Browser Extension Risk Assessment Plugin

A Browser Extension is a small piece of software that adds functionality or features to a web browser to enhance browser experience. Extensions can be used in browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. They are powerful tools that can be used for good or for bad.

Browser extensions can:

• Spy on you
• Steal your data
• Perform account hijacking
• Collect & sell your data
• Delete, encrypt, or damage your data
• Lead to non-compliance

• Visibility: Maintain an up-to-date catalog of all browser extensions across the organization. This inventory serves as a critical foundation for systematically assessing and prioritizing the organization’s threats and vulnerabilities.
• Risk Assessment and Reassessment: Perform a comprehensive risk assessment of every browser extension, including an evaluation of its business operations, security, privacy, and compliance risks. This assessment must be continuously performed to account for any changes in the browser extension.
• Automation and Incident Response: Leverage automation to immediately respond to incidents. By automating this process, organizations can effectively contain the risks, minimize the potential impact, and maintain continuous protection.

The browser extension ecosystem offers tremendous value by enhancing user experience, adding useful features, and improving productivity. Extensions can be great tools for personalizing workflows, streamlining tasks, and accessing additional services directly through the browser. However, some extensions can introduce significant risks, such as data leaks or privacy concerns, if not properly managed. To ensure the security, compliance, and privacy of both your data and your customers’ data, it’s essential to have the right monitoring and risk assessment tools in place. With the right safeguards, you can fully leverage the benefits of extensions while minimizing potential threats.
To learn more, read the guide Understanding Browser Extension Risk.

Spin.AI Risk Assessment methodology is built based on the following frameworks:

• OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) – Provides extensive documentation on secure coding practices, including those applicable to browser extensions.
• Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) – Offers detailed documentation on how browser extensions should manage permissions and data securely.
• Google Chrome Web Store Policies – Google’s policies provide insight into best practices for developing secure and compliant browser extensions.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) – The EFF discusses privacy risks and considerations for browser extensions.
• Center for Internet Security (CIS) – CIS benchmarks and guidelines provide insights into secure configurations that apply to browser environments.