How Chrome and Safari can help you strengthen your passwords

This article has been updated since its original publication on November 4, 2019.

Balancing password simplicity (for memorability) with complexity (for security) is crucial. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is risky; a compromised account compromises them all. Your account security is only as strong as its weakest password. Fortunately, Safari and Google Chrome offer password management tools to help.

Google Chrome's Password Management

Chrome suggests strong passwords when creating new accounts. If the suggestion doesn't appear, right-click and select "Suggest password." After account creation, Chrome prompts to save login details. These are synced across devices if you're signed into your Google account and have data syncing enabled (check this via Chrome's menu (three dots, top right) > Settings > Sync and Google services).

Access and manage saved passwords via Settings > Autofill > Passwords. Here, you can view, edit, or delete passwords; use the search function to find specific entries. You can disable the password-saving prompt if desired.

The "Check passwords" feature identifies duplicate or compromised passwords (those appearing in data breaches) and weak passwords. The results are categorized (compromised, reused, weak). Click "Change password" links to update affected accounts. Addressing all flagged accounts is recommended, even if numerous. Chrome's password suggestions streamline this process.

This password management extends to Chrome on Android and iOS (provided you're signed into the same Google account). Saved passwords auto-populate on recognized sign-in screens. Android also offers a "Suggest password" option for new account creation; this isn't yet available in iOS Chrome.

Apple Safari's Password Management

Safari provides similar password management features across Apple devices. When creating new accounts, click the key icon (right of the password field) and select "Suggest New Password." You can also choose "Strong Password" and "Don't Use" to manually enter your password.

Safari securely stores and syncs login information. Stored credentials auto-populate on recognized websites.

To view stored passwords, access Safari > Preferences > Passwords (Apple ID or Touch ID authentication may be required). Passwords are listed alphabetically by website URL; a search function is available. Double-click entries to edit or remove them. Disable automatic logins via Preferences > Autofill, unchecking "User names and passwords."

Safari also flags weak and duplicate passwords with a yellow exclamation mark. Double-clicking reveals the reason and affected sites. Updating all flagged passwords is recommended. Use Safari's password suggestions or create your own. This functionality mirrors the desktop version on iOS (accessible via Settings > Passwords after device unlock). Weak and duplicate passwords are similarly flagged. Update flagged passwords using the provided URL and Safari's suggestions or your own.

The above is the detailed content of How Chrome and Safari can help you strengthen your passwords. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!