Securing Enterprise Browsers Through Chrome Enterprise Extension Controls

Securing Enterprise Browsers Through Chrome Enterprise Extension Controls

Browser extensions can be a double-edged sword. They enhance productivity by adding custom features and streamlining workflows, but they also expand the browser attack surface, making enterprise data vulnerable.

The Threat: Suspicious and Over-Powered Extensions

Risk doesn’t only come from overtly malicious extensions. “Over-powered” extensions, those requesting far more permissions than neede,d pose an equally serious threat.

• Suspicious Extensions: Designed to steal data, hijack sessions, or log keystrokes. Some slip through store vetting or are installed via sideloading, bypassing official controls.
• Over-Powered Extensions: Even a simple tool might request access to all your data on all websites. If compromised, it can gain full access to corporate applications and networks.
• Shadow IT: Unapproved employee-installed extensions create a hidden, unmanaged inventory where the majority of risk lives.

The Solution: Chrome Enterprise Extension Controls

Chrome Enterprise enables a proactive, zero-trust approach to extension management through allowlists and permission-based policies.

1. Enforce an Explicit Allowlist

The most effective control is to block all extensions by default and only permit vetted, business-critical tools:

• Block all (*): Use the ExtensionInstallBlocklist policy.
• Allowlist approved extensions: Use ExtensionInstallAllowlist or ExtensionInstallForcelist to specify exactly which tools are allowed.

This approach shifts control to IT, reducing exposure to unknown or risky extensions.

2. Block Extensions by Sensitive Permissions

Granular permission controls prevent overpowered extensions from gaining dangerous access:

• Cookies or identity access: Prevents session hijacking and credential theft.
• System-level APIs or USB access: Reduces risk from extensions with excessive privileges.
• Search or homepage modifications: Stops malicious redirection.

This smart filtering mitigates risks even from benign-looking extensions.

3. Leverage Chrome Enterprise Premium (CEP)

For advanced protection, Chrome Enterprise Premium provides:

• Extension auditing and reporting: Real-time visibility into every installed extension, its permissions, and user installs.
• Risk-based enforcement: Categorizes extensions as High, Medium, or Low risk, allowing automatic warnings or blocks.
• Request workflows: Users submit extensions for IT review instead of self-installing, curbing Shadow IT.

4. Discovery: Inform Your Allowlist with the ChromeOS Readiness Tool

Before applying policies, IT must understand the current environment. The ChromeOS Readiness Tool (CRT) supports this with Browser Insights:

• Uncover Shadow IT: Generates a complete inventory of installed extensions across all devices.
• Inform the Allowlist: Usage data highlights which extensions are essential for business workflows.
• Identify High-Risk Extensions: Spot low-use or overpowered extensions for blocking or permission restriction.

By combining CRT insights with Chrome Enterprise controls, IT teams move from guesswork to data-driven extension management, creating an allowlist that is both secure and functional.

The Takeaway

Browser extensions are a prime pathway for malware and data loss. By implementing an Allowlist, restricting high-risk permissions, and leveraging the ChromeOS Readiness Tool for discovery, IT teams can significantly reduce the browser attack surface.

The browser is the new enterprise endpoint. Controlling extensions is no longer optional is foundational security.