WARNING! These Google Chrome extensions steal your data; Delete them immediately

Beware of these 5 chrome extensions which can steal your data and can leave your device susceptible to data theft.

By: SHAURYA TOMER
| Updated on: Aug 31 2022, 15:57 IST
Google just banned these Play Store apps! Beware! Did you download any? Check full list
image caption
1/7 Android smartphone users are again at risk! Cybersecurity researchers have reported about a new malware threat called Autolycos. The worrying part is that the malware has chosen the widely used Google Play Store platform to disseminate the malware to the victim’s phone via apps, Express.co.uk reported (Pixabay)
google chrome
2/7 Moreover, not just one or two, but a total of eight apps on the Google Play Store have been reported to be spoiled with this dangerous malware. The report says that there have already been 3 million installs of these apps, which is concerning because that means there are so many people who are being swindled and whose privacy is being violated. (Unsplash)
image caption
3/7 The danger of Autolycos malware is that the users find it hard to detect the apps with this malware in them and meanwhile, it performs malicious activities including, even reading SMS on the device. Not just that, shockingly, the malware is capable of even paying for premium services without letting the victim know! (Unsplash)
image caption
4/7 List of apps on Google Play Store infected by Autolycos malware: Vlog Star Video Editor, Creative 3D Launcher, Wow Beauty Camera, Gif Emoji Keyboard, Freeglow Camera 1.0.0, Coco Camera v1.1, Funny Camera’, and Razer Keyboard & Theme’. (Unsplash)
image caption
5/7 Collectively, all these apps have a total of 3 million installs. This simply means, around 3 million Android smartphone users are in danger. (Unsplash)
image caption
6/7 However, the good news is that Google has banned these malware-affected applications from the Play Store. Still, Android users are advised to monitor background internet data and battery consumption constantly to keep themselves safe against these malware threats. (Unsplash)
image caption
7/7 Also, cybersecurity researchers should try to minimize the number of apps you install on your smartphones. In case, these apps or any data related to them are available on your device, then you should immediately delete them now. (Unsplash)
google chrome
icon View all Images
McAfee has warned users to not download these 5 Google Chrome extensions as they can steal your browsing activity data. (Pixabay)

Google Chrome extensions are programs built on web technologies using HTML, CSS or JavaScript that enable users to customize their browsing experience. Extensions for various apps such as Google Translate help users use app shortcuts directly from the extensions tab. Although they are highly useful, extensions can also risk your device as they are built using open-source platforms. Recently, 5 chrome extensions were discovered which steal user data and leave your device susceptible to data theft. These extensions have over 1.4 million installs, causing a panic among millions of users. So, if you are one of those who have downloaded these extensions, delete them immediately.

Threat analysts at McAfee found these extensions which steal the user's browsing activity. These extensions appear as cookies whenever the user visits any e-commerce website. According to bleepingcomputer.com, these extensions still perform their intended function, making it more difficult to spot the data theft. 

You may be interested in

MobilesTablets Laptops
7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
23% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Obsidian
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
  • Black
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

The 5 chrome extensions stealing user data

1. Netflix Party – 800,000 downloads

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

2. Netflix Party 2 – 300,000 downloads

3. Full Page Screenshot Capture – Screenshotting – 200,000 downloads

4. FlipShope – Price Tracker Extension – 80,000 downloads

5. AutoBuy Flash Sales – 20,000 downloads

Therefore, this highlights that even though these extensions had millions of downloads combined, they still cannot be fully trusted as they pose a serious security risk. McAfee has advised users to check the extensions thoroughly before installing them. Whenever you install an extension, it asks for various permissions. Keep an eye on the requested permissions as some might pose a risk to your device's security. It is absolutely essential that you do not install extensions from outside the Chrome Extensions Store. Although these 5 extensions were found on the Chrome Extensions Store, Google still maintains a security measure which prevents you from installing highly malicious extensions which can cause much more harm than just stealing your browsing data.

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 31 Aug, 11:19 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS