The iCloud Keychain is a rare piece of Apple software that can now be used on Windows computers with a Chrome extension. — dpa
Apple’s iCloud Keychain is a handy password manager designed for Macs and iOS devices. But then how are Apple users supposed to get their passwords when sitting at a Windows computer?
Until now, most Apple users have been taking this awkward route: You take out your iPhone, open the iCloud Keychain app, look up the required password and then manually type some long-winded string of random letters and numbers into your browser.
But Apple has now finally released an official iCloud Passwords extension for the Chrome browser that can be used to conjure up your saved passwords for services and websites, as well as payment information.
It works just the same as it does on the Safari browser and Apple devices, and is by far the most convenient way to get passwords for anyone who isn't entirely inside the “walled garden” of Apple devices. The browser add-on is still an early version, but it can already be installed and used.
For anyone who doesn’t yet use the iCloud Keychain: This tool is one of several options for safely storing your passwords. The Keychain suggests secure passwords for you, which will be automatically generated in your browser when needed.
It will also warn you if you have poor passwords, if you’re repeatedly using them or if they have been discovered on hacker forums. Apple also says the transfer of passwords between devices and servers is done with end-to-end encryption. – dpa
