Malicious Extensions and Add-ons
Protect yourself from dangerous browser extensions that spy on you or steal your data.
Last updated: February 2026The Hidden Danger of Extensions
Browser extensions can make your life easier, but they can also be dangerous. A malicious extension can read everything you do online, steal passwords, inject ads, or redirect your searches.
What Bad Extensions Can Do
- Read all your browsing data: See every website you visit and everything you type
- Steal login credentials: Capture usernames and passwords as you type them
- Inject advertisements: Add ads to websites or replace existing ads
- Redirect searches: Send your searches through tracking services
- Mine cryptocurrency: Use your computer's resources without permission
- Access your clipboard: Read copied passwords or crypto wallet addresses
Warning Signs of a Bad Extension
Be cautious if an extension:
- Asks for permissions to "read and change all your data on all websites"
- Has very few reviews or only generic positive reviews
- Was recently uploaded by an unknown developer
- Promises features that seem too good (like "free VPN" or "download any video")
- Suddenly appears after visiting a suspicious website
- Has a name similar to a popular extension but is from a different developer
Safe Extension Practices
- Only install extensions from official browser stores (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons)
- Read reviews and check the developer's reputation
- Look at the permissions requested and ask if they make sense
- Keep your extensions updated
- Remove extensions you no longer use
- Periodically review what extensions you have installed
How to Check Your Extensions
Review your installed extensions regularly:
- Chrome: Type chrome://extensions in the address bar
- Firefox: Type about:addons in the address bar
- Edge: Type edge://extensions in the address bar
Remove any extension you do not recognize or no longer need.
If You Installed a Bad Extension
- Remove the extension immediately
- Change passwords for any accounts you accessed while it was installed
- Check your accounts for suspicious activity
- Run a security scan on your computer
- Report the extension to the browser store
Key Takeaways
- Extensions have deep access to your browser activity
- Only install extensions you truly need from trusted sources
- Review permissions before installing
- Regularly audit and remove unused extensions
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