Do you use Google Chrome? If you do, then you probably know that Chrome can save your passwords and usernames for different websites. This makes it super easy for you to log in to your favorite sites without having to remember all your passwords. But here’s the catch—this can also make it easier for hackers to steal your personal information. That’s why Google is working on something new for its browser that could make things much safer.
Why Password Security is Important
Before we dive into the new feature, let’s understand why this is such a big deal. Nowadays, almost everything we do online requires a username and password, from checking our email to watching movies or playing games. Sometimes, it can feel like we have a thousand different passwords to remember!
Because of this, many people rely on their web browser (like Google Chrome) to save their passwords. This is very convenient, but it also comes with some risks. There are bad people out there who create special software to steal your saved passwords. One such type of software is called “info stealer malware.” A recent type of malware called “StealC” has been used to steal people’s saved passwords from Chrome. Once someone has your password, they can log in to your accounts, mess with your personal info, or even steal your money.
How Google is Making Chrome Safer
Google has been aware of these threats and has been working on a solution to make your saved passwords more secure. The idea is pretty simple: instead of just letting Chrome fill in your password for you, it will ask you to prove that it’s really you trying to log in. To do that, Google is adding fingerprint, PIN, or even face recognition to the process of filling in saved passwords. This way, even if someone gets access to your computer or phone, they can’t steal your passwords unless they also have your fingerprint or know your PIN.
This feature is currently being tested in a special version of Chrome called “Canary.” Canary is like a testing ground for new features before they are made available to everyone. It’s like trying out a new video game before it’s officially released!
How the New Feature Works
Let’s break it down step by step on how this new feature will work:
- Install Google Chrome Canary: This is the first step if you want to try out the new fingerprint or face authentication feature. You’ll need to download this special version of Chrome from the Google Play Store. It’s important to remember that Canary is a test version, so it might have a few bugs here and there.
- Enable the Flag: Once you’ve installed Canary, you need to turn on a special setting to test the feature. You do this by typing “chrome://flags” in the address bar. Think of it like a secret menu where you can turn on or off different experimental features. Look for a setting called “#biometric-auth-identity-check” and switch it on.
- Use Your Biometric Data: After enabling this flag, you can start using your fingerprint or face scan to fill in your passwords. Every time you visit a site where Chrome has saved your login info, it will ask you to confirm it’s really you by using your fingerprint or face scan.
This makes it much harder for anyone to steal your passwords. Even if someone gets hold of your device, they won’t be able to log in to your accounts without also having access to your fingerprint or face.
Why Wasn’t This Feature Available Before?
Interestingly, Google had experimented with a similar idea a few years ago, but for some reason, it never made it into the final version of Chrome. While other browsers like Microsoft Edge already have this feature, Google is just now reintroducing it.
What Is Canary and Should You Use It?
Canary is a version of Chrome where developers test out new ideas. Think of it like a lab where scientists try out new inventions. Not all the features tested in Canary will end up in the regular version of Chrome, but it gives users a chance to see what might be coming in the future.
However, because Canary is for testing, it’s not as stable as the regular version of Chrome. It might crash or have issues from time to time. So, if you’re not comfortable with potential bugs, it might be a good idea to wait until the feature becomes available in the regular version of Chrome.
Is This Feature Coming to All Devices?
Right now, Google is testing this new feature on Android devices, but it’s possible that it could come to other devices like laptops or desktop computers in the future. After all, lots of people use Chrome on their computers, and adding fingerprint or face authentication there could make it even more secure.
What About Password Managers?
Some people might wonder if this new feature will make password managers unnecessary. Password managers are apps that help you store and manage all your passwords securely. While Chrome’s new feature makes it harder for someone to steal your saved passwords, it doesn’t replace the need for a strong, unique password for every account.
A password manager can still be very helpful because it can create strong passwords for you and store them securely. The new Chrome feature just adds an extra layer of protection, but using a password manager is still a good idea if you want the best security.
What Should You Do?
If you’re worried about your online security (and you should be!), this new feature is a great step toward protecting your personal information. Even if you don’t use Canary to test it out right now, it’s good to know that Google is working on ways to make Chrome safer for everyone. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to keep your passwords safe:
- Use Strong Passwords: A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t Use the Same Password Everywhere: If one account gets hacked, you don’t want all your other accounts to be at risk.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds another layer of security by requiring something you have (like your phone) in addition to your password.
In conclusion, Google Chrome’s upcoming fingerprint or face authentication feature is an exciting development in online security. By requiring biometric data to fill in passwords, it helps make sure that your personal information stays safe, even if someone tries to hack into your device. Keep an eye out for when this feature becomes available in the regular version of Chrome—you’ll want to use it!
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