ChromeOS · Recovery Guide

Lock Down Your Chromebook: Verified Boot, Sync & Safe Browsing

Follow these essential steps to enhance your Chromebook's security, covering good digital hygiene and key settings.

Verified Boot: Your Chromebook's Built-in Guardian

Your Chromebook has a powerful security feature called Verified Boot. It automatically checks for tampering every time you switch on your device, ensuring it starts securely.

• Understand that Verified Boot is always active on your Chromebook and cannot be turned off.
• Recognise that if tampering is detected, your Chromebook will attempt to repair itself automatically.
• Be aware of a "Chrome OS is missing or damaged" message; this indicates a potential issue that Verified Boot has identified. Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Avoid developer mode unless you fully understand the security implications, as it bypasses some of Verified Boot's protections.

Synchronisation Settings: What to Share and How

Chromebooks offer handy synchronisation features, but it's important to manage what data is shared across your devices to maintain privacy and security.

1. Navigate to your Chromebook's settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then selecting the cog icon.
2. In the settings menu, search for Sync and Google services.
3. Click on Manage what you sync.
4. Here, you can choose to Sync everything or customise what data is synchronised, such as history, bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs.
5. Consider turning off synchronisation for sensitive data if you share your Google account across multiple devices or prefer to keep certain information localised.

Safe Browsing: Keeping Threats at Bay

Google Chrome's Safe Browsing feature helps protect you from malicious websites and downloads. Ensure it's enabled and understand its various protection levels.

• Open your Chrome browser and go to Settings (the three vertical dots in the top right, then Settings).
• In the left-hand menu, click on Privacy and security, then select Security.
• Under Safe Browsing, make sure it is set to either Enhanced protection or Standard protection. Enhanced protection offers the highest level of security.
• Understand that Enhanced protection checks for unsafe sites and downloads in real-time, offering proactive defence.
• Be cautious of warnings from Safe Browsing; if it flags a site, it's best to avoid it.

Practising Good Digital Hygiene

Beyond settings, your daily habits play a crucial role in maintaining your Chromebook's security. Adopt these practices for a safer online experience.

1. Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and consider a password manager.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for an extra layer of security.
3. Be wary of suspicious emails (phishing) and unsolicited messages; never click on unfamiliar links or download unexpected attachments.
4. Keep your Chrome OS updated by regularly checking for and installing system updates via Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates.
5. Only download apps from the Google Play Store or the Chrome Web Store, and always check app permissions before installing.
6. Lock your Chromebook when you step away from it by pressing Shift + Search + L, or simply closing the lid.