Browser Extension Topics

This page includes:

About the Advanced Browser Security [ABS] Browser Extension

The ABS Browser Extension adds advanced enterprise-grade security to standard Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Chromium browsers. Using multi-layered dynamic scanning capabilities, the extension blocks access to malicious or phishing websites, and to malicious file downloads. Scans are performed behind the scenes - without changing the user's browser experience - so that users can stay productive and safe.

For installation requirements for the Browser Extension, see Installation requirements.
For installation procedures for the Browser Extension, see Deploying the extension [Managed deployment].

Protection scope

The protection provided by the Browser Extension is active only for browser profiles in which the extension is installed.

For example, in Chrome’s incognito mode or in any non-work profile, the extension will typically not be active. Therefore, it is highly recommended to disable these modes/non-work profiles via group policy on managed devices, where applicable.

Policy configuration

The configuration of the Browser Extension is set via the Advanced Browser Security Console, using policies. For details, see Policies.

There are multiple modes of operation when malicious websites are detected:

Silent: No user interaction, only report incidents in the background.
Warn: Display warning messages to users, but allow them to continue to malicious websites.
Block: Display blocking messages to users, not allowing them to continue to malicious websites.
Disabled: No detection or prevention.

For downloaded files, there is also an option to delete downloaded files that were scanned and found to be malicious.

What happens when malicious content is detected?

Whenever a malicious website or download is detected:

The Browser Extension will open a new browser tab.
If the extension is in warn mode, the user will be able to click "Continue Anyway" to continue to the desired website. In block mode, the "Continue Anyway" button does not appear.
Security staff can review incidents in the Scan page of the Perception Point - X-Ray console. Security incidents that were generated by the Browser Extension appear in the “Browser” channel.