A Chromebook is surprisingly secure by nature. However, you should definitely pay attention to a number of things, even when using this system.
No system is safe from hackers, but one operating system is designed to be a lot more secure than the other. Linux and Unix, for example, are designed with security and stability in mind. For example, it makes a Mac – based on Unix – or a Chromebook – with a beating Linux heart – significantly safer than ‘competitor’ Windows. And that’s not only because of Unix or Linux as the background, but also because of many other security measures. Such as, for example, running apps in isolation from each other, in their own protected containers.
However, these types of systems can also contain security vulnerabilities. They are often quickly remedied with a patch after discovery. And that brings us to rule number one of your Chromebook: make sure it gets regular updates. In principle, this is fortunately fully automatic, and in addition, unlike most other operating systems, it is arranged in a jiffy. Check manually every now and then to see if there are any updates available. To do this, tap the box that also contains the clock, at the bottom right of the screen, and then on the gear. Then tap About Chrome OS (column left) and then the button Check for updates right.
Limited support
However, there is a drawback to Chromebooks: they are only supported by Google to a limited extent. Somewhat depending on the model, a support period of five years is not exceptional, sometimes it is longer – especially with the more expensive models. The point is that the support period starts from the moment a system is manufactured. That is why it is extra careful until when your model is supported.
That is very important to know, because after the end of that support period you will not receive any updates, including security patches. That’s very inconvenient for a device that may be frequently used outdoors, linked to school networks or public access points. The ‘best before date’ (indeed, think of it as something like that) is usually stated on the packaging, check when purchasing.
It also makes buying a second-hand Chromebook via, for example, Marktplaats risky. The seller is likely to sell the device because the support period has expired or is about to expire. If a seller doesn’t give you a clear answer about this, turn on the Chromebook. Click on the square with the clock, at the bottom right of the screen. Click on the gear wheel again in the opened panel. In the window that opens, click in the column on the left About Chrome OS and then on the right Additional information. You will now see it under the heading update schedule exactly stated until when the Chromebook will be supported. Based on the date mentioned there, you can decide for yourself whether an offered Chromebook is worth the price. We advise you to look further for an alternative offer for something that has less than a year’s shelf life.
Curious eyes: get rid of them
Now that you have arrived in the settings panel, it is practical to immediately browse there. First of all click on Device in the column on the left. Under the heading Google search and Google Assistant can you give the option Google Assistant turn of. This prevents an always listening inquisitive mind. Underneath the head Security and Privacy First of all, you’ll find a few privacy-related switches. As far as we’re concerned you can choose the option Help improve Chrome OS features and performance turn of. All very noble, but with these kinds of functions you always run the risk that just a little too much potentially privacy-sensitive data ends up at Google. And that company already knows so much about you! Also Suggest new content to view (actually advertising!) it is best to turn it off.
Remains to turn on the Verified Access switch. You can leave that switch on; this option is used, among other things, for device ID and playback of DRM protected content. You can turn it off, but you run the risk that you will suddenly no longer be able to watch something like certain music, movies or books. On the other hand, we read that it sometimes helps to turn off this switch (temporarily or not) if it is not possible to connect to a company network via WiFi. So a trick to keep in mind.
Even more sneaky
Click in the left column on Advanced and then – right – on Other Google services. It is then important to check whether Encryption options (right) the option Encrypt synced passwords with your Google account on (default selection). Even better is the option Encrypt synced data with your own sync passphrase. The disadvantage of this is that you have to use another password. Underneath the head Other Google Services you can disable most options without any problem, but you can optionally disable the options Autocomplete searches and URLs and Search suggestions for Google Drive left on, purely for ease of use.
Chrome browser, a different story
You have now adjusted some important privacy settings to your advantage. Also in Chrome OS, there is of course a prominent Chrome browser, with its own privacy and security settings. You can find an extensive article about this here. For both the Chrome browser and Chrome OS, updates sometimes add new privacy and security options. So it’s a good idea to dive into this on a regular basis.
Keep Android apps up to date
Last but not least, Chrome OS also supports Android apps. Make sure they stay up to date. You do this by launching Google Play. Then click at the very top right of the opened window on the little ball containing, for example, the first letter of your name, a photo or avatar of yourself (depending on what you have ever come up with in your Google account). Then click Manage apps and devices and see if there are any updates available. If yes, then you can update all with a mouse click on the appropriate button. Furthermore – while we are talking about Android – you have to observe all the normal rules around apps intended for that purpose. Avoid apps that have not or hardly been downloaded and (or) reviewed, perhaps also avoid apps of Chinese manufacture.
Own common sense
Finally, a golden tip: no operating system, no matter how well secured, protects you against human error. If you, against all advice, click on a link in an email from an unknown or dubious sender, that is asking for trouble. You can do fine banking and the like on a Chromebook. But also the following applies: always check whether you are actually visiting a bank’s site, and not devised a sneaky copy to collect your data. Stay alert, whatever type of computer, tablet or smartphone you use!
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