Change Your Password!
Google has a helpful feature that checks the passwords saved in your Google Password Manager against lists of accounts (usernames and passwords) that were compromised in hacks, data breaches and other cyber security incidents.
If Google sees that a password you are using was one involved in a data breach, Google will display a warning and direct you to change your password for the applicable website. You should follow the recommended steps and change your passwords when warned by Google.
You can also manually run a security check on your Google-managed passwords by visiting Chrome://settings and looking for “Safety Check.”
Why Does This Matter?
When we use the same username and password combination on multiple websites, we increase our security risk. When one site is breached and your username and password are exposed, cyber criminals will continue to try the same username and password combination on multiple websites.
How Was My Password Compromised?
Passwords can be compromised by several methods. Phishing attacks are one common method – these are clever emails that trick you into entering your credentials on a fake website. Websites with poor security can also be hacked and place your credentials at risk.
What About Other Password Keepers?
Apple’s iCloud Keychain also started alerting users to passwords involved in data breaches when it released iOS 14. 1Password uses a product called “Watchtower” to alert you of data breaches involving your credentials, and other third-party password keepers have similar services.
You can also check your credentials at https://haveibeenpwned.com/ to see which data breaches may have impacted your accounts.