Expired Chromebooks: Fuelling Electronic Waste and Posing Security Risks

Beyond the Churn: Chromebook Cyber Threats

Google is reportedly working on solutions to extend expiry dates and provide repair parts. Despite recent issues and bad press, it’s likely Chromebooks will remain a popular choice in schools. And that warrants a closer look at the day-to-day cyber threats associated with Chromebooks.

Malicious Browser Extensions

Technically, Chromebooks are pretty good at fending off viruses. However, malicious extensions are a growing problem. So much so that in June of 2023, Google removed 32 malicious extensions with 75 million installs from the Chrome Web Store. The ChromeOS is built around the Chrome browser—a browser that comes with all kinds of extensions to improve productivity. They’re easy to install and seem harmless, but poorly designed or intentionally malicious extensions can cause serious security problems. Bad extensions can synch to the Chrome browser on a Windows or Mac machine, making it challenging to solve the problem. If the extension isn’t removed from the Windows/Mac machine, it will keep resynching with the Chromebook causing a world of frustration. As with any computer having an up-to-date anti-virus solution is critical. There are many that work very well with Chromebooks.  

Scam Android Apps 

Newer Chromebooks support Android apps downloaded from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, many of these apps, often advertised on social media, are fake or malicious. Some scams charge customers for apps that don’t work while others con users into subscribing to premium services they don’t need. Third-party app stores are particularly risky, although malicious apps are often found in Google Play. 

Phishing  

To use a Chromebook, you need a Google account and that means Gmail and a direct line to students opening email. Scammers use email to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites where they’re asked for money or personal information. This is called phishing. Of course, phishing happens on all platforms, but parents should understand that Chromebook’s robust anti-virus features can’t protect kids from phishing and the potential fallout. 

Access to Insecure/Dangerous Websites

Ideally, schools should disable Incognito Mode for browsing and ensure that Safe Search and open browser history are the default. Administrators can also enforce Restricted Mode for websites like YouTube. The problem is that most districts do not have dedicated network security personnel. In 2021, The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) reported that 77% of districts surveyed did not have a full-time IT employee managing school networks. If the network is open, kids will explore.  

Cyberbullying

Any device can be a tool for cyber bullies. When a school provides a device to every child, the opportunities for cyber bullying increases. And because many students bring their laptops home, bullying can happen after school hours and outside the school network. Talk to your kids about cyberbullying and take measures to protect them.  

What can parents do?

Talk to the school district. Ask questions. Make sure you understand what the school is (and isn’t) doing about cyber security and request they take the necessary measures.  

Talk to your kids about cyber security. If they’re old enough to use a laptop, they’re old enough to learn cyber safety. Make it a family effort to prioritize online safety. Here’s a list of online safety tips to help keep your family’s online activities and information safe. 

Be Chromebook smart. Never download extensions or apps from third-party sites. Google only monitors products that appear in Google Play and even then, malware slips through. Read the reviews and comments on apps in the Play Store before installing and pay close attention to the permission requests. If a request seems out of line, it probably is. And keep on top of Chromebook updates where new security features are released regularly.  

Protect your family with cyber insurance. Because Chromebooks synch with Chrome browsers on Mac/Windows devices, your child’s online actions can impact your home network. And while you should work with the schools and take measures to limit risk, your safest bet is to insure yourself against worst-case scenarios. We offer comprehensive home cyber insurance for families.

Here’s just some of what we cover:  

• Online safety training for kids 
• Coverage for everyone in your home against incidents like malware attacks, online fraud or cyber extortion 
• Coverage for losses from cyberbullying, including professional cybersecurity consultation and cyber trauma costs  
• Cyberboxx Protect App to help monitor and protect digital well-being 

There’s no question that Chromebooks are among the most secure laptops on the market. But secure doesn’t mean foolproof. Because of their popularity in schools, cybercriminals are paying attention and so should we. Parents and educators should understand the risks associated with handing out thousands of laptops to kids. There’s no need to fear tech if we take the proper precautions.