Register now for better personalized quote!

Google Chrome 117 will let you know if you've installed malicious extensions

Aug, 21, 2023 Hi-network.com
Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images

Browser extensions are convenient tools because you don't have to leave your tab to access their assitance. They can perform various helpful tasks such as remembering your password and checking for grammar. However, these extensions often contain malware, and Google Chrome is here to help.  

In a Chrome Developers post, Google revealed that Chrome 117 will let users know when an extension they installed is no longer available in the Chrome Web Store. 

Also: This AI-generated crypto invoice scam almost got me, and I'm a security pro

An extension is removed from the Chrome Web Store for one of three reasons: The extension has been unpublished by the developer, the extension was taken down for violating Chrome Web Store policy, or it was marked as malware. 

Before this update, if an extension was removed from the store for containing malware after a user installed it, the user would not be advised to uninstall it and remained at risk. 

Malware in browser extensions is a major problem that affects many users. The cybersecurity firm Kaspersky found that in the first half of 2022, 1.3 million users were affected by threats in browser extensions. 

Also: The best password managers of 2023

With Chrome 117, all users have to do is visit their "Privacy and security" section of the settings page, where it will let users know if any of their downloaded extensions are worth reviewing. 

Google

Once a user clicks on the "Review" button, they will be taken to their extensions where it will say why the extension was removed from the Chrome Web Store and allow users to remove them from Chrome. 

Google

Although Chrome 117 is not out yet, BleepingComputer found a way that you can test the feature now with Chrome 116.

Also: Too many Google Chrome tabs open? Here's how to take back control

 All you have to do is paste this link into your browser chrome://flags/#safety-check-extensions and click "Enabled" next to the highlighted "Extensions Module in Safety Check" feature. 

Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/

Once you do that, you will be prompted to restart the browser and access the features the same way you would in Chrome 117, as delineated above. 

Google

Every product unveiled at the Made by Google event: Pixel 8 Pro, Watch 2, Assistant, morePixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?Your Pixel Buds Pro are getting a major software upgrade, and it's totally freeHow to preorder the Google Pixel 8, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro nowChatGPT vs. Bing Chat vs. Google Bard: Which is the best AI chatbot?
  • Every product unveiled at the Made by Google event: Pixel 8 Pro, Watch 2, Assistant, more
  • Pixel 8 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
  • Your Pixel Buds Pro are getting a major software upgrade, and it's totally free
  • How to preorder the Google Pixel 8, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro now
  • ChatGPT vs. Bing Chat vs. Google Bard: Which is the best AI chatbot?

tag-icon Hot Tags : Business Companies

Copyright © 2014-2024 Hi-Network.com | HAILIAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED | All Rights Reserved.