Chromebooks are intrinsically secure laptops. There are a few things you can do to make your Chromebook even safer in case it is lost or stolen, however, if you are concerned about its security.
Also, you can aid in defending your computer from risks that are frequent on the internet. We’ll demonstrate how.
DON’T MISS: HOW TO ENCRYPT FILES ON CHROMEBOOK (SIMPLE METHOD)
In This Article
How to increase the security of your Chromebook
Secure your Google account
You must have a Google account to use a Chromebook. Everything goes via there, including logins, cloud storage, and email. In other words, the security of your Chromebook depends entirely on your Google account.
Make sure your password is strong first. Your Chromebook’s password is the same as the one for your Google account. A mix of upper- and lowercase letters, as well as non-alphabetic characters like numerals or symbols, are advised by experts. Others advise switching from using passwords to passphrases.
Using two-factor authentication (2FA) is a smart move to safeguard your account. All logins using 2FA must be confirmed with your phone to be successful. For the best security, it’s ideal to have it activated for your account.
While 2FA keeps people from using a Chromebook to access your Google account, it won’t stop someone from unlocking a Chromebook that is dormant.
Control Your Logins
Controlling who may access your Chromebook is another approach to make sure it remains secure. Click the settings cog after clicking the clock in the lower right corner of the screen. Restrict sign-in to the following users is toggled on by choosing Manage other persons.
Anyone may log in and use your Chromebook as if it were their own without this toggle. Your missing Chromebook is less valuable to others who may be tempted to log in with their account since it has been restricted to a few people.
Another option that you may put on to allow guest browsing is also included in this section.
Anyone may access and use the Chrome browser without logging in at all when this option is enabled. The account, however, is deleted when they log out; no files, bookmarks, or browsing history are kept. It’s an excellent technique to allow someone to use your Chromebook but prevent them from making any modifications. Alternatively, you may disable this setting if you truly want to secure the Chromebook.
Update your Chrome OS
Your Chromebook will by default look for and download the most recent Chrome OS upgrades. It’s a good practice to install updates when requested to do so. Without the most recent security updates, failing to do so puts your Chromebook in danger of security breaches.
Even though Chromebooks are safe, flaws may still be exploited if they are not fixed right away. Chrome updates often just take a few minutes, so they are not a hassle.
You may manually check for updates by selecting the Settings cog under the clock. After that, choose the hamburger menu (three lines piled on top of one another). Regarding Chrome OS For updates, check.
DON’T MISS: HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHROMEBOOK HAS A VIRUS (AND FIX IT)
Setup Sleep Lock
Your Chromebook goes into sleep mode when you shut the lid or walk away from it. Your Chromebook needs a PIN or your Google account password to be unlocked by default. By going to settings and selecting Screen lock, you may create a PIN.
You don’t need to use your phone to validate the login as mentioned above since 2-Step Verification is not activated when you input your password to wake up your Chromebook.
Chromebooks may go into sleep mode in six distinct ways, and they need a password to open them:
- Go to the clock > then Lock icon.
- On your keyboard, press the Magnifying glass + L key.
- Put the lid on.
- Lock the keyboard by pressing and holding the Lock key.
- Lock by pressing and holding the power button.
Leave your Chromebook alone. If your Chromebook is plugged in, the screen automatically shuts off after 8 minutes and goes to sleep after 30. If not, the screen will turn off after six minutes and go to sleep after ten.
It’s a good idea to lock your Chromebook using one of these techniques if you plan to leave it alone so no one else can use it.
If your Chromebook is lost
You may take further measures to protect your information if your Chromebook is lost or stolen. Go to your Google account and choose Security > Manage Devices to get started. When you click on your Chromebook, a list of recent activities is shown, along with the most recent city and state where it was used.
You may sign out of your Chromebook from this screen, which will protect your data but prevent the Chromebook from being recovered. All of the data associated with your account is deleted from the gadget.
You have the option to find your device under the Manage Devices section, however, Chromebooks are not supported by that feature; only Android-powered phones and tablets may use it.
Extensions for Chrome Can Keep You Safe
Your browser and, therefore, Chrome OS gain a lot of functionality thanks to Chrome extensions. They may provide a lot of functionality and aid in protecting your browser from security risks.
You may help keep yourself secure when surfing the internet by installing extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, which will keep you on encrypted websites whenever feasible, and Avast Online Security for staying safe while surfing the web.
DON’T MISS: 8 FREE VPNS FOR CHROMEBOOK (TESTED AND SECURE)
Avoid Using Poor Extensions
Chrome extensions have a lot of power. However, malicious individuals exist who want to harm your computer, and Chrome extensions provide a simple means of doing so. Using some common sense can help you defend yourself.
Install Chrome extensions only from the official Chrome store. Before listing any extensions in the marketplace, Google checks to make sure they are secure.
Look into the creator of an extension before installing it. Usually, the developer is included underneath the extension’s name. It begins with “Offered by:” and then lists a name. Exists a website or other online presence for them, such as a GitHub site? If not, use caution.
Read a Chrome extension’s full description. Although it’s simple to scan the explanation, there could be mentions about your privacy or particular permissions the extension requests. Keep an eye out for the particular permissions the extension requests. Does an ad blocker need to know where you are? Most likely not.
Check out the extension’s reviews. Be cautious if all of the reviews are favourable and essentially say the same thing. Just as on other review websites, there are paid reviews on the Chrome shop. When important services are provided for free, be wary. You are the product if you don’t pay for it, according to an ancient phrase.
One last general hint concerning extensions is now available. Install just the extensions you need. Too many extensions might cause your browser to run sluggishly, even if Chrome extensions can provide your browser or Chromebook additional power.