If you use Google Chrome in your business, you’re probably familiar with extensions. These useful tools can enhance your browsing experience in countless ways, from blocking annoying ads to reducing distractions.
Extensions are incredibly popular because they can add so much functionality to your browser. But just as you need to be careful when installing new apps on your phone, you must also be cautious when adding new extensions to your browser. That’s because they come with a risk of malware.
What is Malware?
Malware is short for malicious software. It refers to any software intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer, server, or network. Malware comes in various forms, such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, each with its specific way of causing damage.
Cyber criminals use malware for a range of malicious activities. They can steal sensitive data, such as personal information, passwords, and financial details. With the right malware, they can hijack your systems, gaining control over your computers and networks. This control allows them to disrupt operations, deny access to important files, or use your system to launch further attacks on other targets.
One of the most alarming uses of malware is financial theft. Cyber criminals can use it to access and drain your bank accounts, leading to significant financial loss. Malware can also be used for espionage, enabling attackers to monitor your activities and gather confidential information without your knowledge.
The consequences of a malware attack can be devastating for businesses. Beyond the immediate financial losses, there can be long-term impacts such as damaged reputation, loss of customer trust, and substantial recovery costs. This is why it’s crucial to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect your business from malware threats.
Why is Google Chrome a Target?
Google Chrome holds about 65% of the browser market share worldwide, making it the most popular browser by far. This popularity makes Chrome a prime target for cyber criminals. The more people use a platform, the more attractive it becomes to those looking to exploit it.
Cyber-attacks sometimes exploit vulnerabilities in the browser itself, but there’s an easier and often more effective way to target Chrome users: through malicious extensions containing malware. These extensions can be disguised as helpful tools, promising to enhance your browsing experience, but they often come with hidden dangers.
Because so many users trust and rely on Chrome extensions, cyber criminals see them as an ideal way to distribute malware. Even though Google works hard to keep the Chrome Web Store safe, the sheer volume of extensions means some malicious ones slip through the cracks. Once installed, these extensions can collect sensitive information, track browsing habits, or even take control of the user’s browser.
The widespread use of Chrome in businesses makes this threat even more significant. A successful attack can affect not just individual users, but entire organisations, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and compromised systems. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to be cautious and proactive in managing and securing their Chrome extensions.
The Scale of the Problem
Although Google keeps a tight watch on its Chrome Web Store, the risk is still there. A recent report claims 280 million people installed a malware-infected Chrome extension between July 2020 and February 2023. That’s a huge number and highlights the importance of being vigilant.
Surprisingly, many malicious extensions remained available for download on the Chrome Web Store for a long time. On average, malware-filled extensions stayed up for 380 days, while those with vulnerable code were available for about 1,248 days. One particularly notorious extension was downloadable for 8 and a half years before being removed.
Protecting Your Business
So, how can you protect yourself and your business from these malicious extensions? Here are six steps we recommend to keep your Chrome extensions safe:
- External Reviews: Since checking ratings and reviews on the Chrome Web Store isn’t always reliable (many malicious extensions don’t have reviews), look for external reviews from trusted tech sites to judge whether an extension is safe. A good site to use is Tech Radar:
TechRadar | The technology experts
- Permissions: Be cautious if an extension asks for more permissions than it should. If a new extension requests extensive access to your data or system, this could be a red flag.
- Security Software: Use robust software to catch malware before it can do any harm. This is your last line of defence if you accidentally install a malicious extension.
- Necessity: Before installing any new software or browser extensions, consider whether you really need it. Often, you can achieve the same functionality by visiting a website.
- Trusted Sources: Only install extensions from trusted sources or well-known software providers. This significantly reduces the risk of downloading a harmful extension.
- Correct Name: Ensure the extension has the correct name. Cyber criminals often create fake extensions with names that are misspelled versions of popular ones to trick users into downloading them. Double-check the spelling to avoid this common trap.
Stay Alert
Chrome is the most popular browser, which means it will always be a target for cyber criminals. Google’s security team works hard to review every Chrome extension to ensure they are safe, but it’s still crucial to be vigilant.
If you’re unsure whether your extensions are safe or not, or you’d like more advice around keeping your business secure, book a 15 minute call with Nick today: