Users of Chrome who browse the web and send emails should be wary of a new type of hack that can inundate them with adverts and hijack their search results. The world’s most popular web browser is under attack, with cybersecurity expert Wladimir Palant discovering a batch of deceptive Chrome extensions on the Web Store.
Avast’s experts have found 32 add-ons that can cause serious problems for those who install them since Palant went public with his finding. Once added to Chrome, the extensions display annoying ads and can take over search results with sponsored links, paid search findings, and potentially harmful links. Chrome add-ons, which can change the browser’s behavior, block ads, and improve productivity, are extremely popular.
The fact that these add-ons have been downloaded so often by users around the world is concerning. According to Avast, it is likely that the extensions are designed to provide authentic functionality, making them appear harmless. However, once installed, they can unleash a vicious payload, causing users to become bombarded with ads. It is now a good time to stay vigilant, and users should only download add-ons from reputable sources, according to Avast.
“This example reminds people that they must be careful when installing extensions, even those available on official platforms like the Chrome Web Store. As a rule of thumb, always check the developer’s reputation and read reviews before installing an extension, and be cautious of extensions that request excessive permissions or appear to have unrelated functionalities,” Avast said. The organization pledged to keep users informed of the latest threats and how to remain secure. Find out more about the threat of malicious extensions on Avast’s blog.
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