There are plenty of good reasons to use Chrome, from quality of life to productivity and efficiency. But Chrome comes with several drawbacks users should be aware of.
Possible Chrome Drawbacks
We see two major potential drawbacks to using Chrome: data use and extension security.
Data Use Creates Business Concerns
One big drawback to using Chrome is the way Google is likely using you — that is, your data.
Remember the old adage, “if you’re not the customer, you’re the product”? That’s definitely the case with Chrome. Google wants you to use its free, really good browser because of what it does for them, not just out of the goodness of their hearts.
More than other browser makers, Google appears to collect tons of data on its users: what you do, where you visit, what you like to buy, and more. Even if you’re using Incognito Mode! (Seriously: the company just settled a $5 billion lawsuit over tracking incognito users.)
All that data use is alarming enough in your personal life. But think about the potential implications for your business data.
For PC users, Microsoft Edge is much more secure, even if it isn’t quite as enjoyable to use.
Chrome Extensions Create Security Nightmares
Even worse than the data question is the potential security risks of Google’s extension store.
Extensions are little mini-apps and utilities that change the way your browser works. You might remember ad blockers, which used to be all the rage, or extensions that change the visual look of your browser.
Other extensions, like Grammarly, LastPass, Loom, or ClickUp, add powerful integrations to the apps and services you use on a daily basis:
- The Grammarly extension adds advanced spelling and grammar check to your browser itself
- The LastPass extension makes it easier to use your password manager in Chrome
- The Loom and ClickUp extensions improve the functionality of those services in various ways
The problem is that the Chrome Web Store is so big that it’s nearly impossible to police. For every legitimate extension out there, you’ll find two or more insecure or downright fraudulent extensions, often with similar names.
If you install a bad extension, you could be installing malware directly onto your PC.
Google removes malicious extensions from its store when they are identified, but this can be a slow process. One report found that the average malware-filled extension stayed up for over a year!
How to Use Extensions Safely
Extensions can add so much power and capability, but they create risk, too. So how can your business use them safely? Here are a few tips.
1. Use Trusted Reviewers to Find Extensions
Instead of searching Chrome’s extensions store yourself, look for big-name extensions from trusted sources. Grammarly will gladly link you to their extension from the Grammarly website, for example, and you can be reasonably sure they aren’t sending you to a fake or dangerous version! Other known tech review sites like CNet, PCMag, and so forth will often review and link to helpful extensions.
2. Watch Permissions Requests
When you install a new extension, it will ask for permission to do various things. If an extension is asking for the ability to do things that it doesn’t seem like it should need to do, that’s a red flag. Be sure to check with your IT partner before proceeding.
3. Keep Security Software Up to Date
Good security software can detect and block malware, including malware in Chrome extensions. So make sure you’re using a solid solution and keeping it up to date.
Got questions? We can help! Reach out to our team anytime.