Google has issued a public apology following a widespread bug that left millions of Windows users without access to their saved passwords.
The glitch, which started on July 24 and persisted for nearly 18 hours, affected Chrome web browser users around the globe, according to Forbes.
The tech giant explained that the issue stemmed from a “change in product behavior without proper feature guard,” a similar cause to a recent CrowdStrike outage. This error resulted in users being unable to access their previously saved passwords and rendered new ones invisible.
Although the precise number of affected users is uncertain, Google estimates that approximately 15 million people experienced the password disappearance issue.
The company clarified that the problem was isolated to the M127 version of Chrome on Windows and that a fix has now been implemented. Users need to restart their Chrome browser for the changes to take effect.
The incident has sparked criticism from users who rely heavily on Chrome’s password manager for secure online access. The company has reassured users that an interim workaround was available during the disruption and has encouraged anyone still facing issues to contact Google Workspace Support.
This event underscores the potential consequences of software glitches on a large scale and the critical need for thorough testing and safeguards in product development. Google’s quick response and the subsequent fix demonstrate the company’s commitment to resolving issues promptly, but the disruption has nonetheless highlighted the vulnerabilities in relying on automated password management systems.
As Google works to restore trust among its user base, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having alternative security measures and backup plans in place for managing sensitive information. Users are advised to remain vigilant and consider additional security practices to safeguard their online accounts in the event of future disruptions.