Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Malicious browser extensions are a widespread problem.
Even vetted extensions can be dangerous.
Here's what you should do to avoid issues.
Koi Security investigated a single malicious extension used as a color picker and found it had infected 2.3 million users on Chrome and Edge. Cybernews reported in 2024 that more than 350 million people downloaded insecure browsers during a two-year period.
Those two facts alone should have you rethinking your stance on browser extensions.
Back when I was working with an IT-managed support company, every time I ran into a computer that was running slowly or having issues, the first thing I would do was check if the user had installed browser extensions. Every time, the first type of extension I would look for was those that promised to offer users the best deals on various types of products. Those "coupon" extensions almost always caused problems.
Also: 5 browser extension rules to live by to keep your system safe in 2025
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