That Was Then, This Is Now: A Security Evaluation of Password Generation, Storage, and Autofill in Browser-Based Password Managers∗ Sean Oesch Scott Ruoti University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Knoxville
[email protected] [email protected] Abstract websites [11, 15, 25, 33]. Herley points out that this rejection Password managers have the potential to help users more of security advice by users is rational when the low effectively manage their passwords and address many of the percentage of users affected by breaches is contrasted with concerns surrounding password-based authentication. the effort required [18]. However, the number of data However, prior research has identified significant breaches is on the rise [28], and this situation leaves many vulnerabilities in existing password managers; especially in users vulnerable to exploitation. browser-based password managers, which are the focus of Password managers can help users more effectively manage this paper. Since that time, five years has passed, leaving it their passwords. They reduce the cognitive burden placed unclear whether password managers remain vulnerable or upon the user by generating strong passwords, storing those whether they have addressed known security concerns. To passwords, and then filling in the appropriate password when answer this question, we evaluate thirteen popular password a site is visited. The user is now able to follow the latest managers and consider all three stages of the password security advice regarding passwords without placing a high manager lifecycle—password generation, storage, and cognitive burden on themselves. But password managers autofill. Our evaluation is the first analysis of password are not impervious to attack.