Passwords are the keys to your kingdom, whether that kingdom is your personal email, financial accounts, or your organisation’s sensitive systems. However, as convenient as saving passwords in your browser may seem, it could be opening the door for cyber criminals. The Picus Red Report 2025 sheds light on the alarming rise of credential theft, with 25% of malware targeting stored passwords. This threat should prompt us to reconsider how we manage and store passwords.
The risks of saving passwords in your browser
Browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox often prompt users to save passwords for convenience. While it seems harmless, this practice poses significant security risks:
Vulnerability to malware attacks: Credential-stealing malware, such as those exploiting the T1555 technique (Credentials from Password Stores), can extract saved passwords from browsers. Once cyber criminals access these credentials, they can infiltrate systems, escalate privileges, and wreak havoc.
Limited protection: Browsers don’t provide the robust encryption or security protocols of dedicated password management solutions. Attackers with physical or remote access to a device can often retrieve passwords with relative ease.
Shared devices: In schools, small businesses, or charities, shared devices are common. Saved passwords in browsers can lead to unintended access by other users, compromising accounts and sensitive data.
Single points of failure: If an attacker gains access to your browser or syncs with your account, they can retrieve all saved passwords – effectively giving them a master key to all of your online accounts.
The case for using a password manager
A password manager, like Keeper, provides far greater security, convenience, and control over your credentials. Here’s why it’s a superior choice:
End-to-end encryption: Password managers encrypt your credentials using advanced algorithms, ensuring that even if the data is intercepted, it remains unusable to attackers.
Randomised password generation: Keeper generates strong, unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of breaches caused by reused or weak passwords.
Cross-device syncing with security: Unlike browser-based storage, password managers use secure methods to sync passwords across devices. Access requires authentication, adding another layer of protection.
Secure sharing: For organisations like schools, small businesses, and charities, password managers enable secure sharing of credentials between team members without exposing passwords in plaintext.
Centralised management for organisations: With Keeper, administrators can monitor password use, enforce policies, and revoke access instantly if an employee leaves, ensuring compliance and control.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) integration: Keeper integrates seamlessly with MFA, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.
How Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions can help
At Black Swan, we understand the unique challenges faced by schools, small businesses, and charities. Credential theft is one of the most common tactics used by cyber criminals, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s preventable. Here’s how we can help:
Implementing password managers: We provide and set up Keeper Password Manager, ensuring your organisation’s credentials are stored securely and accessed only by authorised users.
Training and best practices: Our team delivers training to educate staff on the risks of browser-stored passwords and the benefits of using password managers.
Comprehensive cyber security solutions: Credential protection is just one piece of the puzzle. We offer multi-layered security strategies, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint protection, and phishing simulations to protect against advanced threats.
Ongoing support: From initial setup to long-term management, we provide ongoing support to ensure your organisation stays secure.
Taking action to protect your organisation
The Picus Red Report 2025 highlights the growing risk of credential theft, but you can stay ahead of the curve by adopting proactive measures. By moving away from browser-based password storage and implementing a robust password manager like Keeper, your organisation can significantly reduce its vulnerability to attacks.
It’s time to take control of your credentials. Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions is here to help schools, small businesses, and charities secure their digital environments and protect what matters most.
Ready to secure your organisation? Contact us today to learn more.
