There are several browser add-ons available that may speed up, boost productivity, and customise our online experience.
While the majority of them perform their intended functions, some of them are not at all intended to be of useful.
Unintentionally downloading a malicious browser extension might slow your computer and thus reduce your productivity, and potentially inundate you with intrusive advertisements.
We call this adware. It’s a type of malware (malicious software) intended to inundate you with ads you don’t want to see.
When you’re making purchases, it may also alter your search engine and direct you to affiliate pages. For the people who created the extension, this method brings in money.
According to a recent estimate from a cyber security firm, over 4 million of its clients have been infected in the past two years by adware that hides in browser extensions.
Targets frequently didn’t know they were being attacked.
A more sinister possibility is that these rogue extensions are concealing malware that might harm your machine.
This may result in the theft of critical information like your login credentials or even payment information. Malware may also propagate over a whole network, of course, which could affect your colleagues as well.
It’s crucial that you only ever download browser extensions from reputable and trusted sites in order to protect your company and its data from the risk of harmful browser extensions.
Examine ratings and reviews. A browser is most likely scam if it looks too good to be true.
You as the company’s owner can also consider limiting the extensions that your staff is permitted to install. Along with looking at current software protection and (fun) security training for your staff, you can book a call with Lee and find out how we can help.