Google - Chrome Browser Maintenance

Problems accessing web pages and general browser maintenance

A browser is used every day for a multitude of tasks.  As more applications are offered via cloud, the browser tends to hold on to more and more information.  Over time the data build-up can cause problems with logging into or bringing up websites.  Additionally, Hackers are always looking for a way to steal data or resources.  Finally, to remain compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) BSD utilizes a filtering system. This system keeps students and staff alike safe online.  A recent flood of calls to the Help Desk indicate that when searching Google for images, then clicking on an image, results in access to the internet denied.  

Keeping ahead of the saved password/login data: keep in mind MyApps also saves passwords for apps on your page, when saving in Google Chrome there becomes conflict so sites become inaccessible.

• Clearing the Browser
• Clean up Extensions
• Scareware
• Adware
• Redirects

The following steps most often resolves these issues, these steps are provided for Google Chrome Browser.  

(Click here if using Safari on a MACBook)

Clearing the browser

Note: Students can preform clearing browser cached data to reset corrupt Google Meets links and other issues that may occur with  browsing, however, the District prohibits students from clearing the browsing/download history when signed in to their District Google Chrome account. 

If there is an issue contact the District help desk by phone 208-854-6670 or submit a help ticket at the URL, Support.BoiseSchools.org.  

For staff, why clear the browser?

• Since cache is a folder stored inside computer, huge collection of data may run you out of disk space and slow down your device. Clearing cache clears significant amount of data from the browser memory.

• Your browser shows up older page content and ignores fresh content from stored web sites. So, you may end up reading obsolete content or may not land to what you were looking for.

• The information stored in browser cache is sometimes incomplete or corrupt.  Since cache holds downloaded content, clearing would mean that websites would load slower (for the first time) but more complete when you visit the websites again.

Shortcut Keys-While in Google Chrome with only one Chrome tab open, on the keyboard hold Ctrl+Shift and tap Delete (Chromebook press Backspace Key) - and Skip to step 6.

1. Open one Chrome tab or Close all but one tab in Chrome
   • Be certain you are using your Boise Schools Account
2. Select the browser settings then,
3. on top left Select  
4. Click 3rd link down -Privacy and security
5. Click Clear Browsing Data 
6. Select Advanced
7. Set Time range to All time
8.  Check mark ALL  the boxes (MyApps saves passwords and Saved Google Chrome passwords conflict)
9.  Click Clear data
10. Close the browser and re-open.

As a Side Note:

To check your MyApps saved passwords

1.  In upper right select My Profile
2.  On the left select Password Locker
3. For any systems that read completed Click Edit,
4. then edit or Delete
5. If selecting delete the system will either try to ready credentials from the MyApps login OR ask you to update the credentials.

Clean Up Extensions

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click Menu/More, (three dots, upper right corner of the window). 
3. Click Settings.
4. On the left, click Settings .
5. Click Extensions .
6. A new tab will open showing all of your current extensions. Click Remove on any extensions that you do not recognize.

No need to worry if an extension is accidentally removed just Open the Chrome Web Store to install it.

Extensions with a red icon attached are mandated by District Policy and can not be removed from your BSD Google account. 

The browser will now function. The following is a description of what may happen and why you would take these steps, for further reading.   Google Doc version  After the Browser is cleaned up you might want some additional pop-up protection, Further information about protecting your accounts and equipment with a popup blocker in Chrome here.

Protecting your accounts

This link will take you to the District Cyber Security Training for review - use your BSD Google.

Some example of scare tactics used while browsing on the internet, You might see something like this, 

Notice the highlighted URL is NOT associated to Microsoft.

Scareware

These pop-up while surfing the internet, warning there may be virus, malware, or even corrupted files on the computer. Some have even been known to tell you that illegal porn has been detected on your hard drive. The display can even look like a real-time scan of the computer. It might show an actual “scanned” image of your hard drive to seem more legitimate or hijack the logo of Microsoft Security Essentials.  Happens frequently when searching on Google images.

Most of these pop-ups ask you to call a number to speak to a “technician” in order to clear up the “virus”. If you do call this number you would be asked to install a piece of software for the person on the other end of the line to access your computer to remove this “virus.” Of course, there will be a one-time fee you would have to pay for them to take care of the issue. This software is used to infiltrate the hard drive, steal passwords, credit information and other personal data. Oh, and to ensure that you get “infected” again.

Another fake pop-up will ask you to click a link or button below to speak to a “technician” through a chat window. This scenario actually employs bots – programs to mimic human interaction by responding to key words or phrases in a certain manner. Again, a credit card is required to purchase this one time service.

The only thing legit about this “offer” is the charge to your card.

When faced with one of these pop-ups or scareware scams, it is best to just shut down your browser. Don’t click “No” or “Cancel,” or even the “x” at the top right corner of the screen.  Some scareware is designed so that any of those buttons can activate the program, or automatically contact the call center. Just closing the tab it’s in will only cause it to open again.

While in your browser on the keyboard press Shift + ESC  (or Search + ESC) to see the browser Task Manager,
Highlight the browser tab, and click “End Task” or "End Process".