Still, Google Chrome extensions, like all other extensions, can potentially be dangerous. It’s the only browser that’ll ask you to confirm browser extension permissions when installing a new tool. Google Chrome is often considered one of the safest browsers for extensions. How to check your browser extensions on Google Chrome Even if you haven’t installed any yourself, they could’ve made their way onto your computer with malware in the past.īelow, we’ll show you how to check Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari for dangerous extensions. Whether you install new extensions regularly or not, you should review your browser settings for any dangerous extensions. How to Check Your Browser for Dangerous Extensions It’s straightforward and will only take a few moments. You should also know how to uninstall browser extensions by yourself. If you want to continue browsing securely, you should understand how to check the permissions granted to your extensions. Dangerous browser addons could also download malware onto your device.Some extensions log your online activity so that it can be sold to marketing agencies. Your browsing activity could be captured and resold.Some browser extensions can even load malicious websites instead of the site you typed into your address bar. Dangerous browser extensions can redirect your searches.In fact, it could record everything else you type and log all your data. If a keylogger has been embedded in your browser extension, it could capture your login credentials or payment card details. A malicious browser extension could capture your keystrokes.Below, you’ll find some specific examples of the risks of browser extensions: What Are the Risks of Browser Extensions?Ībove, we’ve talked generally about how browser addons can be a risk to your security. There have even been instances in the past of genuine, safe extensions being purchased by another company, which then turns the tool into adware. If a developer’s account is hacked, a malicious update could be pushed to your extensions, as they update automatically. What’s more, even safe extensions can eventually become a threat. This makes dangerous extensions a huge threat to your online security. Other browsers simply grant an extension any permissions that it requests, and you’ll have no say in whether or not that’s okay. That said, only Google Chrome asks you to agree to these upon installation. Unless you’re dealing with malware, most browser extensions require permissions to interact with your browser. Others, while not classed as malware, might steal your data to be resold to marketing agencies. Cybercriminals can occasionally sneak a malware-infested extension past Apple or Google to siphon off data or make money from your browsing activities. Some extensions are malicious and exist only to cause you problems. They can be really useful, though if you install the wrong kind, they can also be dangerous. The most popular internet browsers have online stores that you can use to find and install these nifty tools. Usually, this means adding options like blocking adverts, helping you to find shopping coupons, and translating web pages. In this article, we explore the many privacy risks of browser extensions and what you need to look out for.īrowser extensions are addons for your browser that can give you extra functionality. Some browser extensions are actually browser hijackers hiding in plain sight, which will steal your data and resell it to marketing agencies, or worse. However, the dangers of some browser extensions can’t be understated. Some add new functionality and options to your browser, making life easier when you need to search, shop, or simply remember all your passwords.įor example, 1Password and Avast Antivirus both offer browser extensions, and these are two great examples of how they actually improve overall security. We’re not here to tell you that all browser extensions are a threat to your online safety.
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