Advanced Configuration

Custom Builds

Enterprise

For organizations with specific requirements, Ghostery can provide custom extension builds with unique extension IDs, allowing self-hosted distribution and controlled update schedules.

When to Use Custom Builds

• Controlled Updates: Test new versions internally before deploying to production
• Air-Gapped Networks: Deploy to systems without internet access to extension stores
• Custom Extension ID: Use an organization-specific extension ID
• Pre-configured Settings: Embed default configurations directly in the extension

Chrome Custom Build Deployment

Ghostery will provide you with:

• A .crx extension file
• A unique extension ID
• A manifest.xml update file

Host the Update Manifest

Host the manifest.xml file on your internal server:

<gupdate xmlns="http://www.google.com/update2/response" protocol="2.0">
  <app appid="YOUR_CUSTOM_EXTENSION_ID">
    <updatecheck codebase="https://internal.company.com/extensions/ghostery-enterprise.crx" version="10.4.11"/>
  </app>
</gupdate>

Configure Force Install

Add to ExtensionInstallForcelist:

YOUR_CUSTOM_EXTENSION_ID;https://internal.company.com/extensions/manifest.xml

Update Process

1. Download the new extension version from Ghostery
2. Test in a staging environment
3. Update the .crx file on your server
4. Update the version number in manifest.xml
5. Chrome will automatically fetch the update on next policy sync

Firefox Custom Build Deployment

Ghostery will provide you with:

• A signed .xpi extension file
• A unique extension ID (e.g., your.org@ghostery.com)
• An updates.json file

Host the Update Manifest

{
  "addons": {
    "your.org@ghostery.com": {
      "updates": [
        {
          "version": "10.4.11",
          "update_link": "https://internal.company.com/extensions/ghostery-enterprise.xpi"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

Configure policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "ExtensionSettings": {
      "your.org@ghostery.com": {
        "installation_mode": "force_installed",
        "install_url": "https://internal.company.com/extensions/ghostery-enterprise.xpi",
        "updates_disabled": false
      }
    }
  }
}

Hosting Requirements

• HTTPS: Extension files must be served over HTTPS
• Correct MIME Types:
  • .crx: application/x-chrome-extension
  • .xpi: application/x-xpinstall
  • .xml: application/xml
  • .json: application/json
• Availability: Ensure the server is accessible from all managed devices

Version Management

Best practices for managing custom build versions:

• Maintain a staging environment for testing new versions
• Keep previous versions available for rollback
• Document which version is deployed to which environment
• Subscribe to Ghostery release notifications