Major Spyware Risks Found Within Google Chrome Add-ons

extensions, Ophtek, Security, Security Threats, , ,
07
Jul 2020

Google’s Chrome is the most widely used browser on the internet, but this dominance also makes it a major target for hackers.

The popularity of Chrome means that it’s a vital asset for PC users and this applies to both domestic and business settings. One of the major advantages of Chrome is that it’s supported by a vast database of add-ons. These add-ons, which are coded by official developers or third-party coders, can be installed within seconds and provide an enhanced browsing experience. But the ease with which these add-ons can be released makes them a security risk.

This risk has been brought into sharp focus by a security lapse which has led to 32 million downloads of malicious spyware. And this startling figure is why we’re going to take a closer look at the situation.

What is a Chrome Add-on?

You may be wondering what a Chrome add-on is and it’s a good question which we will quickly cover. Add-ons, also known as extensions, allow users to modify Chrome in a way which adds extra features and accessibility e.g.  Save to Google Drive. The add-ons are built using web technologies such as JavaScript and are embedded into the user’s browser where they can be turned on and off.

How Has Spyware Infiltrated Chrome Add-ons?

Security researchers have discovered that a number of Chrome add-ons have not been delivering the benefits they promise. These particular extensions, available for free, advertise themselves as providing services which include converting files to different formats and warning about malicious websites. However, these add-ons contain a nasty surprise in the form of spyware. And this spyware has been used to record browsing data and login credentials. Around 70 suspicious add-ons, all uploaded with fake contact details, have been identified and since removed by Google.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Malicious Add-ons?

The busy digital age we live in means it’s easy to lose focus with what’s happening on our screens. But vigilance is crucial when it comes to threats such as malicious add-ons. Therefore, it’s important that you practice the following when working with extensions:

  • Check Permissions: Whenever you install an add-on it will detail the permissions that it requires to run. These could range from asking for permission to access your hard drive through to analyzing your browsing data. An add-on which asks for a large number of permissions should immediately ring alarm bells. Most important, however, is the nature of these permissions. Anything which feels too invasive should be declined and an alternative sought. 
  • Audit Your Add-ons: It’s always a good idea to monitor the add-ons you have installed in your browser. Any that you deem as no longer necessary should be removed; auditing your add-ons should be carried out every month. This will ensure that your browser does not become bloated with add-ons and minimizes the risk of rogue extensions being present. 
  • Ask a Professional: If in doubt, always reach out to an IT professional before installing an add-on. Their experience of identifying malicious software will allow them to quickly determine whether it is safe or not. And, don’t forget, only ever consider an add-on which provides an invaluable benefit. Otherwise it is recommended to continue without it.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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The Best Plugins for Browsing Safely in Chrome

Chrome, Google, Ophtek, Plugins, Security, , ,
17
Dec 2019

Google’s Chrome browser is a popular browser and one that it is relatively secure. But it can be made even safer with the correct plugins.

It’s estimated that over half of all web traffic goes through Chrome browsers and this popularity is down to its innovation and simple interface. However, the success of Chrome has made it a target of hackers. And this has been highlighted by the recent WizardOpium vulnerability which required a swift patch from Google. There’s added danger for Chrome users from more generalized online threats such as malicious websites and data security concerns. Thankfully, help is at hand for web users in the form of security plugins.

And, to help you enhance your Chrome experience, we’re going to examine the best plugins for browsing safely in Chrome.

What is a Plugin?

You may not be familiar with plugins, so it’s probably a good idea that we start by explaining them. A plugin is a piece of software which, as the name suggests, ‘plugs in’ in to your browser. Acting as an additional software component, a plugin adds extra features to your browser. The types of plugin availability aren’t just limited to security features either. Adobe’s Flash player, for example, is probably one of the most well-known browser plugins.

Chromes Best Security Plugins

It’s now time to take a look at the best plugins for browsing safely in Chrome:

  • Ghostery: A privacy ad blocker, Ghostery grants Chrome the opportunity to block adverts and stop data trackers from harvesting your data. The plugin allows you to customize which ads and trackers remain active whilst blocking the more suspicious ones. And, best of all, by blocking ads and data trackers you will speed up the load time of webpages.
  • Web of Trust: It’s estimated that there are up to 18.5 million malicious websites online, so you need to be careful where you browse. With a plugin such as Web of Trust you can maximize your safety. Not only does Web of Trust advise you when you land on an unsafe website, but it also displays ‘reputation’ icons next to the results generated by search engines.
  • Blur: Passwords are a crucial element of safe web browsing, but they need to be kept secure. If your passwords are compromised then you’re at risk of having your personal data stolen. Blur helps you to avoid this. It’s a powerful plugin which can generate strong passwords while also encrypting and saving them. This ensures that there’s no need to memorize or write down you passwords; you can just click and go. 
  • HTTPS Everywhere: The best websites are those with a URL which starts with https rather than just http. The additional S of https indicates that it’s a secure website. However, if you have installed the HTTPS Everywhere plugin then, in most cases, it will be able to automatically switch a http site to a more secure https version.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Google Chrome Helps Block Flash Ads

Internet, , ,
05
Aug 2015

frame_ext

Wouldn’t it be great if you could block Flash ads which drain your PC’s resources? New features in Google Chrome disable flash ads automatically.

The Problem with Flash Ads

There is nothing more irritating than loading up a webpage and beginning to devour the content on offer when, out of the blue, a noisy Flash advert pops up and takes over your speakers.

It jars your concentration and means you lose focus on that amazing article about Malware you were enjoying.

Yep, we’ve all been there and we’ve all rolled our eyes and tutted aloud!

Unfortunately, for users of Chrome, the only choice they’ve had in these situations is to take a heavy handed approach to Flash plugins (tiny pieces of software embedded in a webpage). The choice has been to either allow all Flash plugins or disable all Flash plugins.

Now, with the dynamic nature of the web these days it’s impossible to disable all Flash plugins or you’ll find that you miss out on key information e.g. some older website still use flash to deliver the content you want.

Taking on the Ads

adobe-and-google-logos

Google, as we all know, are pretty much the guardians of the internet these days. They protect us from dangerous websites, offer us incredibly personalised search results and even find us the best price for a pair of jeans.

It’s this dedication to customer service which has inspired them to go that little bit further and make our web experience smoother than ever.

This is why Google has teamed up with Adobe (creators of Flash) to tackle this advertising nightmare through the Google Chrome browser.

Hitting the Pause Button

By utilising intelligent software, Google and Adobe have managed to program the latest beta version of Chrome to give context to content on a web page.

Say, for example, you’re on a website which features IT tutorials and you want to view their video on how to setup printers. If there’s a series of Flash adverts trying to sell you holidays to Brazil then Chrome will be able to determine which one to silence.

And, believe me, you won’t be hearing about holidays to Rio de Janeiro for long!

No piece of software, of course, is 100% fool proof so, yes, there’s a chance that Chrome could accidentally pause your video tutorial on printers. But the key word here is “pause”. No content will ever be blocked and it will all be readily available at the click of a button.

Thumbs up for Chrome

Google is cooking up something special with this latest advancement in browser software and we can only applaud them for it. We wouldn’t stand for an advert popping up unannounced in the middle of a TV show, so why would we tolerate it online?

The feature is currently only available in the Chrome desktop Beta version, but all the signs are pointing to it becoming a permanent Chrome feature in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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How To Fix: Browser stuck on a New Tab

Software, , , ,
11
Apr 2014

Typical Chrome New Tab page

Typical Chrome New Tab page

If your browser cannot leave a new tab page such as the Chrome one shown above and cannot navigate to another web page, here are a few possible remedies.

First, check if the keyboard or mouse is the issue.

Check if the backspace or other key is stuck. If that is the case, try to raise the key. Failing that, unplug the mouse and keyboard and see if the problem persists. Perhaps a key or short cut is being repeatedly triggered without the user’s knowledge. This can be confirmed by using a different keyboard or mouse.

Second, if it’s an issue with the browser

Other than Internet Explorer, you should save bookmarks into an html file then uninstall the browser thoroughly with an uninstaller tool such as Revo or from the Windows Control Panel. Reinstall the browser and see if the browser still freezes on the new tab page.

Internet Explorer is integrated with the Windows installation and cannot be simply uninstalled. For IE, after backing up desired new settings, configurations, and files, perform a system restore. Restore Windows to the last remembered time that the browser did not experience the new tab persistence problem.

For more tips or advice on troubleshooting common software issues, contact your local IT professionals.

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Chrome is Number One, and For Good Reasons

Security, Software, , , , , , ,
22
Jan 2014

w3-counter-browser-share

Browser share according to W3Counter

The debate about which internet browser is the best has essentially ended.  Personal preferences aside, the consensus among most casual users as well as developers is that Chrome, the Google-backed browser, is number one (for the time being).

Why should you pick Chrome over all other browsers?  First and foremost, let’s consider the fact that the browser is constantly being revamped and tweaked by a huge community of developers worldwide.  Google gave developers the source code for Chrome back in 2008.  Since then, the open source Chomium project has thrived, leading to a robust and constantly updated browser.

A Think Tank is Better Than One Einstein

ad-block

AdBlock can be easily integrated into Chrome

What it comes down to is this, Google is allowing outside developers to tinker with Chrome.  Among some of the crucial benefits resulting from the open collaboration of many brilliant minds are these:

  • Exceptional security measures as developers are constantly debugging and patching up vulnerabilities
  • Add-ons built around the Chrome browser allows for a highly customizable surfing experience.  For instance, the adblock plugin lets surfers select which site is allowed to have ads or popups.
  • Convenience.  Users can sync their browsing history, usernames, passwords, and etc. across multiple platforms.  By simply logging into one’s Google account, he/she can have access to all his past browsing history, and save his present browsing experience for future syncing on other platforms.

It Can Always Be Better

Google, with its involvement in adding parts to the Internet of Things (IoT), has greatly improved the browsing experience for most average internet surfers.  Much of the work done in the development of Chrome (past, present, and future) ultimately serves as medium for Google to grow and profit.  However, Google is taking input from outside developers, and thus it has given the search giant an edge in the browser war over its competitors like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox.

Although Chrome is an exceptional browser for almost everyone and every purpose, a tool for surfing the internet is only a piece of the personal computing experience.  Chrome users will still need to consider what other tools will complement the browser, so that surfing the Internet becomes as secure as possible.

For more ideas and tips on staying safe and secure online, contact your office IT professionals.

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