ALL USERS: How to Adjust Perplexity Comet Browser Settings for BSU Security

What is Comet?

Perplexity Comet is an agentic browser — unlike traditional browsers such as Chrome, which primarily display content and respond only when you act, an agentic browser can take actions on your behalf using AI, sometimes without you explicitly directing every step. This creates new possibilities but also introduces significant risks such as increasing your exposure to potential data loss or account compromise.

Why You Should Be Cautious

  • Default installation settings in Comet allow it to duplicate your existing browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox), including importing saved passwords, cookies, and account credentials. 

  • Potential risks include:

    • Comet could access personal accounts used on your device.

    • In some instances, it may bypass two-factor authentication protections.

    • The browser may perform actions on your behalf without your explicit awareness or consent.

  • Comet is not an approved browser at Bridgewater State University, and as such, IT does not provide tech support for it. 

We strongly encourage caution if you choose to install or use this browser.

If You Install Comet

During the installation process, be sure to deselect the option to duplicate or import content from existing browsers. 

What To Do If You Installed Comet and Accepted Default Settings

If you inadvertently installed Comet and allowed it to import your credentials and other data, you should immediately:

1. Launch Comet and click the Drop-down arrow in the upper right corner. Select Settings.

Comet browser menu with the drop-down menu button highlighted.

2. In Settings, Click Autofill and passwords on the left side navigation bar.

Comet Settings menu with Autofill and passwords highlighted.

3. Next, click the new window icon to open the Password Manager.

Password Manager page showing the Password Manager option.

4. Inside the Password Manager, click Settings. 

Password Manager navigation with Settings selected.

 

5. Toggle off the following settings: 

-Offer to save passwords and passkeys

-Sign in automatically

-Use Windows Hello when filling passwords.

Password Manager settings showing password saving, automatic sign-in, and Windows Hello options.

6. Click the Delete data button to prevent Comet from logging into your accounts following new browser updates that may reset the default settings.

Password Manager settings displaying the Delete data button.

7. Restart Comet after making these changes to ensure the updated settings are applied.

Note: Future updates to the Comet browser may change the location or names of these settings.

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