Security for Chromebook Is Now Generally Available

Introduction

This document describes the announcement of the General Availability for the evolution of the Umbrella Chromebook client: Cisco Security for Chromebook. 

Overview

Our new software client for Chromebook provides Umbrella DNS-layer security for the entire Chromebook OS, and Secure Web Gateway protection for the Chrome browser, giving customers the expanded protection they need. 

The Cisco Security for Chromebook client is a Chrome browser extension that leverages DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) to provide enhanced protection and performance for Chromebook devices. Developed in close partnership with Google, the client ensures the best compatibility and addresses the need to migrate the Chromebook client to the new Google MV3 (Manifest V3) API framework. This is important because the MV2 (Manifest V2) APIs are undergoing deprecation.

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For more information on the deprecation of the MV2 APIs, please reference this Google documentation: Manifest V2 support timeline. 

How It works

The Cisco Security for Chromebook client delivers both DNS-layer security & secure web gateway (SWG) protection. DNS protection is provided by routing the Chromebook’s DNS traffic to Umbrella DoH resolvers and SWG protection is provided by setting up a Secure Web Proxy.  

Key Benefits 

• Enhanced Security Features: Added support for custom block pages, safe search, and intelligent proxy (features that were not available in our legacy DNS Chromebook client). 
• Protection for Operating System: Extends DNS protection beyond the Chrome browser to all Chromebook apps and components​.
• Unified Client Experience: Unifies DNS and SWG (Secure Web Gateway) layer protection into one client. This is a big win for customers as they no longer need two separate clients for DNS and SWG protection. 
• Selective SWG Enablement: SIG customers that wish to enable only DNS protection (DoH) for Chromebooks do have the option to disable SWG for their orgs. 
• Faster Page Load Times: By leveraging DoH, the new client offers a faster and more effective browsing experience. 

Customers Need to Migrate

This new client is the evolution of Umbrella Chromebook security: For both Umbrella DNS and SIG customers, Cisco Security for Chromebook is the only client they need moving forward.  

Migration Process

To streamline the migration process, customers that already have the SWG Umbrella Chromebook Client (the legacy Umbrella SWG client) is automatically upgraded to the Cisco Security for Chromebook client. Customers that have the Umbrella Chromebook Client (legacy Chromebook DNS client) installed need to manually migrate to the new Cisco Security for Chromebook client. Customers can refer Migration Scenarios for information on how to migrate. 

An updated version of the article with End-of-Life (EOL) & End-of-Support (EOS) information for Umbrella Chromebook Client customers is now available: Prepare for Upcoming Changes - Umbrella Chromebook Client and SWG Umbrella Chromebook Client. 

Useful Resources

User Guides:  

• • Umbrella DNS Customers  
  • Umbrella SIG Customers

Readiness Assessment

To ensure that a customer can easily migrate to the new solution, this needs to be verified: 

• Compatibility: Verify if the Chromebook can be upgraded to Chrome OS (Operating System) version 110 or higher. Use the Chrome OS Supported Builds to check this. 
• Auto Update Status:  Also confirm the Chromebook's Auto Update Expiration status by referring to this Google Article: Auto Update Expiration. 

Our Commitment to Support You

Our dedicated Cisco Umbrella Team is here to assist you throughout this transition. If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to us at:

Email: umbrella-support@cisco.com 

Dashboard: Access support contact information via the Umbrella Dashboard. Click on Admin > Licensing to view support contact details.

We value your cooperation during this transition. We are confident that the enhanced security experience with the new Cisco Security for Chromebook Client is worth it. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Sincerely,

Cisco Umbrella Team