How to spot a malicious browser extension – Guide
Extensions are small software programs that add to your browsing experience. They support you in many ways. There is no denying that they help you in your daily work very efficiently and save you a lot of time and effort. But every coin has two sides. That said, not all browser extensions you download can be safe and secure. Some of them could be malicious and possibly hide malware or two behind them. So how would an average user know which extensions in question are safe to download and which are not? well here are some tips keep in mind when downloading extensions. The next time you download an extension, be sure to follow the rules below. Also, they don’t just apply to Chrome, but any app you import these browser extensions into.
How to detect a malicious browser extension
Look up the developer profile
It is common for extension developers to have a website or public profile through which you can verify your identity. Make sure the name listed in the extension matches the developer name. And if you’re still in doubt, head over to the developer’s website and download the extension from there rather than digging through the cluttered extensions market listings to find the extension you want (which may have been published by a fake developer with a few changes) .
Keep control over your browser behavior
When using browser extensions, be on the lookout for anything unusual. If your web browser suddenly displays too many ads, check which extensions are active. You can then disable and enable them one by one to identify the problematic extension. As a side note, you should never install a large number of extensions at once. This slows down the browser and puts a lot of strain on your computer’s memory.
Carefully read the permissions that extensions require
If an extension is asking for permissions that seem absurd, it’s best to take a second look at its description. This will allow you to assess whether they align with the app’s functionality. For example, a screenshot extension should not require permissions to access a person’s email. In a nutshell, if you can’t come up with a valid reason for the permissions requested by the extension, you are probably looking at a malicious browser extension.
Final note
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