Using Web Browsers to Store Passwords

Another way to manage the many passwords and passphrases we use is through a web browser. Many web browsers provide the option for users to save their passwords. Some will also generate strong passwords and then save them for you for the next time you need it. Some web browsers are associated with large companies, like Google or Microsoft. You can access your passphrases on any device you use on browsers from those companies if you log into them. Easy peasy!

There are times when an older adult may want to use a browser to manage their passphrases. There are also times when they should not. It will be easy to keep passphrases secure if there is only one person using a device. This may be true if your older adult has a personal device that no one else accesses. It could be their personal phone or a laptop or tablet that only they use.

Older adults should be cautious about using web browsers to manage their passphrases when they are using public or shared devices. They should avoid logging into their accounts, like Google or Microsoft, on a public device. The primary reason is that anyone can forget to log out or close all of their browser windows. They could accidentally leave access to all of their password-protected accounts on a public computer. If they only have access to a public computer, encourage them to limit their online use to low-risk activities: no banking, healthcare, or online shopping. If at all possible, they should both Quit the browser program and restart the computer so the next person is required to sign in.

Learn more about using web browsers for managing passphrases

You can find ample documentation online for helping someone to use a web browser to manage their passphrases on a personal device. Check out these articles about two popular web browsers and feel free to look for others.

• Manage passwords on Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge password manager security: includes some technical language but is still informative.