In an upcoming product release, Authentic8 is introducing Silo for Research Extensions Management, a powerful new capability that allows users to install extensions directly from the Google Chrome Web Store into their Silo browser environment.

While this feature provides greater flexibility, it also introduces new risks. For this reason,  Authentic8 has implemented a robust deny list Maintenance Program to help minimize the risk of unsafe extensions by restricting known malicious or high-risk extensions from use within our platform.


Why Google’s Chrome Store Vetting Isn’t Enough
Although extensions listed on the Chrome Web Store go through Google’s own review process, that process doesn’t guarantee full protection for enterprise use. Here's why:

  • Developer identity is not always verified. Many extensions are published by anonymous or unverifiable developers.

  • Malicious updates can be pushed post-approval. Even a trusted extension can later be modified to include harmful behaviors.

  • Ownership changes are common. Extensions are frequently sold on third-party marketplaces without user awareness, opening the door to malicious rebranding or functionality shifts.

  • Code obfuscation and permission abuse are hard to catch at scale. Google’s automated scans may miss extensions that request excessive permissions or hide malicious behavior through code obfuscation.

Given these gaps, relying solely on Chrome Store vetting could expose organizations to privacy breaches, data exfiltration, or worse.

How Our Deny List Maintenance Program Works
Authentic8 maintains a dynamic, policy-driven deny list of extensions that are deemed unsafe or non-compliant for enterprise use. This list is enforced within the Silo browser environment and continuously monitored to detect and prevent unauthorized changes.

All submissions undergo structured review by our Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) team using a security assessment methodology similar to our Security Impact Analysis (SIA) process.

Key evaluation criteria include:

  • Excessive or unnecessary permission requests

  • Code obfuscation or dynamic code execution

  • Suspicious communication with external domains

  • Developer reputation and extension history

  • Presence on known threat intelligence or Deny List feeds

When Extensions Are Denied
Extensions may be added to the Deny List if they:

  • Present clear or ambiguous security risks

  • Originate from unverifiable developers

  • Show behavioral patterns common to spyware, adware, keyloggers, or crypto miners

  • Appear on both Chrome Store and third-party sales platforms

  • Have been removed or reuploaded to evade detection

Each decision is documented in our WEF Deny List System, which tracks metadata, reasons for deny listing, and developer contact information for future due diligence.


Requesting a Re-evaluation
We understand that business needs evolve, and some extensions may improve over time. Authentic8 provides a formal process for customers to request the re-evaluation of a previously blocked extension.

To request re-evaluation, submit a support ticket with the following:

  • Extension name and ID

  • Business justification for re-review

  • Intended use case and any relevant risk tolerance

Why This Matters
Authentic8’s Deny List Maintenance Program reflects a zero-trust approach to browser extension security. We believe that enterprise security requires more than marketplace vetting. It demands continuous, risk-based oversight.

By enforcing our Deny List through the Silo browser, we help your organization stay protected against the evolving threats hidden in even the most popular browser extensions


Please contact Support for any additional questions