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by John W. Simek, Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.

McAfee Identifies Malicious Chrome Extensions

September 1, 2022

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy and install software we shouldn’t. Browser extensions add functionality to our internet experience. However, just because an extension is popular with a bunch of downloads doesn’t mean it is safe to use it. BGR has a post where McAfee calls out five popular Chrome extensions that steal your data and track your browser activity.

  • Netflix Party
  • Netflix Party 2
  • FlipShope – Price Tracker Extension
  • Full Page Screenshot Capture – Screenshotting
  • AutoBuy Flash Sales

As the post states, “What they each have in common is that they send a log of every website you visit to a server owned by the creator. McAfee says that they do this in order to “insert code into eCommerce websites,” which allows the creators to modify cookies so they receive affiliate payments for anything you buy. They’re surreptitiously making money off of strangers.” Apparently, the extensions are really good at hiding what they do. The recommendation is to delete any of the identified extensions.

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