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Many browser add-ons ask for multiple permissions, so there is a good chance that your personal information will end up in the hands of others after installation. In this article, we'll look at ways to check browser plugins for security and suggest a few other options.
As useful as the installed plugins are, it is worth making sure that they are completely safe.
Various browser add-ons can be very helpful. In order to make the Internet more comfortable, they add new functions that increase the functionality and make the Internet more convenient. However, plugins pose a serious security threat to users because they are allowed to view every page they open on the Internet. In some extensions, you can change key browser settings and send data about user activity to developers (or advertisers) in the background without the owner's knowledge.
Don't give up on plugins that you love, but make sure they are completely safe.
In general, it is worth sticking to the basic rule: regularly update your computer and its applications. It regularly scans your system for malware. This is important to minimize the risks associated with installing potentially questionable extensions. We also recommend that you check the system.
How to detect danger at an early stage
It's hard to come up with a clear plan on how to identify a dangerous browser extension in minutes, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Do a little research before installing the add-on - if necessary, check the reviews of other users on the Internet . See when the extension was last updated as older plugins may be less secure than newer ones. Check to see if the developer extension has changed so you don't get into trouble.
The first step is to make sure that the plugins you installed have been published from official sources such as the Chrom Online Store or Firefx Browser Add-ons. This will make you feel more confident that the software you are installing is legal and secure. Be careful with an extension that you download from outside the official browser repository.
Do not think that new additions from unknown developers may be worse than well-known ones, but you should be especially attentive to them. First of all, you should find out more about the company or the person who develops the tool. Where and how this project is financed. What is the information about him on the official website?
Be sure to check the list of required permissions that the add-in has obtained. Sometimes (Firefox) they will appear on the plugin page; in others (Chrome), you will never see it until you install the software. Look out for permission requests that seem too bold or odd for the intended use of the add-on.
Checking extensions in Chrom
Chrome has the ability to view a list of extensions installed in the browser. To do this, you need to click on three dots in the browser menu - in the upper right corner and then follow the path: "Additional features" -> "Extensions.
There is also a list of websites that a particular extension is allowed to access - usually it includes all possible sites. But you can limit yourself to using the plugin only on certain web resources in order to protect yourself. You can also change the settings to enhance the extensibility of the work permit request every time it asks the site for help. In this case, activate the "On click" option.
If you wish, you can temporarily disable extensions using the switch in the top bar of the page. By choosing the "Remove" option, you confirm your intention to permanently get rid of the plugin.
Checking extensions in Firefox
Open Firefox and go to the browser menu (three horizontal lines in the upper right corner), then follow the path: "Add-ons and Themes" -> "Extensions" to see a list of downloaded add-ons. You will see the currently installed extensions, as well as a few recommended plugins that Firefox thinks you might like. Click the radio button next to the extension you want to disable or enable.
Click on the specific add-on you want to study, including a description, link to the official website, the name of the developer, and a summary of the developer. You can specify whether the extension will automatically update and work in private browsing tabs.
On the Permissions tab, you can see exactly what this Firefox add-on can do on your system. If you are sure that an add-on is a threat to your security, you can remove it by choosing the appropriate option.
Checking extensions in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge uses the same code that was written for Google Chrome, so there are some similarities when it comes to the extension overview. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser and then go to the "Extensions" section to see a list of installed add-ons.
Using the switches next to the extensions, you can enable / disable additional plugins without actually removing them. The user can refuse any add-on and confirm his intention by clicking the "Delete" button. Click on the "Details" button and learn more about the extension.
This page allows you to view the permissions granted to the add-on and which websites it has access to (usually everything, for most extensions). Here you can also specify if the plugin can be run in Edge's private mode.
Checking extensions in Safari
Open the Extensions tab in Safari on macOS. This page lists all currently installed add-ons, and you will see a blue check mark next to the active in this period.
To learn more about a specific add-on - click on it - you can see what permissions it has received and which sites the add-on can access. It is worth noting the fact that many extensions have access to all the sites you are on. You are given the opportunity to choose which particular resource will be allowed access to a particular add-on.
If the extension doesn't suit you, just click the Remove button. If the add-on is part of a larger macOS app, you'll be redirected to the Finder to get rid of the software itself.
Intelligent plug-in management reduces the likelihood of security vulnerabilities and exploits that could be exploited by attackers. When a computer is infected, there is a very high chance of installing malicious plugins used to hack, send spam, display pop-up ads, and collect confidential information. Even official plugins like Adobe Flash and Java must be constantly updated to address vulnerabilities. Therefore, as one of the most important protective measures, users should constantly check installed plugins in the browser and update them in a timely manner.
As useful as the installed plugins are, it is worth making sure that they are completely safe.
Various browser add-ons can be very helpful. In order to make the Internet more comfortable, they add new functions that increase the functionality and make the Internet more convenient. However, plugins pose a serious security threat to users because they are allowed to view every page they open on the Internet. In some extensions, you can change key browser settings and send data about user activity to developers (or advertisers) in the background without the owner's knowledge.
Don't give up on plugins that you love, but make sure they are completely safe.
In general, it is worth sticking to the basic rule: regularly update your computer and its applications. It regularly scans your system for malware. This is important to minimize the risks associated with installing potentially questionable extensions. We also recommend that you check the system.
How to detect danger at an early stage
It's hard to come up with a clear plan on how to identify a dangerous browser extension in minutes, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Do a little research before installing the add-on - if necessary, check the reviews of other users on the Internet . See when the extension was last updated as older plugins may be less secure than newer ones. Check to see if the developer extension has changed so you don't get into trouble.
The first step is to make sure that the plugins you installed have been published from official sources such as the Chrom Online Store or Firefx Browser Add-ons. This will make you feel more confident that the software you are installing is legal and secure. Be careful with an extension that you download from outside the official browser repository.
Do not think that new additions from unknown developers may be worse than well-known ones, but you should be especially attentive to them. First of all, you should find out more about the company or the person who develops the tool. Where and how this project is financed. What is the information about him on the official website?
Be sure to check the list of required permissions that the add-in has obtained. Sometimes (Firefox) they will appear on the plugin page; in others (Chrome), you will never see it until you install the software. Look out for permission requests that seem too bold or odd for the intended use of the add-on.
Checking extensions in Chrom
Chrome has the ability to view a list of extensions installed in the browser. To do this, you need to click on three dots in the browser menu - in the upper right corner and then follow the path: "Additional features" -> "Extensions.
There is also a list of websites that a particular extension is allowed to access - usually it includes all possible sites. But you can limit yourself to using the plugin only on certain web resources in order to protect yourself. You can also change the settings to enhance the extensibility of the work permit request every time it asks the site for help. In this case, activate the "On click" option.
If you wish, you can temporarily disable extensions using the switch in the top bar of the page. By choosing the "Remove" option, you confirm your intention to permanently get rid of the plugin.
Checking extensions in Firefox
Open Firefox and go to the browser menu (three horizontal lines in the upper right corner), then follow the path: "Add-ons and Themes" -> "Extensions" to see a list of downloaded add-ons. You will see the currently installed extensions, as well as a few recommended plugins that Firefox thinks you might like. Click the radio button next to the extension you want to disable or enable.
Click on the specific add-on you want to study, including a description, link to the official website, the name of the developer, and a summary of the developer. You can specify whether the extension will automatically update and work in private browsing tabs.
On the Permissions tab, you can see exactly what this Firefox add-on can do on your system. If you are sure that an add-on is a threat to your security, you can remove it by choosing the appropriate option.
Checking extensions in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge uses the same code that was written for Google Chrome, so there are some similarities when it comes to the extension overview. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser and then go to the "Extensions" section to see a list of installed add-ons.
Using the switches next to the extensions, you can enable / disable additional plugins without actually removing them. The user can refuse any add-on and confirm his intention by clicking the "Delete" button. Click on the "Details" button and learn more about the extension.
This page allows you to view the permissions granted to the add-on and which websites it has access to (usually everything, for most extensions). Here you can also specify if the plugin can be run in Edge's private mode.
Checking extensions in Safari
Open the Extensions tab in Safari on macOS. This page lists all currently installed add-ons, and you will see a blue check mark next to the active in this period.
To learn more about a specific add-on - click on it - you can see what permissions it has received and which sites the add-on can access. It is worth noting the fact that many extensions have access to all the sites you are on. You are given the opportunity to choose which particular resource will be allowed access to a particular add-on.
If the extension doesn't suit you, just click the Remove button. If the add-on is part of a larger macOS app, you'll be redirected to the Finder to get rid of the software itself.
Intelligent plug-in management reduces the likelihood of security vulnerabilities and exploits that could be exploited by attackers. When a computer is infected, there is a very high chance of installing malicious plugins used to hack, send spam, display pop-up ads, and collect confidential information. Even official plugins like Adobe Flash and Java must be constantly updated to address vulnerabilities. Therefore, as one of the most important protective measures, users should constantly check installed plugins in the browser and update them in a timely manner.
