Browser Extension Disabling for Privacy-Sensitive Web Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional security applications fail to detect malicious browser extensions in use for extended periods, allowing them to compromise user privacy and security during web browsing sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically disables third-party browser extensions during online browsing sessions using browser management APIs, particularly during transactions involving personally identifiable information, and re-enables them upon session completion, with user override options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security applications continuously monitor web browsing sessions to detect malicious extensions, then detection capability is improved, but extensions can still operate undetected for extended periods compromising user privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively disabling browser extensions before users visit websites that collect personally identifiable information, rather than waiting to detect malicious behavior. This preventive approach eliminates the time window where extensions could operate undetected while maintaining security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively blocking extensions from executing on privacy-sensitive websites. By identifying websites that collect PII and disabling extensions before they can interact with these sites, the system prevents potential privacy compromises before they occur.
2Reliability
If browser extensions are continuously disabled to prevent privacy invasions, then security is improved, but functionality of safe extensions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic extension management by automatically disabling extensions only when navigating to websites that collect personally identifiable information, and re-enabling them when leaving those sites. This dynamic approach maintains security during sensitive browsing while preserving extension functionality for regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by selectively disabling extensions only on specific websites that collect PII, rather than globally across all websites. This allows extensions to maintain their functionality on safe sites while being restricted only where privacy risks exist.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all third-party extensions are disabled during browsing sessions, then privacy protection is improved, but user convenience and extension utility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts extension status based on the current website context, disabling extensions only when necessary for privacy protection and re-enabling them when not needed. This maintains browsing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary disabling of extensions during routine browsing activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by disabling only the specific extensions that pose privacy risks on PII-collecting websites, rather than disabling all extensions globally. This minimizes the impact on browsing efficiency while still providing adequate privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for dynamically disabling third-party web browser extensions during online browsing sessions may include (i) detecting initiation of a target online browsing session including one or more websites, (ii) determining browser extensions associated with the websites, and (iii) performing a security action that protects against a data privacy invasion by disabling the browser extensions for a duration of the target online browsing session. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.