BILLIONS of Google Chrome users have been urged to check their browser for a string of dubious add-on apps uncovered by experts.
Researchers found 34 Chrome extensions that can allegedly see and change all your data on the sites you visit.
This means a hacker could steal sensitive card details to raid your bank accounts.
They could even track all your activities to collect and sell the information on.
The extensions tend to be tempting free tools such as ad blockers and VPNs.
Altogether, the extensions have been downloaded around 87million times.
One of these accounted for nine million downloads alone, according to experts at Kaspersky.
The offending extensions have now been removed from the Google Chrome store.
But that doesn’t protect you if you already have them installed.
In which case, you should consult the full list of extensions and delete any you have.
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- Autoskip for Youtube
- Soundboost
- Crystal Adblock
- Brisk VPN
- Clipboard Helper
- Maxi Refresher
- Quick Translation
- Easyview Reader view
- PDF Toolbox
- Epsilon Ad blocker
- Craft Cursors
- Alfablocker ad blocker
- Zoom Plus
- Base Image Downloader
- Clickish fun cursors
- Cursor-A custom cursor
- Amazing Dark Mode
- Maximum Color Changer for Youtube
- Awesome Auto Refresh
- Venus Adblock
- Adblock Dragon
- Readl Reader mode
- Volume Frenzy
- Image download center
- Font Customizer
- Easy Undo Closed Tabs
- Screence screen recorder
- OneCleaner
- Repeat button
- Leap Video Downloader
- Tap Image Downloader
- Qspeed Video Speed Controller
- HyperVolume
- Light picture-in-picture
How to avoid dubious Chrome extensions
Kaspersky recommends users not to install too many browser extensions to stay safe.
You should always read the reviews before installing an extension.
Although it’s not a silver bullet solution, someone may highlight issues – equally, brand new extensions with no reviews at all can be a red flag too.
Check your list of installed extensions from time to time and get rid of ones you don’t use or need anymore.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk