The iPhone password-protecting trick has just been disabled

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Firefox, one of the most popular web browsers in the world, has announced that it will end support for its password manager app next month.

Instead, the browser itself will take over the functionality of the tool such as providing access to saved passwords and performing autofill functions for online forms.

The move was revealed last week by Mozilla, the US non-profit organization behind Firefox, which has 200 million users worldwide.

Support for Firefox Lockwise, an iOS and Android app that allows users to manage passwords on mobile and desktop devices, will end on December 13th.

“You will no longer be able to install or reinstall Firefox Lockwise from the App Store or the Google Play Store,” Mozilla said.

“IOS version 1.8.1 and Android version 4.0.3 will be the latest versions for Firefox Lockwise.

“The application may continue to work on your device, but it will no longer receive support or security updates.”

After shutdown, Firefox users can continue to access saved passwords in Firefox’s desktop and mobile browsers, Mozilla said.

iCloud Keychain remembers passwords typed on your phone, encrypts them, and stores them in the cloud.Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Currently, however, these passwords can only be accessed through the Firefox browser.

This means that if you want to log into Facebook’s iOS app, for example, you’ll first need to open Firefox to copy and paste the password.

Mozilla said it was working on a version of the Firefox app that would allow it to function as a system-wide password manager.

You can read how to sync your passwords on Firefox on desktop, iOS and Android on the Mozilla website, here.

Lockbox launched in 2018 and offered users a way to access saved passwords and perform autofills on iOS, Android, and desktop.

It later became a Firefox extension, but was only used by a handful of network users. Most of its core functions have since been added to Firefox apps.

How to improve password security

The first thing you need to do is check if any of your accounts have already been compromised.

You can do this at HaveIBeenPwned.com.

This tracks major password / login leaks and allows you to check your email or phone number against them.

It’s a great way to see if you’ve been involved in major hacks, even if you haven’t seen any leaks that ever happened.

It is important never to use the same password on multiple accounts. If you reuse passwords, hackers who log into one account can gain access to others.

You should also set up a password manager, which makes it easier to keep track of your many passwords.

Browsers like Google Chrome often have a system like this built into the software.

Apple users also already have a built-in system for this called iCloud Keychain and Safari Strong Passwords.

iCloud Keychain remembers the passwords you type on your phone, encrypts them and stores them in the cloud.

So you can choose very strong passwords without having to remember them that your phone will simply enter them for you when you log in.

“iCloud Keychain remembers things so you don’t have to,” Apple explains.

“Automatically fills in your information such as Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, Wi-Fi networks, and social logins on any device you approve.

When you sign up for a service on Safari, you will have the option to use an automatically generated password which is very difficult for hackers to crack. Getty Images

“iCloud Keychain stores your passwords and credit card information so Apple can’t read or access them.”

When you sign up for a service on Safari, you will have the option to use an automatically generated password which is very difficult for hackers to crack.

This password is automatically saved in your iCloud Keychain so you don’t even have to remember it.

You can also add passwords that you already have in the Keychain.

But one of the best features is the password reuse warning.

It is important never to use the same password on multiple accounts. If you reuse passwords, hackers who log into one account can access others.

Safari saved passwords will notify you when you have two matching passwords and suggest a change.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission.

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