Is It Safe to Let a Browser Extension Save What I Type?

The idea of a browser extension recording everything you type might sound like a “keylogger.” In the wrong hands, that’s exactly what it is. However, for anyone who has lost hours of work to a browser crash, a form recovery tool is a lifesaver.

So, how do you balance productivity with security? It comes down to understanding the Threat Model.

The Threat Model: What are we protecting against?

When you use an extension like Form Recover, you are protecting yourself against:

Browser/OS Crashes: The most common cause of data loss.
Accidental Tab Closure: Closing a window before hitting “Submit.”
Session Timeouts: When a website logs you out while you’re still typing.

The “threat” here is data loss, not a malicious hacker. However, by installing a tool to prevent data loss, you must ensure you aren’t introducing a new threat: data theft.

Local-Only vs. Cloud Storage

This is the most important distinction in the world of browser extensions.

The Cloud Approach

Some extensions sync your saved text to their servers so you can “access it anywhere.” While convenient, this is a massive privacy risk. If the company’s database is breached, your unsubmitted drafts (which might contain sensitive personal thoughts or company data) are exposed.

The Local-Only Approach (The Form Recover Way)

Form Recover uses a combination of chrome.storage.local and IndexedDB. This means:

Zero Servers: Your data never leaves your computer.
Encrypted History: Draft history is stored in an encrypted IndexedDB database on your local machine.
No Accounts: You don’t need to log in, so there is no identity to link to the data.
Sandbox Security: The data sits within the browser’s protected sandbox, isolated from other websites.

The Verdict: If an extension asks for an email address or mentions “Cloud Sync,” proceed with extreme caution. If it works offline and stores data locally, the risk is significantly lower.

What an Extension Can’t Promise

Even the most secure extension has limitations. You should know that:

Physical Access is Still a Risk: If someone has physical access to your unlocked computer, they could potentially view the local storage of any extension. Always lock your screen (Cmd+L or Win+L).
It’s Not a Backup System: Form recovery is meant for short-term “emergency” retrieval. It is not a replacement for hitting “Save Draft” on a professional platform.
Compatibility: Some websites use complex “Shadow DOMs” or custom text editors (like some versions of Google Docs) that can be difficult for standard extensions to read.

Final Thoughts

Is it safe? Yes—if the extension is local-only and transparent about what it ignores. By keeping your data on your machine and staying away from the cloud, you get the “airbag” protection of auto-save without the privacy “leak” of a third-party server.