Effective Browser Management with ManageEngine Endpoint Central

19-12-2024
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Author : Haresh Hirani

Web browsers are critical for modern workflows but also represent a significant security and productivity risk if not managed effectively. ManageEngine Endpoint Central enables IT administrators to enforce browser policies, manage extensions, secure browsing activity, and control user behavior, ensuring a safer and more efficient online environment. This guide walks you through the steps to implement browser management using Endpoint Central.

Why Browser Management Is Important

Modern browsers store sensitive data and provide access to various resources, making them targets for cyber threats. Browser management helps to:

Ensure compliance with security standards.
Improve productivity by restricting non-work-related browsing.
Protect users from phishing and malicious websites.
Gain visibility into browser usage and enforce company policies.

Step 1: Install Browser Security Agent

Browser Security Agent are essential for enforcing policies and managing settings.

How to Install Browser Security Extensions:

Access the Admin Console:
- Log in to ManageEngine Endpoint Central.
Navigate to Add-on Deployment:
- Go to Browsers > Add-on Settings.
Configure Agent Settings:
- Select the Install Browser Security extensions on managed browsers checkbox.

Once installed, these extensions will enable various features such as tracking browser usage and enhancing security measures.

Step 2: Manage Extensions

ManageEngine Endpoint Central simplifies the process of controlling browser extensions by allowing IT administrators to manage, distribute, and restrict extensions through predefined policies. To manage browser extensions effectively, follow these steps:

Access Extension Repository:
1. In the Endpoint Central console, navigate to Browsers.
2. Click on Extension Repository.
Add Extensions: You can either upload a CSV file containing details of extensions or manually add extensions by clicking on Add Extension.
Select Extensions for Distribution: After adding extensions, select the ones you want to distribute by checking their respective boxes.
Distribute Extensions:
1. Click on Distribute Extensions.
2. Choose the target machines or user groups that require these extensions.
Confirm Deployment: Review your selections and click on Deploy.

This process optimizes time management while ensuring consistency across browsers.

Step 3: Manage Bookmarks

The Bookmark Manager in Endpoint Central allows you to deploy essential web applications as bookmarks:

Access Bookmark Management:
1. In the Endpoint Central console, navigate to Browsers.
2. Click on Policies > Browser Customization.
Create Policy: Select the Browser and provide a name and description for the policy.
Go to Bookmark Manager > Add Bookmark, then enter the URL of each web application or website you want to include as a bookmark.
Organize Bookmarks into Groups (Optional): You can create groups for bookmarks based on categories (e.g., Finance, HR).
Deploy Bookmarks:
1. Select the bookmarks or groups you wish to deploy.
2. Choose target machines or user groups that will receive these bookmarks.
Finalize Deployment: Click on Deploy Bookmarks, ensuring that users have direct access to critical resources without unnecessary searching.