The new system-level privacy controls cut off the rest of the computer’s access to the hardware, which is, for all intents and purposes, a software replacement for the physical camera and microphone off switch one can find on many laptops.
But instead of adding hardware switches that cut power to the camera, like a Chromebook’s framework or even a simple plastic sliding gate that blocks the lens, Chromebook manufacturers can simplify the laptop’s design and use an embedded ChromeOS solution instead. Of course, there’s nothing safer than a complete power disconnect for the camera and microphone – and for visual confirmation, one can always stick a sliding plastic gate.
The ChromeOS camera and microphone are coming in an unspecified future software update “later this year,” according to Google. Once the update arrives, Chromebook users will have access to a new section called Privacy Controls, which can be found under Settings > Security & Privacy.
Google is also expanding enterprise and business security features that include new identity and data control features that help IT departments manage user logins and help prevent sensitive information from unintentionally traveling around and outside organizations. It includes the ability to prevent users from sharing sensitive files where they shouldn’t, print only to where they should, prevent copy-and-paste capabilities to prevent text from falling in the wrong place, and more.
Google is working with popular third-party security and enterprise management companies like Palo Alto Networks, ClowdStrike, Microsoft, and more to give IT departments the ability to better integrate Chromebooks into their environments. For example, organizations using CrowdStrike XDR integration to monitor threats can now use Google’s XDR connector framework to connect Chromebooks to the Falcon platform. Google also has connectors for organizations that use Chronicle and Cortex for access event reporting, as well as Azure AD and Netskope for identity management.
ChromeOS is largely built around managing mobile devices, and these new tools can help make Chromebooks a more attractive option for enterprises. It’s also important timing for Google: IT departments are now likely to consider hardware upgrades after the covid PC buying rush. While Chromebooks would be an inexpensive option to consider, they’ve also been found to have a short lifespan and are difficult to repair, according to the American Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.