How to Manage Browser Add-Ons/Extensions in Enterprises

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.

Importance of Managing Browser Add-Ons

Managing browser add-ons is crucial for several reasons:

  • Security: Unapproved or malicious extensions can introduce vulnerabilities and risks, leading to data breaches and security incidents.
  • Compliance: Organizations must comply with regulations and policies, which often require control over the software used within the enterprise.
  • Productivity: Ensuring that only necessary and approved extensions are used helps maintain productivity by preventing distractions and inefficiencies.
  • Performance: Managing add-ons can improve browser performance, as unnecessary extensions can slow down browser speed and responsiveness.

How to Manage Add-Ons/Extensions/Plugins in a Browser

Managing browser extensions, add-ons, and plugins involves several steps to ensure security, compliance, and efficiency. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

1. Establish a Policy for Browser Extensions

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.

2. Use Centralized Management Tools

2.1 Browser Management Tools

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.

2.2 Configure Extension Management Settings

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.

3. Regular Audits and Monitoring

3.1 Periodic Reviews

Conduct regular audits of installed extensions to ensure compliance with enterprise policies. This helps identify any unauthorized or unnecessary extensions.

3.2 Monitor Usage

Keep track of extension usage and permissions. Detect any suspicious activity or extensions that request excessive permissions, such as "web request" and "native messaging."

4. Employee Education and Training

4.1 Security Awareness

Educate employees about the risks associated with unapproved extensions and the importance of using approved ones. Provide training on recognizing potentially harmful extensions.

4.2 Usage Guidelines

Offer clear guidelines on how employees can request approval for new extensions and the proper use of approved ones.

5. Implement Security Measures

5.1 Permissions Management

Ensure that extensions have the least privilege necessary to perform their function. Disable unnecessary permissions to minimize the risk of data loss.

5.2 Regular Updates

Keep all browser extensions and plugins up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities. Use tools to detect outdated plugins and ensure timely updates.

6. Vendor and Extension Evaluation

6.1 Evaluate Vendors

Assess the credibility and security practices of extension developers. Check their privacy policies and reputation.

6.2 Security Assessments

Perform thorough security assessments of extensions before approving them for use within the organization.

How ManageEngine Browser Security Plus Helps Manage Add-Ons

ManageEngine Browser Security Plus simplifies the management of browser add-ons, extensions, and plugins, providing comprehensive features to enhance security and compliance:

1. Detect Add-Ons Present in Your Organization

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.

2. Monitor Extension Permissions

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.

3. Detect Outdated Plugins

Browser Security Plus helps in identifying outdated plugins, ensuring that all browser components are up-to-date and secure.

4. Distribute Extensions

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.

5. Block Unwanted Extensions

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.

6. Comprehensive Management

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.

 

FAQs

1. Why is it important to manage browser extensions?
Managing browser extensions is crucial for security, compliance, and productivity. Unapproved extensions can introduce vulnerabilities, lead to data breaches, and affect browser performance.
2. How can I detect outdated plugins in my organization?
Use tools like Browser Security Plus to identify outdated plugins. These tools provide alerts and updates to ensure all browser components are secure and up-to-date.
3. What should I do if an extension requests excessive permissions?
Disable the extension or specific permissions that are not necessary for its function. This helps in preventing data loss and unauthorized access.
4. How can Browser Security Plus help centrally manage extensions for all users in my organization?
Browser Security Plus provides a centralized platform to manage browser extensions, add-ons, and plugins across all user devices. It allows you to enforce policies, distribute approved extensions, detect outdated plugins, monitor extension permissions, and block unauthorized extensions, ensuring a secure and compliant browsing environment for the entire organization.