Chrome Extensions Malware Guide: Problems, Dangers & Removal
- Salman Ahmed
- June 28th, 2018
“People’s computers are not getting more secure. They are getting more infected with viruses. They are getting more under the control of malware.” – (Avi Rubin)
Chrome extensions malware are annoying as hell! One would think the extension they are installing will enhancing their browsing experiecne. Sadly, this is not the case. There are hundreds and thousands of browser extensions that contain dangerous malware and have one objective – steal user’s data!
However, don’t worry, if there is a problem then there is a solution! That is why we are here to provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide about Chrome extensions malware. So, let’s go!
What is Chrome Extension?
Let’s start with the understanding of word “extension.” In simple terms, extensions are add-ons that help the users to boost their browsing experience according to their specific needs or preferences. They are developed in web coding mechanisms such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
There are thousands of Chrome extensions available for every kind of users offering multiple features. How these Chrome extensions help users to boost their experience and improve work speed with proficient quality?
By installing a Chrome extension, an icon will appear on the sidebar of the browser, from where you can directly use the feature and customize further by using filters. For example, by installing “Gmail Checker” extension, a user can instantly check their emails without going to Gmail website. And it’s just a start, you name the feature you want and different Chrome extensions are available for that specific purpose.
However, due an open source nature of many add-ons, there is a high possibility that you might install Chrome extensions malware instead of legit extension, which we will discuss later in this blog.
So, how could users install these Chrome extensions? You can find it below.
How to Install & Remove Chrome Extensions
Well, the primary source of installing Chrome extensions is Google’s Chrome Web Store. Although, numerous developers and software organizations also offers their extensions directly. The Chrome Web Store is built on website kind of platform that you can open on your Chrome browser only.
Most of the extensions available on Chrome Web Store are free, while some of the software companies offered paid version too.
Steps to Install Extensions on Chrome Browser
To install the extensions on Chrome browser search for a feature you want it in extension or simply click on the category open available on left side of the store. After finding a specific extension on Chrome Web Store, click on the extension > on the top right side, the icon will appear that says “ADD TO CHROME” > Click on it and extension will install directly on your Chrome browser.
Another reason for installing selective extensions is of large disk space it uses on your device, which directly effects your device performance significantly.
How to Remove Chrome Extensions
In the top right corner of Chrome browser, you can see a list of extension is available > simply set the cursor on the specific extension Icon you want to delete > now press right-click with the help of mouse > the list of options will appear > select “Remove from Chrome.”
In case if you don’t see the extension icon, then follow these steps:
- First open Chrome browser
- At the top right corner click on “three vertical dot” () option > More tools > Extensions
- Now click on the extension you want to uninstall and click “Remove”
Before guiding about Chrome extensions malware, we think we should inform you about what kind of user’s data are collected, as the online privacy concerns are rising. Especially after what Dylan Curran exposed about Facebook and Google.
What Kind of Data is Collected by Chrome Extensions
According to Hackread, all the Chrome browser users who think that their online data privacy is maintained while using different chrome extensions, then, unfortunately, they are very far away from the bitter reality of these tech giants.
In a recent research conducted by Ad-guard owner “Andrey Meshkov,” revealed that there are several Chrome extensions, which not only collects users data but also sell it to different analytical and data research organizations like Cambridge Analytica.
Furthermore, he also revealed the intensity of data collected by these chrome extensions, which give you shock and takes you in a situation where you need to decide whether you still use chrome extensions or not on an immediate basis. Here is the list of data type we have collected by some popular Chrome extensions.
Collects & Monitors Your Facebook Activity’
When you sign in your Facebook account on Chrome browser, then it is possible that one of the most commonly used Chrome extensions might collect and monitor your activities on Facebook.
According to a recent AdGuard report, Chrome extension “Video Downloader for Facebook” is one of those extensions that continuously monitors and collects user’s data and activity. Not only that, it also shared the collected user’s data with third parties, which users are not aware off.
Collects Your Debit and Credit Card Information
These Chrome extensions are not limited only to collect your social platform data but also collect your debit and credit information from different websites that you used on Chrome browser.
One of the popular Chrome extensions, “PDF Files Merger” with over 125,000 users, collects account credentials data, which was revealed in the AdGuard report a few months ago.
Collects Your Social Platform Credentials
“Album and Photo Manager for Facebook” and “Pixcam Webcam Effects” Chrome extensions also collects user’s social platform credentials, which are further, sold to different research and analytical organizations for marketing purposes.
We know that you are still in shock after what we revealed above, but it is a bitter reality of today’s online industry. However, Google officials ban most of these extensions earlier this year but danger still revolving around Chrome browser.
According to our technical experts, these anonymous developers can change legit Chrome extensions into Malware. Moreover, shockingly these Chrome extensions malware can infect your devices and steal your data without letting you know.
So how can legit Chrome extensions transfer into Malware?
Is it Possible That Chrome Extensions Can Transform into Malware?
This is a very alarming situation for Chrome users that it is possible to transform extensions into Malware. How is it possible?