This tutorial explains how to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it. We will do our best for you to understand this guide. I hope you will like this blog, How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it. If your answer is yes, please share after reading this.

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Check how to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it

Every now and then we need to install a browser extension to make our web experience perfect. This could be getting VPN access, blocking ads, or preventing videos from autoplaying. However, given the nature of these extensions, we have to seriously question the security of browser extensions. A web browser extension can access sensitive data and modify browser settings. These capabilities make them excellent tools for malicious activity. A browser extension is software that adds additional features and functionality to a web browser.

This software is written in web programming languages ​​like JavaScript and markup languages ​​like HTML and CSS. The first browser extensions debuted in 1999 in the Internet Explorer web browser. This extension called Explorer Bar allows users to add a toolbar to the browser user interface. Subsequently, other web browsers such as Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome also started to support the use of browser extensions.

So over the years they have become more powerful and an integral part of our browsing experience. Today, you can get browser extensions from official stores such as Google Chrome Web Store, App Store, and Firefox Add-ons Portal. You can also obtain them from third parties.

How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it

Find the developer behind the extension

One way to make sure the extension you are considering installing is safe is to research the developer. You can do this by clicking on the developer’s name next to the words “offered by”. The link should direct you to the developer’s site and give you more information.

If the link doesn’t take you anywhere or on the site or takes you to a site that doesn’t say much, then you should think twice before installing the extension. A trustworthy extension will provide lots of information about the developer.

Be sure to read all permissions

Those who create dangerous extensions know that you’re in a hurry and probably won’t even read the permissions. Chrome extensions don’t work like Android, where you can decide which permissions to allow and which to deny, you accept them all.

If an extension asks for more permissions than you think, it’s best not to install it. For example, why would a calculator extension need access to everything you do online?

Read full description

You’re probably telling yourself that you’ve read the description, but just reading the first sentence doesn’t count. Be sure to read everything, and the more information it gives you, the better. If you find that the description doesn’t say much about what information you can track, it’s best to try to find another similar extension that gives you more information. To see all the information, be sure to scroll down or you may miss important information.

Read what others have said about the extension

Before purchasing a device, you can visit the forums to see what other users are saying about that device. Before clicking the install button, you should also read what other users are saying about the extension. You could save yourself a huge headache by understanding the problems other users are having.

Look for reviews that tend to repeat the same idea. For example, do you see reviews complaining about the same thing? Do you see reviews that seem too good and possibly bought? If an extension sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Final Words: How to Make Sure a Browser Extension Is Safe Before Installing It

Hope you understand this article, How to make sure a browser extension is safe before installing it. If your answer is no, you can ask anything through the contact forum section linked to this article. And if your answer is yes, share this article with your friends and family to show your support.