Part of a number of updates that Google has been rolling out in an effort to enhance the security and privacy of its users, the company is beefing up security surrounding the passwords that it stores. The new enhancements affect the Google Chrome browser as well as Android OS.
Google has added biometric access as an added layer of protection when using any passwords being stored by the company via the Chrome browser or any updated Android device. This also requires the device to have a biometric reader (fingerprint reader) for this to function, of course.
So when you go to use one of your saved passwords, you will be presented with a request to verify that it is you, using your recorded biometric identifier. Preventing anyone else that may be using your device from being able to access any of your logins and making for a great 2FA (two-factor authentication).
This is something that should have been implemented a long time ago (honestly). It’s a surprise that it has taken this long now that so many devices come with some form of biometric sensor (laptops, smartphones, etc).
Meanwhile, select third-party password managers (ie, Dashlane) have had support for biometric access for some time now. Leading the way for secure password management.
Again, in order to use these features in Android or Chrome, you will have to have the most up-to-date versions of either and your hardware must support the ability to read/scan your fingerprint.
