Browser Exploit: Can it steal passwords?

TL;DR

Yes, a serious exploit in your browser could allow someone to read saved login passwords without needing to log in again. However, this is rare and modern browsers have strong protections. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself.

Understanding the Risk

Your browser stores usernames and passwords for convenience. These are usually encrypted, but exploits can bypass that encryption. An exploit is a weakness in the software (your browser) that attackers can use to gain access. If successful, they could potentially steal these saved credentials.

How it Could Happen

1. Malware Infection: The most common way. Malware installed on your computer could target your browser’s memory or storage to extract passwords.
2. Browser Vulnerabilities: Flaws in the browser code itself. These are often patched quickly by browser developers, but there’s a window of opportunity for attackers if you don’t update promptly.
3. Phishing Attacks (Indirectly): While not directly stealing saved passwords, phishing can trick you into entering your credentials on a fake website that then steals them. This is more common than exploiting the browser itself.

What to Do: Step-by-Step Protection

1. Keep Your Browser Updated: This is crucial. Updates include security fixes.
   • Chrome: Click the three dots (menu) > Help > About Google Chrome. It will automatically check for updates.
   • Firefox: Click the three lines (menu) > Help > About Firefox. It will automatically check for updates.
   • Edge: Click the three dots (menu) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. It will automatically check for updates.
2. Run a Malware Scan: Use reputable antivirus/anti-malware software.
   • Popular options include Windows Defender (built-in), Malwarebytes, and Bitdefender.
   • Perform a full system scan regularly.
3. Use Strong Passwords & Password Manager: Don’t reuse passwords across different sites.
   • A password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden) generates and stores strong, unique passwords for you.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security.
   • Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your important accounts (email, banking, social media). This usually involves a code sent to your phone.
5. Check Browser Extensions: Remove any extensions you don’t recognize or trust.
   • Malicious extensions can steal data.
   • Chrome: chrome://extensions in the address bar.
   • Firefox: about:addons in the address bar.
   • Edge: edge://extensions in the address bar.
6. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (Periodically): This removes temporary data that could potentially be exploited.
   • Chrome: Click the three dots > More tools > Clear browsing data. Select ‘Cookies and other site data’ and ‘Cached images and files’.
   • Firefox: Click the three lines > Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data. Select ‘Cookies and Site Data’ and ‘Cached Web Content’.
   • Edge: Click the three dots > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data. Select ‘Cookies and other site data’ and ‘Cached images and files’.

Checking for Compromised Passwords

You can use websites like Have I Been Pwned? to check if your email address has been involved in any data breaches.

Cyber security Best Practices

Be cautious about clicking links in emails or visiting suspicious websites. Always verify the website’s authenticity before entering sensitive information.