Chromebook Security: Best Practices for Better Protection

Chromebooks are ideal for people who just need the essentials and don't want to spend too much time maintaining their PC. As a result, a Chromebook is inherently very secure out of the box. However, you can always do more with a Chromebook, particularly if you wish to remove any evidence of your internet activities or prevent your every online action from generating an ad profile

Key Takeaways

• Enable Chrome’s Built-in Security Features: Turn on Safe Browsing to block harmful sites and consider enabling Do Not Track (though some sites ignore it).
• Manage Cookies and JavaScript: Limit cookies to trusted sites and disable JavaScript if needed—but be aware it may break some websites.
• Secure Your Google Account: Use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and regularly check for suspicious login activity.
• Consider Malware Protection: While Chromebooks are resistant to malware, installing a security tool and running regular scans adds extra protection.
• Keep Chrome OS Updated: Check for system updates regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches and improvements.

Run a free security scan in a few clicks

Configure Chrome's built-in security settings

Chrome's settings offer granular control over how the browser behaves. To access these, type chrome://settings/ into your URL bar and hit enter. Alternatively, you can click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of Chrome and select "Settings" from the drop-down menu. Once you're on the settings page, you'll see a search bar at the top. This is helpful for finding specific options, but we'll look at some of the big ones here.

Scroll down to the "Privacy and security" section and confirm that "Safe Browsing" is enabled. It will protect you from malicious websites that could infect your Chromebook with malware.

You may also want to enable the "Do Not Track" option, which will tell websites not to track your browsing habits. However, this is not foolproof, and many sites will ignore this setting.

Next, click on the "Content Settings" button. You will see a new window with options for controlling what content websites can show you. Cookies are small text files that websites use to track your behavior and store information about you. They can be used for good (like saving your login information) or bad (like showing you targeted ads). Under the "Cookies" section, you can block all cookies, or only allow them from sites you visit.

You may also want to disable JavaScript, a programming language used by many websites. However, disabling can break some sites, so use this option with caution.

Keep your Google account secure

Your Chromebook is only as secure as your Google account. If someone gets access to your account, they can log into any Chromebook you've used and access all your stored data. Therefore, it's essential to use a strong password for your Google account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA will require you to enter a code from your phone whenever you try to log into your Chromebook from a new device.

You should also regularly check the "Recent security events" section of your Google account to see if there have been any suspicious activities.

Install malware protection

While Chromebooks are very resistant to malware, it's still possible to get infected. For this reason, it's a good idea to install an anti-malware program like Guardio. Anti-malware programs will scan your Chromebook for any malicious software and remove it if found. It's an excellent idea to schedule an automatic scan every few weeks to ensure your Chromebook is clean.

Make sure your Chrome OS is up to date

Chrome OS is constantly being updated with security fixes and new features. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner to make sure you have the latest version. Then, select "Help" > "About Google Chrome." A new tab will open with all the information about your Chromebook's current version. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.

You can also check for updates manually by going to chrome://settings/help in your URL bar.

You can help keep your Chromebook secure from any potential threats by following these steps.

Pro Tip: Strengthen Chromebook Security with Smart Lock and VPN

Most Chromebook users focus on browser settings, but Smart Lock and a VPN can add an extra layer of security with minimal effort.

How it helps:

1. Use Smart Lock for Quick, Secure Access

   • If you own an Android phone, you can unlock your Chromebook without typing your password each time.
   • To enable: Go to chrome://settings/ > Click Connected devices > Select Smart Lock and follow the setup instructions.
   • This prevents keyloggers from capturing your password and makes login seamless.

2. Enhance Privacy with a VPN

   • A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic, protecting you on public Wi-Fi and hiding your online activities from trackers.
   • Look for a Chromebook-compatible VPN in the Chrome Web Store or use Android VPN apps if your device supports them.

By enabling Smart Lock, you minimize password exposure, and with a VPN, you add a privacy shield against prying eyes—both easy upgrades for a safer Chromebook experience.

Conclusion

By taking these simple steps, you can keep your Chromebook safe from online threats. Tweaking your security settings, locking down your Google account, adding malware protection, and keeping Chrome OS updated all go a long way in protecting your device and personal info. A little extra effort now means you can browse with peace of mind while still enjoying everything that makes Chromebooks so easy to use.

Related articles:

• Best Browser Security Test
• How to Protect Your Online Identity with Easy Steps
• What You Don’t Know About Common Malware
• 5 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Online Security
• Remove Malware from Chrome