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How to Check Chrome Extensions Before Installing to Prevent Fake Extensions from Stealing Data
Learn how to verify safe Chrome Extensions before installation to prevent fake extensions that could steal passwords and personal data. Includes steps to check existing extensions and what to do if you suspect a hack.
Browser extensions are small tools that enhance the functionality of Google Chrome, making it more convenient to use. However, convenience comes with hidden risks, as some extensions might be created by malicious actors to steal personal data, passwords, or even take control of our browsers. This article from SyncTech Solution will teach you how to meticulously observe and check extensions before installation, ensuring employees and general users can browse safely.
### Understand Before Fixing
Chrome extensions function like add-on programs installed directly into the browser. Once installed, they can request “Permissions” to access various data, such as reading information on web pages you open, modifying content, accessing your browsing history, or even the clipboard where you've copied text.
Good extensions will only request permissions essential for their function. For instance, a language translation extension might request permission to read web page content for translation. However, malicious extensions often request excessive permissions, such as a clock extension asking for the permission to “Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.” This is a dangerous sign that it might be intercepting passwords or credit card information you enter on various websites to send back to its creators.
### Before You Start
Before we delve into checking new extensions, we should start by examining the extensions we already have. Some might have been installed long ago and forgotten, or they could be problematic without you realizing it.
1. **Open the extension management page:** Type `chrome://extensions` into the address bar and press Enter.
2. **Note down active extensions:** Review the entire list. If you find anything unfamiliar or no longer in use, jot down its name to inspect or decide to remove later.
This preparation will help you get an overview and immediately manage the security of your existing browser.
### How to Do It Safely: 5 Key Points to Check Before Installing a Chrome Extension
When you find an interesting extension on the Chrome Web Store, don't rush to click “Add to Chrome.” Always take the time to check it according to the following steps.
**1. Check the Developer and User Count**
* **WHAT:** Look at the developer's name (Offered by) and the number of users shown on the store page.
* **WHERE/HOW:** On the extension's page in the Chrome Web Store, below the extension's name.
* **WHY:** Popular, safe extensions typically have reputable developers with their own websites and hundreds of thousands or millions of users. Conversely, fake extensions often have a low user count or strange developer names that yield no search results.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** You can filter out suspicious extensions at first glance if you find an unusually low user count or an unclear developer identity.
**2. Read Recent Reviews, Not Just the Overall Star Rating**
* **WHAT:** Scroll down and read the comments (Reviews), especially the latest reviews.
* **WHERE/HOW:** In the “Reviews” tab of the extension page, try sorting by “Most Recent” instead of just “Most Helpful.”
* **WHY:** Sometimes, extensions that were good in the past might be sold to malicious developers who secretly inject harmful code into recent updates. While the overall star rating might still be high, the latest reviews will reflect actual problems, such as users complaining about pop-up ads, slower browser performance, or their search page being changed. These are crucial warning signs.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** You will see the issues real users are facing, which helps you make a better decision than just looking at the average star rating.
**3. Carefully Check the “Permissions” Requested**
* **WHAT:** Understand what data this extension wants to access in your browser.
* **WHERE/HOW:** When you click the “Add to Chrome” button, a small window will display a list of permissions the extension requires. Alternatively, you can view them under the “Privacy practices” section on the store page.
* **WHY:** This is the most critical part. Ask yourself, “Does this extension's function truly require the permissions it's asking for?” For example, a screenshot extension should not need permission to “Read your browsing history” or “Change data on all websites.” If you encounter requests that seem excessive, avoid it immediately.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** You will understand the scope of the extension's operation and can refuse to install extensions that are too invasive of your privacy.
**4. Check Update Information and the Official Website**
* **WHAT:** Look at the last updated date and search for a link to the developer's website.
* **WHERE/HOW:** In the “Additional Information” section, you'll find the last updated date (Updated) and a website link (Website).
* **WHY:** Extensions that are abandoned and haven't been updated for years may have security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, reputable developers typically have an official website providing clear information about their products and a Privacy Policy. If there's no website or the link leads to an untrustworthy page, you should be cautious.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** You can be confident that the extension is still maintained by the developer and provides channels for further information verification.
**5. Beware of Imitation Extensions**
* **WHAT:** Pay close attention to the extension's name and logo to ensure it's from the original developer.
* **WHERE/HOW:** When searching for popular extensions like AdBlock, uBlock Origin, or Grammarly, you might find many extensions with very similar names, such as “AdBlock Pro,” “uBlock Ad Blocker Plus,” or slight misspellings.
* **WHY:** Malicious actors often create fake extensions by mimicking the appearance of popular ones to trick users into installing the wrong one.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** You can choose to install genuine extensions by comparing their names, logos, and user counts with well-known versions.
### Verify Results
After learning how to check, go back to the extension management page (`chrome://extensions`) again and manage your existing extensions:
1. **Disable unnecessary extensions:** For extensions you rarely use, flip the switch to off instead of deleting them. If everything still functions normally after disabling, it means you don't need them.
2. **Remove suspicious extensions:** If you find an unknown extension, one you didn't install yourself, or one that seems suspicious after checking, click “Remove” immediately.
3. **Limit extension permissions:** Some extensions allow you to restrict their access, for example, by setting them to activate only when clicked or only on specific websites, to reduce risk.
### If the Problem Persists
If you have removed suspicious extensions but are still encountering problems, such as strange advertisements, your browser's homepage being changed, or suspecting data leakage, you should follow these steps:
* **Reset Chrome settings:** Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. This will disable all extensions and clear temporary data, but it will not delete passwords or bookmarks.
* **Scan for malware:** Use a reliable Antivirus program to scan your entire computer.
* **Change passwords:** If you are concerned that your passwords may have been compromised, immediately change passwords for all important accounts, such as email, social media, and especially online banking services.
* **Consult IT support:** If it is a company computer, notify IT support immediately so that specialists can properly check and resolve the issue.
### Conclusion
Choosing to use a Chrome Extension is similar to installing software on your computer; security should always be a priority. Taking a moment to check the developer, reviews, and requested permissions before installation will help prevent long-term damage to your data and online accounts. Also, remember to regularly review your installed extensions to ensure your browser remains clean and secure.