Google Manifest V3 and Malwarebytes Browser Guard | Malwarebytes (2024)

We wanted to update you on some changes that Google’s making, and what we’re doing in Browser Guard to keep you protected.

Some of our customers have recently reported seeing messages that say Browser Guard may soon no longer be supported in their browser. Luckily, there’s no need for you to worry: You’ll continue to get the same Browser Guard protection and experience, we’ve just had to make some adjustments in how we build the extension.

Today, we brought out the new version of Browser Guard which addresses Google’s changes. If you want to read more of the technical details then you can do so below, or you can head straight over to the Chrome or Edge stores now to update.

A similar change in Firefox is coming soon and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.

What is Google changing?

For those not familiar with the terms, Google’s Manifest V2 and V3 are the “rules” that browser extension developers are required to follow if they want their extensions to get accepted into the Chrome Web Extension Store.

Google says Manifest V3 was brought in to improve the security, privacy, performance, and trustworthiness of the extension ecosystem, while still protecting existing functionality.

The phasing out of Manifest V2 began at the end of May, and the Chrome Web Store no longer accepts Manifest V2 extensions, although browsers can still use them for the time being.

How does Manifest V3 affect Browser Guard?

One of the new changes that impacts Browser Guard and many other ad (and malicious content) blockers is that extensions will be limited in the number of rules they can include. That’s a problem because ad blockers historically rely on a large number of rules.

Cybercriminals have the habit of setting up new domains by the dozen, and, generally speaking, each blocked domain or subdomain requires one rule. So if ad blockers want to keep up, they too have to continuously create new rules.

Google has made some compromises after objections were raised when the company first announced Manifest V3, but there are still limitations which have an effect.

How Malwarebytes has dealt with this

The new limitations of Manifest V3 meant we had to develop a different way to block content for our users that use Chromium based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

The new Browser Guard uses a mix of static and dynamic rules to protect our users.

Static rules are rules that are contained in the ruleset files which can be seen as block lists. These files are shipped with each version release.

Dynamic rules are rules that can be added and removed at runtime. Chrome allows up to 30,000 dynamic rules. Browser Guard uses dynamic rules for two purposes:

  • Session rules are dynamic rules that can be added and removed at runtime, but they are session-scoped and are cleared when the browser shuts down and when a new version of the browser is installed.
  • Dynamic rules can be used to store allow lists, user blocked content, and general rules that block more than one domain. Take, for example, the IP address of a server that is known to host nothing but phishing sites.

To deal with urgent situations we can use ruleset overrides, which are a mechanism by which we can override the static rules shipped with Browser Guard without requiring our users to add exclusions.

Your version of Browser Guard will be automatically updated to the latest version, but if you want to get it now you can do so for Chrome or Edge.

A note on updating Browser Guard

When updating to the latest version of Browser Guard, your browser may prompt you with new or additional permissions. Each browser describes these permissions differently and all can be confusing.

Google Manifest V3 and Malwarebytes Browser Guard | Malwarebytes (1)
Google Manifest V3 and Malwarebytes Browser Guard | Malwarebytes (2)

This language can sound confusing, so let’s clarify what those terms mean with respect to Browser Guard in particular.

Chrome:

  • Read and change all your data on all websites”: This refers to us monitoring for scams, phishing, ads, and malicious URLs. We also monitor content on pages to check for ads, trackers, phishing, scams, and malware.
  • Modify data you copy and paste”: This allows you to share the download URL for Browser Guard with friends and family, so they can stay safe too. We are not reading the contents of your clipboard.
  • Manage your downloads”: When you download something, we check that it isn’t malicious before you install it and potentially infect your computer.
  • Communicate with cooperating native applications”: This allows Browser Guard to integrate with our Windows app to ensure you have a more comprehensive protection suite enabled.

Edge:

  • “Read and change all your data on all websites” or “Read your browsing history”: This refers to us monitoring for scams, phishing, ads, and malicious URLs. We also monitor content on pages to check for ads, trackers, phishing, scams, and malware.
  • “Modify data you copy and paste”: This allows you to share the download URL for Browser Guard with friends and family, so they can stay safe too. We are not reading the contents of your clipboard.
  • “Manage your downloads”: When you download something, we check that it isn’t malicious before you install it and potentially infect your computer.
  • “Communicate with cooperating native applications”: This allows Browser Guard to integrate with our Windows app to ensure you have a more comprehensive protection suite enabled.
  • “Block content on any page”: This refers to us identifying scams, phishing, ads, trackers and malware and then protecting your device from them.

For more information on how we use your information, please see the Browser Guard Privacy Policy.

Thanks for continuing to choose Malwarebytes to protect you.

Google Manifest V3 and Malwarebytes Browser Guard | Malwarebytes (2024)

FAQs

Is Malwarebytes browser guard worth having? ›

Malware protection

Since the Free version doesn't have real-time protection, we used the Browser Guard to run our tests. We found that the Browser Guard successfully blocked 10 out of 10 malicious URLs. However, it showed a 0% success rate in blocking malware downloads, with 0 out of 10 threats blocked.

Is Malwarebytes browser guard free forever? ›

FREE for everyone.

Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a FREE product that provides industry-leading ad, scam and tracker blocking that other companies charge annual fees for. Additionally, all of our Malwarebytes paid plans come with Browser Guard and include extra features for Windows devices.

How do I know if Malwarebytes browser guard is working? ›

Check if Browser Guard is active

You can see the status of Browser Guard from the Full protection screen. Browser Guard statuses include: Activated: Browser Guard protection is active. Updated means you're running the most up-to-date version of Browser Guard.

How do I remove Malwarebytes browser guard from Chrome? ›

You can uninstall Browser Guard by removing the extension from your browser.

Do I need antivirus if I use Malwarebytes? ›

You should consider using an additional antivirus if you have Malwarebytes because it works well with other programs. You'll get extra security coverage without bogging down more resources from Malwarebytes.

Is Malwarebytes enough to remove malware? ›

If you performed a malware scan and found malware on your device, you can remove it with a proper anti-malware in place, such as Malwarebytes software.

Is there a totally free version of Malwarebytes? ›

Download free antivirus software to scan and detect viruses on your device. Remove and protect all devices from viruses and malware with our free antivirus – Malwarebytes Free for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Explore advanced virus protection with Malwarebytes Premium.

Is Malwarebytes trusted or not? ›

Malwarebytes is an award-winning, trusted provider of cybersecurity protection software and services to millions of customers.

Which is better Malwarebytes browser Guard or Microsoft Defender browser protection? ›

Microsoft Defender provides a comprehensive, integrated solution with Windows, offering reliable real-time protection at no additional cost. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, excels in specialized malware detection and offers features such as VPN and identity theft protection.

Why is Malwarebytes blocking everything on Chrome? ›

The anti-malware software MalwareBytes may block certain websites if they are associated with an IP address that is known to contain malicious content. By default, MalwareBytes immediately blocks the Web browser connection to prevent the computer from being infected.

Can Malwarebytes free detect spyware? ›

Malwarebytes sniffs out threats, wherever they're hidden, and its spyware removal functionality cleans and eliminates malware. It's also important to know that Malwarebytes' free spyware scanner uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to keep you safe from online and emerging threats.

Is Malwarebytes browser guard a good thing? ›

Haven't really encountered any big issues with it, it works like expected from what I can see. I've been using it since November 2022 on Firefox and before then on Chromium.

Is there a charge for Malwarebytes browser guard? ›

Malwarebytes Browser Guard is free to download, and you can try Malwarebytes security products free before buying.

Is Malwarebytes browser guard an ad blocker? ›

Malwarebytes Browser Guard not only blocks ads and trackers, it gives you an additional layer of security for your web browser.

What does Malwarebytes browser guard do? ›

The fastest and safest web browsing experience. Malwarebytes Browser Guard blocks malicious websites, credit card skimmers and trackers while filtering out annoying ads and other unwanted content. In fact, you can browse up to four times faster.

Does Malwarebytes browser guard block ads? ›

Browser Guard automatically blocks ads and trackers while using Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. If you see a website ad that was not blocked, you can block it manually by adding it to the Browser Guard Block list.

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