I know how useful browser extensions can be. They can do everything from controlling video speed to changing a website’s theme. But a recent report by security researchers has highlighted a hidden danger: some extensions can give hackers a back door to your data.
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The researchers urged users to uninstall 18 Chrome and Edge extensions that have infected 2.3 million users with malware. Many of these extensions were popular tools that provided access to blocked sites, as well as VPNs and weather extensions. They often had positive reviews on the Chrome and Edge Web Stores, making them seem legitimate.
The malware was not in the original code, but was added later through an update that was automatically installed, which is why antivirus software didn’t detect it.
🛠️ What Did the Extensions Do?
The malware tracked every URL that users visited and sent this data to the hackers behind the extensions. The hackers could then use this information to send you to malicious websites and steal your personal details. Both Google and Microsoft have removed the extensions from their web stores, but they are still available from unofficial stores.
This attack, named RedDirection by researchers, highlights the importance of being careful about what you install. Even if an extension has good reviews, its code can become malicious through an update. Always check your browser for extensions you don’t recognize and be wary of anything that asks for too many permissions.
🛡️ What About Ad-Blocking Extensions?
The new Manifest V3 rules for Chrome extensions have made it difficult for ad blockers to work as well as they used to. However, you can still use ad-blocking browsers like Brave to block most of the annoying ads, including full-screen vignette ads.
You can also install ad-blocking extensions on Firefox and the Android version of Edge to get a similar level of protection.
Uninstall 18 browser extensions that track your data online. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
Block the most annoying ads ever. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
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