Chrome Extensions

With 67%* global market share (*Nov. '24), Google's Chrome is the world's most popular web browser - it's an App which enables you to access information on the Internet.

Its widespread adoption can be attributed to its cross-platform compatibility, extensive library of extensions and frequent updates that enhance performance and security.


1.  What Are Chrome 'Extensions' ?

- Chrome extensions are small programs that you can add to your Google Chrome browser to make it do more things or work better for you

- They are like little tools that help you with specific tasks, such as blocking Ads, managing passwords or checking grammar

- You can find these extensions in the Chrome Web Store, where you can browse and download them easily


2.  What Are The Risks ?

- Chrome extensions, while useful, pose several significant security risks: 

- extensions often request broad permissions to your Google Account, potentially allowing them to access sensitive information such as browsing history, passwords and even keystrokes


- malicious extensions can exploit vulnerabilities to steal data, access sensitive information, and introduce malware


- Some extensions have been found to steal credentials and session cookies, enabling unauthorised access to user accounts


3.  Which Ones Need Removing ?

- While all of the extensions listed below have since been removed from the Chrome Web Store, you will still need to manually delete them if they’re currently installed in your browser:


 

4.  How To Increase Web Browsing Security

- The simple answer is keep your main Apps as 'vanilla' as possible

- Just avoid the temptation to add-in free Extensions - which ask for permission to access data in your Google Account

- If the functionality is needed, Google will add it to future releases of Chrome


HTS are happy to answer any Questions or to help you easily remove these malicious Extensions.

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