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Browser extension lockdown

To further harden our application security, we will be locking down extensions to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows devices.

As a result of this change:

• staff will no longer be able to freely download any extensions to their device

• staff will only have access to a library of extensions that have been approved by the department

• students will also be given access to the library of approved extensions.

By reducing the number of extensions being used across the department we are reducing our exposure to security risks. Extensions can contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors or they can be acquired by malicious actors and infiltrated with rogue code. This poses a threat to the safety of our information and data.

Approved browser extensions

Some extensions have been approved by the department to ensure we minimise risks to our information while at the same time supporting learning and business continuity. (see Above)

If you are currently using an approved extension, it will continue to work after the lockdown is enabled.

All other extensions will be disabled and will not work after the lockdown is enabled. You can view a number of extensions that have not been approved at the above link.

Request a browser extension

If you would like to continue using an extension that is not currently approved you can submit a browser extension request.

All requests will be assessed by the department’s Cyber Security Team and a decision communicated to the requester.

As part of the review process the team will consider:

• security profile of requested extension

• relevance to learning/curriculum outcomes or business productivity

• has the extension been developed by Google or Microsoft?

• number of users the requested extension will be needed by.

Please note, that where an inbuilt feature in the browser or app in the software center or UDM offers equivalent functionality to the requested extension, the exemption request will in most cases be denied.

Similarly, requests for gaming or shopping extensions will in most cases be denied.

Please note, the process to review a request and enable a browser extension will take a minimum of two weeks.

Request process instructions

Staff can request a browser extension by logging an online support ticket External link

After entering your details navigate to:

1. IT support

2. all other IT support enquiries

3. software application

4. browser extension request

5. enter the name and link of the extension you are requesting

6. indicate if the extension is developed by Google or Microsoft:
   If yes, no further details are required
   If no, enter additional details including a use case and the number of users requiring the extension.

7. submit request.