A password manager is essential for securing online accounts. Many people rely on Google’s built-in password manager for convenience, but this is not the safest choice. While Google does offer basic security measures, there are several reasons why you should consider moving your passwords to a dedicated password manager.

So Many Security Vulnerabilities

Google stores passwords in the cloud and syncs them across devices, making it convenient—but also a prime target for hackers. If your Google account is compromised, an attacker could access all your saved passwords simultaneously. According to a report by NordVPN, reusing passwords or relying solely on browser-based password managers increases the risk of a single point of failure (NordVPN, 2023).

Google has Limited Features

Google’s lacks advanced security features in dedicated managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass. These specialized tools offer encrypted vaults, secure password sharing, dark web monitoring, and biometric authentication options that Google does not provide (Consumer Reports, 2024).

Privacy Concerns and Data Collection

Google’s business model is heavily based on data collection. While the company claims it does not use password data for advertising purposes, it can still access all your stored credentials. Some privacy-focused users prefer open-source or zero-knowledge password managers, which encrypt your data so that even the service provider cannot access it (EFF, 2023).

(Don’t get me started on how easy it would be to access all your data with one compromised Google password)

Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility

Google’s password manager works best within Chrome and Android, but it is less seamless on Apple devices and third-party browsers. Dedicated password managers offer better cross-platform functionality, allowing for a smoother experience across all devices (Wired, 2023).

Conclusion

While Google Password Manager is convenient, it falls short in security, features, and privacy. Transitioning to a dedicated password manager will give you better encryption, additional security tools, and peace of mind, knowing your passwords are stored in a more secure and privacy-focused environment. Want to learn more? Contact me, and we can chat over coffee.