Internet browsers can conveniently store passwords for you using built-in password features. But this convenience can come at the expense of security. There are far more secure ways to store passwords at home or at work. Once you’ve found a safer alternative, it’s important to learn how to erase a password from the browser you use.
If you already rely on web browsers to store your passwords, you can easily pivot to a stand-alone password manager that provides additional layers of security without sacrificing convenience. If you’ve chosen to switch to a password manager, learn how to import your passwords into one, like Dashlane, before deleting anything. Here’s what to do when you’re ready to delete your saved browser passwords.
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Why should you erase your saved browser passwords?
Web browser developers understand how password managers can influence our browsing habits. Unfortunately, when deciding between security and ease of use, they often choose the latter, putting your information or even organizational data at risk. This is why users shouldn't let browsers save passwords, and stored passwords should be erased.
- Cybercriminals look for users who store passwords in their browser: The culprits behind malware attacks attempt to steal information, including logins, autofill data, and usernames from browsers. Valuable bank account and credit card numbers can also be stolen. Sensitive information stored in browsers can be exposed during a malware attack.
- Hackers can gain access to other passwords: Phishing emails, credential stuffing, brute force attacks, and public WiFi intercepts are among the tactics used to steal user credentials. When hackers gain control of a computer with passwords stored in a browser, they can extract private information or company data.
- Passwords saved in browsers aren’t typically protected with encryption: Password encryption is a powerful security practice that uses algorithms to scramble passwords and make them unreadable to intruders. This added security layer is included with some built-in browser password managers, but others simply store the passwords on a plain unencrypted text list. Password protection solutions from Dashlane use AES-256 encryption, widely accepted as the strongest encryption type available.
- Thieves may be able to unlock your device: Technology has expanded the workplace into homes, cafes, and pretty much anywhere else with a Wi-Fi signal thanks to laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Device thieves rely on lightly protected browser passwords to “wipe” a device for resale or mine it for confidential data.
Can you trust your web browser with your passwords? Learn more about the security features and pitfalls of leading browser password managers.
How to remove saved passwords
Browsers for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices have unique attributes that cater to user preferences. Built-in password managers are a feature shared by all popular browsers, with a default state of “on.” Luckily, you can remove saved passwords from these browsers in a few easy steps.
How can you make your passwords more secure?
Following some basic password hygiene practices will make your computer, personal information, and company files much more secure.
- Strengthen your password structure: You can make passwords stronger by complicating and lengthening the mixture of special characters, numbers, and upper- and lower-case letters. Most experts recommend a minimum of 8–12 characters. Reusing passwords is not good practice because it can expose multiple accounts at once. The fastest and most secure way to strengthen a password is to generate a new one using a trusted password generator.
- 2-factor authentication: 2-factor authentication is one of several cybersecurity basics that enhance password security. The first factor is the website password itself, and the second is a code sent by app, email, or text to verify your identity. If someone tries to break into your account and doesn’t have access to that second factor, they’ll get stuck.
- Update browsers and delete cookies frequently: Cookies that record personally identifiable information (PII) make it easier to autofill forms and login information but can also expose passwords and personal data to cybercriminals. Accepting cookies when prompted can become a reflex, so it’s a good idea to periodically delete all cookies from your computer and update web browsers so that patches and security features stay up-to-date.
- Keep track of your passwords with dark web monitoring: The dark web is made up of hidden forums and anonymous websites where illegal information is often exchanged. Automated dark web monitoring included with Dashlane Premium continually scans the internet for your personal information. Dark web alerts are sent out to inform you if your password or username information has been compromised and should be changed.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) creates a safe, encrypted “tunnel” between a device and a secure network to mask your IP address information and make it safer to use WiFi in public spaces. A Dashlane Premium subscription also includes a VPN service to safeguard internet connections while protecting passwords and personal information.
- Use a personal password manager: An intuitive, personal password manager in your browser is a reliable way to make all of your passwords more secure. The Dashlane password management app creates complex, impenetrable passwords for your accounts and stores them securely. Convenient autofill features combine ironclad password security with user efficiency and convenience.
Putting it all together
Built-in browser password managers are a well-intentioned effort to make our lives a bit less complicated, but the pitfalls can outweigh the benefits. Luckily, stand-alone password management solutions like Dashlane keep private data secure without sacrificing time or flexibility.
Dashlane creates and stores your encrypted passwords on our secure external servers, where they are never exposed to outside threats. Intuitive single sign-on (SSO) and autofill make logging in across various accounts a snap, while comprehensive security scoring improves overall password health.
Manage your passwords with Dashlane
With Dashlane technology and software available to create, store, and manage passwords conveniently and securely, you don’t need to rely on built-in browser password managers anymore.
Find out how quickly and affordably Dashlane can enhance your cybersecurity today.
References
- Dashlane, “Why Employees Shouldn’t Let Browsers Save Their Passwords,” March, 2021.
- NewsNation, “Password safety: How do hackers steal your information?,” May, 2022.
- Dashlane, “What Is Encryption,” May, 2019.
- Dashlane, “Can You Trust Your Web Browser With Your Passwords?,” December, 2019.
- Dashlane, “How Strong Is Your Password & Should You Change It?,” April, 2022.
- Dashlane, “Do You Have These 6 Cybersecurity Basics Down?," 2022.
- Dashlane, “Making the most of Dashlane Premium,” 2022.
- Dashlane, “How Do I Use Dashlane in My Browser?,” January, 2020.
