ChromeOS-Administrator Questions and Answers

When a Chrome device is reported stolen, the administrator should immediately take action to protect the data and prevent unauthorized access. The most effective step is to disable the device through the Google Admin console. This will prevent anyone from signing in to the device, rendering it unusable.

Here's how to disable a stolen Chrome device:

Sign in to Google Admin console: Use your administrator credentials.

Navigate to Devices: Go to Devices > Chrome > Devices.

Locate the Device: Find the stolen device using its serial number or other identifying information.

Disable the Device: Click on the device and select "Disable."

This will disable the device and prevent anyone from signing in, even if they try to reset the device.

To check which policies are applied to a ChromeOS device, navigate tochrome://policyin the Chrome browser. This page displays a list of all policies applied to the device, including both user-specific and device-specific policies. This is the most accurate way to verify that the device is receiving the correct policies from the Google Admin console.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle Chrome Enterprise Policy Guide, which recommends using thechrome://policyURL to review current policy settings on a device.

"To see the policies applied to a ChromeOS device, open Chrome and go to chrome://policy. This page lists both user and device policies that are currently enforced."

This method allows administrators to validate the application of policies directly on the device, confirming that updates from the Admin console have been successfully applied.

Objectives:

Validate policy application on managed ChromeOS devices.

Use chrome://policy to troubleshoot policy issues.

Go to the Google Admin console.

Navigate to "Device Management" > "Chrome Management" > "User & browser settings".

Find the section for "Managed Guest Session".

Locate the setting for "Terms of Service".

Upload your "Terms of Service" document in plain text format.

This will present your Terms of Service to users when they log in as a guest on any managed ChromeOS device.

Why other options are incorrect:

A. Chrome Verified Access:This is for controlling access to corporate resources, not displaying terms of service.

C. Wallpaper:Using the wallpaper to display terms of service is not practical or user-friendly.

D. Custom avatar:The avatar is for user personalization and not related to terms of service.

When using athird-party Identity Provider (IdP)with SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO), users might only be able to log in when connected to the Internet if theSAML single sign-on login frequencysetting is configured in a way that requires online authentication. This configuration means that users must reauthenticate against the IdP whenever they log in, rather than using cached credentials.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS SSO Configuration Guide, which specifies that configuring login frequency to "Always" forces online reauthentication.

"If the SAML single sign-on login frequency is set to 'Always', users must be online to authenticate through the third-party IdP each time they log in."

To allow offline login, configure the setting to allow cached credentials, which enables users to log in even without an active Internet connection.

Objectives:

Enable offline login for SAML-based SSO.

Manage login frequency settings effectively.

Update rollout plans in the Google Admin console allow administrators to gradually roll out ChromeOS updates to a subset of devices first. This allows for testing in a controlled environment before deploying to the entire fleet, reducing the risk of unexpected issues impacting all devices.

Steps to add an update rollout plan:

Access Google Admin Console: Sign in with your administrator credentials.

Navigate to Device Management: Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Updates.

Create Rollout Plan: Click on "Add an update rollout plan."

Select Devices: Choose the specific devices or organizational units (OUs) to include in the initial rollout.

Set Timeline: Define the start and end dates for the rollout.

Save and Apply: Save the plan and apply it to the selected devices.

To restrict updates to specific time frames, configureBlackout windowsin the Admin console. Blackout windows allow administrators to specify periods during which ChromeOS devices are not allowed to update. This feature is particularly useful for kiosk devices, where unexpected updates could disrupt operations.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Update Management Guide, which specifies that blackout windows help control update timing.

"Configure blackout windows to prevent ChromeOS devices from updating during specified hours, ensuring that kiosks remain functional during business operations."

Blackout windows are essential for environments where uptime is critical, such as retail kiosks or customer service points, as they prevent disruptions caused by automatic updates.

Objectives:

Control update schedules for ChromeOS devices.

Maintain device availability during operational hours.

If a ChromeOS device has previously been signed in to, you mustwipe the device (Powerwash)before enrolling it into the enterprise. This ensures that any existing user data and previous configurations are removed, allowing the device to start the enrollment process as new.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Device Enrollment Guide, which specifies that devices must be wiped to remove any previous user associations before enterprise enrollment.

"To enroll a previously used device, perform a factory reset (Powerwash) to ensure it is in a clean state, ready for enterprise enrollment."

Wiping the device ensures that it is free from personal settings or residual user data, which might conflict with enterprise policies.

Objectives:

Enroll ChromeOS devices in an enterprise environment.

Maintain compliance with managed device policies.

Disabling a ChromeOS device in the Admin console prevents it from booting up or being used, effectively rendering it inoperable. However, it retains the device's association with the organization, allowing administrators to track its location and manage it remotely if recovered.

The other options are not as suitable:

Tagging as stolen:Doesn't prevent device usage.

Powerwash:Removes all data and enrollment, making management impossible.

Deprovision:Removes device association, making management impossible.

To create a custom admin role in the Google Admin console, you need tocreate the roleand thenassign the required privileges. This method allows for precise control over what the delegated admin can manage, adhering to the principle of least privilege.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle Admin Console Roles and Permissions Guide, which explains the process of creating and assigning custom roles.

"To create a custom admin role, go to Admin Console > Admin roles, create a new role, and assign the necessary privileges."

Creating a custom role is essential when you need specific permissions to be delegated without granting full admin access, ensuring both security and operational efficiency.

Objectives:

Implement role-based access control (RBAC).

Delegate admin tasks securely.

ChromeOS is designed with multiple layers of security to protect against malware and viruses:

Read-only file system:Most of the operating system is stored in a read-only partition, making it difficult for malware to modify critical files.

Verified boot:Ensures the integrity of the operating system during bootup, preventing tampering by unauthorized software.

Sandboxing:Isolates different processes and websites, limiting the potential damage of any malware that manages to get through.

Automatic updates:Regularly delivers security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities.

While ChromeOS doesn't come with traditional antivirus software, its built-in security features provide robust protection against most threats.

The "Chrome Release Notes Support" page is the official resource for detailed information about new features, security updates, and bug fixes in each ChromeOS version. It's specifically designed to keep administrators and users informed about changes.

Why other options are incorrect:

A (Support ticket):While Google support can help, it's not the most efficient way to access release notes.

B (YouTube):Unofficial sources may not be accurate or complete.

C (chrome://updates):This only shows the update status of the browser, not detailed release notes.

To assist your CTO in reviewing the documentation on changes each new version of ChromeOS has, you should direct them to the official Chrome Release Notes page. Here’s how you can guide them:

Open a web browser and navigate to the official Chrome Releases blog.

On this page, you can find detailed release notes for each new version of ChromeOS. These notes include information on new features, security updates, bug fixes, and more.

The release notes are categorized by channel (Stable, Beta, Dev) and provide a comprehensive overview of what has changed in each update.

For example, the Stable Channel Update for ChromeOS / ChromeOS Flex provides details on the latest stable version updates1.

To activate biometric unlocking on ChromeOS devices that support it, you need toenable fingerprint unlock. This feature allows users to sign in or unlock their devices using a registered fingerprint, enhancing security and convenience.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Security Features Guide, which specifies that fingerprint unlock must be enabled for compatible devices.

"To enable biometric authentication on supported ChromeOS devices, go to Security Settings and enable fingerprint unlock."

Fingerprint unlock is a secure and fast method of authentication, available on newer ChromeOS devices equipped with fingerprint scanners.

Objectives:

Enhance device security with biometric authentication.

Manage fingerprint settings through ChromeOS.

To ensure ChromeOS devices automatically connect to a specific wireless network upon initial power-on at a remote location, follow these steps in the Google Admin console:

Navigate toDevice Management>Chrome Management>Networks.

Add the Wi-Fi network credentials (SSID and password) to the list of networks.

Set the network configuration to applyBy Device. This ensures that the credentials are pushed to the device itself, not tied to a specific user.

When the devices are powered on at the remote location, they will automatically detect and connect to the configured Wi-Fi network without requiring any manual intervention from the user.

Option B (Zero-Touch Enrollment) simplifies the initial setup process but doesn't automatically configure Wi-Fi.

Options C and D are incorrect because applying network settings by user won't ensure automatic connection on first boot before any user logs in.

To block access to a specific website across all managed guest sessions, you need to add the site to the"list of blocked URLs". This ensures that regardless of the session type, users cannot access the specified site.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Managed Guest Session Guide, which explains that adding URLs to the blocked list restricts access across all sessions.

"To enforce web filtering policies during Managed Guest Sessions, add the URL to the blocked list in the Admin console under User & Browser Settings."

By configuring the blocked URL list, you enforce consistent access policies even when devices are used in guest mode.

Objectives:

Implement web filtering for Managed Guest Sessions.

Enforce consistent security policies across sessions.

Generate a ZTE pre-provision enrollment token for your specified device OU:This token associates devices with the specific organizational unit (OU) during enrollment, allowing for easier management and policy application.

Give the company domain name to your Chrome Partner to enable ZTF:This enables the Zero-Touch Framework, allowing devices to be automatically enrolled as soon as they connect to the internet.

Why other options are incorrect:

C (Generate token for root OU):While possible, it's not ideal as it doesn't allow for granular control over different device groups.

D (Generate token for user OU):Zero-Touch Enrollment is specifically for devices, not users.

E (Use dedicated admin account):While recommended for security, it's not a mandatory step for ZTE.

ChromeOS primarily uses the PEM format for certificate encoding. While it can handle other formats like CER and CRT, it does not support the DER format. DER is a binary format, while ChromeOS requires certificates in a text-based format.

ChromeOS devices configured forLong-term Support (LTS)receive feature updates every6 months. LTS is designed for organizations that require stability and predictability in their device environment, minimizing disruptions caused by frequent updates.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theChromeOS Long-Term Support (LTS) Policy Documentation, which clearly states that updates under LTS are delivered every 6 months.

"LTS updates are released approximately every 6 months, providing stability and minimizing changes while maintaining security updates."

LTS is ideal for educational institutions and enterprises that prioritize stability over cutting-edge features, as it reduces the frequency of significant changes.

Objectives:

Manage ChromeOS updates efficiently.

Implement Long-term Support policies.

This approach balances access to new features with controlled testing. Here's how it works:

Stable Channel:Most devices receive automatic updates on the Stable channel, ensuring security and stability for the majority of users.

Beta Channel:IT staff use the Beta channel to access updates earlier, allowing them to identify and address potential issues before they affect the entire organization.

Evaluation and Adaptation:IT staff can test compatibility, adjust configurations, and prepare for broader deployment based on their experience with the Beta channel.

Option B is incorrectbecause disabling auto-updates compromises security and delays access to new features.

Option C is incorrectbecause while a small beta group is useful, it might not be enough to cover all potential issues.

Option D is incorrectbecause the LTS channel focuses on stability, not early access to new features.

ThePassword Managerfeature in the Google Admin console allows administrators to manage whether users can save and auto-fill passwords on ChromeOS devices. Disabling Password Manager prevents Chrome from remembering passwords, thus enhancing security by requiring users to enter credentials manually.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle Admin Console Password Policy Guide, which outlines how to manage password saving and auto-fill settings.

"Admins can disable the Chrome Password Manager through the Admin console to ensure that user passwords are not saved locally on the device."

This setting is crucial in high-security environments where saving passwords locally might pose a risk. Disabling Password Manager helps maintain stricter security protocols.

Objectives:

Enforce secure password management on ChromeOS devices.

Disable auto-fill and password saving.

This is the most efficient method as it applies the setting to all devices within the organizational unit (OU) through a single policy change in the Admin console.

The other options are less efficient:

Corporate policy:Relies on user compliance and is difficult to enforce.

Chrome Remote Desktop:Requires manual intervention for each device.

Custom app:Adds complexity and potential security risks.

The best practice for preparing a ChromeOS device for a new user while keeping it managed is toenable forced-reenrollmentand thenfactory reset (Powerwash)the device. This ensures that any user-specific data is removed while the device remains enrolled and under enterprise control.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theChromeOS Device Reassignment Guide, which states that enabling forced-reenrollment ensures the device remains managed even after a factory reset.

"To maintain management after a user leaves, enable forced-reenrollment on the OU and then perform a factory reset (Powerwash) on the device."

This approach removes all user-specific data, including files and settings, while ensuring that the device automatically re-enrolls upon reboot, maintaining management and security.

Objectives:

Securely reassign ChromeOS devices.

Maintain enterprise management and policies.

To enroll a previously used device, it must first be wiped to remove any prior user data or configuration. The device must then go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) as if it were new. During the initial setup screen, pressingCTRL+ALT+Ewill start the enterprise enrollment process.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle Admin Console Guide, which details the steps required for re-enrolling previously used ChromeOS devices.

"To re-enroll a device, perform a factory reset (Powerwash), and during the initial login screen, press CTRL+ALT+E to initiate the enrollment process."

This method ensures that any residual configuration or data from the previous user is completely removed before re-enrollment, ensuring a clean setup.

Objectives:

Enroll used ChromeOS devices.

Maintain consistent device management.

The most efficient way to find users who are using a specific app is to navigate toDevices > Chrome > Reportsand utilize the"Apps and Extension"report. This report lists all apps being used within the domain and allows you to filter the results to find the specific app and see associated devices.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle Admin Console Reporting Guide, which highlights using the Apps and Extensions report for tracking app usage.

"To identify users of a specific app, go to Devices > Chrome > Reports and select 'Apps and Extensions' to generate a list of devices using the specified application."

This method is the quickest and most organized way to gather usage data, especially when time-sensitive security issues arise.

Objectives:

Track app usage efficiently.

Identify devices using potentially compromised apps.

Enabling Forced Re-enrollment ensures that even if a device is wiped (Powerwashed), it will automatically re-enroll into the management domain once it connects to the internet. This feature is crucial for maintaining control and management over devices, particularly in cases of theft or loss.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Management Best Practices, where it states that forced re-enrollment helps maintain device management post-wipe.

"When forced re-enrollment is enabled, devices that are wiped are automatically re-enrolled into your domain when connected to the internet."

This setting ensures that the device will always be managed by the organization, regardless of whether it has been wiped, thus mitigating data loss risks.

Objectives:

Manage device security and data integrity.

Implement forced re-enrollment for ChromeOS devices.

This is the most efficient and scalable way to automatically configure Android VPN clients on ChromeOS devices with the correct hostname:

Obtain Configuration: Get the required VPN configuration details (hostname, authentication methods, etc.) from the VPN provider or your organization's network administrator. This configuration is typically in JSON format.

Create Managed Configuration: In the Google Admin console, navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Android Apps > Managed Configurations.

Select the VPN App: Choose the specific Android VPN app you want to configure.

Add JSON Configuration: Paste the JSON configuration into the provided field. Ensure the configuration is valid and accurate.

Save and Deploy: Save the managed configuration and apply it to the desired organizational units (OUs) containing the ChromeOS devices.

This method allows you to centrally manage VPN configurations for Android apps on ChromeOS devices, ensuring consistency and reducing the manual effort required from users.

ChromeOS devices are favored in educational and enterprise settings due to theircentralized management via the Google Admin console. This tool allows IT administrators to manage thousands of devices from a single interface, applying policies, updates, and monitoring remotely.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theChromeOS Enterprise Management Guide, which emphasizes the use of the Admin console for device and user management.

"The Admin console provides a centralized platform to manage ChromeOS devices, including policy application, device monitoring, and updates."

This feature streamlines management tasks, saving time and ensuring consistent policy enforcement across an organization.

Objectives:

Efficient device management in enterprise environments.

Utilize the Admin console for centralized control.

ChromeOS maintains two copies of the operating system on the device: thecurrent versionand abackup version. This dual-system setup ensures that if an update fails or becomes corrupted, the device can fall back to the previous working version.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theChromeOS Update Management Guide, where it clearly states that ChromeOS devices store two versions to facilitate seamless updates and quick rollbacks if needed.

"ChromeOS devices store two versions of the OS. During an update, the new version is applied to the inactive slot while the current version remains active."

This redundancy allows ChromeOS to switch between versions without requiring a full system reinstall, maintaining uptime and stability.

Objectives:

Understand OS redundancy for stability.

Implement update management effectively.

To set upZero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE), an administrator must go toDevices > Chrome > Enrollwithin the Admin console. This is where they can generate the necessary enrollment tokens for automatic enrollment of devices when they first connect to the Internet.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Zero-Touch Enrollment Guide, which specifies the steps to generate enrollment tokens.

"To create Zero-Touch Enrollment tokens, go to Devices > Chrome > Enroll in the Admin console."

Zero-Touch Enrollment simplifies the setup process for educational institutions by automatically enrolling devices into management without manual intervention.

Objectives:

Automate device enrollment using Zero-Touch.

Simplify ChromeOS deployment in educational environments.

The best way to review detailed changes for each new ChromeOS version is to visit theChrome Release Notes Support page. This page contains official documentation about new features, improvements, and fixes introduced with each update.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from theGoogle ChromeOS Release Notes Documentation, which serves as the primary resource for update details.

"For detailed information on ChromeOS updates, visit the Chrome Release Notes Support page, which includes information on version changes and improvements."

Providing access to official release notes ensures that the CTO gets accurate and up-to-date information without relying on third-party interpretations.

Objectives:

Access official documentation for ChromeOS updates.

Keep stakeholders informed of software changes.

When deprovisioning ChromeOS devices for a hardware recall and replacement with different models, choosing the "Different model replacement" option is crucial to retain the Chrome Education/Enterprise Upgrade license compliance. This option ensures that the license is transferred to the new device correctly, avoiding any compliance issues or the need to repurchase licenses.

Here's why this option is important:

License Transfer: It specifically designates the deprovisioning as being due to a hardware replacement with a different model. This triggers the system to transfer the license to the new device upon enrollment.

Compliance: It maintains the compliance of your Chrome Education/Enterprise Upgrade licenses, ensuring you don't violate any licensing terms.

Cost Savings: It avoids the need to purchase new licenses for the replacement devices, saving your organization money.