After installing Chrome as your default browser, you may have noticed that a lot of websites aren’t optimized for it. For example, many articles are displayed in their little box with the article title and a link to the full text on another page. Also, some sites are blocked from your browser by default. That’s because these websites require add-ons to be enabled so that users can access them properly. However, not all add-ons are created equal; some of them can seriously harm your browsing experience and compromise your security. Fortunately, there is an easy way to filter out any questionable extensions from the Chrome Web Store so you don’t get exposed to those harmful extensions. With this simple trick, you will have access to any extension or plugin you need without having to worry about anything else. Here’s how:
What are extensions and plugins in Chrome?
An extension is a piece of software that’s added to a host application like a browser to let users do more things. The Chrome Web Store is the biggest marketplace for extensions and plugins. If you have basic knowledge of computers, you can find and install any plugin for free here. A plugin can do almost anything; it can be as simple as a calculator or a video converter. Along with adding functionality, extensions can also help a user protect their privacy by removing ads from websites. Or, they can steal personal information from the user’s computer, like passwords, files, or other data. Chrome Web Store is not only a marketplace where users can find extensions but also a place where developers can upload their extensions and earn money. But before you dive deeper into how to use the store, it’s important to know the different types of extensions.
Tips to check before adding an extension
Before installing any extension, you must make sure that it’s safe. There are many ways hackers can sneak malicious code through the Chrome Web Store. To make sure you’re not installing something risky, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should only install extensions from the official Chrome Web Store. The unofficial third-party stores, like CNET, are usually full of malware and unsafe extensions. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if an extension seems useful, it’s important to use it responsibly. It’s best to only install extensions that improve your productivity and don’t pose any serious risks. Finally, you should always check the permissions and extension requests. Many dangerous extensions sneak malicious code into your computer without you knowing it.
Add the Google safe browsing list
If you’re looking for a safe extension to download, then you should check the extension store’s “Google Safe Browsing List.” This extension shows all the extensions on the Chrome Web Store that have been blacklisted by Google for unsafe behavior. This way, you’ll only find extensions that are safe to use.
Installing Adobe plugins
Adobe is among the most popular content creation software companies in the world. Because of its popularity, the software giant has a plethora of plugins for its software. Google Chrome can use these plugins to render certain pages and images correctly. However, you can’t just install the Adobe plugins through the Chrome Web Store. You need to follow a special process to do so. First, you need to go to the “Settings” menu, find the “Extensions” option, and click on “Manage installed extensions.” Next, you need to scroll down until you find the “Install unverified extensions” option. From there, you need to click on “Add” and type in the name of the Adobe plugin you want to install. After that, click on “Ok.” The plugin will now be installed in your browser.
Add-ons that can be dangerous
Like plugins, add-ons can also pose a threat to your computer. These types of extensions are normally offered as binary files through third-party sites. The most common add-ons that can spy on you are add-ons that promise to increase your website speed. Unfortunately, they can be unsafe because they can also change your page’s content. Many add-ons are dangerous, like add-ons that claim to offer shopping coupons, traffic rerouting, or link shortening. These add-ons can be dangerous because they can change your original content to show ads, redirect your website pages to fake pages, or even steal your personal information.
Conclusion
There are many add-ons and plugins available in the Chrome Web Store. It’s important to only install those that are safe and legitimate, as those that are not are capable of ruining your browsing experience. Now that you know how dangerous some extensions can be, you can take the time to filter out the bad ones to make sure your computer isn’t compromised.