Google has expanded its password manager. If you use Google Chrome or Android, you have undoubtedly noticed that the software asks if you want to save the password you just entered. But it is also possible that Google suggests a password, for example h34jghijdbgjx. All those passwords are stored in the Google Password Manager, which you can now use to check the security of your passwords.
It's best to do this on your computer, but it works fine on a phone too. By going to passwords.google.com you will arrive at your personal password vault. You may need to log in first. Unfortunately, this does not happen automatically and filling in must also be done manually, because this way Google knows for sure that you are the owner of the account. When you are on the landing page, you will immediately see a link to the Password Check at the top. Click on it and you will have to login again; nothing happens automatically this time either. Next, Google will check all saved passwords. The entered passwords are compared with databases that keep track of whether passwords have been stolen or not. This happens both in front of the scenes and behind the scenes, also known as the dark web.
Changing Weak Passwords
When Google is ready, you will immediately see the results. If you're lucky, your passwords aren't in any database and you'll see a green check mark at the top. If you're unlucky, Google will alert you to change your passwords. You will also be shown how often you use the same passwords and whether you often use weak passwords. Google does this to make you aware that strong passwords are a must. This can be, for example, a combination of numbers and characters, but also a long sentence with spaces (if supported). You can of course decide for yourself whether you then create a different password for all those profiles. If you have any doubts, that's the first thing you can do.
In any case, it is very wise to use a password manager. Do you trust Google with your data? Then you do not necessarily have to choose a paid variant, although they often offer extra functions that Google's password manager does not have. If you do not use Google services, you can always use a website such as Haveibeenpwned.com to find out whether your data is on the street.
