A browser plugin (or extension) is a software module that adds specific capabilities to a web browser. These plugins enhance the functionality of the browser, providing features like ad blocking, password management, and integration with other applications.
Managing browser add-ons is crucial for several reasons:
Managing browser extensions, add-ons, and plugins involves several steps to ensure security, compliance, and efficiency. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
Define which extensions are approved for use within the organization. Create a whitelist of necessary extensions and a blacklist of those that are not permitted due to security risks or redundancy.
Utilize centralized management tools like Browser Security Plus to enforce policies and manage extensions across all user devices. Additionally, Browser Security Plus can be used as a comprehensive tool to manage browser security, allowing for the centralized enforcement of policies and management of browser extensions, add-ons, and plugins.
Set up extension management settings to control which extensions can be installed or blocked. This includes enabling or disabling specific permissions for extensions to prevent data loss or unauthorized access.
Conduct regular audits of installed extensions to ensure compliance with enterprise policies. This helps identify any unauthorized or unnecessary extensions.
Keep track of extension usage and permissions. Detect any suspicious activity or extensions that request excessive permissions, such as "web request" and "native messaging."
Educate employees about the risks associated with unapproved extensions and the importance of using approved ones. Provide training on recognizing potentially harmful extensions.
Offer clear guidelines on how employees can request approval for new extensions and the proper use of approved ones.
Ensure that extensions have the least privilege necessary to perform their function. Disable unnecessary permissions to minimize the risk of data loss.
Keep all browser extensions and plugins up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities. Use tools to detect outdated plugins and ensure timely updates.
Assess the credibility and security practices of extension developers. Check their privacy policies and reputation.
Perform thorough security assessments of extensions before approving them for use within the organization.
ManageEngine Browser Security Plus simplifies the management of browser add-ons, extensions, and plugins, providing comprehensive features to enhance security and compliance:
Browser Security Plus can identify all installed add-ons, including which plugins are signed and which are not. This helps in detecting potentially unsafe plugins.
The tool can detect the permissions used by each extension, allowing administrators to disable extensions with risky permissions or disable specific permissions within extensions to prevent data loss.
Browser Security Plus helps in identifying outdated plugins, ensuring that all browser components are up-to-date and secure.
Organizations can use Browser Security Plus to distribute productivity-boosting extensions silently to computers using the Extension Repository, ensuring that only approved extensions are used.
Block extensions that are not approved or pose security risks. This includes preventing extensions installed by users on personal browser accounts from accessing corporate resources.
Browser Security Plus offers a centralized platform to manage Chrome extensions, Firefox add-ons, Edge plugins, and Internet Explorer add-ons, providing complete control over the browser environment within the enterprise.