Cyber Criminals Use Browser Extensions to Spread Malware

As if there aren’t enough ways for users to stumble upon malware, hackers are now taking an aggressive approach with browser extensions.

Users are known for downloading various browser extensions to increase the use and efficiency of their browsers.  However, as browser extensions become more popular, it increases the odds malicious ones will worm their way in.  However, a few browser companies are being proactive to prevent malicious extensions from being offered within their products.  For example, Firefox and Chrome have begun a vetting process in an attempt to remove and/or block malicious extensions from their browsers.  If an extension is found to be malicious, it will also be disabled from all browsers it is installed on.

Users are encouraged to check which browser extensions are currently installed and enabled.  If anything is found that is either not recognized or is no longer is use — it should be disabled.

Confirming and Disabling Browser Extensions

Chrome:

1. Click on the three vertical dots, in the top right corner of your browser
2. Click on “More Tools”
3. Select “Extensions”
4. This will open a page with all of the installed and enabled extensions
5. Slide the dot to disable any extensions no longer used or that are not recognized

Firefox:

1. Click on the three vertical dots, in the top right corner of your browser
2. Click on “Add-ons”
3. Select “Extensions”
4. This will open a page with all of the installed and enabled extensions
5. Disable any extensions no longer used or that are not recognized

Edge:

1. Click on the three horizontal dots, in the top right corner of your browser
2. Click on “Extensions”
3. This will open all of the installed and enabled extensions
4. Disable any extensions no longer used or that are not recognized

Internet Explorer:

1. Click on the gear icon, in the top right corner of your browser
2. Click on “Manage Add-ons”
3. Select “Toolbars and Extensions”
4. This will open a page with all of the installed and enabled extensions
5. Disable any extensions no longer used or that are not recognized

** PC Matic users — PC Matic will block all malicious extensions from installing that includes a malicious executable.  Also, if a trusted extension is edited in any way, post-installation, PC Matic will rescan, blocking any unknown executable from running on the PC.

PC Matic has and will continue to keep your devices, and the data on them, secure.