SECURITY experts have warned Google Chrome users of a few dangerous applications.
If you’ve ever downloaded a Chrome app or extension it’s worth checking your browser for red flags.
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The dangerous apps were highlighted recently on the Kaspersky blog.
It stated: “Not so long ago, a few dozen malicious plugins were discovered in the Chrome Web Store (the official browser extension store for Google Chrome).
“The most popular of these extensions had over nine million downloads, and altogether these plugins had been downloaded around 87 million times.”
Cybersecurity researcher Vladimir Palant spotted the apps.
He first found an extension called PDF Toolbox in the Google Chrome Web Store and was concerned about its behavior.
This led him to investigate the store further and he uncovered 34 extensions that lied about their purpose and could put devices at risk.
The applications are said to have been on the Web Store since 2021 and 2022.
That means unsuspecting users have had plenty of time to download them.
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Google has since removed all the extensions from its online store.
It’s worth checking your device if you think you downloaded them before the removal.
The blog stated: “As a rule, browser plugins ask for consent to view and change all your data on all sites.
“That is, they see absolutely everything you do on all sites you visit, and can arbitrarily change the content of a displayed page.”
Creators of these extensions could steal your credit card details, collect your data, and bombard you with adverts.
To stay safe, do your research before downloading any apps or extensions.
If you have any of the following apps, delete them.
CHROME EXTENSIONS TO DELETE
- Autoskip for Youtube
- Soundboost
- Crystal Adblock
- Brisk VPN
- Clipboard Helper
- Maxi Refresher
- Quick Translation
- Easyview Reader view
- PDF Toolbox
- Epsilon Adblocker
- Craft Cursors
- Alfablocker ad blocker
- Zoom Plus
- Base Image Downloader
- Clickish fun cursors
- Cursor-A custom cursor
- Amazing Dark Mode
- Maximum Color Changer for Youtube
- Awesome Auto Refresh
- Venus Adblock
- Adblock Dragon
- Readl Reader mode
- Volume Frenzy
- Image download center
- Font Customizer
- Easy Undo Closed Tabs
- Screence screen recorder
- OneCleaner
- Repeat button
- Leap Video Downloader
- Tap Image Downloader
- Qspeed Video Speed Controller
- HyperVolume
- Light picture-in-picture
