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This tip is about the how to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it. So read this free guide, How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it step by step. If you have query related to same article you may contact us.
How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it – Guide
Every now and then we need to install a browser extension to make our web experience perfect. It could be to gain VPN access, block ads, or prevent videos from auto-playing. However, considering the nature of these extensions, we have to seriously question how safe browser extensions are. A web browser extension can access sensitive data and change browser settings. These abilities make them excellent tools for malicious activities. A browser extension is software that adds features and functionality for a web browser.
This software is written in web-based programming languages like JavaScript and markup languages like HTML and CSS. The first browser extensions were released in 1999 in the Internet Explorer browser. This extension called Explorer Bar allows users to add a toolbar to their browser UI. Subsequently, other web browsers such as Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome also started to support the use of browser extensions.
So over the years, they’ve become more powerful and integral to our browsing experience. Currently, you can get browser extensions from official stores like Google Chrome Web Store, App Store, and Firefox add-on portal. You can also get them from third parties.
How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it
Investigate the developer behind the extension
One way to ensure that the extension you are considering installing is safe is to investigate the developer. You can do this by clicking on the developer name next to the words “offered by.” The link should take you to the developer’s website and provide more information.
If the link doesn’t take you anywhere or to the website or it takes you to a website that doesn’t tell you much about it, then you should think twice before installing the extension. A trusted extension will give you a lot of information about the developer.
Make sure you read all permissions
Those who create dangerous extensions know you’re in a hurry and there’s a good chance you won’t even read the permissions. Chrome extensions don’t work like Android, where you can decide which permissions to allow and which to deny, you accept them all.
If an extension is asking for more permission than you think it should, it’s best not to install it. For example, why does a calculator extension need access to everything you do online?
Read full description
You’re probably telling yourself you’ve read the description, but reading just the first sentence doesn’t count. Make sure you read everything, and the more information he gives you, the better. If you find that the description doesn’t say much about what information can be tracked, it’s best to try to find another similar extension that provides more information. To see all the information, be sure to scroll down, or you might miss some important information.
Read what others have said about the extension
Before purchasing a device, you can visit forums to see what other users are saying about that device. Before clicking install button, you should also read what other users are saying about the extension. You can avoid a huge headache by understanding the problems other users have experienced.
Look for comments that tend to repeat the same idea. For example, do you see comments that complain about the same thing? Do you see reviews that sound too good and possibly bought? If an extension sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Final note
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