Buzz
Microsoft has begun testing browser security tools for Chrome and Firefox that function as a 'sandbox mode', allowing users to securely access unreliable websites without the fear of viruses and malware.
The Windows Defender Application Guard extension, currently available on Edge browser, will automatically redirect unlisted websites to an isolated 'sandbox' environment. This cuts off the connection to the browsing session, data, and files from the user's computer.
Similar to how it operates on Edge browser, the extension will check URLs based on a list of trusted websites determined by Admins and guide users to access the isolated browsing session. Users can then use this session to freely browse websites not listed on the Whitelist without the risk of infection.
Microsoft is currently testing this feature prior to its rollout as part of the next major Windows update codenamed April 2019 or 19H1. The feature is currently available to Windows Insider users, and will only be available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions after its release this spring.
The browser extension operates based on organizational group policies, meaning once set up by the network Admin, it can be applied across all company devices. Additionally, following Microsoft's guidance, this tool can also be configured to isolate networks or applications.
After installation and full deployment, when users open Chrome or Firefox browser, they will see the Windows Defender Application Guard landing page displayed on the screen.
During web browsing, URLs not on the Whitelist will open in a new Application Guard window. Users can also open a sandbox session by toggling the button in the Settings menu.
Note that the extension does not open a 'sandbox' session on the user's native browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, but on Edge browser tabs it will be isolated, meaning users are compelled to use Edge when browsing unreliable websites. A welcome news for Coc Coc users is that since it shares the Chromium engine, there's a high chance this extension can also be utilized on Coc Coc.
The extension is one of the security features Microsoft is developing for enterprise users. The software giant is also expanding the idea of sandbox experience to users browsing on computers, and will be rolled out as a new feature in the next major Windows 10 update.
Additionally, the Windows Sandbox tool is currently under testing, redirecting enterprise users to a computer environment like a virtual machine to run suspicious software. This will allow users to run applications within a clean Windows 10 setup without running a full virtual machine, eliminating the risk of opening potentially harmful applications on their devices.
