Browser extensions are a great way to increase productivity while browsing. The most popular browser, Chrome supports a wide range of extensions, so it also supports other Chromium-based browsers. However, these extensions are not necessarily beneficial. While many people can help block ads, find the best deals, and check for grammar errors, some can do more harm than good.
recently Reported in malicious extension group It was stealing user data, but now new reports flag 35 more suspicious reports. These browser extensions are reported to request unnecessary permissions and collect and share everything you do online.
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Man using Google Chrome browser on laptop. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Sketchy expansion of the wild
recently Researched by John TucknerThe founders of Secure Annex revealed concerns about 35 Chrome extensions, bringing potential privacy and security risks. These extensions are many private on Chrome’s web store and have been collectively installed over 4 million times.
Many of these sketchy extensions presented themselves as tools for search aid, ad blocking, security monitoring, or enhanced scanning, but share connections with a single unused domain and suggest calibrated behavior. They all use the same code pattern, connect to parts of the same server, interact with web traffic at every URL you access, access cookies, manage browser tabs, and have a list of permissions for the same sensitive system, including the ability to do so.
What’s even more concerning is that at least 10 of these expansions carry Google’s “Featured” badges, implying a review for reliability. This raises questions about Google’s review process, as the badge suggests compliance with high standards of user experience, privacy and security.
Hacker at work. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Why are these extensions bad?
The main concern is the level of access these extensions quietly request and how they use it. You can monitor almost anything you do in your browser by reading tabs, accessing cookies, intercepting web requests, and inserting scripts into pages. This includes tracking browsing activities, observing login sessions, and changing the content of the websites you visit.
These extensions are not simply misunderstood tools. They seem to be intentionally designed with surveillance in mind. Many store configuration data locally, allowing remote servers to update their behavior at any time. This setup is common in Spyware, which allows you to make changes after installation without warning the user. This code is obfuscated in large quantities, making it difficult for researchers to understand what the extension is actually doing.
In some cases, the extension appears to do nothing when clicked. However, it continues to send data in the background. For example, the Fireshield Extension Protection remained inactive until the researcher manually triggered it with a specific Extension ID. Only then did they start sending browsing activities and other data, revealing behaviors that are difficult for the average user to detect.
Someone who works on a laptop. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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35 extensions to remove now
The 35 extension is not available in the Chrome Web Store. This means that you can only install it directly through the URL. The complete list of extensions is as follows:
- Choose the Chrome Tool
- Fire Shield Chrome Safety
- Safe Search for Chrome
- Fire Shield Expansion Protection
- Doctor check up your Chrome browser
- Chrome Protecto
- Fair search with Protecto
- Make your browser safe
- Web Privacy Assistant
- Makes children safe
- Bing search with Securify
- Browse safely for chrome
- Better viewing with Securysearch
- Please check Chrome permissions
- Chrome Website Safety
- MultiSearch in Chrome
- Global Search for Chrome
- Map search for Chrome
- See the Tower Overview
- Chrome Shield Shield
- Search Chrome on the site
- Chrome’s Privacy Guard
- Yahoo Search by Ghost
- Private search for Chrome
- Total safety of chromium
- Chrome Data Shield
- Chrome browser watchdog
- Search Chrome
- Chrome Web Results
- Cuponomia – Coupons and cashback
- I’ll secure Chrome
- Ensures advanced web protection
- Chrome News Search
- Chrome’s SecuryBrowse
- Browse safely for chrome
How to remove extensions from Google Chrome on your desktop
If you have installed one of the above extensions in your browser, remove them as soon as possible. To remove extensions from Google Chrome on your desktop, follow these steps:
- Open chrome Click Icons that look like puzzles. It is located in the top right corner of the browser
- You can now view all the active extensions. Click 3 dot icon Next to the extension you want to delete and select Remove from Chrome
- click remove confirm
Steps to remove extensions from Google Chrome. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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5 Ways to Stay Safe from Sketchy Expansion
If you’re worried about the above extensions, here are five ways to protect sensitive information and maintain online privacy.
1) Keep your browser up to date. Chrome gets regular updates that remove most security issues. Please turn on automatic browser updates (such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge). That way you’re not running the latest version all the time. See my guide Continue updating your devices and apps For more information.
2) Install the extension only from trusted sources. Official browser stores like the Chrome Web Store have rules and scans to catch bad actors. They’re not perfect, but they’re still a better option when compared to random websites on the internet. Extensions from unknown websites or third-party downloads are much more likely to hide malware and spyware.
3) Have powerful antivirus software: A good anti-virus warning can be used before installing malicious software, such as malformed browser extensions. It also allows you to warn of email and ransomware scam phishing, helping you keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 Antivirus Protection Winners for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4) Be skeptical of extensions that require unnecessary access: Some extensions are intentionally overflowing. A weather app that requires a calculator or login data to find a browsing history is a big red flag.
Before installing, you will ask “Does this permission match the extension’s job?” If the answer is good, don’t install it. Unless explicitly justified (for example, a password manager), be aware of extensive permissions such as “read and modify all data on the website you access.” If the update suddenly adds a new permission request, dig into why. This may mean that the extension has been sold or hacked.
5) Change your password and do it safely: If you have ever saved your password in your browser (for example, via Chrome’s built-in password manager or the “Save Password” prompt), these credentials can be at risk if a malicious extension is installed. These built-in managers can store passwords locally or in your Google, Microsoft, or Firefox account, and compromised browsers can give bad actors a way.
This usually does not apply to dedicated password manager extensions. This is not a browser storage independent encryption of data. However, if you are unsure if your extension is corrupted, it is always wise to update your master password and enable two-factor authentication.
For maximum security, change your most important passwords (email, bank, shopping, cloud services) from another secure device that didn’t have any suspicious extensions installed, such as mobile phones or other computers. Do not use the same browser that may be published. Next, consider switching to Password Manager to create and store powerful and unique logins for the future. I reviewed my top options Best Password Manager in 2025 Guide. Find out which one is best for your needs.
Important points of cart
The fact that some of these extensions carried Google’s own “Featured” badge should act as a wake-up call. It refers to a serious lapse of surveillance and raises concerns about how thorough the Chrome enhanced review process is in fact. When millions of users unconsciously install spyware under the impression that they are vetted and approved, the problem is no longer about bad actors. It reflects a deeper obstacle to the platform itself. Google needs to take stronger responsibility by increasing transparency and strengthening review standards.
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