure note storage, auditing for password strength, and password sharing.

Dedicated: Dedicated password managers often provide a wider range of features, including secure note storage, password strength analysis, password generator customization, and the ability to securely share passwords with trusted contacts.

Independence

Browser: Browser password managers rely on the browser's security and settings. If something happens to your browser (e.g., a crash or reset), you may lose access to your stored passwords.

Dedicated: Dedicated password managers operate independently of the browser, which means your passwords are usually more resilient to browser issues or changes.

Zero-knowledge security

Browser: Browser vendors may have access to your stored passwords (though they are typically encrypted). The level of control and online privacy may vary depending on the browser developer's policies.

Dedicated: Many dedicated password managers employ a zero-knowledge security model, ensuring that only you have access to your passwords, and the service provider cannot view or recover them.

Why you shouldn't trust browser password managers

You should by now start to see that while built-in tools offer browser-users convenience, they come with several shortcomings that can compromise online privacy and security.

Let's take a closer look at the downsides of browser password managers:

Limited encryption: Browser password managers store your login credentials in an encrypted form, but this encryption is often not as robust as you'd like it to be. Browser-based encryption may be more susceptible to certain types of attacks or vulnerabilities.

Browser vulnerabilities: Browsers themselves can be vulnerable to security breaches and exploits. All it takes is a single breach and ALL of your passwords for every account you've ever created to be exposed.

Cross-device security: Browser password managers may not offer the same level of cross-device security as dedicated password managers. Your passwords might sync across devices, but they may not be as well-protected during this process.

Limited features: Browser password managers often lack advanced features like secure password sharing, auditing for password strength, or secure note storage, which can be crucial for comprehensive password management.

No zero-knowledge security: Zero-knowledge security means that the service provider (in this case, the browser developer) has no knowledge of your stored passwords. Dedicated password managers often employ this approach, but browser password managers may not provide the same level of assurance.

Vendor ties: Browser password managers are tied to the browser vendors (e.g., Google for Chrome, Mozilla for Firefox). This can raise concerns about how these companies handle your data, especially if you're concerned about their data collection practices.

Limited compatibility: Browser password managers may not work as seamlessly with non-browser applications or services, potentially leading to situations where you can't easily autofill or manage passwords for all your accounts.

Single point of failure: If you use the same browser for both work and personal purposes, a breach in one area (e.g., a compromised work email) can potentially expose all your stored passwords. The fallout of this could affect you and your business.

No backup outside of browser: If something happens to your browser profile or settings, you may lose access to your stored passwords, unless you have exported or backed up this data separately.

What are the risks of trusting a browser password manager?

Ok, so we've covered that this built-in convenience isn't the most secure. But what are the likely outcomes? If the worst should happen and a hacker successfully hacks a browser, they could steal your credentials. And if this happens, it could open you up to several serious consequences:

Unauthorized account access: The most immediate and concerning consequence is that the hacker would gain access to your online accounts. This could include your email, social media profiles, banking accounts, and any other services for which you've saved login information.

Identity theft: With access to your email and other personal accounts, the hacker could engage in identity theft. They might use your accounts to send malicious emails, steal personal information, or conduct fraudulent activities in your name.

Financial loss: If the hacker gains access to your banking or financial accounts, they could make unauthorized transactions, transfer funds, or steal sensitive financial information, potentially resulting in financial losses for you and/or your business.

Privacy invasion: Your private and sensitive information stored in various accounts, such as personal messages, photos, and documents, could be exposed, leading to a significant invasion of your privacy.

Account takeovers: The hacker may use the stolen credentials to take control of your social media or email accounts and use them to impersonate you, spread malicious content, or scam your contacts. Read more about account takeovers here.

Credential reuse: If you've reused passwords across multiple accounts (a common practice), the hacker could attempt to use the stolen credentials to access your other accounts. This is why it's crucial to use unique passwords for each account.

Keep your browser for browsing

While browser password managers offer a certain level of convenience, it's not what browsers do best. When it comes to protecting your online accounts, your privacy, and your digital identity, it's much safer to stick with a dedicated password manager.

These purpose-built tools provide stronger security, better features, and greater independence from browser vulnerabilities. There are plenty to choose from too. Take a look at our article on Top 5 Password Managers for Personal Use.