Avoiding Malicious Browser Extensions

Audience

Faculty • Staff • Students 

Summary

This guide explains how to identify safe browser extensions, avoid malicious ones, and protect your device and college data from unauthorized access.

When You Should Use This Guide

  • You install extensions for teaching or productivity

  • You use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox

  • You access Canvas, Outlook, or Teams through a browser

  • You handle sensitive data

Security Context

Malicious extensions can capture passwords, read emails, access Canvas, and steal institutional data. Higher‑ed users often install teaching tools that request excessive permissions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install Extensions Only from Trusted Sources

  • Microsoft Edge Add‑ons Store

  • Chrome Web Store

  • Firefox Add‑ons

  • Avoid third‑party download sites

2. Review Permissions Carefully

Avoid extensions requesting:

  • Access to all websites

  • Permission to read/modify data

  • Access to clipboard or downloads

  • Access to cookies or passwords

3. Remove Unnecessary Extensions

  • Go to browser settings → Extensions

  • Remove anything you don’t recognize

  • Restart browser

4. Use College‑Approved Tools

  • Canvas‑approved LTIs

  • Microsoft 365 extensions

  • Accessibility tools vetted by ITS, when in doubt, reach out to us first!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Installing extensions recommended by students

  • Using AI note‑taking extensions not approved by BC

  • Allowing extensions to run in Incognito mode

  • Ignoring permission warnings

Examples

  • “Free PDF converter” extensions stealing data

  • “Canvas helper” extensions injecting ads

  • “AI note‑taker” capturing meeting transcripts without participants consent

Troubleshooting

  • Browser acting slow: Remove suspicious extensions

  • Unexpected ads: Check for adware extensions

  • Canvas behaving oddly: Disable extensions and retry

How to Request Assistance

 Submit a Ticket

You can submit a ticket anytime through our Service Catalog

 425-564-HELP (4357)

We are available by phone during standard service hours

 Email 

Send an email to servicedesk@bellevuecollege.edu anytime and we will get back to you

 B 233

Come by the Service Desk in the B building on Main Campus, room 233, for in-person assistance

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