Keep Your Chromebook Secure with these Chrome OS Security Tips

Chromebooks and the Chrome operating system are leading the market in security. Designed with defense in mind, the Chromebook platform is incredibly secure and easy to use. Unlike Windows, the Chrome OS does all its updates automatically in the background without being disruptive, annoying, or breaking programs. Here are the main features that set the Chrome OS apart from the competition, some of the risks that Chromebook users face, and the best protective measures you can take to secure your devices.

The Chrome OS Runs on Sandboxing

One of the main security features that sets Chrome apart from other operating systems is something called sandboxing. Sandboxing locks processes into isolated environments where not even malicious code can get out. Every program and app in the Chrome operating system runs in its own secure sandbox. If you visit a website that downloads malware into the system, it stays in the sandbox, so when you close the tab in the web browser it disappears.

Verified Boot Further Ensures Security

If malware or other malicious code somehow escapes its sandbox, the Chrome OS fixes it with something called verified boot. Every time a Chromebook starts up, each component of the operating system is compared to a current Chrome OS version that’s been verified by Google. If a discrepancy is found between the two, the entire OS is replaced with a clean, up-to-date version. This happens so quickly that you’d never even notice. The only catch is that you have to actually shut the computer down each time you’re done using it – verified boot doesn’t work if the computer is just in sleep mode.

Chromebook Users are Still at Risk

While it’s incredibly difficult for a Chromebook to get infected with malware or a virus, users still need to beware of fake apps and phishing, through which personal data and sensitive information can leak out. If your Chromebook supports Google Play, it’s a good precaution to use the Malwarebytes browser extension to protect the system from browser-based attacks. You should also always be careful about which apps you download – even apps that have a lot of 5-star ratings can be malicious.

How Users Can Protect Their Devices

In addition to protecting your Chromebook with the Malwarebytes browser extension and being cautious about which apps you download from the Google Play store, there are a few other precautionary measures you can take to ensure that your devices are fully protected:

• Use up-to-date security software. Trusted antivirus programs like Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, and Avira will keep your system safe from ransomware and malware.
• Browse the web with a VPN. Virtual Private Networks mask your IP address and encrypt all data to keep your personal information safe and secure.
• Enable sleep locking so that if your computer is left idle for some time, it will automatically go into sleep mode and require a password upon startup.

While Chromebook is one of the most secure devices on the market, you can follow these security tips to enjoy the safest Chrome OS experience.