Google partners with Stanford cryptography experts to develop password security tools

Google has just released two new Chrome extensions geared to protect users’ accounts in case of a third-party data breach, Gizmodo writes.

Password Checkup alerts users if their username and password have been compromised, and according to Google, upholds user anonymity due to numerous features within the software, including blinding, k-anonymity, and hashing. The extension has been developed in collaboration with Stanford University cryptography researchers.

The second new feature, called Cross Account Protection, is meant to help app developers stay on top of account hacking instances. In the case of a known breach, the tool will notify the application or website of the event. Google states that the service will not provide third-party companies with any personal information, and will only help the platforms identify the event itself.