Managing different Chrome extensions has always been a hassle, especially for enterprises. To address this issue, Google has launched its new Chrome Web Store for Enterprises, aimed at enhancing browser extension management for organizations.
Announced back in October last year, this platform allows companies to create a curated list of vetted extensions, minimizing the risks associated with malicious add-ons that can compromise security. Let’s take a closer look at what Google’s new Web Store has to offer.
Key Features of the New Chrome Web Store
- User-Friendly Interface: The new Web Store provides a simple landing page where employees can discover and choose pre-approved extensions, streamlining the process of finding necessary tools without compromising on company policies.
- Customizable Experience: Organizations can tailor the Web Store to display their logos and specific extensions required for corporate tasks. This customization extends to creating unique imagery and announcements, allowing for a branded experience that aligns with company standards.
- Enhanced Control for Administrators: IT administrators get better control over which extensions employees can install. They can curate collections of approved extensions, implement category-based controls, and even set up custom messages explaining why certain extensions are blocked.
Spammy extensions have always been a security threat, especially for enterprises, and in order to address this issue, the tech giant has partnered with Spin.AI to provide risk scores for extensions. This feature allows administrators to identify high-risk extensions and proactively block them before they get installed by employees. It also allows to export these scores using the CSV export or the Management API.
Furthermore, administrators will have the ability to remotely remove extensions from user browsers. This feature is designed to enhance security by allowing quick responses to potential threats without requiring user intervention. However, this feature is not available at the moment and will arrive later this year.
If you’re an administrator looking to configure the new Web Store experience, you can do so through the Chrome Enterprise Core, which is available to all organizations at no additional cost.
How the New Chrome Web Store Can Help Enterprises
This tool can help enterprises across sectors enhance productivity and streamline workflows without compromising security. For example, hospitals and clinics can ensure that only secure medical applications are used by their staff, protecting sensitive patient data. Similarly, financial institutions can leverage this tool to mitigate fraud risks by limiting access to trusted financial tools.
