When we talk about cybersecurity, we often focus on endpoints, cloud environments, or identity management — but one overlooked threat vector sits right inside every employee’s browser: extensions.
Browser extensions are powerful tools that can boost productivity, automate tasks, and enhance user experience. But when left unmanaged, they pose serious security risks — such as recording keystrokes, capturing credentials, or exfiltrating sensitive data without the user ever knowing — especially in enterprise environments where access to critical systems and data is just a click away.
Why Unmanaged Extensions Are a Risk?
Here’s what can happen when organizations give users free rein over browser extensions:
Data Leakage: Many extensions request access to read and change data on visited websites. That includes corporate systems like CRMs, internal dashboards, and webmail.
Keylogging & Credential Theft: Malicious extensions can monitor everything typed into the browser — including passwords, internal messages, and confidential data.
Malicious Code Injection: Some extensions include obfuscated or dynamically loaded code that can inject scripts into pages — enabling phishing, credential harvesting, or lateral movement.
Third-Party Exposure: Even well-intentioned extensions often connect to third-party servers or vendors you’ve never vetted.
Supply Chain Risk: An extension could be safe today — but what if it’s sold tomorrow to a threat actor who pushes an update with malicious intent?
At SURF, we believe the browser should be a Zero-Trust control point — and that includes full control over extensions.
With the SURF Enterprise Browser or our Enterprise Extension, organizations gain:
Whitelist-Based Extension Control
Allow only vetted, approved extensions. Prevent everything else — no matter how tempting the install button is.
Risk-Based Extension Assessment an Contorl
We evaluate extension risk based on:
Vendor reputation and authenticity
Number of downloads and user base
Permissions requested
Known behaviors and patterns
User Tamper Prevention
Users cannot disable, uninstall, or bypass SURF controls. Extensions are enforced at the browser level.
Real-Time Alerts & Visibility
See who’s using what — along with risk scores, permission levels, and extension activity. Get alerted if risky behavior occurs.
SURF doesn’t just show you extension risk — it lets you act on it.
You can:
Block extensions based on permissions, or risk level
Automatically disable non-compliant extensions
Receive alerts when a user tries to install something outside policy
Monitor extension behavior continuously
In a world of SaaS sprawl, BYOD, and hybrid work — browser extensions can easily become blind spots. With SURF, you bring them into the light.
Whether you’re deploying SURF’s full Enterprise Browser or our lightweight Enterprise Extension, we give you the extension control, visibility, and risk prevention your organization needs to stay secure.