How to Check Your Browser Extensions and Permissions Safely

Below is a simple, step-by-step guide anyone can follow to help keep their browser secure.

Step 1: Review All Installed Extensions

• Open your browser’s extension manager:

  • Chrome / Edge: Settings → Extensions

  • Firefox: Add-ons and Themes → Extensions

• Carefully scan the list and ask yourself:

  • Do I recognize this extension?

  • Do I still use it?

  • Do I remember installing it?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, remove it. Unused extensions create unnecessary risk.

Step 2: Check Extension Permissions

• Click into each remaining extension and review what it can access. Be cautious of extensions that request:

  • Access to all websites

  • Ability to read or change data on every page

  • Access to login pages, emails, or online meetings

• Ask yourself:

  • Does this level of access make sense for what the extension does?

If not, it’s best to uninstall it.

Step 3: Verify the Publisher

• Look at who created the extension:

  • Is it a known, reputable company?

  • Does the developer have a legitimate website?

  • Are there recent updates and support information?

Red flags include vague publisher names, broken websites, or extensions that haven’t been updated in years.

Step 4: Review Ratings and Recent Feedback

• Don’t rely solely on star ratings. Instead:

  • Read recent reviews

  • Watch for comments mentioning pop-ups, redirects, slow performance, or data collection

  • Pay attention to sudden changes after updates

A once-safe extension can become risky over time.

Step 5: Remove Anything You Don’t Absolutely Need

• The safest extension is the one you never installed.

• As a best practice:

  • Keep only extensions that are essential for work

  • Avoid “nice-to-have” tools

  • Re-evaluate extensions every few months

Fewer extensions = fewer attack paths.

Step 6: Keep Your Browser Updated

• Always run the latest version of your browser. Updates often include:

  • Security patches

  • Improved extension controls

  • Better detection of malicious behavior

Enable automatic updates whenever possible.

Step 7: Use Business-Grade Security Protection

• For organizations, relying on user awareness alone isn’t enough. Endpoint security solutions can:

  • Detect malicious extensions

  • Block suspicious browser behavior

  • Alert IT teams to abnormal activity

This added layer is especially important for businesses handling sensitive data.

Quick Safety Checklist

• Before installing any new extension, ask:

• Do I truly need this?

• Do I trust the publisher?

• Do the permissions make sense?

• Is it actively maintained?

If something feels off, trust your instincts—don’t install it.

Final Thought

Browser extensions are often overlooked during security planning, yet they operate at the heart of how users interact with the internet. Regular reviews, permission awareness, and strong endpoint protection go a long way toward preventing silent threats from turning into costly security incidents.