That did not impact the users negatively, but it could have. In reality, these malicious extensions were clicking on pay-per-click ads in the background to generate revenue. For example, Google recently removed four popular extensions from its web store that posed as sticky note apps. There are a plethora of examples out there that showcase how malicious browser extensions can affect those who download them. This is why it's important to exercise discernment when installing any Chrome extension, even if it looks secure. Because anything is hackable, and there's no guarantee that the code in a trustworthy extension is completely secure. Permissions might not even be used for nefarious reasons by the extension itself, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. Problem is, this system is only good if it's used - whereas most people tend to ignore permissions when installing an extension. There is a permission system in place to keep extensions from doing pretty much whatever they want, which helps in theory. Although they usually don't have a UI of their own and rely on Chrome's interface to work.
There's virtually no limit to what extensions can do. For instance, many marketers use extensions to track their emails, optimize their schedule, and find new customers.
Users can install these extensions to tailor their browsing experience to their needs. What Are Chrome Extensions?Įxtensions are programs that change or enhance the functionality of a browser in some way. They don't necessarily do that, but they can. Once installed, these extensions have the potential to see and track everything a Chrome user does online. As has become glaringly obvious from the massive "DataSpii" leak earlier this year.Īnd while Google is doing their best to make sure that only safe browser extensions make it onto the webstore, it's still not enough.
Google has a verification process in place for extensions on their own store, but it doesn't catch everything. But, at the same time, these extensions also pose a considerable threat, because they can be created by anyone. The latter gives Chrome a ton of flexibility and user-freedom since extensions allow people to tweak their browser experience to their preferences. This popularity can be attributed to its secure infrastructure, Google account syncing, and impressive extension ecosystem. Even in 2019, with dozens of other browser options, Chrome is still leading the pack with a 55.4% market share.
Some would argue that Chrome is the gold standard of web browsers today - and it is one of the most popular browsers out there for sure.
Here's how to separate the good extensions from the bad ones and how to implement security measures, such as a VPN, to ensure safe browsing. But few realize that many of these nifty little tools can also pose a major security risk, allowing malicious actors into their devices. Everyone who uses Chrome has at least one Chrome extension installed, even if it's just an adblocker.