How to avoid malicious browser extensions?

Overview

Browser extensions are small software programs that can enhance the functionality of web browsers. They can help us achieve various purposes such as blocking ads, managing passwords, translating web pages, and more. However, not all browser extensions are safe and trustworthy. Some may hide malicious code that can steal our personal information, modify web page content, or even take control of our browsers. These malicious browser extensions can pose serious security risks, so it's important to learn how to identify and avoid them.

Contents 

Identifying malicious browser extensions

Avoiding malicious browser extensions

Identifying malicious browser extensions

To identify malicious browser extensions, we should pay attention to the following aspects:

① Source

We should only download browser extensions from official stores or trusted websites, such as the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. We should avoid downloading from third-party websites or links, as they may carry malicious code or viruses.

② Reviews

We should check the reviews and ratings of browser extensions to see what other users have said about them. If a browser extension has many negative reviews or a low rating, it may be problematic. We should also be cautious of fake reviews, as some malicious browser extensions may use bots or paid individuals to provide positive reviews.

③ Permissions

We should carefully review the permissions requested by browser extensions to see if they are reasonable and necessary. If a browser extension asks for excessive or unrelated permissions, such as access to all website data, reading or modifying our clipboard, controlling our camera or microphone, etc., it may be malicious. We should refuse to grant such permissions or uninstall these extensions directly.

④ Behavior

We should monitor the behavior of browser extensions to see if they are behaving normally and as expected. If a browser extension causes our browser to become slow, consumes excessive memory or CPU resources, displays irrelevant or inappropriate ads, modifies our search engine or homepage, redirects us to suspicious websites, etc., it may be malicious. We should immediately disable or remove such extensions.

Avoiding malicious browser extensions

To avoid malicious browser extensions, we should take the following measures:

① Stay vigilant

We should always be cautious and avoid clicking on or downloading browser extensions from unknown or untrusted sources. We should regularly check our installed browser extensions for any abnormalities or suspicious situations.

② Use security software

We should use security software such as antivirus programs, firewalls, anti-malware tools, etc., to protect our computer and browser. These software can help detect and remove potential threats, block malicious websites or links, and enhance our overall security.

③ Use a VPN

We should use reliable VPN services to protect our online privacy and security, such as MetroVPN . MetroVPN can encrypt our network traffic, preventing our personal information from being stolen or leaked. It can also help us bypass geographical restrictions or censorship and access blocked or restricted websites or content. MetroVPN is a fast, stable, and secure VPN service that supports multiple platforms and devices, with professional customer support and promotional offers.