A cheaper option for a Windows laptop or MacBook is a Chromebook. Programs for Windows and macOS won’t run on Chromebooks because they use the Google operating system Chrome OS. That does not imply that Chromebooks are not superior to other computers in some ways.
We’ll discuss the distinctions between a Chromebook and other laptops on this page. A laptop or tablet running the Linux-based Chrome OS is known as a Chromebook (also stylized as Chromebook). Chromebooks have evolved since their initial design, when they could only do tasks using the Google Chrome browser, and can now run Android and full-fledged Linux software since 2017 and 2018, respectively. It is possible to install and run each supported software simultaneously. In this article we’ll go deeper into this question and figure out does a Chromebook need antivirus software or not.
You might be in the market for a Chromebook or already own one, but what you are wondering is if you need to download antivirus software. Before we start our main topic, I want to share a useful article for parents. Here you can find the best antivirus for Chromebooks that is mostly in demand by Chromebook users.
Chromebooks are relatively new to the personal computer market. After attacking the smartphone market, Google is trying to break into the laptop industry. Most antivirus software does not provide the required protection.
Even though Chromebooks have great built-in security features (which can be viewed from security settings) that help stop viruses and malware, they aren’t entirely secure. Users are kept safe by several features in Chrome OS, the operating system for Chromebooks, including sandboxing, restricted user permissions, proprietary file formats, and validated boot.
No, your Chromebook doesn’t need any antivirus software. It has built-in best antivirus software equipped with the anti-theft tool. Chromebooks are built-in with automatic antivirus software in their operating system (OS). This means that when you open a website with potentially harmful viruses your Chromebook blocks the website so the virus can’t spread to the rest of your computer system.
Does a Chromebook need antivirus?
Google’s laptops are considered simple and sometimes restrictive in the applications and software you can download and use on Chromebooks.
Especially if you’re sure you’re not downloading anything having a high risk of containing viruses. You should be safe.
Keep in mind that Chromebooks and the Chrome OS installed on their computers are designed to be anti-virus.
Most malware and malicious software come from the Google Play store. By downloading an Android app that may contain viruses you could hurt your pc.
Of course, Google PS controls all its applications before they can be downloaded by consumers. But unfortunately, no system is perfect and there is a chance that you could download a harmful app if you’re not careful.
However, some Chromebooks don’t even let you download any apps from the Play store which makes antivirus software redundant. Also, you should consider if you need any of the applications you are about to download. If not, you don’t have to risk your computer safety for an application you probably won’t use a lot.
How does Chromebook security work?
How does Chromebooks keep themselves so highly protected? The Linux OS, one of the most secure operating systems available, is the foundation upon which the Chrome OS is built. Because Linux is open-source, anyone can make improvements to it.
Increased participation increases the likelihood that flaws will be found and repaired before they cause issues. Chrome assures that it has the best security of any operating system on the market by utilizing Linux as a model.
Additionally, Chromebooks are equipped with a variety of security features, each of which is strong on its own but also intended to support the others to provide multi-layered protection. These safety features consist of:
Automatic Updates: The antivirus program on a Chromebook is continually working in the background and updating as it does so by adding new virus definitions to its database.
Sandboxing: The operating system of Chromebooks is configured so that each webpage and app operates as its distinct program, totally walled-off from the rest of the computer. This guarantees that any virus or potentially dangerous websites you see will be contained and unable to spread to other parts of your Chromebook.
Verified Boot: Every time your Chromebook reboots, it runs a thorough internal examination of the operating system to check for errors or other indications of tampering. It immediately repairs the operating system if it discovers anything.
Data Encryption: Downloads, cookies, and browser cache files are all automatically encrypted in local storage for any web data that isn’t saved in the cloud.
The Chromebook has a quick and simple recovery option. The most recent working version of your OS can be reinstalled with just one keypress or keyboard shortcut.
Why does Chromebook make antivirus software pointless?
There are a few ways Google made sure that their Chromebooks are super safe.
- Chromebooks are built on a simple foundation.
- Safety and simplicity were central to the design process.
We’ll talk about the following ways Chomebrooks make antivirus software of no use.
First of all, Chromebooks manage the updates for your laptop automatically.
So you don’t have to worry about updating and restarting your laptop all the time like with Windows laptops.
Well, why is this so important? Old and outdated software is more vulnerable to malware and viruses. So your Chromebook will have all the updated and new software to protect your laptop against the newest viruses and cyber-attacks.
Most traditional operating systems (OS) rely on different components from different software companies; all with different update schedules and mechanics.
Chromebooks update their software in the background and serve no inconvenience to the consumer while installing the newest software.
For Chrome OS, there are no viruses, as we previously stated. This is due to several factors, but sandboxing is the primary one. Every tab you open, whether it’s one in the Chrome browser or a separate web application, operates in a fictitious sandbox. In other words, if the system detects an infected page, the “infection” is contained to that tab and cannot spread to other tabs or the system as a whole. The sandbox also gets killed when you shut that tab. So there is no infection.
A verified Boot keeps the system safe even in the unlikely event that a malware strain emerges that manages to escape this sandbox. A Chromebook verifies the stability of the operating system each time it boots up.
It will automatically fix itself if it discovers an anomaly, which is any system modification. The sole exception to this rule is if you have a Developer Mode set, which turns off Verified Boot and permits system changes. Of course, the bulk of consumers shouldn’t do this.
Limitation of Software
With the Google OS, you can’t download any external desktop programs. This keeps your laptop clean and free of any malware from third-party software.
Don’t worry all the software you need for most professions in the business sector is accessible. Chromebooks are also great laptops for students as most things you want to do; you can do with the standard Google apps. That’s why you can keep your educational files safely stored and keep an organized and clean laptop for school or business purposes.
You can install browser exertions and a few web apps but that’s it. All the apps and software you need will be provided by Google. This way you’re ensured that all your information is safe by the method called sandboxing which you can read about below.
With that, all your files and data are stored in the Google Cloud, making it hard to lose any important files. Your files are safely stored and accessible in the Google Cloud.
Also, your files are automatically backed up in the Cloud so if you were working on an important document you won’t lose it if you forgot to save it.
Some of the negative sides of this Cloud option are that you have to synchronize your documents online, meaning you will have to be online to access those files.
Sandboxing
Google Chromebook laptops make use of sandboxing which means that every internet page and application is being operated in a restricted environment.
If you open a page infected with a virus or malware, you’re other pages and applications are safe and separated from the infected page.
You should think of a scenario where you’re handling your bank account in one tab and you open malware in the other tab. The tab with the malware will not be able to reach the tab where you’ve opened your bank account details thanks to sandboxing.
If you close the tab which you think contains viruses or spammy software all the harmful software disappears with it. Once you close it, it’s gone because it stayed in its sandbox and didn’t flood the whole beach (your entire laptop).
Verified boot system
Every time you restart your Chromebook, the Google OS automatically controls all activities and system processes for any problems or damages. This is called a verified boot and any malware that overcame the sandboxing will get caught and resolved in this process.
With this booting system, your Chromebook will be as new, every time you reboot it.
So you won’t have to worry about downloading antivirus software if you think you’ve opened malicious software or app on your Chromebook.
Data encryption
Chromebooks come with Google’s web apps that you will use for most of the things you do with your laptop.
All important data and files will be collected and safely stored in Google’s cloud.
This data is then coded and encrypted with safe hardware so people that have no access have a really hard time accessing those files and data.
Power wash
You can easily bring your Chromebook back to factory settings and delete any harmful malware or viruses. Because almost all of your files and documents will be stored in the Cloud, you don’t have to worry about accidentally deleting any important things you might need in the future.
It is different from Windows, where you will have to back up every file you have on your internal storage. And also reinstall any applications you downloaded.
Is a Chromebook 100% protected without antivirus software?
Let’s not lie, no software or operating system is 100% protected against viruses. Everything can be hacked or be affected by malicious software because a laptop is not a standalone process. It interacts with a lot of different elements on the internet.
All information presented on a computer is to its essence composed of either 0 or 1. This makes it impossible to make software that can’t be hacked.
The more apps and third-party applications you download, the higher the chance you download an app or software that contains viruses.
However, with that comes that Chromebooks are one of the safest laptops on the market for that price point.
When compared to Apple and Windows laptops, Windows laptops tend to be the most popular and that’s why most hackers, viruses, and malware are designed to attack Windows. That’s why most Windows laptop also comes with a lot of third-party applications that you can download to protect your Windows laptop. You can usually find weed seeds on amazon for sale at most dispensaries in areas where growing cannabis for personal use is legal.
Apple laptops are safer than Windows laptops because they use MacOS and a lot of the applications are already built-in the laptop. So you don’t have to download third-party extensions.
With Chromebooks, you get the most security because the software is very simple and does not contain a lot of elements that can be infected with viruses.
As earlier discussed, Chromebooks won’t let you download and install a lot of third-party apps because of the risk of viruses and malware. Also because most of the files are saved in the Cloud they are impossible to get to in the internal storage of the laptop.
How to stay secure on Chromebook?
As we’ve already demonstrated, Chromebooks are pretty darn secure out of the box, so protecting your ‘book isn’t that difficult. We do offer a tutorial, though, to help you make your Chromebook as secure as possible.
The same guidelines that apply to Android here also apply to other options, particularly when it comes to malware:
Be Smart: Simply be mindful of what you’re installing. The majority of malware is successfully kept out of the Play Store by Google Play Protect, but occasionally something slips through, as I already mentioned. So, check the developer, read the reviews, and other details to ensure the software you’re installing is authentic.
Keep the Developer Mode off Most users won’t ever need to enable Developer Mode on their Chromebooks, but if you do, think very carefully before you do so because doing so will significantly reduce your Chromebook’s security.
Update your Chromebook frequently: Install any updates you receive. It’s that easy.
Should I still download the antivirus for my Chromebook?
Well, it all depends on what kind of files you store on your computer. Most of the files and documents will be safely saved in the cloud. With that, you should consider that there is no operating system that is 100% secure and safe.
According to Acer, your Chromebook doesn’t need any antivirus software.
It’s because of the amazing sandboxing technique that the software engineers of Google came up with. Even if that doesn’t work, the verified boot every time you restart your laptop. Chromebook makes sure to eliminate any threat immediately in the verified boot.
Facts about Chromebook:
Since knowledge is power, we’ve compiled a few useful facts regarding the Chromebook.
- Every year, Chromebooks gain in popularity. In actuality, they now account for about 11% of the entire PC market. 11
- The influential marketing initiatives for Chromebooks that were directed at educators and students contributed to some of their success. 30 million children and teachers utilize it globally.
- The open-source Linux OS has closely modeled the Chrome OS.
- Viruses do not affect Chromebooks.
- Chromebooks are undoubtedly vulnerable to viruses, though.
- More apps are available for Chromebooks than any other device.
- Chrome OS is an entirely functional operating system, not simply a browser. Of course, the Chrome operating system still allows you to use the Chrome browser to access the internet.
- The use of Chrome OS is important. Everything on your computer, including software, security, and web browsing, would be connected to your Google account if you use Chrome OS.
Conclusion
- Chromebooks are safe enough for personal use and you don’t need antivirus software.
- Sandboxing kills all malware and viruses in the tab or application that you opened containing viruses.
- Verified boot deals with any problems your Chromebook didn’t solve with sandboxing and returns your laptop to normal.
- Google secures all your data and files in the Cloud so you don’t have to worry about protecting and looking for your documents with a free antivirus.
- Updates run in the background so you always work on the newest version of your Chromebook with the best security.
- Beware of scam android apps to protect your Chromebook from security breaches.
Chromebook is secure from security vulnerabilities. They have the best antivirus for Chromebooks and additional security features that protect the Chromebook. The antivirus protection is already built in and it protects the Chromebook from malware infections. The most accepted view is that you do not need additional antivirus software because there are no issues of data theft, data breaches and phishing attacks/phishing scams. The anti-theft protection by anti-theft features speaks volumes about the built-in antivirus protection in Chromebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Chromebooks and other computers, like Windows or Mac OS?
A new kind of computer called a Chromebook is intended to make your tasks more efficient and quick. They use Chrome OS, an operating system with built-in cloud storage, the best of Google, and numerous security measures.
Why are Chromebooks cheaper than traditional computers?
Chromebooks are kept at a reasonable price thanks to Google’s collaboration with manufacturers, and most software is generally free.
Instead, you may select thousands of free apps for both work and entertainment from the Chrome Web Store.
What happens to my Google Drive files when my no-charge storage expires?
Each Google Account receives 15 GB of shared storage that may be used for Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos at no additional cost.
All of your files stay in Drive after the free storage period is up so you can access, download, and share them whenever you choose.
What kind of security does a Chromebook have?
A Chromebook is among the safest kind of computers you can buy when it comes to malware. Sandboxing, automatic upgrades, validated booting, data encryption and full OS recovery are all included in Chrome OS, a Linux-based operating system that should keep your machine operating smoothly.
Does Chromebook have built-in security features?
Even though Chromebooks have great built-in security protections that help stop viruses and malware, they aren’t entirely secure. Users are kept safe by several features in Chrome OS, the operating system for Chromebooks, including sandboxing, restricted user permissions, proprietary file formats, and validated boot.
How do I make sure my Chromebook is secured?
- Set up 2FA for your Google account. The simplicity with which Google makes it possible to sync your experience across devices using your Google account is one of the benefits of Chrome OS and Chromebooks.
- Maintain Chrome’s updates.
- Enable the guest mode.
- For everyone, add HTTPS everywhere.
Does Chromebook have a firewall?
A built-in firewall is offered by Chrome OS and can be utilized to safeguard your computer from outside threats. When positioned in the perimeter network, the built-in firewall also enables your computer to serve as the first line of protection for the entire network.
Which Antivirus software is best for Chromebook?
Our top recommendation for the best antivirus for Chromebook is Kaspersky Internet Security, which offers an excellent overall level of malware protection along with a variety of additional practical functions. You may check it out and give it a try without paying anything upfront because it even offers a free version.
Are Chromebooks more secure than laptops?
In conclusion, a Chromebook is a great option if you require a laptop primarily for Internet use and want it to be as secure as possible. However, you would be better off sticking with either a Windows laptop or a MacBook if you require a powerful system that can run (and do) just about anything. There is free antivirus protection on Chromebook.