Google has unveiled a new feature in its Chrome browser that will automatically change weak or compromised passwords, as announced at the Google I/O conference. When Chrome detects a compromised password upon logging in, Google’s password manager will prompt the user to automatically update it. On supported websites, Chrome can generate a secure password and update it for the user, enhancing security.
The feature was announced in advance to allow developers to prepare their sites and applications ahead of its official launch at the end of the year. Currently, the password manager can already identify unsafe passwords, but many users find the process of changing passwords tedious, according to Parisa Tabriz, Vice President of Chrome. To address this, the automatic password replacement is seen as an improvement for both security and convenience.
Tabriz clarified that Chrome will not automatically update old passwords without user consent, emphasizing the importance of user control over their data. The company is committed to ensuring that individuals have the power to oversee changes to their passwords.