Story perspectives

108 Malicious Chrome Extensions Discovered, Stealing User Data

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Socket report identifies 108 malicious Chrome extensions posing as games and utilities that gathered 20,000 downloads.
The extensions are designed to steal user data and inject ads into websites.
The most dangerous extensions harvest sensitive information, including Google account identifiers, enabling cybercriminals to create permanent profiles.
Users should delete these extensions immediately.
Regular audits of installed extensions and enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome are recommended for added security.

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Story summary

A Socket report identifies 108 malicious Chrome extensions posing as games and utilities that gathered 20,000 downloads.
The extensions are designed to steal user data and inject ads into websites.
The most dangerous extensions harvest sensitive information, including Google account identifiers, enabling cybercriminals to create permanent profiles.
Users should delete these extensions immediately.
Regular audits of installed extensions and enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome are recommended for added security.