Tip: Manage Passwords Stored in your Web Browser

While it's convenient to have your web browser store passwords, you need to keep in mind that anyone who accesses your computer can retrieve your saved passwords. This risk is very real if you share workstations or laptops with others. We will show you how to adjust the settings on each of your web browsers in order to keep your passwords safe.

In addition to the corporeal threat of a human sitting down with your computer and uncovering your passwords, there are always virtual threats ready to attack your computer and exploit your saved information. There are several types of malware that are able to track your internet activity. Saved passwords on your browser are easy pickins for any of these malwares. Without taking proper security precautions, you are banking on the fact that you'll never lose control of your computer, physically or virtually.

Mozilla Firefox
Firefox has a security feature called Password Manager. With this feature, you can access a list of username or login information, as well as the passwords stored by the browser. From the Firefox Password Manager you will be able to edit or remove your stored passwords.

Open Firefox > Go to the Menu Bar and Click on Tools > Select Options from the dropdown box > Click on the Security Tab > Select the Saved Passwords button and finish by removing your sensitive passwords.

Google Chrome
With Google Chrome's Managed Save Passwords feature, you have the option of editing a list of passwords similar to Firefox's Password Manager. Chrome will also allow you to manage the information saved by auto-fill in forms. Data saved in forms can include credit card numbers, addresses, and other sensitive information. Be sure to review the data saved in auto-fill in order to keep it out of the wrong hands.

Open Chrome > Find and click on the Wrench icon (located in the top, right corner) > Select Settings > Scroll to the bottom and find Show Advanced Settings > Locate the subheading Passwords and Forms (about ½ way down the page) > Click on Managed Save Passwords, and finish by editing your saved information.

Internet Explorer
Unlike Firefox and Chrome, Internet Explorer does not offer you a way to select which passwords you want to remember and which passwords you want deleted. You can only go in IE and delete all the stored passwords.

Open Internet Explorer > Find and Click on Tools (symbolized by a little gear) > Select Internet Options from the drop box > In the General Tab click Delete under Browsing History > Check the box next to Passwords (There is the option to delete temporary files, cookies and more, if you choose.) > Select Delete to clear out all saved passwords.

With your browser cleared of sensitive passwords, now you don't have to worry every time you hand over your PC to another user. For additional passwords protection tips and solutions that will protect your entire business, give Computerware a call at (703) 821-8200.