Extensions can be very useful in enhancing your browsing experience, but if you’re not careful, they can also steal your data, change important settings in your browser, or redirect your searches to shady websites.
Here are the best ways you can ensure that your Chrome extensions are safe.
1. Use Chrome Web Store
When installing extensions for your Chrome browser, the safest way is to use a credible web store. The Chrome Web Store is the most secure place to install extensions for your Chrome browser. The store has over 190,000 extensions and web apps. Whether you’re looking for a password manager or an extension to boost your creativity, you’re likely to find something suitable for you.
Although the Chrome Web Store is a legitimate source to get your extensions, there are still a few shady Google Chrome extensions you shouldn’t install. And so, you should still verify the credibility of the extension before installing it.
2. Research the Developer
Before you install an extension, you must always do your research to verify the legitimacy of the developer.
To help you distinguish between a professional developer and a fly-by-night security risk, check whether the developer has a full website or a public profile. If the website matches the software of the extension, then the extension is likely safe to use.
3. Make Sure the Extension Is Updated Regularly
Before installing extensions, make sure they have been recently updated. If an extension is outdated, it is likely less secure than extensions that are recently updated.
It’s no use using an extension that is sitting on a pile of issues and was last updated years ago. When an extension hasn’t been updated, your best bet is to look for a more reliable alternative.
4. Check Reviews
Reviews are your best friend! Checking reviews from other people who’ve used the extension will help you gain insight into the service based on other people’s experiences.
Reviews allow you to gauge the average experience of those using the app. If a large portion of reviews are negative, look for a similar extension with more positive reviews. You can find the reviews of an extension in the Chrome Web Store. While reviews are helpful, you can’t trust all those you find, so it’s important you know how to spot fake and useless reviews online.
5. Use Chrome Extension Source Viewer
This is for anyone who understands programming and knows how to identify malicious code. The Chrome extension source viewer allows you to view the code of Chrome extensions without downloading them.
Since it’s tricky knowing which browsers are safe from the surface, the Chrome extension source viewer gives you the opportunity to dig a little deeper.
6. Install Antivirus Software
Installing antivirus software serves as a good firewall to keep you safe. Reliable antivirus software helps you keep an eye on everything that enters your browser. With extensions, antivirus software can spot malicious code on your behalf.
However, antivirus software can only do so much to protect you online. To avoid overwhelming your browser with too many extensions, only install the ones you really need.
Extensive Ways to Stay Safe Online
Chrome extensions are a huge convenience as they can make browsing online so much easier. But it’s important not to get too excited and ensure that all Chrome extensions you install are safe to use.
Now that you know how to keep yourself safe from harmful Chrome extensions, you can focus on other ways to tighten your wider online security.
