Evaluating the Impact of Browser Extensions on Enterprise Security

Browser extensions are productivity gold—until they become a security liability. From password managers to ad blockers and GenAI tools, extensions have embedded themselves into everyday workflows across enterprises. But behind their convenience lies a hidden cost: risk exposure.

According to a 2025 industry report, more than half of browser extensions used in enterprise environments have high or critical permissions. Many are outdated, and a growing number are powered by generative AI—introducing additional complexity in vetting, trust, and compliance.

So how do organizations strike a balance between employee enablement and enterprise-grade security? It starts with understanding the risks—and implementing policy-driven controls that scale.

The Invisible Risk Layer

The security implications of browser extensions are often underestimated. Extensions operate inside the browser's security sandbox, but many request access to:

• All websites the user visits
• Clipboard contents
• Active sessions and cookies
• Sensitive form fields

This means even a single compromised or malicious extension can exfiltrate sensitive data, hijack sessions, or inject malicious scripts—without the user knowing. A recent analysis by LayerX broke down how common this overreach is, even among well-rated extensions on public stores.

The real danger? They don't need to be built maliciously from the start—many become threats post-installation through updates or ownership changes.

GenAI Makes It Riskier—and Harder to Detect

With the rise of generative AI, over 20% of enterprise users now rely on AI-enabled browser add-ons, according to Help Net Security. These tools often process in-browser content, creating new surfaces for data exposure and unapproved processing—especially in roles that handle PII or intellectual property.

Common Enterprise Risks with Extensions

• Excessive Permissions: Unnecessarily broad access to data or activity.
• Malicious Updates: Benign extensions turning harmful after updates.
• Publisher Trust: Limited insight into who builds and maintains the code.
• Sideloaded Add-ons: Unofficial installs that bypass store vetting.
• Shadow IT: Employees installing tools outside of IT visibility.

Hoplon Infosec highlights how many extensions go unmaintained, opening the door to vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits over time.

How to Build a Safer Extension Strategy

Enterprise-grade browser extension management isn't about saying "no" to extensions—it's about saying "yes" strategically.

Here are key best practices for managing them effectively:

• Use Permission-Based Policies: Allow extensions only if their permission scope matches business needs. Google's enterprise guide offers a robust framework for this.
• Implement Allow/Block Lists: Maintain a vetted list of approved extensions and block unknown or high-risk tools by default.
• Enforce Role-Based Access: Let different departments have different access levels based on the sensitivity of the data they work with.
• Audit and Monitor Usage: Use browser security platforms to scan and flag unusual extension activity regularly.
• Phase New Tools In: Pilot before wide rollout. Monitor extension behavior and update cycles before approving for broader use.

As State of Security emphasizes, extension management tools are critical for enforcing these controls without creating unnecessary friction for users.

Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever

Extensions aren't going away—and neither is the demand for AI-powered productivity. The key is visibility. You can't protect what you can't see. As Island points out, using consumer-grade browsers without enterprise controls leaves a massive blind spot.

More than 99% of enterprise users have at least one extension installed. That's not a security edge case—it's the norm. As Siby Chen notes on LinkedIn, the majority of extensions can access sensitive enterprise data, from emails and customer records to credentials and internal systems.

Final Thoughts

Extensions unlock productivity, but they also unlock doors. Managing browser extensions isn't just a checkbox—it's a frontline defense. With the right policies and tools in place, enterprises can empower their teams while keeping risk in check.

At Kahana, we help organizations manage the fine balance between usability and control by securing browser environments at the source. Curious how your current extension policies stack up? Schedule a tailored demo and explore how we help enterprises regain control, without slowing people down.