At Netpremacy, security is number 1 on our list, especially with so many companies now working remotely. We wanted to share a high-level summary of some of the security features Google Chrome offers to ensure your employees and data are kept safe. 

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A Chromebook is an ultra-secure computer, with little setup required, making it a great choice for remote workforces. It runs on Chrome OS with embedded security, which uses Google-powered security features to make it well-protected against malware and external threats. There is no need for antivirus software or scans as it comes with built-in malware and virus protection. This multiple protection approach means that if one layer is bypassed, others are still in effect. 

Secure Design

 

Automatic updates

Chromebooks automatically manage updates so they are always running the latest and most secure version of the OS. Feature updates are available every 6 weeks, while security patches every 2-3 weeks. This eliminates the need for direct action from administrators and they take place in the background, without downtime or interruption, so the end-user can continue to work. There are also two versions of Chrome OS on every device, so one can be used while the other gets updated. 

Verified Boot

Chromebooks are protected every time it starts up. It does a self-check called “Verified Boot”. This confirms if the operating system is authentic and unmodified. In other words, it can detect if the system has been compromised or tampered with dangerous malware. It will repair itself without any effort, and with two versions of OS, it can proceed with boot-up even if one OS has been corrupted. The Chromebook will be restored back to an operating system that’s as good as new.

Data Encryption

The primary use case of a Chromebook is for browser-based applications and for important data to be stored in the cloud. However, there will be files and data that need to be present on the machine, like downloads, cookies, and browser cache. These data are protected because they are encrypted using tamper-resistant hardware, called the Google Security Module. This user data encryption is enabled on every Chrome device by default, which cannot be switched off, making it very difficult for anyone to access these files.

Trusted applications

 

Sandboxing

Chrome Browser uses sandboxes to contain possible threats and uses site isolation to keep all Android, Linux, and OS processes separate from each other. If a user is directed to an infected web page or application, the sandbox security feature contains the possible threat, so it can’t affect any other tabs or apps on the computer. 

Protection against threats

 

Safe Browsing Protection

The Safe Browsing service protects users from phishing attacks, dangerous malware, and unwanted software, which can be buried in and amongst websites. Google’s servers will scan billions of URLs and the content on each web page. If it detects harmful material it will add that URL to a list of unsafe websites, and that list will be stored locally on the users’ device. This means if the user goes on an unsafe website, Google will alert them with a warning. 

Ransomware

Every 40 seconds, a company is hit with a ransomware attack*

With limited data held on a Chromebook, there is often little which can be held at ransom. Nevertheless, there are a number of Chrome security features which minimises the risk of a ransomware attack. Similar to phishing attacks, Machine Learning works on Gmail to identify emails that contain malware, and Chrome Browser warns the user before accessing hostile sites. The built-in protection on Chrome OS also helps to stop malware from spreading across your network. If an attack should get through, Verified Boot would restore the operating system.

*Source: Kaspersky Lab “Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2016”

 

Recovery Mode

The above security features are designed to work together, safeguarding end-users against harmful attacks and mitigating the impact if one does slip through. The recovery mode is the final step to quickly restore the operating system if something does go wrong. You can use this option to restore the Chromebook back to its original factory state. This will wipe everything from the machine, including downloads, local files and it will remove all user accounts.   

Sign up for our webinar on 27/05 as we delve into how Google Chrome is keeping businesses running securely, and to learn more about Chrome security features.

REGISTER HERE

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