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Let’s review what some of these permissions actually mean in terms of the data that these extensions can access, and how you can adjust them to suit your comfort level.

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: This process will involve changing a few of your computer settings, so you should make sure to run these changes past your IT provider for confirmation before you make them. Feel free to ask them for help if it makes you more comfortable.

Evaluating What Permissions Have Been Granted

Just like a mobile device application, a browser extension is going to need some data to function properly. As your extensions operate within the browser, they are going to request your browsing data. However, some extensions (as well as applications) claim to require far more data than their tasks actually need, and request permission to access this excess.

A recent analysis of these permission requests revealed that this problem is present in over a third of all extensions.

So, we wanted to share a few steps to help you evaluate these access permissions so that you can rein back your controls in the future.

Step One: Check Permissions as They Stand

To start, you’ll need to find out which of your currently installed extensions have been given excessive permissions. In your browser, enter chrome:extensions into the address bar and review each extension that appears on the page. Looking through the Details, you’ll find a line labelled Site access.

These access levels describe the level of permissions that the extension has been granted. They include:

• On click – This means that an extension can access and alter data in your active tab when you click on the extension’s shortcut.
• On specific sites – This means that only certain websites allow the extension to access and alter what is presented in the browser.       
• On all sites – This means that there are no restrictions on an extension, allowing it to access and alter data at any time.

Depending on the function of the extension, any one of these site access levels may be appropriate, while some may need no access at all. You will have to judge if the requested access is appropriate.

Step Two: Adjusting Permissions

Uh oh… one of your extensions has been granted far greater permissions than it would ever need. Fortunately, you can usually adjust these settings by selecting the appropriate option under Site access. Make sure you are following the principle of least privilege and minimizing access as much as possible. If an extension asks for too much, reconsider whether or not you need it, and delete it if able.

Three: Stay Cognizant of Permissions

Once you’ve sorted out your current extensions, make sure that you stay diligent whenever installing a new one. Before the installation starts, all extensions will prompt you with a dialog box explaining the permissions it requires. Don’t just click through this box—review the access that the extension is requesting, and judge whether to seek out an alternative.

Digital Seattle is here to help you remain proactive in your IT management and maintenance through our fully managed IT services. To learn more about how we can help your business with its technology, give us a call at (206) 709-9556.

Issue: Excessive Rotation

Solution: Rotation Lock

Many Android users know how irritating it can be to have their device’s screen suddenly switch orientation on them as they’re trying to do something because the device’s sensors got overzealous. It’s just plain frustrating at times.

Here’s the fix, assuming you have Android 9 or later installed. Simply go into your System Settings, find Display, and access the Advanced section. There, you see the Auto-rotate screen option, which you should switch off.

If you’re using a Samsung device, your process will be a little different. Instead, you can find the settings toggle in the Quick Settings menu that you access by swiping down twice from the top of your phone. You’ll be able to find an icon labeled Auto rotate. Push it so that it is labeled Portrait, which locks your phone’s display in Portrait mode.

Issue: Notification Overload

Solution: Contextual Notification Options

Some applications are just too eager to try and get your attention, sending endless notifications throughout the day. Fortunately, Android allows you to put a muzzle on these interruptions.

Next time you receive such a notification, press and hold to open a control panel. There, you will find options to silence these notifications, or turn them off entirely.

Issue: Why Isn’t My Phone Charging?

Solution: A Crummy Charging Port

And when we say “crummy”, we mean it in the literal sense. While a phone that won’t charge when plugged in can be a symptom of a serious hardware issue, it can just as (if not more) often be the result of a charging port that needs to be cleaned out.

Working very carefully, take a toothpick or something similar and try to tease out any gunk or debris that may have been caught up in the device. This debris can interrupt the connection between your phone and the charger, stopping the power from flowing in. Cleaning it out means that it is easier to keep your device charged up and ready for when you need it.

For more handy technology tips to help your business’ processes and productivity, make sure to subscribe to the Digital Seattle blog!

What is FinTech?

Short for Financial Technology, FinTech is the establishment of financial services that individuals can use to take care of their finances. Over the past few years more options have been developed that free people up from having to depend on high-fee services to manage their financial health. Additionally, FinTech is being used by established financial institutions to help provide customers value by enhancing their ability to have access to financial instruments and services in a secure online format. 

Initially, FinTech was used by financial institutions to more efficiently manage financial institutions’ back end systems. As the industry expanded, however, most applications created today are designed with the customer in mind. If you want to manage your bank account, your credit card, your insurance, or your stock portfolio online, you are using FinTech.

What FinTech Services Are There?

Over the past decade more and more FinTech applications have been developed. There are mobile banking apps, there are apps used to quickly send payment to retailers and other individuals, there are even apps that allow users to take complete control of their investment portfolios. The most popular form of FinTech are the mobile payment apps PayPal and Venmo (a subsidiary of PayPal).

Other forms of FinTech have been steadily emerging. Today there are crowdfunding platforms like Kickstrarter and GoFundMe that are used to fund projects of all kinds. All these apps operate outside of the traditional banking structure. Cryptocurrency has become a popular investment, so a whole application ecosystem has popped up. Additionally, applications using blockchain technology to manage financial transactions are considered FinTech.

FinTech is Not Only For Individuals

Nowadays, businesses can take full advantage of FinTech, as more developers are creating tools designed to be used by businesses. Companies can take advantage of these digital tools to secure loans and access financial resources needed to keep business moving efficiently. Many FinTech integrations can be found in today’s most dynamic management platforms, allowing businesses to interact with financial institutions, pour through financial data, and more. By keeping a finger on the pulse of your organization’s finances, without it costing you a lot, you will be able to tighten up your business’ finances, and let its money work to improve operations and your ability to make strategic investments.

Technology is playing a massive role in the way business works. If you would like to learn more about FinTech and what options are available to your business in this space, call the IT experts at Digital Seattle today at (206) 709-9556.