[SilverLining]

Google's blog says that the Chromebook has security built in, in many layers, so that an antivirus isn't needed. (It cites this page: Security Overview - The Chromium Projects ) Those of you who have one already, have you seen any need for antivirus?

 

[russcasey]

You can't install local applications.
Anti virus on a chromebook isn't just not required, the entire need for it has been removed. Technology has moved on. It is like saying 'do you need a bridle and saddle to ride a car?'

That isn't to say there are no threats - browser security is an issue but Chrome has an excellent reputation in this regard. The web applications you use are still just as vulnerable to having their data stolen as they always have been too. What has changed is that your local computer can't really be compromised and turned into a spam bot or have a keyboard logger.

 

[BenBarker]

I think that is one of the main reasons that I want a Chromebook so bad. I have had problems with a computer that got turned in to a spam bot and compromised. It ended up ok but they shut my ISP off for 2 weeks.

 

[Timmy]

Well, the fact that Chromebook doesn't keep any file means there is nothing the virus can attack. The only security issue is with the web browser and the files you save in the cloud. But I think Google is handling that for you.

 

[rkaaay]

I think the whole concept of 'cloud computing' seems to be rubbing people the right way. I do not see how Google has been able to make sure that security updates are automated.

 

[russcasey]

This article is interesting - it seems there are some vulnerabilities in Chrome extensions.
Chrome OS has security flaws, claims researcher | Security - CNET News

The OS is secure enough, but issues with the Chrome browser can compromise the data stored in the cloud. Nothing new there - the same vulnerabilities exist no matter what OS you use, but this is one threat axis that ChromeOS does not affect.

I guess the message here is be very careful about which extensions you install.

 

[Trees]

Oh my. I love extensions for Google Chrome and I have installed quite a few. Now I am worrying that I am compromising my security. How will I know if an extension could be a security risk?

 

[Madiddy]

My guess is going to be that it is OK to get extensions made by Google. Like the Google Voice and Mail extension. You probably want to stay away from makers you have never heard of before.

 

[russcasey]

You are warned about what extensions can do when you install them. Be extra careful with those that can see your entire browsing history.

Maybe also use incognito mode for your online banking. If I recall correctly, this disabled the extensions.

 

[BenBarker]

I think most people ignore the warning, no offense meant trees. I understand the warning but there are some extensions that are a must to me.

@Russ, that is brilliant. I didn't know incognito turned off extensions! Could we get a double check on that, you sounded a little uncertain. If that is true I need to start using that.

 

[russcasey]

Checked it today. Incognito windows omit the extension icons.

 

[BWR]

By default, extensions are not active in an incognito window, However, when installing an extension a user may have checked the option to allow that extension to run in an incognito window, so you should check if you are not sure what you did when installing the extension. You can check, or modify, by going to the wrench icon and selecting Tools, then Extensions.

 

[red8]

I think most people ignore the warning, no offense meant trees. I understand the warning but there are some extensions that are a must to me.

@Russ, that is brilliant. I didn't know incognito turned off extensions! Could we get a double check on that, you sounded a little uncertain. If that is true I need to start using that.[/QUOTE
]Your extensions are automatically disabled in incognito windows. This is because Google Chrome does not control how extensions handle your personal data. If you want an extension to show up in incognito windows, select the “Allow in incognito” checkbox for the extension.

 

[Stevo]

How secure is it really?? I had adware flood my screen as soon as I signed in. No extensions were being used - I've now installed Adblock though - and I had not clicked on anything. Had to use Powerwash TWICE to remove it all. Seems ok now. So how can you check anyway if your system is compromised?? No way of checking.