The Chrome extensions They have revolutionized the way we browse the internet, allowing us to personalize the experience and add all kinds of useful features. However, Not everything that is installed is harmless. In recent years, the proliferation of malicious extensions in Chrome has compromised the security and privacy of millions of users, stealing personal information, displaying invasive ads, or modifying the browser's operation without the victims' awareness.
In this article, we'll give you a much-needed refresher on malicious extensions in Google Chrome (and how to protect yourself from them).
Why can Chrome extensions be dangerous?
A key feature of Chrome extensions is your level of access to user data. For add-ons to be truly useful, they often require advanced permissions such as read and modify data on all the pages you visitThis allows them to interact with any website, but also opens the door to serious abuse if the extension is malicious.
The problem is aggravated by several factors:
- Users trust that the official Chrome store filters out any malware.
- Extensions may ask for unnecessary permissions to provide their basic functionality.
- Updates to previously safe extensions can add malicious code after they gain popularity.
In practice, this means that a seemingly legitimate extension, such as an ad blocker or page translator, It may end up spying on your activity, altering search results, or inserting invasive advertising.
What can a malicious extension actually do?
The extent of the damage that a compromised extension can cause goes far beyond what you might imagine. Among the most worrying actions that these accessories can perform are:
- Track everything you do online, creating behavioral profiles to sell to third parties or run customized phishing campaigns.
- Stealing account credentials and banking data entered into any website.
- Replacing links in search results with others that lead to pages infected with adware or malware.
- Inject invasive advertising on legitimate pages, modifying the content you see without you realizing it.
- Fraudulently changing your browser's home page or default search engine.
- Execute code remotely from commands sent by servers controlled by the attackers, even months after installation.
In some cases, extensions are sold to other developers that take advantage of their user base to introduce malicious code overnight with a simple update.
Examples of identified dangerous extensions
Recent public investigations have revealed specific lists of compromised extensions circulating in the Chrome Web Store. Some of the most notable are:
- Autoskip for Youtube
- PDF Toolbox
- soundboost
- Crystal Adblock
- Brisk VPN
- Clipboard Helper
- Quick Translation
- Easyview Reader view
- Maxi Refresher
- Epsilon Ad blocker
- HyperVolume
- Leap Video Downloader
- Super Dark Mode
- Adblock for You
- KProxy
- WAToolkit
- Page Refresh
- Emojis – Emoji Keyboard
- Blipshot (one click full page screenshots)
- Choose Your Chrome Tools
- Fire Shield Extension Protection
- Total Safety for Chrome
- Protecto for Chrome
- Securify for Chrome
She is ready It's just a sample, as experts warn that there are many more, and that the landscape is changing rapidly. If you have any of them installed, it's recommended to remove them immediately and perform a security scan.
How to know if you have a malicious extension and remove it correctly
Detect a malicious extension it's not always easy, as they often go unnoticed until someone exposes their code. However, there are certain symptoms and patterns that can alert you:
- Presence of pop-up ads or banners that did not appear before.
- Changes to your Chrome home page or search engine without your consent.
- New extensions or toolbars that you don't remember installing.
- Redirects to suspicious or unknown sites when searching.
- The inability to close certain tabs with ads or virus alerts.
To remove a potentially dangerous extension:
- Click the Chrome menu (the three vertical dots in the top right corner).
- Choose Extensions and check the list of installed plugins.
- Click on Delete o remove from chrome next to the suspicious extension.
- Restart your browser, and if problems persist, consider resetting Chrome to its original settings from the settings section.
It is advisable to complete these steps with a antimalware software analysis to ensure that no trace remains in the system.
Why do so many dangerous extensions end up in the official store?
The Chrome Web Store has both automated and manual review mechanisms, but it's not foolproof. Several factors explain the recurring presence of fraudulent software:
- Attackers hide their malicious code to go undetected by traditional detectors.
- Some extensions are published as "hidden," meaning they don't appear in searches and can only be installed via a direct link.
- The high volume of new extensions makes it difficult to thoroughly review all of them.
- Some violations are only detected after massive user complaints or third-party investigations.
The problem is that A single developer can upload several extensions with different names and descriptions, complicating the work of moderators.
Google will remove a compromised extension once detected, but This may remain installed on the device if the user does not manually remove it., which increases the risk.
Recommendations to protect yourself from malicious extensions
Many incidents can be avoided applying basic common sense measures and periodically reviewing installed add-ons. Experts agree on advice such as:
- Don't install more extensions than you really need.The fewer you have, the fewer opportunities you give to cybercriminals.
- Research the source and reputation of the extension before installing it, verifying that the developer is trustworthy and has verifiable contact information.
- Read other users' reviews and ratings to detect possible complaints or suspicious behavior.
- Pay attention to the requested permitsIf an extension requests access to sensitive data without a clear reason, it's best to avoid it.
- Frequently review the list of installed extensions and remove those you don't use or that seem suspicious.
- Keep both Chrome and your security or antivirus programs updated on your devices.
Some advanced solutions include specific modules for analyze browser extensions, detecting anomalous behavior and blocking potentially harmful ones before they can cause problems.
What are platforms and developers doing about this problem?
Google has strengthened controls on the Chrome Web Store, introducing behavioral analysis technologies and more rigorous reviews for new add-ons. However, the ultimate responsibility remains with the user:
- Dangerous extensions are removed from the store, but are not automatically uninstalled.
- Upon detecting suspicious code, the platform may disable the extension and warn you.
- Legitimate developers should provide transparent information about the purpose and permissions of their add-ons.
Organizations are continually improving their detection systems, but the environment remains dynamic, and attackers are looking for new ways to circumvent controls.
Practical tips for identifying safe extensions
To determine if an extension is trustworthy, follow these steps:
- Verify that it comes from an official source or recognized developer.
- Read recent reviews, as an extension can change from safe to dangerous if it changes ownership.
- Analyzes the permissions requested during installation and rejects those that are excessive.
- Look for independent information, such as reports from specialized press or technology forums, about the extension.
- If you have any doubts, opt for popular alternatives from trusted developers, who often have more oversight.
Malicious Chrome extensions can be a serious problem. Constant vigilance, common sense, and keeping both your browser and your device security up-to-date are the best measures to protect your personal data. Installing only what's necessary, reviewing extensions regularly, and being alert to unusual browser behavior will help prevent most attacks related to malicious add-ons.
