Google Chrome Makes It Easier to Update Compromised Passwords

Google is launching a new capability in Chrome to alert users when a password is compromised and automate the process of updating to a new one.

The feature runs on Google's Duplex technology and will roll out gradually, starting on Chrome for Android. Duplex, which debuted in 2018, was initially used to help people complete tasks online; for example, buying movie tickets. It has since become available on Google Assistant on iOS and Android, as well as on the Web, and developed to complete a broader range of tasks.

Now, the technology will be used to help people create strong passwords for certain websites and applications when Chrome determines their credentials have been leaked. The browser has had the ability to check passwords' safety for a few years now.

When someone checks their passwords and Chrome finds a password has been compromised, the new capability will show a "change password" button from Google Assistant. Tapping the alert will prompt the automatic process of changing the password for that site. It's worth noting users can do this process manually from the start or switch to manual during the process.

Google says the automatic password changes will first be available to Chrome on Android for users in the US; it will be available for more websites and countries in the coming months.

Read Google's full blog post for more details.