Earlier this year, Google launched a Chrome extension called Password Checkup, which, when installed, would let users know when one of their passwords has been compromised before. The extension checks against known password leaks across the web to determine if a specific password is found there. Now, Google is expanding on that technology by bringing Password Checkup to its own password manager.
In addition to checking if your passwords have been leaked before, the enhanced feature can also tell you if your password is being reused across websites, which can make it easier for attackers to gain access to more of your accounts. It can also tell you if you"re using weak passwords that are easy to guess, though in general most websites already do that.
Google has also announced that, for Chrome users, Password Checkup is graduating from an extension into a built-in feature. With an update coming later this year, Google"s browser will offer real-time protection so users can be aware of security issues with their passwords without needing a separate extension.
Given how often we hear about password leaks in recent times, this extension may prove useful for a number of users. You can visit Google"s password manager to do a password checkup right now.