Google cracks down on malware, restricts developers to Chrome Web Store

Citing the need for security, Google will soon force even developers to install extensions for the Chrome browser from the official Chrome Web Store.

 

Jake Leichtling, Extensions Platform Product Manager, said this aims to bring down the chances of malware infecting the browser via extensions.

 

In a blog post, he said the policy will be in effect for Mac soon, and for all channels by July.

 

"(W)e will (now) begin enforcing this policy on all Windows channels. Mac will soon follow, with enforcement for all channels beginning in July 2015," Leichtling said.

Leichtling said that when they first imposed this policy on the Windows platform, they saw a 75-percent drop in customer support help requests for uninstalling unwanted extensions.

 

He said they originally did not enforce this policy on the Windows developer channel to allow developers to opt out.

 

But he said malicious software had been observed forcing users into the developer channel to install unwanted off-store extensions.

 

"Affected users are left with malicious extensions running on a Chrome channel they did not choose," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Google will continue to support local extension installs during development as well as installs via Enterprise policy for developers.

 

"The extension platform unlocks powerful features that can help users get the most out of Chrome. However, it is crucial that our users stay safe from the reaches of malicious software developers. Extending this protection is one more step to ensure that users of Chrome can enjoy all the web has to offer without the need to worry as they browse," Leichtling said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News