The most familiar browsers are Internet Explorer (now transitioning to the latest Microsoft Edge), Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and so on. But the browser that has managed to break through and capture the hearts of the public is Chrome, which is far ahead of its rivals and occupies the top spot.
Google Chrome opened up the online application store for users to download expansion kits to enhance the browser’s web capabilities. But even though Google has a censorship mechanism, it doesn’t mean that the wide range of extensions available in the store are 100% safe. Recently, McAfee, a foreign security company, announced five third-party extensions with malicious programs that secretly track users’ browsing history.
“McAfee said that the five expansion kits are Netflix Party, Netflix Party 2, Full Page Screenshot Capture, FlipShope, AutoBuy Flash Sales, and have been downloaded more than 1.4 million times. The total number of downloads exceeds 1.4 million! In addition, McAfee also pointed out that these extensions still have their functions, but the malware inside can secretly record users’ browsing data and even alter users’ cookie records!
However, the purpose of the malicious programs described above is not to steal users’ personal information, but to direct them to shopping sites so that they can earn commissions for shopping. Currently, these expansion kits have been taken down by Google, so if you have downloaded them, be sure to delete them as soon as possible.
Finally, McAfee also urges users to pay attention to the permissions required when downloading expansion kits, and if they are required to access the information in the web pages, it is best for them to use anti-virus software to verify its authenticity.
