In the News
With all of your account passwords, do you know if any are compromised? In Google is making it easier to check if your passwords have been compromised in a data breach, Chris Welch at TheVerge discusses Google’s decision to implement a “password checkup” feature in the same location where your passwords and account information can be stored on Chrome and Android. Welch explains that Google will recommend users change their passwords if through its monitoring of the web, notices the password has been compromised or is often reused. Welch states that one can access this feature easily through the link: passwords.google.com.
Our Take
Password security is a critical defense against maintaining the privacy of the information stored in your various accounts. For many, password managers such as the one Google provides help to keep their unique passwords organized. However, despite the many precautions that people take with their passwords, the many data breaches, instances of data misuse, and malicious attackers may compromise the security pf these passwords. By Google making it more accessible for users to check to see if their stored passwords have been compromised, users can get ahead of the potential damages that may follow a compromised account. Additionally, Google’s recommendation to reset passwords not only when the password itself has been compromised, but also if it is not unique provides a reminder to users of the importance of creating strong and unique passwords. Although reusing a password or using a very simple password may be the more convenient, it is putting your personal information at risk. If you already store your passwords with Google, try using their new feature to assess the security of your accounts.
Recommendations
How can you protect the security of your passwords and accounts?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Stay up to date on the news regarding recent data breaches and exposures to see if you may have been affected