How to know if a Chrome extension is safe

Google Chrome extensions are fantastic. They can help you write better, block annoying advertisements, and save you money while shopping, among countless other activities.

However, malware is still a major problem with these tools, and carelessly installing one could put your privacy and security at risk.

According to Google itself, many Chrome extensions’ quality and security appear to be inconsistent. As a result, the business has implemented a new system for recognising verified extensions and producers of those extensions.

Installing extensions from reliable sources will show you additional badges that indicate different ways the extension and/or publisher have been judged legitimate.

How to know if a Chrome extension is safe

Featured badge

Certain extensions display a blue ribbon icon for the “Featured” badge. Those extensions that “follow our technological best practises and satisfy a high degree of user experience and design” are awarded this badge by Google.

Rather than being given by an algorithm or other tool, this badge signifies that the extension has been hand-reviewed by Chrome team members.

Also read: How to save your Android phone from Octo malware

There are members of the Chrome team who check to see that the extension has a good store page with a clear representation of its features, that it works properly for those who download it, that Chrome APIs are being used and that it respects user privacy above all else.

This is fantastic news, even if Google doesn’t have the finest record when it comes to protecting its users’ private information, as long as an extension doesn’t openly steal your information.

Established Publisher badge

A publisher will be awarded the Established Publisher badge if Google determines that they have demonstrated compliance with the developer programme standards and have verified their identification through Google.

The publisher’s website will have a checkmark next to this badge. Because Google knows who you are, this badge is a good method for users to trust the extension they want to install. The developer’s account is likely to be deactivated if they do something unusual.

Additional tips

1. Make sure you read the entire description before you download anything to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
2. Make sure the extension has all the permissions it needs. A red signal is raised if you don’t see any reason why the extension should be requesting access to your camera.
3. The developer’s website, which is always referenced on the extension’s shop page, has a review. If the site gives you a bad feeling or doesn’t appear to live up to the promises of the extension you’re contemplating, don’t bother.
4. Don’t forget to read the customer testimonials as well. It’s not uncommon for users to mention bad experiences with an extension in the comments section. You may wish to avoid the site if most of the comments are quite old and you can’t discover any new ones. Make sure the extensions you install are always up to date, which lowers the risk of their being hacked.