Password manager vs. browser-based: Why your browser isn't enough

Maintaining good digital hygiene practices is as essential as taking care of your material possessions. Just as you wouldn’t leave your car or house unlocked, you don’t want to expose your online accounts to attack. The average person manages at least 100 password-protected accounts, so securing them with help from a digital tool is practically a must-do. Two popular methods for password management are using a password manager and an internet browser.

While saving your passwords in a browser may seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s far from the most secure. Web browsers are designed to enhance your online experience, not to safeguard your most sensitive data. Relying on a browser to manage your passwords exposes you to numerous risks, including weak encryption, phishing attacks, and limited security features.

On the other hand, dedicated password managers are purpose-built for one critical task: protecting your credentials. Unlike web browsers, they offer advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure password sharing, and more, ensuring your login details are not only safe but also accessible across any device. Password managers also enforce strong password practices, generating complex passwords and storing them in a secure vault, which significantly reduces the chances of data breaches.

Understanding the differences between these two approaches empowers you to protect your most sensitive data: your passwords. 

How password management tools and internet browsers work

Password managers and browser-based password managers vary in many ways. However, their basic function remains the same: To create a unified and secure system for managing online passwords, making it easy to log in to multiple accounts.

The login process for each is similar. A web browser password manager will autofill a user’s passwords for each account login. This makes it possible to use strong, unique passwords for every account while nixing the need to remember each one. Some of their features overlap—and some don’t. Here’s more on the specifics of each.

Internet browsers with built-in password management

Logging into an account with an internet browser follows a few simple steps. When a user creates a new account, the browser might suggest a “strong” password (i.e. one that’s hard to guess). Users can opt for this suggested password or make their own, and the browser will automatically remember it for future logins. If a user logs into an existing account, the browser offers to remember that password as well.

Are browser password managers safe?

Internet browsers offer basic encryption for security and autofill a user’s password at the login page to simplify and expedite the login process. On the user side, it may include features such as two-factor authentication and biometric unlock. It may also offer password audits to check for weak or reused passwords and send alerts in the case of a security breach. An internet browser’s ease of use and cross-functionality across devices make it a popular choice. 

Several internet browsers include built-in password managers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. One of the most commonly used options is Google Password Manager, which functions with Chrome. Roughly one in four people rely on this as their password management solution.

Third-party password managers

Password managers work similarly to internet browsers with built-in password management capabilities. However, because they’re designed specifically for password storage and management, they offer significantly more robust security and cross-functionality measures. On the user side, security measures may include two-factor authentication, biometric access (fingerprint and facial recognition), and strong password generation. On the server side, it entails end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture so only users can know and access their data, as well as data breach monitoring and self-destruct features in case of a hacker. 

Password managers are built for enhanced flexibility. Unlike internet browsers, they frequently rely on a master password that unlocks access to all of a user’s passwords, simplifying and strengthening security. They also enable password sharing—users on a team can safely share access to an account. They synchronize across all devices and browsers, and regularly run security audits with transparent reporting to strengthen cross-platform support. 

Another crucial distinction between the two forms of password management is that with a password manager, security stays strong independent of who uses a device. Whereas anyone with access to a personal computer or phone could hypothetically access a user’s password, a password manager prevents that illegitimate user from gaining access. This feature, combined with the security measures above, make password managers a much stronger option.

Why password managers are a better choice than web browsers

While many users rely on web browsers to store their passwords, this method is far from secure, making it unsurprising that one in three people use a password manager.

Browsers lack the comprehensive features needed to protect sensitive login information. Password managers, like Keeper, offer a more robust alternative, designed specifically to keep your credentials safe, organized, and easily accessible.

Unlike web browsers, password managers provide encrypted storage, ensuring that your data is secure even in the event of a breach. With features like automatic password generation, built-in two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure password sharing, they offer a level of security that browsers simply cannot match.

Compliance: Why it matters and how password managers help

For businesses, especially in regulated industries, maintaining compliance with data security standards is critical. Many password managers, such as Keeper, are built with this in mind, offering features that help organizations meet compliance requirements. Keeper, for instance, provides detailed compliance reports, giving organizations a clear view of how passwords are being managed and whether they’re adhering to industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and others.

This level of reporting not only helps organizations stay compliant today but also prepares them for future audits or regulatory changes. Relying on web browsers to manage passwords simply cannot offer the same level of assurance or documentation.

Should I use a password manager?

You should definitely use a password manager, but the question is: which one? 

One of the biggest advantages of modern password managers is how easy they make securing your accounts. For example, many password managers, including Keeper, come with built-in two-factor authentication (2FA). This eliminates the need to toggle between your authenticator app and your login screen, streamlining the process of accessing your accounts while enhancing security.

Built-in features for security and convenience

In addition, password managers can sync across all your devices, ensuring you have instant access to your credentials wherever you are—without compromising security. This level of ease and convenience is unmatched by browsers, which lack these critical features.

Risks of choosing an internet browser instead of password management tools

Internet browsers with built-in password managers are undoubtedly convenient. Users don’t need to download any software or sign up for any services; they simply open their browser and begin logging in. However, the drawbacks to this laissez-faire approach are numerous. 

1. It doesn’t support security best practices: Relying solely on an internet browser for password management contains inherent risks. It’s much easier to recycle passwords, making it easier to leave your data unprotected. There’s no guarantee a user will choose a strong password, further weakening cyber defenses. If a device is stolen, it’s much easier for the thief to hack an account. Last but not least—internet browser password management can backfire if a user works on a device in a different browser or network. Because a user can’t access their passwords in this scenario, they’re more prone to lenient practices (e.g. creating weak passwords, running password resets), further undermining security best practices.
2. It doesn’t protect you from phishing scams: Some hackers rely on emails and text messages to lure people to phishing websites that can steal login credentials, credit card information, and more. Password managers with an autofill function will only enter a user’s credentials if the website is authentic. Internet browsers don’t guarantee this same level of protection. Browsers also have less stringent encryption, exposing users to more risk.
3. You can’t collaborate with others: Work teams often share login credentials for accounts. Password managers allow users to securely share login information—either through vault-to-vault sharing, which allows users to securely pass on sensitive information to another person with an account, or through a one-time share feature. Internet browsers don’t offer this same range of flexibility and security.
4. Your work range is limited: Password managers allow users to securely log on to and work from any device or browser. With internet browsers, this simply isn’t the case. Because the browser stores the password, any time a user steps away from it/their personal device (computer, phone), they don’t have access to their passwords. This is a frustrating experience that undermines the immediate convenience of an internet browser password management system.

That all said, relying on an internet browser to help you manage your passwords is a better strategy than none at all. But bear in mind that nearly one in three internet users have experienced a data breach because of a weak password. Those who haven’t been hacked show room for improvement. 

Our advice? Play it smart and onboard a password manager.

Editor’s picks: the password manager we recommend 

The marketplace hosts a variety of quality password managers. Folks in the IT industry will want a robust solution that integrates seamlessly with their tech stacks as part of a comprehensive security solution. Keeper is a preferred choice for many IT industry professionals and offers several top-tier features, including:

• Top security and monitoring:  End-to-end encryption, zero-trust, and zero-knowledge security architecture ensure systems stay secure, as well as dark web monitoring that instantly alerts users to any possible password compromises.
• Easy deployment and use: Keeper’s setup is quick, easy, and scalable for any department or organization. It also provides single sign-on (SSO) integration for ease of use.
• Insights and reporting: The password manager offers analytics into credential security across an enterprise, as well as robust compliance and reporting measures. 

There’s also a Keeper extension for Chrome!

Keeper offers several versions depending on an organization’s specific needs. It also integrates with Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform!

So, ready to fortify your defenses and streamline your IT management? 
Atera offers extensive online resources as well as a free 30-day trial! No credit card required.