Google recently acknowledged a bug that affected a significant number of Windows users, preventing them from accessing or saving their passwords. The issue, which started on July 24 and lasted for approximately 18 hours before being resolved on July 25, was attributed to a change in product behavior without proper feature guard.
The bug impacted Chrome web browser users globally, rendering saved passwords inaccessible and newly saved passwords invisible. Google has since fixed the issue, specifying that it was limited to the M127 version of Chrome Browser on the Windows platform.
While the exact number of affected users remains uncertain, with over 3 billion Chrome web browser users worldwide, an estimated 15 million users may have experienced the password manager glitch. Google provided an interim workaround initially, but a full fix has now been implemented, requiring users to restart their Chrome browser.
Google also addressed another authentication issue where email verification for creating new Google Workspace accounts went missing for some users. This vulnerability allowed bad actors to bypass email verification, potentially compromising domain holder identities at third-party services. Google promptly fixed this issue within 72 hours of being reported.
It is advisable to maintain a dedicated password manager application for enhanced security, despite the convenience of browser-based solutions. Users experiencing persistent issues beyond the explanations provided are encouraged to contact Google Workspace Support.
Overall, Google has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by these service disruptions and outages. It is essential for users to stay vigilant and follow best practices to safeguard their online accounts and data.
