How to manage add-ons/Extensions in enterprise browsers?

Manage browser add-ons.

Each internet browser has a unique add-on/plugins ecosystem. Internet Explorer uses add-ons, Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), and accelerators; Google Chrome. Micorsoft Edge, and other Chromium browsers have extensions, themes, and apps; Firefox is all about extensions. These unique add-on ecosystems have been evolving for some time, up until the point where it's now almost impossible for IT administrators to keep track of the various add-ons deployed on each user's computer.

Browser Security Plus makes the impossible possible with its Add-on Management feature.

Note: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other Chromium browser extensions and Internet Explorer plugins can be managed using the Add-on Management feature. Chrome, Edge extensions, and Firefox add-ons can be distributed to computers using Extension Repository.

Detect add-ons present in your organization.

Compared to other types of add-ons, plug-ins are the most dangerous. Thankfully, browser developers have introduced plug-in signatures to ease consumers' safety concerns and provide accountability in the event of a security breach. With Browser Security Plus, you can detect which plug-ins are signed and which aren't.

Extensions, the most frequently used type of add-on, are capable of tracking users' browser history. To do that, these extensions require permissions. Once extensions have permissions like "web request" and "native messaging", they can steal browser history, browsing patterns, and data entered in webpages by users. With Browser Security Plus, you can detect the permissions used by each extension. Disable chrome extensions that use permissions that could lead to data loss. You can even disable specific permissions for chrome extensions.

Note: Allowing native messaging enables communication between the extension and the native application present in the agent deployed machines. When the native application is registered as a native messaging host, browser data such as website URLs, browser history, and downloads data, to name a few, from the browser are transferred to the native application.

Detect outdated plug-ins.

Plug-in developers provide fixes and updates when security loopholes are detected. With Browser Security Plus, you can detect which plug-ins need updates to make sure employees' browsers are as secure as possible.

Manage add-ons.

  • Distribute extensions.
  • Many organizations use productivity-boosting extensions for managing passwords, enhancing emails, and correcting grammar on a daily basis. Distribute these extensions silently to computers using our Extension Repository.

  • Why should you disable Chrome extensions, Firefox, Edge and IE add-ons.
  • Certain websites install plug-ins without visitors' knowledge; this is one of the most common ways unwanted plug-ins land on computers. These kinds of plug-ins need to be blocked once they're detected.

    Many employees also access corporate resources while signed in to their personal browser account, bringing their extensions with them. That means these extensions can access enterprise sites, which is likely to lead to corporate data loss.

    The best way to deal with any type of unwanted extension? Manage Chrome extensions with Browser Security Plus, and only grant access to enterprise-approved extensions.

Overview of browser extension management

  • What are browser extensions?

    Browser extensions are small software programs that run inside web browsers, adding extra functionality or features to the browser. These extensions can be enabled or disabled as required. Some extensions are also designed to work with specific web pages or websites, and they can also have access to web pages content and communicate with web pages.

  • Are all browser extensions safe?

    No, Not all browser extensions are safe. Some extensions may contain malware or viruses that may collect and share data in ways that are not compliant with your security regulations. Additionally, some extensions may be designed to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials whereas some extensions are not well coded, contain bugs, or outdated which can damage browsers and could lead to security vulnerabilities.

  • Why is browser extension/add-on management necessary for your enterprises?

    Browser extension/add-on management is necessary for enterprises because it helps to ensure security and compliance, as well as improve productivity. As many browser extensions are not secure, a browser extension management tool is required to manage the browser extensions/add-ons in your enterprise network

  • What is the role of Browser Security Plus in browser extension/add-on management?

    With Browser Security Plus, you can seamlessly manage extensions by distributing only secure extensions to your browsers via extension repository. You can block malicious extensions across multiple browsers and allow only enterprise-approved extensions in your network.