Word of the Day: browser extension

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |February 13, 2018

browser extension A browser extension is a small software application that adds a capacity or functionality to a web browser. A browser extension, also called a plug-in, can take advantage of the same application program interfaces (APIs) that JavaScript can on a web page, but the extension can do more because it also has access to its own set of APIs. While extensions are typically used to add features and enhance the functionality of a website, they can also be used to remove unwanted website elements such as pop-up ads and features such as auto-play for online videos. Here are a few examples of browser extensions: AdBlock - enables content filtering and ad blocking. HTTPS Everywhere - provides another layer of security by making websites that support the extension automatically connect through HTTPS. StayFocusd - limits the amount of time the user is allowed to spend on designated websites. Highly - allows the user to highlight webpage text and share it through social media, email, Slack or iMessage. Browser extensions are usually written in HTML, CSS or JavaScript. Like other types of software, browser extensions can be coded for undesirable behaviors and be misused to deliver malware. Though most add-ons are reviewed prior to being listed, malicious extensions that violate browser developer program policies are not uncommon. For example, in January 2018, it a security company called ICEBERG reported that four malicious extensions available from the Chrome Web Store were designed to conduct click fraud and black hat SEO. In 2017, Proofpoint reported that eight compromised Chrome extensions had sent malicious code to almost four and a half million users.   When deciding whether or not to install an extension, always keep in mind the type of resources the extension can access and where it will send the data it collects. Treat with extreme caution any extensions that do any of the following: Interact with local files Interact with the Windows Registry Interact with cookies Access any browser tab or window Execute commands in the user's shell Quote of the Day "Browsers are most people's windows to the digital world and browser vendors are constantly striving to make them faster and safer to maintain or capture market share." - Michael Cobb   Trending Terms content filtering ad blocker HTTPS browser extension malware browser hijacker click fraud black hat SEO   Learning Center Grammarly browser extension flaw put users at risk A Grammarly browser extension vulnerability enabled attackers to access all users' text saved in the Grammarly Editor, Tavis Ormandy discovered. Hijacked Chrome extensions infect millions of users Eight hijacked Chrome extensions were used to infect more than four million users. Plus, Cloudflare ignites debate over freedom of speech, and more. Google Chrome Enterprise Bundle pulls IT away from the Edge Google's release of the Chrome Enterprise Bundle gives users access to the most popular consumer web browser and IT the ability to better manage it. Project Zero finds Cisco WebEx vulnerability in browser extensions Project Zero discovered a Cisco WebEx vulnerability contained in browser extensions, which was quickly patched. But does the patch go far enough? Vulnerable Adobe extension downloads covertly to Chrome An Adobe extension with XSS flaw was secretly downloaded by 30 million Chrome users. Plus, Brian Krebs identifies Mirai creator; and more. Writing for Business _________ are often used in a taskbar or a browser tab to indicate longer titles than will fit. a. Ellipses b. Ellipsis c. Ellipsises Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.