IT Consultants’ Tip in Staying Safe Online: Check You Chrome Extensions 

Protect Your Business from Malicious Chrome Extensions, IT Consultants Share How

If you’re one of the over 3 billion Google Chrome users, then you should know about browser extensions. For the uninitiated or the unsure, browser extensions are tools added to your browser to increase its functionality. They can either block ads and increase your efficiency and productivity. By having extensions, you basically customize your browser interface to best fit your needs. Despite these benefits, however, IT consultants warn of the danger they pose, especially with regards to malware.  

Dangers Lurking Behind, IT Consultants Warn 

Malicious software, better known as malware, are corrupt programs that are created to spread through computers, networks and servers. Because of this, they can either do direct harm to your system, drain bank accounts, hold websites under ransom or steal confidential data from the infected. Hackers usually do this taking advantage of some loopholes in platforms such as Google Chrome. Expectedly, browser extensions that seem to be harmless have become their favorite entry points. Furthermore, Chrome is currently the leading browser in terms of market share, making it a juicy target for attacks. Recently, it was reported that 280 million users have unknowingly installed malware from infected Chrome extensions.  

IT Consultants Warn About Chrome Extensions

IT Consultants Share Ways to Protect Your Business 

Although alarming, there are things that can be done to keep yourself and your business safe. 

Check Reviews from External Sources 

Before downloading and applying an extension, make sure to do your due diligence. Check out reviews from reputable and external sources. Find out if there have been reported cases of malware from that particular extension and see if there are safer options you can choose instead. 

Be Cautious in Granting Permissions 

Make sure you read the requests for permissions for each extension you want to add. You might want to try and reconsider if the extension is asking for more permissions than usual. If there are permissions asked that are not related to its supposed function, that would be a red flag. 

Don’t Skimp on Security Software 

Make sure to have strong security software capable of detecting and neutralizing malware. This crucial defense is necessary to avoid the unwitting installation of corrupt Chrome extensions.  

Do You Really Need the Extension? 

Evaluate the need for the extension before applying it. If it is just a fad or an office trend, you might want to stay away instead. Similarly, you can check other apps and other installed extensions for the same function. That way you don’t run the risk of installing malicious extensions for a redundant function.  

Download Only from Trusted Sources 

Do not try to explore other sources for your Chrome extensions. Stick with the ones that are reputable and are from well-known developers. This will dramatically decrease the possibility of downloading corrupted extensions. 

Take Caution Seriously and Get Help from Reliable IT Consultants 

Google is exerting tremendous effort to check Chrome extensions for safety. However, the scale of the platform has made it difficult for Chrome security team to catch and neutralize all the threats out there. Hence, user vigilance and caution are necessary. 

If you are not sure about the safety of the extensions that are currently in your office and business system, get in touch with us now! We will run checks and add safeguards to your system. Book your consultation and let us discuss your needs and our solutions. 

Call today!