Netskope Global Technical Success (GTS)

Microsoft Edge - Blocking Pre-Installed Extensions

Netskope Cloud Version - 127

Objective

Block and disable already installed extensions in Microsoft Edge to prevent potential security and compliance risks.

Prerequisites

Netskope Next-Gen SWG license

Context

In corporate environments, existing installed browser extensions in Microsoft Edge can pose privacy risks, enable data exfiltration, or violate internal security policies. Simply blocking new installations is not enough if users have pre-installed extensions that continue to operate unchecked. The business need is to identify and block traffic generated by these installed extensions, or disable their functionality entirely, to maintain corporate security and compliance. 

Do you Know?

Modern Microsoft Edge is built on Chromium, which means it uses the same extension APIs as Google Chrome. As a result, many Edge extensions are either directly ported from Chrome or originally developed for it. These extensions commonly retain the chrome-extension:// origin format even when installed via the Edge Add-ons Store.

Configuration

• To block traffic generated by pre-installed Edge browser extensions, follow the same steps outlined in the document below. This is because Edge extensions use the same origin format as Chrome extensions.

• The final policy should look like the screenshot below. Make sure to set the browser source criteria to "Edge" specifically as other Chromium-based browsers may also use a similar origin format.

Result

Terms and Conditions

• All documented information undergoes testing and verification to ensure accuracy.
• In the future, it is possible that the application's functionality may be altered by the vendor. If any such changes are brought to our attention, we will promptly update the documentation to reflect them.

Notes

• This article is authored by Netskope Global Technical Success (GTS).
• For any further inquiries related to this article, please contact Netskope GTS by submitting a support case with 'Case Type – How To Questions'.