Password Manager vs Browser Autofill: Which Is Safer?

Freelancers may handle sensitive information, including client data, payment details and login credentials – making them prime targets for cyber threats. If sensitive passwords are stored in browsers with limited security features, they could become compromised. Although saving passwords in a browser may seem convenient, freelancers should use a dedicated password manager to reduce security risks. A dedicated password manager is safer than a browser’s built-in autofill feature because it protects against phishing websites, encrypts credentials, enables secure sharing and alerts users to security risks.

Continue reading to learn why a browser’s autofill feature is a security risk, the benefits of using a dedicated password manager like Keeper^® and how Keeper’s security features offer stronger protection against cyber threats.

Why browser autofill is a security risk for freelancers

Browser autofill is a feature that allows you to store personal information, including passwords, credit card details and addresses, to fill out online forms more quickly. Your browser may be tricked into autofilling login credentials on phishing websites, which are spoofed to look almost identical to legitimate websites, in an attempt to steal personal information. Phishing websites can exploit saved login credentials because most online forms don’t require user interaction if the browser autofill feature is enabled. Cybercriminals can take advantage of this by hiding an online form in a compromised web page, hoping your browser will automatically enter your stored data. For freelancers, the browser autofill feature can compromise login credentials and jeopardize client data if they fall victim to a phishing attack. Disabling the browser autofill feature helps protect credentials by preventing them from automatically filling on potentially malicious websites or invisible online forms.

The benefits of using a dedicated password manager like Keeper

Instead of using a browser password manager to store your sensitive data, you should use a dedicated password manager like Keeper to create, store, manage and autofill your login credentials. The benefits of using a dedicated password manager include protection against phishing websites, secure storage of credentials, the ability to generate strong passwords and the secure sharing of stored data.

Provides protection against phishing websites

A dedicated password manager like Keeper protects your data against phishing websites by only autofilling login credentials on legitimate websites. This stops you from unknowingly entering your passwords on phishing websites that appear legitimate at first glance. If your dedicated password manager does not verify the legitimacy of a website, your login credentials will not automatically fill in, protecting you from falling for phishing attempts.

Securely stores credentials in an encrypted vault

Instead of storing your credentials in your browser, you can securely store them in a dedicated password manager with an encrypted password vault. Even though browser password managers store passwords in encrypted databases, the associated encryption keys are not as heavily protected, meaning a cybercriminal could more easily steal your credentials by exploiting a browser’s lower-level security. A dedicated password manager, on the other hand, securely stores your passwords in an encrypted vault, which is also protected by your master password and optional biometric authentication for additional security.

Helps generate strong passwords

While both browser password managers and dedicated password managers can help you generate passwords, only dedicated password managers can assess the strength of your passwords. A dedicated password manager provides specific criteria options for password complexity, such as greater character variety or length requirements. Browser password managers generally have limited parameters for generating passwords and may not recognize when a single password is being reused across multiple websites the way a dedicated password manager can.

Offers cross-platform support

Browser password managers do not offer the same level of flexibility and accessibility as dedicated password managers. Using multiple web browsers requires you to save your passwords in each browser, which is inconvenient, not secure and time-consuming compared to using a dedicated password manager. Most dedicated password managers, like Keeper, offer cross-platform support, meaning you can access your login credentials from anywhere, on any device, regardless of which browser you use. 

Enables secure sharing of stored data

A dedicated password manager allows you to share your login credentials securely with others by encrypting them both in transit and at rest. For freelancers who collaborate with clients or coworkers, a dedicated password manager like Keeper enables you to securely share login credentials without exposing sensitive information in emails or messages that could be intercepted. A dedicated password manager stores sensitive information, such as payment information, which can be securely shared with new clients. If you use a browser password manager, your data will not be protected with the strongest encryption during the sharing process, potentially allowing cybercriminals to intercept login credentials and compromise sensitive information.

Monitors and alerts you about security risks

Unlike browser password managers, dedicated password managers constantly monitor for compromised credentials and identify any weak or reused passwords that need to be updated. While some browsers may alert you to leaked credentials, they lack real-time dark web monitoring. Keeper Password Manager offers dark web monitoring that continuously scans the dark web, alerting you immediately so you can take action before a cybercriminal exploits your credentials.

How Keeper’s encryption and security features offer stronger protection

Compared to a browser password manager, Keeper offers better protection against cyber threats through its strong encryption and advanced security features.

Keeper uses the highest levels of encryption and zero-knowledge security

Instead of relying on a browser password manager with minimal security, you should trust Keeper with your sensitive information because it provides a much higher level of security through its robust encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Keeper uses the strongest encryption standards available, specifically AES-256 bit encryption, which is used by government agencies and banks to protect sensitive data.

Browser password managers store your passwords in the browser, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches. This is especially dangerous for freelancers, as a stolen password or data breach could jeopardize their professional reputation, client trust and financial well-being. Keeper’s zero-knowledge security model ensures that encryption and decryption occur on your device, and you are the only one with access to your encryption keys. 

Keeper offers proactive security features

Unlike browser password managers, Keeper offers proactive security features to prevent data breaches and protect your passwords continuously. You can add BreachWatch to your Keeper Password Manager, which constantly scans the dark web for stolen passwords. If one of your passwords is found in a data breach, BreachWatch will notify you immediately so you can update it before cybercriminals take advantage of it. This security feature directly benefits freelancers by ensuring that their accounts, client logins and payment platforms remain protected from unauthorized access.

Keeper also supports Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which requires you to verify your identity using another method beyond your username and password to access your account. Keeper supports many types of MFA, including hardware security keys, Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs), Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes and passkeys. By using BreachWatch and protecting your vault with MFA, you can rest easy knowing your sensitive data and client information are actively protected by Keeper.

Keeper protects against malicious websites

One of the biggest online risks freelancers face is phishing websites, but using a dedicated password manager like Keeper protects your data from fraudulent pages by ensuring your credentials are only entered on trusted websites. Browser autofill, however, fills in your credentials on any page, including phishing websites. If you log in to multiple sites – such as a client portal, your email account and a payment website – entering your credentials on one compromised site could put your accounts at risk. Keeper prevents phishing by verifying website URLs before autofilling your credentials. If the site URL doesn’t match your stored login credentials, Keeper won’t autofill them, preventing you from unknowingly entering your information on a phishing website.

Keeper holds the longest-standing SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications

Unlike a browser password manager with weaker security features, Keeper holds the longest-standing SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications in the cybersecurity industry. For over 10 years, Keeper has been certified as SOC 2 compliant, an independent security framework that ensures Keeper meets standards for data security and privacy. Keeper’s ISO 27001 certification means Keeper follows strict security measures to protect your data from breaches, leaks and evolving cyber threats. A browser password manager doesn’t offer independent audits for security compliance because browsers are designed for convenience, not for enforcing strong security practices. As a freelancer, you should use a certified password manager like Keeper to protect your information with the highest security standards.

Keeper works closely with the security research community

Browser password managers undergo limited security testing, while dedicated password managers like Keeper continuously improve their security by working closely with top security researchers in the global cybersecurity community. Keeper actively collaborates with bug bounty programs and the Bugcrowd Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) to protect your data. This partnership allows ethical hackers to identify and help fix potential security vulnerabilities in Keeper’s cybersecurity solutions, reducing the risk of cybercriminals exploiting weaknesses. Using Keeper helps freelancers stay protected from cyber threats because Keeper is constantly tested and improved by a large community of skilled security professionals.

The bottom line

Although browser autofill features may be convenient, browsers lack advanced security features to protect you and your freelancing projects from phishing attacks, data breaches and other cyber threats. Instead, you should use a dedicated password manager like Keeper, which offers stronger encryption, proactive security features, phishing protection and MFA to protect your data. Keeper actively protects your freelance business from potential security risks by securing your credentials in a zero-knowledge environment and eliminating the risk of harmful auto-fills.