Microsoft Edge introduces a new feature that will notify users if their passwords have been compromised. Password Monitor will now notify Edge users if any of their passwords were involved in a third-party data breach and prompt them to change it. The new password management feature finally brings additional protection against online hackers for Edge users, after fans of Chrome and Firefox had access to similar features for a few years. Microsoft itself initially announced Password Monitor in March 2020, but only started its general rollout. Edge users are expected to start seeing the feature appear in the next two weeks.
Act quickly
One of the features that sets Edge's Password Monitor apart from similar features found in other web browsers is what's called homomorphic encryption. This means that neither Microsoft nor any other party can know a user's passwords, even when they are being monitored for leaks. Microsoft has revealed that its ability to use homomorphic encryption, a relatively new cryptographic technology, in Password Monitor is the result of extensive research. Like other password protection solutions, Password Monitor will even scan the dark web for evidence of user information leaks. As cyber attackers use increasingly sophisticated methods to breach corporate databases, it has become more important than ever for people to quickly change compromised credentials. “Despite stronger passwords, factors beyond your control still occur, such as third-party data breaches,” explains a Microsoft Edge blog post. “That's why Microsoft Edge protection goes beyond this first line of defense to offer dark web analytics with Password Monitor. When one of your saved passwords in the browser matches the ones in the list of disclosed credentials, Microsoft Edge will notify you and ask you to update your password. Password Monitor looks for matches on your behalf and is enabled by default. via Engadget