Google confirmed that it has removed 34 malicious extensions from Chrome. This isn’t the first time Chrome has been spotted with malicious extensions, some of which may still be downloaded on some people’s devices. Here’s what we know so far.
How are extensions discovered?
Cybersecurity expert Wladimir Palant found malicious extension When analyzing a piece of software called PDF Toolbox, it had more than 2 million users. He found hidden code in the extension that had gone unnoticed for at least a year.
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That prompted multinational cybersecurity software company Avast to dig deeper into the issue. They found 32 malicious extensions and reported them to Google, who then found two more, bringing the total to 34.
With more than 75 million total downloads, these extensions are capable of injecting ads into pages, mining cryptocurrency, or collecting user data such as browsing profiles, online banking credentials, or credit card information.
34 Malicious Extensions Found in the Chrome Web Store
Ad Blocker Dragon
Alfablocker Ad Blocker
Amazon Dark Mode
Automatically skip YouTube
great auto refresh
Basic Image Downloader
active vpn
click on the funny cursor
clipboard assistant
Cursor Custom Cursor
craft cursor
crystal ad block
Easily undo closed tabs
Easyview reader view
Epsilon Ad Blocker
font customizer
super volume
Image Download Center
Feiyue Video Downloader
light picture in picture
The largest color changer for YouTube
maxi freshener
cleaner
PDF Toolbox
quick translation
Qspeed Video Speed Controller
Readl reader mode
repeat button
screen screen recorder
loudspeaker
click image downloader
Gold Star Ad Blocker
volume frenzy
zoom plus
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How to remove malicious extensions?
use delete option
Open chrome alloy
click three vertical point
Steps to Remove Malicious Extensions Immediately (Cyberguy.com)
click expand
Steps to Remove Malicious Extensions Immediately (Cyberguy.com)
choose management extension
Steps to Remove Malicious Extensions Immediately (Cyberguy.com)
Find the extension you want to remove and click eliminate
Steps to Remove Malicious Extensions Immediately (Cyberguy.com)
click eliminatedouble confirm
Steps to Remove Malicious Extensions Immediately (Cyberguy.com)
Is your private data being sold on this darknet market?
How to protect yourself from malicious extensions?
In addition to the 34 malicious extensions, there are likely many more active extensions that have yet to be discovered. You can take these steps to make sure you don’t download any malicious extensions to your device and risk your information being stolen. Here are some of my suggestions.
read the comments carefully
Please read reviews carefully before downloading anything to your device. If you notice a lot of negative reviews, that’s never a good sign. If you see positive reviews that are very vague and don’t provide specific details, they may be fake reviews created by scammers to entice people. Please use your judgment and trust your instincts.
Stick to official app stores or trusted sources
Download extensions from reputable sources, such as official browser extension marketplaces, to reduce the risk of downloading malware.
Check for spelling and grammar errors
How to identify and stop applications that are listening to you
Typically, malicious extensions have spelling and grammatical errors. A legitimate extension will be thorough in spelling and grammar, look more professional, and not repeat the same words. If you notice a large number of errors in an extension’s name or description, consider this a red flag.
Keep your software up to date
Regularly update your operating system and web browser software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection from emerging threats.
Be careful with permissions
Pay attention to permissions and extension requests when installing. If an extension is asking for excessive or unnecessary permissions, this could be a red flag.
good antivirus software
The best step you can take to protect yourself from malicious extensions is to install good antivirus software on all your devices. Running antivirus software on your device will ensure that you do not click on any malicious links or download any files that will unleash malware onto your device and potentially steal your private information. They will also help you avoid any websites or phishing scams that might compromise your online security.
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Kurt’s Essentials
The discovery and removal of 34 malicious extensions from the Chrome Web Store underscores the persistence of such threats in the browser. You should be careful with permissions, check reviews thoroughly, regularly update your operating system and web browser software, and consider using antivirus software to protect yourself from these potentially harmful extensions. In the meantime, hope Google will quickly remove any remaining malicious extensions.
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