Google Chrome's new Password Leak Detection tool could protect your data

As spotted by Techdows, via XDA Developers, a new commit in the Canary version of Google Chrome will allow you to turn on or off a new tool called Password Leak Detection. The tool will help make your passwords safer from right within the browser.

The feature is only in the Canary version of Google Chrome, so it will be a bit before it even makes it to the beta version. However, it’s a fairly sure bet a tool like this will eventually make it to the stable version of Chrome.

Password Leak Detection uses a database of passwords and usernames associated with various data breaches. If you try to enter a password that is on that list, Chrome will encourage you to change it to something different.

There’s already a Google-endorsed Chrome extension that does this same trick called Password Checkup. It’s likely that the extension will be sunsetted if and when this feature makes its way into Google Chrome proper.

Creating strong passwords is a must-do for anyone concerned about privacy and security. With major data breaches coming multiple times a year, there’s a good chance your regular password is already on at least one list. This new tool will encourage you to use a different password — if, for some strange reason, you’re not already using a capable password manager.