Browser Plugin Best Practices

Browser Plugins, commonly known as extensions or add-ons, are small programs that you can install to add new features that customize your browser’s functionality. They are capable of doing anything from blocking ads to managing the passwords you saved with a password vault.

These plugins work by directly integrating with the browser’s code, which gives them the ability to potentially read, interact, or even modify the content of the webpages you visit. The potential deep level of access that the plugins may have allow them to be useful, however also present a potential threat to security.

How to Install Browser Plugins?

Installing Browser Plugins is streamlined for simplicity, however it differs from browser to browser:

• Google Chrome:

  • Go to the Chrome Web Store.
  • Search and pick an extension you would like to install.
  • Press on the “Add to Chrome” button.
  • A pop-up window will appear asking for permissions.
  • Review the permissions and click the “Add extension” to begin the install.

• Apple Safari:

  • Go to the Mac App Store.
  • Search and select the extension you want.
  • Click “Get” or the Price to download and install the app.
  • After download is complete, you can enable the extension by going to Safari > Settings > Extensions and checking the box next to the extension name.

• Microsoft Edge:

  • Go to the Microsoft Edge Add-on Store.
  • Search and select the add-on you want.
  • Click the “Get” button.
  • A pop-up window will appear and ask for permissions.
  • Review the permissions and confirm to begin download.

• Mozilla Firefox:

  • Visit the Firefox Browser Add-On site.
  • Find and pick your add-on.
  • Press the “Add to Firefox” button.
  • Review the permissions that pop-up.
  • Press “Add” to begin downloading.

Browser Plugin Best Security Practices

• Only install extensions from secure and official sources, as they are the safest places to get plugins.
• Check reviews and ratings for the plugin before downloading for signs of poor security.
• Pay close attention to what permissions the plugin needs, as unnecessary permissions may indicate an unsafe plugin.
• Keep your plugins and browser up to date to make sure everything is up to the most recent and safest version.
• Perform regular clean-ups to make sure that any old extensions that you no longer use or need are removed and thus pose no threat.