A concerning alert has been issued regarding Google’s widely used Chrome web browser, and it is a matter of serious concern. Reports indicate that several extensions released for Chrome contain malware, potentially allowing hackers to spy on users’ browsing activities and access personal data.
These malicious extensions were initially clean of any viruses to evade detection upon release and download. However, after installation, hackers injected spyware into the extensions to steal user data discreetly. It is estimated that over 2 million individuals may have been impacted by this threat. Among the 18 Chrome extensions identified with malware, some received positive reviews and were even featured on Google’s Chrome store.
Affected extensions include emoji keyboards, weather services, YouTube addons, and more. The list of compromised extensions also extends to the Chrome-powered Edge browser. Users who suspect they have installed any of these extensions are urged to take immediate action. Security experts at Malwarebytes advise affected individuals to clear their browsing data promptly to eliminate any stolen tracking identifiers or session tokens.
Furthermore, Chrome users are advised to monitor their accounts for unusual activities and enable two-factor authentication. Resetting the browser settings to default is recommended to undo any changes made by the malicious extensions. Google has assured that all affected extensions have been removed, preventing new users from falling victim to this threat.