You Need to Clean up Your Chrome Extensions
Google is adding a few more security features to its Chrome browser, and today the first changes are rolling out to Windows users. The update improves both Chrome and Google’s ChromeCleanup tool , which monitors extensions that try to change user preferences, such as default search engines, as well as malware designed to insert additional ads into your browser window. Perfect timing given the recent wave of Chrome extensions that collect user data, mimic the more popular Chrome extensions, and even mine cryptocurrency without user consent .
The extensions in question used an automated process for checking Chrome extensions to infiltrate malicious code through the company onto users’ computers. Extensions like SafeBrowse pop – up blocker mined cryptocurrency using the computing power of Chrome users, while the Steam Inventory Helper extension (non-Steam) used by gamers started tracking user browsing habits after the update.
The latest Google security update will now notify the user of changes made without their consent. If, for example, an extension changes your browser’s default search engine, Chrome will show you a pop-up asking if you want to restore your original system of choice. The Chrome Cleanup Tool will track your downloads in Chrome and scan for malware or other unwanted software, removing it for you.
Get rid of useless extensions
You probably have more extensions installed than you think. If you want to take a look at the ones you’ve amassed over the years, go to Chrome’s search bar and type “chrome: // extensions” to open a list of installed extensions. You can also right-click any extension in the toolbar and select Manage Extensions to open the list. There you will see both enabled and disabled extensions. To see what types of data they can access, click the Details link under each one. Not every extension can be changed, but some extensions allow you to customize some settings by using the Options link next to the Details link.
Hide rarely used extensions
Some extensions run in the background, requiring little or no user interaction to do their job correctly. For example, after installing the Reddit Enhancement Suite, I spent a few minutes tweaking my preferences and refreshed my Reddit page to see the much needed UI tweaks take effect. I use it on a daily basis, but I don’t need to keep this icon in the toolbar, just sitting there and taking up space. If you right-click an extension and select Hide from Chrome Menu, the extension will be removed from the toolbar without installing it.
Check those you hold
Nobody advocates for you to get rid of all Chrome extensions in the toolbar, especially those that are essential for everyday browsing. Verifying the legitimacy of an extension takes time, but it is not impossible. Sure, extensions from popular companies (like Pocket, 1Password, or Evernote) should be considered fairly low-risk, but most extensions from smaller companies or even individual developers trying to fix issues like auto-play videos or annoying pop-ups. …
If you are unsure about the reliability of a particular extension, check its store page. Measuring the views of the network is also a viable option. When you visit a page for a particular extension, be sure to scroll through its description and note what types of data it needs to collect, as well as the quality and quantity of reviews. Find an extension and see what people say or write about it elsewhere. If the overall consensus is positive and the reviews seem legitimate, install. If not, either avoid it entirely or look for alternatives.