Google Chrome Extensions Bringing New Security Risks
- Jan 1, 2014
- 2 min read
In 2013 Google Chrome has been the most widely used Internet browser of the top 5 Internet browsers. According to W3Schools (a web developer information website) the top browsers used throughout the world in 2013 are as follows; Google Chrome, Mozzila Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Opera prospectively.
Due to Chromes popularity it has become targeted more frequently than in previous years for ways to get malware to its users in an attempt to exploit them. Google Chrome updates automatically in the background which makes it great for its users providing only the most up to date experience. The problem with the automatic updating in the background is that malware producers have figured out a new way to use it against Chrome users.
Producers of these potentially dangerous programs have been buying legitimate extensions that users have been using to modify their experience in Chrome and using Chromes automatic updating features to push malware through these previously legitimate extensions without a users knowledge.
What does this mean exactly? Well, anyone that uses extensions in Google Chrome needs to be more cautious when they are using the browser now. If they are using an extension that was purchased by a malware producer, they may find themselves with a malware installing backdoor in their internet browser that could potentially install more harmful malware and viruses such as Keyloggers.
A Keylogger is a piece of software that runs in the background while a user uses their computer and records everything they type. This kind of malware can give away their passwords, credit card numbers, or anything else the user may type into their computer.
If you are a Google Chrome user and you use extensions in your Internet browser it may be time to re-evaluate if you really do need that extension. If you do, then make sure to monitor your computer and browser for strange behaviors. Also ALWAYS keep an up to date antivirus solutions in place. This could potentially catch malware and viruses.
Our antivirus solutions not only watch for viruses but also watch for many different forms of malware that are commonly installed by users and blocks them.
For more information on ways to keep your business safe or for a review of your businesses IT Security practices give us a call to setup a consultation. You may be surprised some of the issues you have and do not even know exist.
www.abccomputersolutionstoledo.com
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