Although the Chrome browser is currently one of the most popular ones available, the information security website Avast recently made note of the fact that some of the extensions available through the Chrome online application store contain malicious code, putting the personal data of those who download them at risk of being stolen.
Millions of users' private data were stolen after 32 malicious applications were identified in the Chrome browser.Photo reproduced from Chrome application store
Avast cited a recent detection study that revealed 32 malicious extensions are currently available in the Chrome online application store. Generally speaking, the primary categories are "ad blockers, browser themes, enhanced browser records, and simplified and accelerated web browsing." The app's download count has been falsely inflated, and there are several 5-star phony reviews to entice people to install it. From there, phishing emails, sponsored links, and other tactics are used to try and steal users' money and personal information.
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Millions of users' private data were stolen after 32 malicious applications were identified in the Chrome browser.Photo reproduced from Avast official blog
Avast also highlighted seven named Chrome extensions, including Autoskip for Youtube, Soundboost, Crystal Ad block, Brisk VPN, Clipboard Helper, Maxi Refresher, and PDF Toolbox extension on its official blog along with the identifying codes for 32 dangerous extensions. The Google store has currently deleted all of these malicious extensions, but there have still been 75 million downloads, which might have an impact on millions of users worldwide. Users are urged by Avast to remove any downloaded files as soon as they can.
