Google makes a lot of claims about the inherent security of Chromebooks. And many of them are true. These low-cost laptops-with-limitations certainly do protect you by encrypting locally stored data, blocking traditional malware installs (because you can't technically install anything), and protecting you from phishing attacks (by warning you through its phishing-detection system). But bear in mind that Chromebooks rely heavily on the Internet and make use of cloud storage services, which by their nature could put your data at risk.
Regardless of how secure you think your Chromebook is, it can probably be safer.
To get some tips on how, I spoke with PCMag security analyst Fahmida Y. Rashid. Here's what she shared with me.
1. Use a VPN
Because Chromebooks rely heavily on the Internet, you should absolutely be familiar with and know how to enable a VPN service.
Any time you use free, open Wi-Fi, whether at a conference, on a university campus, or at a coffee shop, you should assume that somebody can interfere with your data.
VPN services provide a layer of protection any time you use free, open Wi-Fi networks. They prevent marketers, hackers, and possibly even the government, from snooping on your activity. Most VPN services reassign a new IP address to your computer, which masks your actual geographic location and therefore hides some identifying information about you, your computer, and where you are. They also encrypt information that flowing between your computer and the Internet.
There are a number of free VPN services as well as many low cost VPN services (here are 10 you should know about). Setting up one on a Chromebook, however, is kind of tricky because not all VPN services work.
Chromebooks only support three kinds of VPN: L2TP over IPsec with PSK; L2TP over IPsec with certificate-based authentication; and OpenVPN. Of all the services I investigated, VyprVPN had the most clear instructions for installing VPN on Chromebooks, specifically. VYPR isn't free, but if you've been looking for a good VPN service to use on multiple machines, including a Chromebook, it could be a good option. (Prices available online.) If you're interested in using a different service, you can read the Google's own instructions for installing VPN on a Chromebook.
2. Make Use of Guest Mode
Any time you're just surfing the Web and not doing anything that requires your Google ID, you should make use of the Guest-mode feature on your Chromebook.
The true purpose of Guest mode is to allow your friends to use your Chromebook without giving them access to your Google account. Since Google associates everything you do with your account, you may not want whatever it is your friends do to be associated with you, your Google history, and the advertisements and search results that Google is tailoring to your activity. You can also use Guest Mode to make sure any particular one of your online sessions is excluded from other information Google collects about you, too.
Note that browsing data from guest sessions aren't saved, but Google warns that some websites still may have records of the visit.
To enable the guest-browsing mode, select Browse as Guest from the shelf at the bottom of the screen, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Q. In Guest Mode, guests (or you) can visit websites and download files but can't install apps from the Chrome store.
When you're finished and want to return to your regular Chromebook activities associated with your Google account, select Exit guest (or use the same keyboard shortcut, Ctrl+Shift+Q).
3. Avoid Phishing Scams, Beware of Suspicious Apps (i.e., Use Your Head)
By default, phishing and malware alerts are turned on in your Chromebook. You can disable them, but I wouldn't recommend it. Pay attention to those alerts when they appear.
As with any technological device, an ounce of common sense goes a long way. As much is your Chromebook steels itself naturally against malware, there's always a chance that you could download a spammy or scammy Chrome extension or app. The good news is the threats in the Chrome store are few. Nevertheless, don't install anything that looks suspicious. And never click on suspicious email links; that's how you get phished. While this may be more general common sense than Chromebook-specific advice, it's always good to keep in mind.
Shopping for a Chromebook?
If you're in the market for a Chromebook, here are a few of the latest models, with links to full reviews:
- Asus C200 Chromebook
- Dell Chromebook 11
- HP Chromebook 11
- Toshiba CB35-A3120 Chromebook
- Acer Chromebook C720P-2600
Get Organized is a weekly series of articles on PCMag.com to help you keep your digital files and online life organized. Check back every Monday for new tips. For more from Jill Duffy, follow her on Twitter @jilleduffy. And check out the Get Organized book:
"Get Organized: How to Clean Up Your Messy Digital Life" by Jill Duffy on Ganxy