Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

PROS

• Convenience: Browser extensions can autofill login credentials directly into websites, saving you time and eliminating the need to remember or type in passwords manually. If autofill doesn't work on a particular site, you can find and copy the relevant credentials in the extension with just a few clicks.
• Auto-save feature: Password manager extensions offer an auto-save feature that prompts you to save new login credentials as you create them, ensuring that your password list is always up to date.
• Security: The autofill feature securely enters your credentials into forms directly from your password manager, bypassing the clipboard entirely. By generating and storing unique, complex passwords for each account, a password manager reduces the risk of using weak or repeated passwords, thus strengthening your online security.
• Accessibility: Passwords and other stored data, such as credit card information and addresses, can be accessed easily from any device on which the browser extension is installed.
• Cross-platform syncing: Changes made on one device are synchronised across all devices where the password manager is used thanks to cloud-based syncing.
• Phishing protection: Some extensions can recognise fake websites and refuse to autofill credentials. Even if this check isn’t performed, users can still notice that something is amiss when autofill icons don’t appear in the form fields on a fake website posing as legitimate.

Summary: The main selling point of password management browser extensions is their auto-save/autofill feature. The rest of their functionality is limited, and using them carries slightly more risk than using other platforms.

CONS

• Browser dependency: If you use an unsupported browser, you won’t be able to access your passwords through the extension. However, it won’t lock you out of your password manager, as you can access the web version. Unfortunately, this is not as convenient, as the web version normally lacks the auto-save/autofill functionality and only offers the copy/paste feature. Therefore, if you are planning to start using a password manager browser extension, make sure you do some research to see if it supports the platforms and devices you use.
• Security risks: Although password managers are designed to be secure, browser extensions are more susceptible to vulnerabilities. For example, if the browser itself is compromised, your password manager data could potentially be exposed. Not all browser extensions can clear the clipboard. If the extension is unable to autofill the form and you have to copy and paste, your credentials may remain on the clipboard.
• Potential for bugs: As two separate applications, the browser and the extension can cause errors either individually or when they work together. Therefore, they require regular updates.
• Complexity in use: Setting up and managing a password manager extension can be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, especially when it comes to understanding the security settings and features, which may differ from the web or mobile version.
• Incompatibility with certain websites: As mentioned previously, some login forms use non-standard input methods that confuse the extension. This results in an inability to save or autofill previously saved credentials.
• User complacency: Users may stop verifying URLs and trust autofill blindly, which could lead to them falling victim to phishing attacks.
• Lack of features compared to desktop or web versions: for example, to manually add a record, you are sent to the web app. The extension cannot control the device clipboard, so it cannot wipe it. The feature of checking passwords for leaks on the Darknet may not work directly from the extension, even though it is present in the web/desktop versions.

Generally speaking, using a browser extension carries slightly more risks. The only thing that can outweigh these risks is the convenience of autofilling forms on websites.

If you rely heavily on the autofill function for login forms, we recommend using a browser extension. If you often have to copy and paste information because of the specific requirements of the sites and services you log into, we recommend using a desktop app that clears the clipboard. PassSecurium™ users can find links to all of its apps on the download page.

Best practice recommendations

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your password manager account or log in with passkeys if supported.
• Choose a reputable vendor of password management software.
• Use the security features of your browser, such as site isolation (enabled by default in modern browsers) and HTTPS enforcement.
• Be aware of phishing and avoid autofilling sensitive data on unknown or insecure sites.
• Remember that the autofill feature is more secure than copying/pasting information in a browser.
• Be cautious with clipboard history. Some operating systems and applications maintain a clipboard history.

Conclusion

Whether or not you use a password manager browser extension depends on your specific needs and browsing habits. If you log into many different online services every day, the extension's autofill function will save you a lot of effort. Otherwise, we recommend using the PassSecurium™ password manager on your desktop or mobile device. However, we always try to make your experience as safe and convenient as possible.