Taming Browser Extensions: How Unified Browser Security™ Enhances Security Beyond Native Controls

Browser extensions are the unsung heroes of modern work. From password managers to productivity tools, these tiny add-ons can supercharge your browser, making everyday tasks faster and easier. But there’s a dark side to this convenience: extensions can also be a massive security risk.

Imagine this: an employee installs a seemingly harmless tool to convert PDFs, but behind the scenes, it’s quietly siphoning sensitive company data. Sound far-fetched? It’s not. Malicious or poorly vetted extensions are one of the biggest threats lurking in the browser.

That’s why Google recently announced new admin controls for managing Chrome extensions in enterprise environments. IT teams can now pre-approve extensions, block untrusted ones, and even promote specific tools in a branded Chrome Web Store. It’s a great step forward—but what about the countless companies using multiple browsers like Edge and Safari?

Here’s the thing: native controls, while helpful, don’t give organizations the full picture. In today’s hybrid workplaces, where employees often toggle between browsers and devices, you need a solution that provides complete visibility and control across the board. That’s where Unified Browser Security (UBS) comes in.

The Hidden Risks of Browser Extensions

Extensions can be like a double-edged sword. Sure, they boost productivity, but they also open doors to:

• Malware and phishing attacks: Some extensions are Trojan horses for cybercriminals.
• Data leakage: Poorly vetted tools can expose sensitive information.
• Doubleclickjacking: Malicious extensions can hijack legitimate clicks to perform unauthorized actions.
• Compliance headaches: How do you know if that file-sharing extension meets your industry’s standards?

For IT and security teams, managing this chaos can feel like a game of whack-a-mole.

Acium’s Approach: Proactive, Not Reactive

At Acium, we believe that browser security shouldn’t be a patchwork of tools and manual processes. Our Unified Browser Security platform offers a holistic approach to browser security, and we’re excited to announce our new enterprise-grade extension management feature suite that takes this approach to the next level.

Complete Visibility and Control

Know exactly what’s happening in your environment with comprehensive extension inventory management. Our platform provides real-time visibility into all extensions across your organization, with detailed insights into usage patterns and permission requirements. Through granular user activity tracking, you maintain enhanced security oversight while keeping productivity flowing.

Smart Deployment for Maximum Flexibility

We understand that different teams need different tools. That’s why our new extension management features include:

• Role-based deployment for customizing extensions across departments
• Organization-wide baseline configurations to maintain consistent security standards
• User-level customization options that balance security with individual needs
• Seamless group management for efficient scaling

Industry-Leading Risk Protection

Stay ahead of threats with our automated security screening system:

• Real-time risk scoring evaluates extensions against comprehensive security criteria
• Automatic detection and blocking of compromised extension versions
• Dynamic risk profile enforcement that adapts to emerging threats
• Supply chain attack protection through continuous monitoring
• Proactive security measures to prevent unauthorized installations

Seamless Integration with Your Existing Security Stack

Our extension management features are fully integrated with your existing Acium deployment, enhancing your overall security and management capabilities through:

• A unified dashboard providing single-pane visibility across all browser security measures
• Extension controls that complement existing Acium browser protection features
• Consolidated reporting to streamline compliance and security reviews
• Consistent policy management across all browser security controls
• Leverage of existing groups and organizational structure for quick deployment

The Future of Extension Security

With browsers becoming the new endpoint, organizations need solutions that are both comprehensive and proactive. Acium’s UBS platform delivers this through multi-layered security and simplified management that doesn’t disrupt the user experience. Our extension management features transform potential vulnerabilities into strengths, enabling you to reduce risks, improve productivity, and maintain compliance—all while protecting against emerging threats in real-time.

Ready to see it in action? Schedule a demo or sign up for a free trial today. Let’s make secure browsing effortless.

By focusing on browser extensions, you can transform a potential vulnerability into a strength. With Acium, it’s not just about managing browsers—it’s about empowering businesses to thrive in a secure digital world.