Webroot Chrome Extension: What Data Does It Collect and Share with Third Parties?

As we continue to rely on antivirus software for our digital protection, it's essential to understand what data these programs collect about us and how they share this information with third-party advertisers. In the case of Webroot's Chrome extension, we decided to dig deeper into their data collection practices.

According to Webroot's privacy policy, the company collects a significant amount of data from its users. This includes information related to communications with Webroot, license and account details, device specifications, content provided by customers, financial and transaction history, and contact information.

Some specific examples of the data collected include operating system, MAC address, device ID, browser type, IP addresses, websites visited, location information, and card or banking information. Additionally, Webroot collects customer cloud storage information and purchase history.

While it's not uncommon for antivirus software to collect this type of data, we were concerned about how Webroot shared this information with third-party advertisers. Unfortunately, our investigation revealed that the company does share some user data with these parties.

However, it's worth noting that only a small number of customers were affected by this data sharing practice. Moreover, Webroot was able to contain a recent security breach by mandating two-factor authentication to prevent hackers from accessing customer systems.

In 2019, Webroot suffered a security breach in which hackers spread ransomware across its customer systems. Fortunately, the company was able to recover from this incident without major consequences.

When evaluating antivirus software like Webroot's Chrome extension, it's crucial to consider not only the user experience but also the company's past track record and any potential lawsuits or security vulnerabilities. Despite being targeted by malware themselves, antivirus companies must ensure that their own systems are secure and transparent in their data collection practices.

In conclusion, while Webroot's Chrome extension collects a significant amount of user data, it's essential to understand how this information is shared with third-party advertisers and what measures the company takes to protect its users' privacy. By staying informed about these practices, we can better trust our antivirus software and maintain a safe online experience.

Webroot chrome extension