December 2020 Security Awareness

Securing Google Chrome

  • Some quick ways to increase security with Google Chrome.
    1. Scan your computer for unwanted programs.
    • Chrome has a built in scan function that you can use to check your system for suspicious or unwanted programs. It works great and is easy to use.
    • In Chrome, click the ‘three dots’ menu (top right) and select Settings.
    • Scroll to the bottom and select Advanced.
    • Scroll to the bottom and select Clean up computer.
    • Uncheck Report details if you don’t want the results shared with Google.
    • Click Find. It will take a few minutes to complete.
    • If you’re asked to remove unwanted software, click Remove. You may be asked to reboot your computer.
    2. Change Safe Browsing to Enhanced.
    • In May Google added an Enhanced option to their browser security setting, but Standard is still configured by default.
    • In Chrome, click the ‘three dots’ menu (top right) and select Settings.
    • Scroll down and select Security.
    • Select Enhanced Protection (your setting is save automatically)
    3. Install HTTPS EVERYWHERE extension.
    • This extension automatically encrypts your communications with major websites, you can have it run in automatic (recommended) or manual mode.
    • Browse to: https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere
    • Click the Install in Chrome option to add the extension to Chrome.
    • If you want to manually manage the extension:
      • In Chrome, click the ‘three dots’ menu (top right) and select More Tools | Extensions
      • Find HTTPS Everywhere and Click Details.
      • Check On click instead of On all sites
        • Once this is changed you will need to click the extension (top bar) to encrypt the site.

    4. Install uBlock Origin extension.

    • This extension not only efficiently blocks ads but adds some malicious URL blocking and the ability to block JavaScript.