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Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – August 28th, 2022
Chrome book is Google’s take on creating a cloud-first experience that is fast, secure, and easy for you,se but have you ever wondered does Chromebook need antivirus? In the same way that Chromebooks are already safe devices built with security in mind, having a Google device implies it will be automatically secure. Some antivirus vendors provide antivirus capabilities for Chromebooks since, like any other device, they can still be victims of malware or phishing schemes.
But the question remains, do you need an antivirus in addition to the several forms of security that Google offers? Even if you choose not to use an antivirus program, you can still take a few extra steps to secure your devices. Nevertheless, this is not a response to your query.
Keep reading the article to learn more about how Chromebooks employ their multilayer security and how effectively it secures your data.
The most well-known brand in technology today is Google, which has consolidated its leadership, a wide audience, and some of the most cutting-edge technology. Its first business strategy got centered on developing a potent algorithm-based search engine.
But over time, Google’s business has expanded well beyond search engines. Now, numerous customers utilize the company’s multiple tools and applications regularly.
However, Google quickly changed its name to Alphabet, which enabled it to branch out into industries other than internet search and advertising. And in collaboration with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, Google’s Chromebook is another foray into the world of computers. And last year, Chromebook turned ten years old. If you think back to those years, you’ll surely remember how difficult computing was back then. But not anymore, thanks to Chromebooks
Google wants Chromebooks to assist users in getting things done while offering safe and dependable experiences. Because Chromebooks are so simple, educational institutions regarded them as a system that could be readily maintained and inexpensive to purchase.
It has continued to support educators in modernizing the educational process and has facilitated IT management for businesses. Chromebooks exist in a variety of sizes and designs with capabilities, so before I answer the question of does Chromebook need antivirus, let’s briefly review some of the features:
In addition to having a fashionable and portable look, Chromebooks are simple to set up; all you need to do is sign in with your Google Account.
Chromebooks boot up quickly, get regular upgrades that improve the hardware and software and always provide you with the most recent software until the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
Google made the Chromebook’s battery one of the main selling features so that you could work and play for up to 12 hours on one charge without remembering your charger.
Chromebooks include an Everything Button that makes locating what you’re looking for easy. Thanks to this button, users of Chromebooks may search their files, apps, Google Drive, and the web with just one swipe.
The most significant draw of Chromebooks is their security. Thanks to built-in multilayer protection and features, your Chromebook protects you and your data safe. The remainder of this article will discuss how Google made this possible.
Many people choose Chromebooks because they don’t require all the pre-installed software. They are less expensive, secure, and have more extraordinary battery life than Windows or Mac-based laptops. But is there any chance that this price reduction is compromised? Are these Chromebooks safe enough, or does Chromebook need antivirus?
Google claims that Chromebooks employ the defense-in-depth approach to offer many levels of security. Every Chromebook gets powered by Chrome OS, a quick, straightforward, and secure operating system. It gets based on the Linux operating system. It is safe by design, offering enterprises vital management control over risks and assisting them in preventing and reducing the adverse effects of cyber attacks.
Since ChromeOS has been a part of Chromebooks for more than ten years, it follows that it got built with security in mind. As a result, there has never been a report of a user’s Chromebook becoming infected with a virus or trojan or otherwise compromised in any other way. There is no other operating system that can make that claim!
All of this is made possible by the layers of security in place, and You cannot get viruses on a Chromebook. An executable file cannot get executed on a Chromebook. It cannot install or manage Windows, Apple, or Linux software without a virtual machine. That eliminates almost all viruses that are currently known to exist.
However, Google has highlighted that you should still take care to secure your data, which may have you wondering if does Chromebook need antivirus. Let’s talk about the security levels in ChromeOS and see how they protect you even if one of them gets bypassed while the others are still in place.
Updates are the most effective to defend against attacks since they may enhance compatibility, avoid security concerns, and enhance program features. Fortunately, as I said above, Chromebooks automatically handle updates, ensuring they always run the most up-to-date and safe version.
Sandboxing is a cybersecurity technique that allows code to be executed, observed, and analyzed in a secure, isolated setting. All applications and websites run in a controlled environment on your Chromebook, so they cannot harm your computer or any other components. If something goes wrong, the harm is restricted to the sandbox and reduced.
First-stage read-only firmware and second-stage installable firmware are both used by Chrome OS. Therefore, the Chromebook does a Verified Boot self-check each time it starts. In other words, even if malware can bypass the sandbox, the Chromebook is still safe during boot. Additionally, if an attack harms anything. In that case, the Chromebook will restore an indistinguishable operating system from brand new.
Note: This verification check is ineffective when Developer Mode gets enabled on the machine.
Your Chromebook’s online apps securely save all of your sensitive information in the cloud and 128-bit encrypt it for each user. As a result, each user’s environment is distinct, completely safe, and never available to other users. To do this, tamper-resistant hardware is used, which makes it incredibly challenging for anyone to access such data.
Bonus Tip: Chrome OS employs the eCryptfs stacking filesystem on older devices or ext4 encryption using fscrypt on later devices.
We would all love to require a recovery button in our lives, but sadly we can only find them in our daily gadgets. Recovery mode can solve your issues and return the operating system to a previously known-good state. And if something goes wrong with a Chromebook. In that case, you can quickly enter recovery mode by pressing a button or using a short keyboard combination.
Even though I have already covered several security measures built into Chrome OS. You will need to take a few more steps to handle everything you do on your Chromebook. Because vulnerability may be a component of everything, a cyberattack is unavoidable. CWETM is a classification of software and hardware vulnerabilities created by the community.
According to the figures they provided for all versions of the operating system, there are around 55 vulnerabilities for Chrome OS, ranging in complexity from medium to low. Even while these flaws are not now a cause for concern, but indicate that no system is 100% safe. To address does Chromebook need antivirus, I would say yes since the malware now available is intrusive enough. Adding any extra security to any computer, even a Chromebook, would seem a good step towards safety.
Let’s not forget that Google deleted 106 extensions that get found to be spying on users. It indicates that many vulnerabilities may only get discovered after hackers exploit them. Additional justifications might get offered against installing an antivirus application on Chromebooks.
But to sum up, I can say that since the Chromebook hasn’t yet gained the recognition it deserves. We have seen that Macs, formerly thought to be secure, may be abused as Mac-related threats are on the rise. Since the market grows and Chromebooks become more popular, this may change.
Visit the following link to view the reasons made by the antivirus provider, Malwarebytes, if you’re interested in learning more about why you need antivirus software.
If you consider adding additional antivirus software to catch whatever falls through Chromebook’s cracks. Below are two options that provide an excellent place to start.
To provide you peace of mind, Malwarebytes launched its malware protection for Chromebooks in 2018. They assist you in protecting yourself from malware and protecting your privacy. Since your Chromebook runs Android apps, it is susceptible to the same dangers you encounter on your phone, according to Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes created their renowned Chromebook protection with this in mind.
With the same comprehensive technology that Malwarebytes employs for other devices. It will actively tackle adware, spyware, potentially unwanted apps, and even browser hijackers on your Chromebook
Bonus Tip: You may try Malwarebytes today for free for a 30-day Premium trial. Later you can subscribe to Premium after that time if you want to keep the automated protection function enabled. Or enjoy the free version without live protection
Bit defender is another company offering prestigious security products and threat intelligence. Over the years, it has provided cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions with cutting-edge security efficacy. Bitdefender Antivirus, the company’s free and efficient antivirus application, employs cloud scanning technology to provide your Android smartphone with the most recent virus protection.
For Chromebook users, the great Bitdefender Android app offers many excellent online security features and works flawlessly on Chrome OS. It works without degrading performance or battery life. It has got independently rated to remove more than 99% of viruses.
Here are some of the exciting facts about Chromebooks
Nearly 30 million Chromebooks get anticipated to be supplied globally in 2022.
Currently, 40 million students and teachers use Chromebooks inside and outside the classroom. The devices’ privacy and security capabilities have made them the most popular choice for US K–12 schools for the previous two years.
Lenovo shipped 1.22 million Chromebooks globally and claimed the top place with a 24.9% market share despite a 62% decline in Chromebook vendors.
Since the education market is the primary market for Chromebooks. Changes within this market’s educational system during the pandemic are the primary cause of the rise in Chromebook vendor shipments.
Google will continue to support new Chromebooks with automatic upgrades for at least eight years starting in 2020, up from the previous 6.5 years.
No matter what they offered users throughout the years, Google has always done a great job. The Chromebook’s interpretation of laptops has become a workable answer for various market segments. Modern computers now include a built-in firewall and system protection software that blocks and identify viruses and other unwanted activity. Many layers of protection will guard against any attacks on Chromebook. In essence, it has given users all the protection they require.
Even with all of a Chromebook’s powerful security features, you can never be entirely secure when using the internet, which is why I had to create this post for you.
However, you can also get other kinds of malware. So, you may download software to boost your security if you use the internet frequently or want to have many antivirus programs running simultaneously. Therefore, signing up with an antivirus service is wise, as a strong antivirus tool will provide much greater protection for your Chromebook.
Finally, remember that cybercriminals won’t make distinctions based on your device. You are in charge of protecting your personal information, and by taking a few simple actions, you will be more protected than others.
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Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.
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Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information.
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