Google Password Manager’s key detailsPricing: Complimentary for all Google users.
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If you predominantly engage in online activities within the Google environment, you may be contemplating the safety of relying solely on the free Google Password Manager as your password manager in 2024.
Despite striving to simplify password organization by providing crucial functionalities such as password storage, generation, auto-fill, and security notifications, the primary concern remains – how secure is this tool in today’s cyber-threat landscape?
In this assessment of Google Password Manager in 2024, I delved into its performance, delving into its features, advantages, and limitations. I’ll also assist you in determining if it aligns with your security requirements and recommend alternatives if it falls short.
What Constitutes the Google Password Manager?
This tool, provided by Google, assists users in managing, storing, and automatically filling their passwords across various websites and Google applications. As anticipated, it seamlessly connects with Google’s ecosystem, which includes Chrome browser, Android OS, and Google Drive to enable the saving and synchronization of passwords to a Google Account. Furthermore, you can utilize this tool on your iPhone, iPad, and computer by logging into your Google account on Chrome. For alternative browsers like Safari, Edge, and Firefox, a passkey login is necessary.
The Functionality of Google Password Manager
Differing from many dedicated password managers that offer convenient access to your passwords across devices and browsers, Google Password Manager operates exclusively within the Google framework. This means it functions best with the Google Chrome browser on Android devices. Nevertheless, users on iOS can still access the tool but require a Google account login to activate it.
SEE: Are Password Managers Reliable to Use? (TechRepublic)
Based on my direct usage experience on an Android device, Google Password Manager efficiently executes the tasks detailed below.
Password Creation
Google Password Manager can generate robust, random passwords for you when registering on a new website or app. Utilizing this feature is straightforward – simply click on the password text box and select “Suggest Strong Password” from the drop-down menu. You can repeat this process for more options by continuously choosing “Suggest Strong Password.” A dialogue box will confirm that Google Password Manager will save your chosen password.
Auto-filling of Passwords
This function streamlines the process of automatically filling in your saved passwords or usernames when you navigate to a web page or launch a synchronized application. It enhances the ease of logging in and improves overall security.
with your Google account. You might need to verify the pre-filled credentials or pick from numerous saved accounts.
Password validations and notifications
Google safeguards your account from breaches using Password Checkup. This tool examines your stored passwords against databases of known security breaches. It notifies you if your passwords are feeble, reused, or compromised and suggests ways to create robust passwords.
Password intake and export
Google permits you to export or import your passwords to the Google Password Manager in Chrome. During my trial, I observed that I could only import passwords in the .csv file layout to Google Password Manager. The imported passwords are capped at the maximum limit of 3,000. To import more, I had to divide the passwords into multiple .csv files and import them separately.
On-machine encoding
Through this coding technique, Google uses your device to encode your passwords before storing them in Google Password Manager. This ensures that only you can reach your passwords. Nonetheless, when turning on this attribute, caution is advised, as losing the key may lead to losing access to your passwords.
Accessing your Google Password Manager on Chrome
To reach the Google Password Manager tool on Chrome, adhere to these steps:
Log in to your Google account in Chrome > Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the window > Proceed to Settings and press the button > Select Google Password Manager.
On the Password Manager tab, you can view a roster of your saved passwords, conduct password health examinations, and a Settings feature for performing password export and import.
What are the drawbacks of Google Password Manager?
Even though the Google Password Manager facilitates secure password creation, password validation, and other functionalities, it may not be the perfect solution or deemed as one of the premier free password managers. Here are some shortcomings of the tool that I discovered during my assessment:
Murky security encoding
The encryption techniques of Google Password Manager are not extensively elucidated for users. Moreover, the platform’s code is not open source, thus there is no means to verify the security of your data, raising apprehensions about the safeguarding of your confidential information.
Operates effectively only with Chrome
Google Password Manager is integrated into Chrome (across all platforms) and every Android application. Hence, if you prefer another web browser, you may encounter challenges utilizing the tool. To employ your Google-saved passwords on browsers like Safari, Edge, and Firefox, initial login with your passkey is needed.
SEE: 5 Best Free Password Managers for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Inadequate two-factor verification
Upon logging into your Google account from a fresh device, Google utilizes two-factor authentication for identity verification. Nevertheless, I observed that 2FA is not mandatory before reaching your saved passwords, posing a significant security risk, as access to your passwords is feasible once an assailant acquires your Google account login credentials.
Deficiency in some advanced characteristics
Furthermore, I ascertained that Google Password Manager lacks several advanced features present in other dedicated password management services like NordPass and 1Password. For example, it lacks an inbuilt 2FA feature, the option to establish hide-my-email aliases, encrypted vault functionality, the ability to securely share passwords externally to the Google ecosystem, a standalone app, and more.
What Reddit participants disclose about Google PasswordSupervisor
After browsing through various Reddit communities, I sought the perspectives of fellow real-world users regarding Google Password Manager. Here is a condensed version of their viewpoints:
A handful of Reddit users within a Yubikey group shared the belief that employing Google Password Manager is notably superior to forgoing any password management system entirely. Despite lacking the high-level security features found in specialized password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden.
SEE: 5 Prime Password Managers for Android in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Other users expressed concerns regarding the security of their passwords or credentials, such as this Reddit member from a cybersecurity forum who inquired — “I’ve been contemplating the adoption of a password manager, but from my admittedly limited comprehension, it appears that this might pose a single point of failure. How are these passwords stored? If an individual gained access to my Google account, would they then acquire access to all the services I utilize with my stored credentials?”
In responding to this query within the cybersecurity platform, some users contended that malevolent actors could potentially compromise your saved passwords once they breach your Google account. Others recommended opting for a dedicated password manager with reduced vulnerability or enabling multi-factor authentication if you opt to continue using Google Password Manager.
Alternatives to Google Password Manager
If you find Google Password Manager unsatisfactory and wish to explore a specialized password management tool instead, here are the leading alternatives to Google Password Manager that I trialed during this assessment.
| Features | Google Password Manager | 1Password | NordPass | Keeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biometric sign-in | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility with various platforms | Android, Chrome, (iOS via Chrome). Firefox, Edge, and Safari with Passkey | macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Safari, Vivaldi, and Brave | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, IE, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Data Encryption | Encryption of an unspecified nature | AES-GCM-256 authenticated encryption | XChaCha20 encryption algorithm | AES 256-bit encryption |
| Two-step authentication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password sharing capability | Yes, limited to Family Group members only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password creation functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password assessment feature | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free edition availability | Available for all Google account holders at no charge | 14-day free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Initial pricing | Completely free | $2.99 monthly | $1.59 per month | $2.92 per month |
| Explore 1Password | Discover NordPass | Access Keeper Security |
NordPass: Leading alternative password manager to Google Password Manager
NordPass presents commendable password security solutions for personal and business usage at a fair price point. It safeguards your accounts by employing the xChaCha20 encryption method. Aside from essential attributes like breach scanner, encrypted vault, and password health, it also boasts a novel feature named email masking, which aids in shielding your email address on the internet. Conversely, Google Password Manager lacks transparency regarding its security encryption methodology; though it provides a counterpart to the breach scanner called password checkup, the approach itself lacks absolute privacy.
1Password: Premier alternative to Google Password Manager for seamless platform compatibility
1Password is a highly secure and feature-packed password manager with a user-friendly Chrome extension. The great thing about 1Password is its ability to securely share credentials, bank cards, and more with others. An aspect I particularly appreciate about 1Password compared to Google Password Manager is the option to generate time-limited links for sharing individual items with anyone, even if they do not use 1Password. Additionally, unlike Google Password Manager which is optimized mainly for the Chrome browser, 1Password offers browser extensions for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple’s Safari.
Keeper: Optimal Substitute for Google Password Manager designed for business utilization
Keeper represents a solid password management solution that integrates top-notch security features with a seamless user interface. I singled out Keeper as a noteworthy substitute because it offers real-time insights on security risks along with comprehensive monitoring, oversight, event tracking, and reporting capabilities suitable for vast enterprises. Furthermore, Keeper has successfully undergone an independent security review, guaranteeing the protection of user data. Conversely, Google Password Manager lacks transparency in password management and has not undergone audits due to its closed-source nature.
Is it beneficial to use a dedicated password manager in 2024?
While Google Password Manager offers some fundamental password management features such as password creation, autofill, and password verification, its capabilities fall short when compared to dedicated password managers in various other aspects beyond the basic functionalities.
SEE: Advantages of Using a Password Manager (TechRepublic)
In today’s online environment filled with numerous cybersecurity threats, only a dedicated password manager can provide advanced features like end-to-end encryption, multi-platform support, travel mode, and secure password sharing for heightened security. Larger enterprises might find dedicated password managers more beneficial due to their adaptability, industry-specific focus, and superior customer service.
Hence, the selection of your password manager should align with your online security requirements. I recommend opting for a dedicated password manager if you operate within an extensive corporate setup. However, if you merely need a password manager for basic, personal safeguarding, Google Password Manager serves as a viable option given that it is completely free.
FAQs
Can you rely on Google’s password manager?
While Google Password Manager is better than having no password manager at all, its security measures are below par. The proprietary nature of Google Password Manager and its absence of end-to-end encryption should raise significant concerns.
SEE: Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Your Business (TechRepublic Premium)
Is utilizing Google’s password verification feature secure?
Absolutely. Google’s password checkup ensures that you receive insights on any compromised passwords or weak, easily guessable ones stored in your Google Password Manager.
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