Over the years, Google has been committed to minimizing the security risks brought by Chrome browser extensions. In addition to making it more difficult for users to manually install extensions from unknown sources, Google has also strengthened the security audit of the Chrome Web Store. Recently, Google has brought a new option for enterprise administrators of Chrome browser, allowing “managed” Chrome users to apply for additional extensions as needed. After reviewing, the administrator can decide whether to allow users to install the extension.
If the enterprise administrator of the
Chrome browser enables this feature, the “Add to Chrome” button next to the extension in the Chrome Web Store will be replaced by the “Request” button. After clicking, the user must confirm that they want to “send a request to the administrator”. The status will then be updated to “pending”, “blocked by the administrator” or “installed” according to the actions made by the administrator.
At the same time, Google Admin Console provides a new function for administrators under the Chrome browser cloud management, which allows administrators to manage enterprise extensions in the same interface, and maintain an extended whitelist/blacklist list according to the needs of business users.
Enterprise administrators can now also pin important extensions in the user’s browser toolbar so that they are always visible for a more consistent user experience. Similarly, the administrator can freeze the extension in a specific version, which can avoid additional risks if the updated version is temporarily unclear.
For large enterprises with a very wide range of business and employees with different expansion needs, they may need to use hundreds of different expansion programs. This update of Chrome for corporate users greatly reduces the difficulty for corporate administrators to manage Chrome extensions.