Google Chrome is the most popular web browser — and that probably doesn’t surprise you. It’s fast, easy to use, and integrates well with other applications within the Google ecosystem.
But despite its popularity — or because of it — Chrome is a target for cybercriminals. Although most people are aware of basic security measures, such as not clicking on suspicious links and using antivirus software, there are several steps you can take to enhance your security.
Whether you’re using the browser from your workplace or from your home office while recovering from a personal injury sustained on the job, you need to stay safe online.
Consider these five security measures to significantly enhance your Chrome experience.
1. Review and Remove Unnecessary Extensions
Extensions — like ad blockers, grammar checkers, and more — can enhance your browsing experience. They’re essentially small programs that run on your computer. The more extensions you run, however, the more vulnerable you become.
Many people install extensions but never bother to remove them. Over time, you can end up with several unused and unneeded extensions installed on your computer or laptop. That’s important to know should you, for instance, buy a used PC with extensions installed.
How can you protect yourself on the extensions front? Start by doing the following:
- Go to chrome://extensions.
- Remove all unnecessary extensions.
- Be wary of permission requests when installing extensions.
- Only install extensions made by trusted developers with high reviews.
The more extensions you run, the more vulnerable you become. So, install them wisely.
2. Enable Enhanced Safe Browsing
Google Chrome’s security features need to be enabled. So, check to ensure they are. If they’re not, enable them for protection when using the browser.
Although most people are aware of basic security measures, not all of them are aware of enhanced security measures. Google Chrome has an “Enhanced Safe Browsing” feature. When enabled, Chrome can do the following:
- Safeguard against phishing and malware.
- Check URLs in real-time against Google’s threat database.
- Get warnings about potentially dangerous downloads.
To activate it, go to Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Security -> and click on “Enhanced Protection.”
3. Regularly Check Your Saved Passwords
Using the password manager feature in Chrome is convenient, and it should be used for security. However, it also has some risks, especially for those who don’t manage it properly. Most people let Chrome remember their passwords for dozens or even hundreds of websites and rarely comb over the list of saved passwords to see if they’re all relevant.
If you’re using the same password for multiple websites, using weak passwords for websites you created years ago, or saving passwords for websites you no longer visit, it’s time to revisit the password manager feature.
Chrome has a feature called Password Checkup, which alerts you whenever any of your saved passwords has been compromised in any data breach.
Therefore, in order to be safe, do the following:
- Go to chrome://settings/passwords.
- Perform the password check.
- Change any weak passwords.
- Enable 2-factor authentication whenever you can.
Consider your password list like your physical key ring. If it‘s cluttered and disorganized, it’s not useful. It’s a liability.
4. Use Separate Profiles for Work and Personal Browsing
Most people use just one Chrome browser profile for all their activities. However, that’s not the best practice because it increases the risks of losing all your data if you’re attacked by malware, phishing, or any other online threat.
You should consider making one profile for work-related activities, making another profile for personal activities, and making a third profile for testing downloads or unknown websites.
To create a profile, you’ll need to click the profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Add.”
5. Keep Chrome Updated — and Restart It
Everybody knows it’s important to stay updated, but not everybody knows that Chrome will often download an update in the background and not apply it unless you restart the browser.
That means you might think you’re up to date when, in fact, you‘re still using an old version with security holes.
If you want to make sure you are fully updated and protected, follow these steps:
- Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Go to Help → About Google Chrome.
- Verify that an update is pending.
- Restart your browser if prompted.
If you see an update indicator next to your menu icon and it is colored, you should restart your browser. Waiting too long to restart your browser can put you at risk.
Being safe online is not just about avoiding scams and malicious threats that are obvious and easily identifiable. It’s also about making some minor adjustments that’ll help you stay safe.
When using Chrome, you’re likely focused on making your browsing experience as fast and convenient as possible. However, taking a few minutes to think about your browser add-ons, enhanced security, password management, separate profiles, and updates can greatly improve your overall security.
As threats evolve, so do the tools that help you fight back. The problem is that you may not be taking full advantage of security tools that can help you do just that.
