Google Launches New Tool To Protect Consumers’ Password Security

Google launched a new tool today that sends alerts to users when they enter their log-in information into a site that isn’t actually from Google.

Sometimes cyber criminals do such a good job camouflaging their ploys to steal consumers’ personal information that you might not recognize that the site you just entered your password on isn’t a legitimate login page. In an effort to combat such ruses, Google has created a new tool for its Chrome browser that aims to ensure users’ passwords don’t end up in the hands of ne’er do wells.

Unlike other safe browsing tools that judge whether or not a site is malicious, Google’s new Password Alert protects consumers’ personal and business accounts by alerting users they are being targeted by a phishing attack.

The security feature works when users allow Chrome to remember a “scrambled” version of their Google password, the company says in a blog post.

Then when users type their password into a site that isn’t a Google sign-in page, Password Alert will show a notice telling account holders they are at risk of being phished and they should update passwords to protect themselves.

Google says the new tool is designed to cut back on the number of users tricked into providing their log-in information to cyber criminals. In a blog post about the new tool, Google estimates that such phishing attacks are successful up to 45% of the time and that nearly 2% of all Gmail messages are phishing attempts.

Password Alert is also available for Google for Work customers, including Google Apps and Drive for Work.

The new tool is just the latest in Google’s arsenal to protect consumers from hackers including two-step verification, security key and safe browsing technology.

Protect your Google Account with Password Alert [Google]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist