What You Need to Know About Browser Extension Risks – 12/6/2022
With “Googling it” now a common expression, it’s safe to say you do a lot online. To do it all you’re using a Web browser (such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.). To do it all more efficiently or effectively, you could be using browser extensions, but this article is going to warn you against doing so.
To clarify, browser extensions are code add-ons that you connect to your browser. You can use them to personalize your surfing experience, and they accomplish many different things, including:
saving time (e.g. Scribe, Evernote, StayFocusd);
checking your grammar (e.g. Grammarly);
managing your passwords (e.g. Keeper, LastPass);
securing your online activity (e.g. DuckDuckGo, Ghostery)
Even though we’ve just said they can help secure your online activity and manage your passwords, the problem is that they are also risky.
Consider the fact that we said this represents added code. Now, how much coding do you know? Most will say “not a lot.” That means you’re blindly trusting that browser extension.
If you download a malicious one, that code can wreak havoc. Suddenly, your default search engine gets changed, or you get redirected to a start page with malware on it. You might face an onslaught of pop-ups or ads. They can also track your browsing history without you knowing it.
That’s just the beginning
Many browsers today want to keep you safe from malevolent extensions. They’ll have permissions in place before allowing access. Yet you still end up giving that extension a lot of access. For example, an extension modifying google.com needs access to all your Google activity. That means your Gmail, too.
Browser extensions access everything you’re doing online. So, a malicious extension could also function as a keylogger capturing passwords or credit card details.
A browser extension can also be sold to or hijacked by a bad actor. Then, it’s easy enough for them to push out an update that turns your trusted extension into malware.
What to do about this issue
Does this mean you should do without browser extensions? There are even browser extensions out there to block other browser extensions, but abstinence from extensions is not your only solution.
Instead, we’d recommend reviewing the safety and credibility of that extension. This means you should:
Check to see who published the extension.
Look at the reviews. A high number of positive reviews is a good sign. Thousands of people are unlikely to give five stars to a malicious extension.
Pay attention to the permissions required. If an extension claims to modify only one website, check that it accesses that site only.
Protect yourself with a good antivirus solution.
Keep your antivirus solution and other software updated.
It’s also easier to stay safe by limiting the number of installed extensions you use. If you have browser extensions that you aren’t using, uninstall them. This can cut your exposure to potential threats.
Another way to secure your online activity? Work with our IT experts. We can check permissions and review your extensions. We’ll also ensure your antivirus and software are up to date. Contact us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
April 2022 – Picking Your Home PC browser: Chrome vs. Edge
Selecting your home computer was challenging enough. Now, we’re asking you to decide on the right PC browser, too? When will the decisions end? At least we’re making the comparison easier. This article helps you decide if Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge works best for you.
It’s estimated that the average individual spends almost a third of their day online. That means you likely already have a go-to browser. It may be the one that was pre-loaded on your computer when you bought it or the same one you’re using on your mobile devices, but those aren’t the best reasons to select a browser. Keep reading to learn the key features of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
Google Chrome vs. Microsoft Edge: The Basics
Google Chrome is today’s most popular browser worldwide. It has been around since 2008 when it was released to compete with Internet Explorer. At that time, Internet Explorer was the big-shot browser, but within a few years, Google had taken the title. Explorer was replaced with Edge, which Microsoft brought out with Windows 10 in 2015.
Chrome and Edge are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. They are both based on the open-source software, Chromium. Still, Edge has a long way to go before it will reign supreme. In July 2021, Chrome had the lead at 65.27% market share. Safari came in second at 18.34%, and Edge third at 3.4%.
The two are not dramatically different. After all, they are competitors, so any big gap is quickly filled. Still, there are differences. Let’s discuss those next.
User Interface
Both Chrome and Edge allow you to have multiple windows open at the same time. Edge allows you to switch your tabs from horizontal (like Chrome) to vertical. You can group tabs by choosing a name and color for related tabs on both. Your tabs will sync with your mobile devices, but where the tabs appear on the screen will be different in Edge or Chrome mobile.
You can also bookmark (Chrome) or favorite (Edge) your pages. Edge allows you to create Collections of favorites. You can send those to Microsoft Docs, Excel, OneDrive, or Pinterest. Meanwhile, Chrome has a similar feature, and its collections can be shared with other Google account users.
If you want to choose the look of your browser (e.g. a theme or Dark Mode), there’s more flexibility with Chrome. Edge allows you to make choices from 14 themes in its Appearance settings. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to the Microsoft Edge Store.
Both browsers offer private browsing. Your default search engine will depend on your browser choice, though: Chrome uses Google to search (surprise!), whereas Microsoft defaults to Bing.
One standout feature of Edge is its immersive reader. This allows you to look at a page as if you are reading it on an eBook. It’s part of the basic Edge browser tools, but you’d have to add it as an extension if you wanted this in Chrome.
Need for Speed
If performance is important, you’ll want to know that Edge runs faster. There are competing claims, but Avast found Edge runs faster than both Chrome and Firefox. Another source tested the resource consumption of both browsers, and Chrome used more random-access memory (RAM).
Chrome did have the lead on cross-device syncing for a while, but in 2021 Edge added features making it convenient to switch between devices. Note: Chrome sync devices by default, whereas you need to enable it manually in Edge.
Security
Security and privacy are another big areas to consider when picking your browser. Browsers are common malware targets. You’ll want a browser that provides you with security features. Both Chrome and Edge do help you out, but if security is your top priority, look at Firefox, Tor, or Brave instead.
Still, since we’re comparing Chrome and Edge, let’s talk about their security tools. Chrome allows you to send “do not track” requests to websites, but Edge allows you to be more selective. Users choose between three tracking-prevention levels and get a blocked tracker list.
Both browsers have built-in anti-malware and phishing protection, but Google is known for updating more regularly, which can keep you safer online. At the same time, though, Google collects more of your data.
Key Takeaway
Microsoft has been steadily closing the gap between its Edge offering and Chrome. For speed and resource consumption, Edge is claiming the lead. Of course, these are only two of the available browsers out there.
Want help deciding on the best browser for your home? We can help you set up your computers and answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page!
Private browsing important to you? Maintaining your privacy while using the internet has become more challenging over the years. The recent Facebook privacy scandal made that abundantly clear, with users shocked at how much information had been recorded about them. While it’s almost impossible to enjoy the internet and leave zero digital footprints, there are things you can do to hide your online activities – some more effective than others.
1. Get a virtual private network (VPN) VPNs aren’t just for business and downloaders now, they’ve gone mainstream. Once set up, it creates an encrypted connection from your computer to the VPN providers computer. The other computer could be in another city or another country. When you visit a website, it can only see the VPN computer – not yours. You essentially run around the internet pretending to be another computer, in another location. Since your connection is encrypted, even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, making your usage anonymous.
The downsides: Because your internet usage has to route through another computer first, your browsing and download speed could be affected. They can be tricky to set up and not all VPNs offer the same privacy levels (the better ones tend to be more expensive). Some websites may even block visits from people using VPNs, so you may end up switching it on/off as required.
2. Go incognito Most browsers have a private browsing mode, each called something different. For example, Google Chrome calls it ‘incognito’, Microsoft calls it ‘InPrivate’. Before you take the name at face value, it’s a good idea to talk about how they define ‘private’. Unlike a VPN where you can dance around the internet anonymously, private browsing simply means it won’t show up in your browser history, or what you entered into forms. This feature is free, so you always have the option to use it, and it’s actually more helpful than you might think. Common uses include price shopping to reset sale timers and access local-only pricing and overriding usage limits on certain sites. Some sites use cookies to control your free trials and private browsing can help you get around that. For example, some news sites limit you to 5 free articles a month unless you pay. Private browsing can extend that trial quite easily!
The downsides: It can’t pre-fill saved passwords and it won’t help you type in the website name even if you’ve been there before.
3. Think about who’s watching While you might be naturally careful when using a public computer have you thought about who’s watching what you do on your work computer? Some workplaces have employee monitoring software that tracks all sorts of data, including taking screenshots of your desktop. It helps them create rules about computer usage but it may also provide them with evidence you’ve been breaking those rules. Stepping out to the internet cafe can be even more risky, as people can install keyloggers that record every keystroke, including your credit card numbers and logins. You’ll never know your activities are being recorded, even if you use private browsing.
The downsides: None. Awareness of the risks and the possibility of being watched ensures you’re more likely to use the internet safely.
While private browsing can help keep your internet usage under wraps, it’s not a magic bullet to cover all possibilities. Many people believe they’re invisible AND invulnerable while private browsing, a mistake they end up paying for. You’ll still need solid anti-virus and password habits to protect against threat, and to be a smart internet user who avoids suspect websites. Consider the options above as privacy-enhancing measures, not one-stop solutions.
Looking for a VPN? Our recommendation is Nord VPN. For more information, visit: https://nordvpn.com/
Need help with your online privacy? Give us a call at (651) 456-8655 or visit our CONTACT page.
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