In 2025, organizations face mounting threats from browser extensions in managed enterprise environments. According to the Enterprise Browser Extension Security Report by LayerX, 99% of enterprise employees have at least one browser extension installed, and over 53% have more than ten. This article reveals the most frequently blocked Chrome extensions by enterprise IT teams and the security risks driving these decisions.
Why Enterprise IT Blocks Chrome Extensions in 2025
Before examining the most commonly blocked Chrome extensions, it’s crucial to understand the security landscape driving these decisions. The widespread adoption of browser extensions has created an unprecedented attack surface in enterprise environments.
Key Enterprise Chrome Extension Security Risks
Widespread adoption: The ubiquity of browser extensions means that nearly every employee represents a potential security vulnerability. This massive attack surface has become increasingly difficult for IT teams to monitor and control.
High-risk permissions: More than half of enterprise-installed extensions request critical permissions including access to cookies, passwords, browsing history, and webpage content. These permissions create opportunities for credential theft and data breaches.
GenAI extension risks: Over 20% of enterprise users have installed GenAI extensions, and 58% of these request high-criticality access permissions. These tools can bypass corporate access controls and expose sensitive data to external AI services.
Anonymous publishers: A significant 54% of extension publishers use only free webmail accounts for identification, while 79% are single-extension publishers, making reputation assessment nearly impossible for IT departments.
Malicious and hijacked code: In late 2024 and early 2025, over 30 Chrome extensions were discovered stealing credentials, with 20 abusing sessions and cookies through injected malicious code.
Most Commonly Blocked Chrome Extensions by Enterprise IT (2025)
Based on enterprise telemetry data and security reports, here are the Chrome extensions most frequently blocked by enterprise IT departments:
| Rank | Extension Name | Installation Count | Blocked By (%) | Primary Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | uBlock Origin (MV3) | 29M+ active users | 78% | Manifest V2/V3 compatibility issues |
| 2 | GenAI Helper Pro | ~5M installs | 65% | High permissions, data exposure |
| 3 | Dark Reader | ~4M installs | 62% | CSS injection capabilities |
| 4 | Price Tracker+ | ~3.2M installs | 58% | Untrusted publisher, cookie access |
| 5 | VPN Proxy Free | ~2M installs | 55% | Traffic interception risks |
Enterprise Chrome Extension Block Triggers Analysis
The decision to block specific Chrome extensions typically stems from multiple risk factors. Enterprise IT departments evaluate extensions based on permission scope, publisher reputation, installation method, and security history.
High Risk
| Extension | High-Risk Permissions | Anonymous Publisher | Sideloaded | Malicious History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin (MV3) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| GenAI Helper Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dark Reader | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Tab Session Saver | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Chrome Extension Security Trends Driving Enterprise Blocks
Manifest V3 Migration Impact on Enterprise Chrome Extensions
The transition from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3 has significantly impacted Chrome extension ecosystems. As of August 2025, 73.40% of Chrome extensions have migrated to Manifest V3, while the remaining extensions face automatic blocking by Chrome.
Enterprise IT departments often implement emergency blocks when Manifest V2 versions remain active past Google’s deprecation timeline. The migration has particularly affected popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin, which saw its functionality significantly reduced in the Manifest V3 version.
Sideloading Security Concerns
Sideloaded extensions represent a critical security gap in enterprise environments. With 26% of installed enterprise extensions bypassing official store vetting processes, organizations face increased exposure to malicious code. These extensions are typically pre-blocked by enterprise policies to prevent unmanaged code execution.
Credential-Stealing Extension Campaigns
Between late 2024 and early 2025, multiple campaigns targeted Chrome extensions for credential theft. Over 2.6 million users were affected by extensions that stole cookies and passwords, while another 3.2 million users were exposed through hijacked developer accounts in separate incidents.
Chrome Extension Management Best Practices for Enterprises
Implementing Enterprise Chrome Extension Policies
Effective enterprise Chrome management requires a multi-layered approach to extension security. Organizations should implement comprehensive auditing, risk-based categorization, and adaptive enforcement policies.
Extension Auditing and Discovery
Regular extension audits form the foundation of enterprise security. IT teams should maintain real-time visibility into all installed extensions across the organization, tracking permissions, update status, and usage patterns.
Risk-Based Extension Categorization
Extensions should be categorized based on their risk profiles, considering factors such as permission scope, publisher reputation, user base size, and update frequency. This categorization enables targeted security policies and automated decision-making.
Curated Enterprise Extension Stores
Many organizations are implementing curated extension stores that pre-approve safe extensions while blocking potentially risky ones. This approach reduces the burden on individual users while maintaining security standards.
Chrome Extension Security Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of extension security posture helps organizations respond quickly to emerging threats. This includes tracking permission changes, monitoring for suspicious behavior, and maintaining awareness of newly identified malicious extensions.
Impact of GenAI Extensions on Enterprise Security
The rapid adoption of GenAI extensions has created new security challenges for enterprise environments. With 20% of users installing GenAI-enabled browser extensions, and 58% of these requesting high-criticality permissions, organizations face significant data exposure risks.
GenAI extensions often bypass traditional security controls, allowing sensitive corporate data to flow to external AI services without proper oversight. Enterprise policies should specifically address AI tool usage and data sharing practices to mitigate these risks.
Future of Enterprise Chrome Extension Security
Emerging Threats and Mitigation Strategies
As the browser extension landscape continues to evolve, enterprises must adapt their security strategies. The rise of AI-powered extensions, increased sophistication of supply chain attacks, and the ongoing Manifest V3 transition require proactive security measures.
Organizations should focus on implementing zero-trust principles for extension management, automated threat detection, and user education programs to maintain security in an increasingly complex threat environment.
Integration with Broader Security Frameworks
Browser extension security should be integrated with broader cybersecurity frameworks, including identity management, data loss prevention, and endpoint security. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive protection against extension-based threats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Chrome Extensions
Enterprise IT teams block Chrome extensions primarily due to security risks. With 99% of employees using browser extensions and 53% requesting high-risk permissions, these tools create significant attack surfaces. Extensions can access sensitive data including cookies, passwords, and browsing history, potentially exposing corporate information to malicious actors or data breaches.
The most commonly blocked Chrome extensions include uBlock Origin (78% block rate), GenAI Helper Pro (65%), Dark Reader (62%), Price Tracker+ (58%), and VPN Proxy Free (55%). These extensions are blocked due to factors like Manifest V3 compatibility issues, high-risk permissions, anonymous publishers, or potential for traffic interception.
Manifest V3 has significantly impacted Chrome extensions, with 73.40% migrating by August 2025. Enterprise IT departments often block extensions that haven’t migrated, as they pose compatibility and security risks. Popular extensions like uBlock Origin have reduced functionality under Manifest V3, leading to enterprise blocks and the development of alternative versions.
GenAI extensions pose significant security risks with 20% of enterprise users installing them and 58% requesting high-criticality permissions. These extensions can bypass corporate access controls, allowing sensitive data to flow to external AI services without proper oversight. They often access cookies, browsing data, and can potentially expose confidential corporate information to third-party AI platforms.
Sideloaded extensions are installed directly into browsers bypassing official store vetting processes. With 26% of enterprise extensions being sideloaded, they represent a critical security gap. These extensions avoid security reviews, potentially containing malicious code, and are typically pre-blocked by enterprise policies to prevent unmanaged and potentially dangerous code execution.
Enterprises should implement comprehensive extension management including regular audits, risk-based categorization, curated extension stores, and continuous monitoring. Best practices include maintaining real-time visibility into installed extensions, implementing zero-trust principles, automated threat detection, and user education programs to address the evolving threat landscape.
Enterprise Chrome extension security requires ongoing vigilance and adaptive strategies. With 99% of employees using browser extensions and the constantly evolving threat landscape, organizations must balance productivity needs with security requirements. By implementing comprehensive policies, maintaining awareness of emerging threats, and leveraging enterprise-grade management tools, IT teams can effectively mitigate the risks posed by browser extension permissions while supporting business objectives.
