Webroot - Security for Chromebook Antivirus (1 Device) (1-Year Subscription) - Windows [Digital]

I’m glad that Webroot has come out with a security program aimed at protecting Chromebooks. We have two Chromebooks that are used by the family for general web surfing, learning apps and video watching. Now with the Webroot Security installed I feel a little less worried about using the Chromebooks. This software is supposed to provide Antivirus protection against malware and spyware as well as preventing access to unsafe web sites. It provides live scanning as well as virus scans on demand. The main software installation was simple and quick. I downloaded the app from the Google store and entered in my software key. Once it is installed it will scan your Chromebook and from that point on it does live scans on its own. To get the Secure Web Browsing you have to use the Webroot browser which is included in the software or add the Threat Shield extension to your existing Chrome browser which takes some additional downloading and software registration. This makes the installation process a little more tedious if you want the full protection. I couldn’t see any performance hits on my Chromebook or browser so I think its light on the resource demands. So far we haven’t seen any security warnings but I am glad that the Webroot software is there protecting us.

Not much to write about in regards to Webroot Secure Anywhere mobile device protection. I installed it on my Chromebook, the process was easy, from the Google Play store, asks if you have an activation key. The installation asks you to grant permissions to your photos and videos. Also asks if you want to install the the Secureweb browser app which I didn’t because it wasn’t compatible with my Chromebook. The set up did an initial scan prompted to fix items found (it did not find anything). My entire Chromebook (or at least the areas deemed likely for threats) were scanned, which took about 75 seconds. Not much to the interface or items to configure (which seems the norm for Android protection products) a pretty simple product which seems to work and to protect my Chromebook.

I normally don't like to have virus protection installed on my computers because in the past they were very resource heavy and would slow down my browsing experience. Virus protection has come a long way and Webroot Security for Chromebook is an excellent example of it. It was very easy to download and install from the google play store. You install the app and just put in your email and key. It starts up along with chrome OS when you boot up and has not slowed down my chromebook boot up or browsing experience. It is so lightweight and un-intrusive that i sometimes forget that it is even running in the background at all times. I have a macbook and a chrome book, and I let my family and kiddos use my chromebook when they want to browse the web or watch some online videos. I trust Webroot Security to keep my chromebook free of virus or malware. One thing that I really like about it is that it has a built in web browser, if you want to take an extra measure to keep your chromebook secure. That is pretty awesome. Sometimes the kiddos or grandparents will click a sketchy advertisement or web link , So its nice to have the built in web browser for added security! All in All, I would recommend Webroot to you if you share your chromebook with younger family members, or even the elders! We all know they are prone to accidentally stumble onto sketchy untrustworthy webpages. Pros : Easy to install Lightweight- doesn't slow down Chrome OS Always runs in the background Built in Web browser One simple pre paid price! Cons; None

In a world with malware and hackers trying to steal your intel, you must think worst-case scenario, even on something like a Chromebook. We all remember when iOS came out, and there were "NO viruses" on Mac... fast forward a few years, and EVERYONE is looking for the next attack, even checking for vulnerabilities in a smart light switch - and your cars can now be hacked! The Chromebook is known amongst the most secure types of computer you can buy, but it still stands that the user is the weakest link to any security system. This means you/me/we can install a fake app or click a bad link and compromise EVERYTHING on your device and expose sensitive data to the net, and that's where Webroot comes in. Webroot says they can secure your device, so let's give it a go! First, like anything on Chrome/Google you must use either the Chrome Webstore or Play Store to install an app unless you are sideloading. Search for Webroot Security, install, create a login, add your license info, and it is activated and starts running instantly. This app runs in the background and comes with a secure browser as well. Installation and setup were a breeze! What happens next is what gets me searching for answers. Let's get into the actual product, which has me a bit baffled as to what it is doing and what it did. Webroot is always on and does not hesitate to tell you that when you click SCAN NOW. It essentially states, "we are already working, but if you want to tell us to work, that's fine go ahead." Afterward, a little box shows the word SCANNING for a few seconds, then it goes away. But wait… what happened? What did you actually scan? What did you find or not find? There is no actual way to know what it is actually doing or a record of what was done. Blind faith and trust are sold here - in my opinion, besides giving me a secure browser to use as a layer of security, I do not know how to measure protection here. It doesn't even inspire confidence in me that it scanned anything at all. Chromebook being cloud-based, is it scanning my Google Drive? Is it scanning the physical device only? I have lots of questions without answers. I have not been able to get it to detect anything as my machines are clean, so I don't know if it is actually protecting me. With all this being said, I cannot recommend this. There is too much uncertainty surrounding its ability to detect something already on the device. It is not advertised as antivirus - it is security, so I can say if you buy this, you will only find out if it works when it doesn't. Testing is a bit harder without malware and fake apps to use for infection to verify protection, like in the PC/MAC world. In short, this is software layer of protection at best for the user to stop them from clicking on bad things and installing apps.

REVIEW: WEBROOT - SECURITY FOR CHROMEBOOK ANTIVIRUS (1 DEVICE) (1-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION) [DIGITAL] MODEL:WEB803800V500 MAYBE IT WORKS for CHROME ANTI-VIRUS I was not sure what to expect from WEBROOT - SECURITY FOR CHROMEBOOK, but I did expect a little more. I assume it is working, but there is no console or any reporting to let me know it is working. If you click on the app, then the scan now, it says in effect, I’m already running, but if it would make you feel better go ahead and press SCAN NOW. I spent a lot of time trying to find anything that would let me know what is going on. As near as I can tell it is mostly just offering “safe surfing” either through the apps own browser window or via a chrome extension. Eventually, I noticed the “support” button which promises to let you manage your devices from a central web portal. After setting up multi factor authentication and going to the management console, there are no options for managing Chrome devices, only for managing PC. So even the WEBROOT management console has no settings for the WEBROOT - SECURITY FOR CHROMEBOOK ANTIVIRUS. I can see my licenses and that is all. So, I have to assume it working, but there really is no way to tell. SETUP: I clicked on the link provided with the license. It took me to the Google Play Store, where it downloaded the app. My first “red flag” was a giant warning message “This app is designed for mobile devices and might not display correctly”. So, it seems that not only does the management console not know about the Chromebook version, neither does the installation app on the Google Play Store. SUMMARY / RECOMMENDATIONS I guess safe surfing is better than nothing. I assume it is running and if I happen across malware or a virus, then I assume it will do something. In my humble opinion, this is an incomplete product that is not yet fully integrated into the rest of webroot’s product suite. At a minimum it needs some way to give the user confidence that it is doing its job.