Why is Chrome OS Safe From Viruses?

Why is Chrome OS Safe From Viruses?

Chrome OS has a reputation as an operating system that is immune to computer viruses. Google likes to brag about how secure the operating system they build is compared to others.

 Is it true that they are boasting? Is it true that Chrome OS is safe from viruses? And, if so, how do they achieve this? Allow us to explain.

What Is A Computer Virus?

First, let's find out what a computer virus actually is. Viruses come under the “malware” umbrella. They break because they put code into files (usually, executables), and when those files are executed, malicious code is released. Once the code is released on your system, it can do a number of dangerous things, like destroy data, overwrite files, or even duplicate itself and spread to other systems.

Usually, viruses target a specific system. So, a virus that infects Windows EXE files won't have much effect on Chromebook (Chrome OS) because it can't run EXE files.

This is why most of the viruses target the most popular platforms, such as Windows. So, it is not uncommon for Windows alone to be infected the most.

Why is Chrome OS safe from viruses.

There are several features that make Chrome OS more secure than other operating systems. Perhaps the most important thing is how easy it is to update the system. Chrome OS is always checking for updates, and they can be installed in just minutes. Using the latest version ensures you have the latest security and protection.

Plus, the Chromebook performs a kind of self-check every time you reboot. The system will check for modifications that compromise security. If any modifications are found, the system will repair itself.

The secret ingredient why Chrome OS is actually secure from viruses is sandbox. This means that each browser window, extension, or Android application only runs in its own isolated environment and cannot access the system. So, if a virus infects one sandbox, the others will remain safe.

Is Chrome OS Vulnerable to Others?

Viruses are just one type of malware. Chrome OS is vulnerable to other things, such as malicious extensions, malicious Android apps, and phishing sites. You can also compromise your system if you choose to run the "unsandboxed" extension.

This other type of malware isn't unique to Chrome OS - anyone using the Chrome browser or Android device is vulnerable to it. If you install Android or Linux apps on your Chromebook, they pose more of a security risk, even if they're minor.

How to Stay Safe on Chrome OS

Here are some tips for keeping your Chromebook safe:

Watch out for phishing and other scams: Chrome OS is, by its very nature, just a web browser, so Chrome doesn't protect you from trickery on the web. For example, you can still be tricked into providing personal information to scam websites.

Don't download third-party Chrome extensions: Google does a pretty good job of keeping Chrome Web Store safe, so only download extensions from there.

Avoid Developer Mode: This can be a powerful tool, especially for running Linux applications. However, this makes Chrome OS more vulnerable, and most people don't need it.

Keep your Chromebook up to date: If you see a Chrome OS update available, don't delay - install it as soon as possible to make sure you have the latest protection. Chromebooks download and install updates automatically, but you'll often have to reboot to complete the process. Again, don't delay!

That's all about why Chrome OS is safe from viruses. I hope this information is useful to you.