Chromebooks offer an affordable option compared to Windows laptops and MacBooks.
They come with many productivity tools, making them popular among students and young professionals.
These devices also work well as starter laptops for teens learning personal digital security. The sandboxing feature makes Chromebooks resistant to most malware.
However, many wonder if Chromebooks need antivirus software. Good antivirus tools protect against more than malware, including threats like ransomware.
But will antivirus software work on Chromebooks? Are Chromebooks immune to viruses? What are the main cyber risks for Chromebook users? We’ll address these questions in this guide.
Does Antivirus Work on Chromebooks?
ChromeOS powers Chromebooks and doesn’t work with most antivirus software for Windows or macOS.
Since ChromeOS is Android-based, you can use some Android antivirus apps.
Our tests found that some apps work better than others. We recommend the following antivirus options for Chromebook users.
| Antivirus Name | Editor’s Rating |
| TotalAV | 9.7/10 |
| Norton | 9.5/10 |
| Surfshark | 8.9/10 |
Do Chromebooks Require Antivirus Software?
Chromebooks are highly secure against viruses and malware. According to CVE Details, Chrome OS has only 55 vulnerabilities.
Windows 10 has 1,111 vulnerabilities, and Mac’s OS X has 2,212. With far fewer vulnerabilities, Chromebooks are the safest option.
However, Chromebooks still face risks, such as:
- Fake browser extensions
- Scam Android apps
- Phishing attacks
- Unsafe websites
While Chromebooks are among the most secure computers, adding antivirus software can provide extra protection. Let’s explore these risks further.
Fake Browser Extensions on Chromebooks
The Chrome browser is central to ChromeOS, the operating system for Chromebooks. Browser extensions boost productivity, such as ad blockers that many users install.
However, some browser extensions may contain malware, spyware, phishing links, or adware. Although you can remove them, the process is tedious.
Be cautious when downloading extensions from third-party sites, as even Chrome occasionally misses malicious ones.
Even if you install a harmful Chrome extension, it is unlikely to harm your Chromebook. Most malware targets Windows and macOS.
However, if your Google account syncs across devices, the malicious extension will spread to those devices.
Your Chromebook may stay safe, but other devices might not. Even strong antivirus software for Windows may struggle to block malware linked to your Google account.
Scam Android Apps on Chromebooks
Chromebooks aim to keep users safe from harmful apps if they stick to downloading from the Google Play Store. But, some scam apps manage to slip through Google’s checks.
These scam apps may include malware, phishing links, or ways to access your device.
They often pretend to be helpful tools but aim to steal personal data, monitor your activity, or spread malware to your Chromebook and connected devices.
For instance, some scam apps claim to provide keyboard themes but function as keyloggers to capture passwords.
Antivirus software for Android devices can help block these apps and safeguard your Chromebook.
Phishing Risks on Chromebooks
No antivirus, including those for Chromebooks, can stop all phishing attempts. Antivirus programs can identify and flag suspicious emails or websites, but scammers create new tricks.
Success in these scams often relies on user trust. No software can help if you click on emails without caution.
Preventing phishing threats depends more on user behavior than on the device used. For more tips, read our phishing prevention guide.
Chromebooks and Harmful Websites
Chromebooks have built-in antivirus features with web filters to block harmful websites. These filters protect against most threats, but mistakes can happen.
Typing an incorrect URL by a small margin can lead to risky sites. Thankfully, tools like “sandbox” help limit potential damage.
Unsafe websites may annoy you but are not a significant risk to your Chromebook.
Chromebook Security Features
Chrome OS runs on Linux, a secure and open-source system. Open-source development lets many people find and solve problems quickly.
At the same time, Chrome OS benefits from Linux’s safety features, and using antivirus software adds more protection.
Chromebooks also rely on multiple security layers to enhance protection:
- Automatic Updates: The system and antivirus are constantly updated, adding new virus definitions.
- Sandboxing: Apps and websites run in isolated environments, preventing malware from spreading.
- Verified Boot: On every restart, the system checks for issues and automatically fixes them if detected.
- Data Encryption: Local data, including cookies and downloads, is encrypted for added safety.
- Recovery: A quick recovery process allows you to reinstall the latest system version with simple key combinations.
Myths About Chromebook Security
Several myths exist about Chromebook’s immunity to malware:
- Myth: Google Play apps are always safe.
- Fact: Malware occasionally appears on the Google Play Store or approved extensions.
- Myth: You need admin permissions to install malware.
- Fact: Some malware works without needing admin rights.
- Myth: Hackers find Chromebooks less appealing.
- Fact: Chromebook usage has grown, making them a target for cybercriminals, similar to Mac and Windows devices.
Handling Malware on Chromebook
If your Chromebook behaves oddly, follow these steps:
- Remove recently added browser extensions.
- Restart to let “verified boot” check for issues.
- If the problem persists, use the recovery option:
- Press Escape, Refresh, and the power button.
- Release the power button, then release the other keys.
- Reinstall the latest operating system version.
Additional Tips to Protect Chromebooks
- Install antivirus software with anti-phishing and email scanning features.
- Use a VPN to encrypt your internet activity and hide your IP address.
- Practice safe online habits:
- Avoid sharing personal details or passwords.
- Open email attachments only from trusted sources.
- Avoid pirated or suspicious files.
- Be cautious of unknown links.
Chromebook Facts
- Chromebooks now account for 11% of the PC market.
- They are popular among students and educators, with 30 million users worldwide.
- Chrome OS is modeled on Linux and serves as a complete operating system, not just a browser.
- Chromebooks are immune to viruses but can still be affected by malware.
- They have access to more apps than most other devices.
- All Chromebook functions connect to a Google account.
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