Can You Trust Your Browser With Your Passwords?

[JMH]

Having your Web browser remember your passwords and/or credit card details can be convenient, but it poses some security risks. How much of a risk depends on which browser you’re using, whether you sync with other devices, and whether you’re using any of the browser's extra security features. Here are the main vulnerabilities in some of the most popular browsers—Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox—and ways you can protect against those weak spots.

Common Security Risks

The biggest problem with having your browser save your passwords involves prying eyes. Not only can other users who have access to your computer log in to your accounts and see your actual passwords or credit card details, but so can a thief if your computer, smartphone, or tablet gets lost or stolen. And the same risk applies if you haven’t properly erased your data from your PC when you get rid of it; whoever ends up with it next might be able to recover your information. Also, some viruses and malware can steal your saved passwords or credit card details.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/261259/can_you_trust_your_browser_with_your_passwords.html#tk.rss

 

[Kosh Vorlon]

Another consideration along the same lines (or that can be related) is the use of "display mixed content." Though a bit old, I believe the principles here still hold: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ieinternals/archive/2009/06/22/9797918.aspx. This article includes links to others (and more in the comments).