Google Chrome to automatically change compromised passwords

Google is all set to bolster the security features of its popular web browser, Chrome. The tech giant is planning to introduce an "Automated Password Change" feature, which would instantly replace passwords compromised in data breaches. The new capability will be integrated into the existing password manager of Google Chrome, which already notifies users when their credentials appear in a data breach. The new feature was announced at the Google I/O keynote presentation.

"When Chrome detects a compromised password during sign in, Google Password Manager prompts the user with an option to fix it automatically," Google's Ashima Arora, Chirag Desai, and Eiji Kitamura said. "On supported websites, Chrome can generate a strong replacement and update the password for the user automatically."

The feature builds upon Password Manager's existing capabilities to generate strong passwords during sign-up and flag credentials that have been detected in a data breach. The feature hasn't been formally launched for end users, and that it's mainly geared towards developers so they can optimize their websites for once the feature launches.

With the automated password change, Google said the idea is to reduce friction and help users keep their accounts secure without having to search for relevant account settings or abandon the process midway.