Shared tools use browser extensions, typically because platforms need to route user requests into designated tool sessions without directly delivering upstream master passwords. Extensions may be responsible for identifying RelayX login status, limiting scope, establishing node routing, synchronizing temporary sessions, or displaying available entry points.

This technical approach reduces the risk of direct password propagation while transferring some trust to the extension. The right question is not "are extensions scary," but rather what permissions they request, on which websites they run, what data they process, how they update, and how to exit.

Browser Extension Position in the Access Chain​

A simplified flow is:

  1. User confirms active service in the RelayX console;
  2. Extension only identifies necessary states on RelayX and target tool pages;
  3. After user clicks entry, platform assigns a node for this session;
  4. Browser enters official tool page or designated access page;
  5. After service ends, user exits and releases session.

Specific implementations vary with extension versions; do not infer actual extension permissions from this logic diagram. Actual judgment should be based on Chrome installation prompts, extension detail pages, and current manifest.

What Four Common Permission Types Mean​

Permission Type Possible Use User Should Check
host_permissions Read or modify pages on specified RelayX/tool domains Whether only necessary domains are listed, whether there are <all_urls>
cookies Read or write cookies on authorized domains Whether limited to target sites, whether session purpose is explained
storage Save settings, node status, or non-sensitive preferences What is saved, for how long, how cleanup works after uninstall
declarativeNetRequest/network capabilities Add, remove, or redirect rules for target requests Rule scope, whether unrelated websites are affected

activeTab、tabs、downloads、clipboard and others may also appear. Permission names alone do not equal behavioral conclusions; they must be mapped to product functionality. An extension that only needs to open target websites but requests reading all browsing history and all website content requires more thorough explanation.

Site Access Is the Most Intuitive Control Point​

Chrome allows users to view "Site access" in extension details, with common options including when clicking the extension, on specific sites, and on all sites. Prioritize the minimum scope needed to complete the function.

Before installation, record domains listed in extension prompts; after installation, go to chrome://extensions, open details to verify again. When version updates present new permission prompts, do not automatically agree—first check update notes and help documentation.

Cookies and Sessions: Two Misconceptions to Avoid​

Misconception 1: No password means no credential risk​

Session cookies or tokens may also represent login status. Users should not copy, export, or send complete cookies to support or others. Platforms should diagnose through controlled processes, not have users paste session materials in chat.

Misconception 2: Clearing all cookies is the preferred fix​

Clearing all browsing data will log out email, payment, and other work sites, causing broad disruption. When troubleshooting node issues, first exit target tool and RelayX, disable/enable extension, then only delete site data for relevant domains. Only expand scope when global cache corruption is confirmed.

What Pages Can Extensions See​

Whether an extension can read pages depends on host permissions, content script match rules, and current user authorization. Help documentation should clearly list target sites. Users can reduce exposure through three actions:

  • Create a browser profile dedicated only to marketing tools;
  • Do not log into personal email, banking, and password managers in the same profile;
  • Disable extension when not using nodes, exit session after task completion.

Dedicated profiles are not "absolute isolation," but significantly reduce the scope where unrelated data and extensions coexist.

8 Pre-Installation Checks​

  1. Whether download entry is from RelayX official website or verifiable store page;
  2. Whether the developer name matches the official website;
  3. Whether the version and update time are reasonable;
  4. Whether the privacy policy explains collection, usage, retention, and deletion;
  5. Whether permissions correspond one-to-one with features;
  6. Whether host permissions are limited to RelayX and target tools;
  7. How to notify about new permissions after updates;
  8. Whether there are instructions for disabling, uninstalling, and troubleshooting.

If unable to answer two or three items, contact support first; if both source and permissions cannot be verified, do not install in the main work browser.

Data minimization during use ​

Even if an extension passes security audits, shared sessions are not suitable for all data. It is recommended to only query public domains, keywords, pages, ads, and external links; save exported results to your own controlled location.

Do not put the following into shared sessions:

  • Customer account passwords, cookies, verification codes, and recovery codes;
  • GA4, Search Console, and ad backend authorizations;
  • API keys, payment information, and identity documents;
  • Unreleased product names, budgets, contacts, and sales lists;
  • Internal organizational audit or contract materials.

When this information is needed, use organization-controlled official subscriptions, formal team seats, and audit mechanisms.

Proper procedures for updates, deactivation, and uninstallation ​

Update ​

Update from the original distribution channel; first check permission prompts and release notes. If new permissions are unrelated to current tasks, pause enabling and verify with official support.

Temporary deactivation ​

Exit the tool session, confirm no exports or reports are running; turn off the switch on the extension management page. After re-enabling, enter through the normal RelayX console entry point, do not restore session files from unknown sources.

Permanent uninstallation ​

Exit the target tool and RelayX, download any public research results that need to be retained; remove the extension; delete RelayX and target tool site data as needed; reopen the browser to confirm the entry no longer automatically establishes sessions.

How to identify abnormal behavior ​

Symptom What to do first What not to do
Unrelated website pages are modified Immediately disable the extension and record the page/time Continue entering sensitive information
Browser requests new broad permissions Pause the update and check release notes Allow unconditionally
Target site repeatedly logs out Check service status, nodes, devices, and related site data Import cookies from unfamiliar sources
Blank pages or request failures Individually disable other extensions, test with clean configuration Directly clear all browser data
Customer service asks for password/session token Refuse and use formal support channels Send in chat

When malicious activity is suspected, remove the extension, revoke related official sessions, and change any potentially affected and reused passwords. Submit the extension version, time, page, and desensitized screenshots to the platform.

Minimum management standards for teams ​

  • Designated personnel approve extension sources and versions;
  • Install only in dedicated browser configurations;
  • Review quarterly and whenever new permissions are added;
  • Prohibit connecting to client-side data;
  • Establish exit and cleanup checklists after task completion;
  • Record who used which node to process what public tasks and when;
  • Use formal team seats for client projects, APIs, and long-term assets.

These standards will not eliminate online service risks, but will make access scope, responsibility, and exit paths auditable.

Minimum checklist before and after each use ​

Before entering, confirm extension source, current version, target site permissions, and RelayX service validity; during use, only process public domains and reproducible reports; at the end, complete exports, exit sessions, and close unnecessary tabs. Disable the extension during unused periods, and re-review whenever new permissions are added or version sources change. Record the check date and conclusions in the team asset inventory to avoid different members installing different versions.

FAQ ​

Why can't I just send account passwords ​

Directly sharing master passwords increases the risk of leakage, modification, and reuse, and makes it difficult to revoke access for individual users. Extension nodes attempt to avoid propagating upstream master credentials, but users still need to audit extensions and session handling methods.

Is requesting Cookie permission malicious for extensions​

Permission names alone cannot determine intent. Node sessions may require Cookie handling for specified domains; the key is whether the target site is limited, whether it aligns with functionality, and whether there are transparent explanations and security update mechanisms.

Are incognito windows more secure​

Incognito reduces local history retention, but extensions can only run in incognito mode after user permission. It cannot replace permission minimization, dedicated configurations, and avoiding sensitive data entry.

Is closing the tab enough when not in use​

Not necessarily. Follow service procedures to exit or release nodes; disable extensions when not in use for extended periods. Closing tabs may still retain site Cookies or extension background states.

Further Reading and Next Steps​

Sources and Review Notes​

This article was reviewed by the RelayX editorial team on August 24, 2026, based on the following official sources. Product features, quotas, and prices may change; when making purchase decisions, please verify again by opening official pages and RelayX real-time product pages.