Malicious software has been detected in 16 extensions of Google Chrome, the world’s most popular internet browser. Over 3.2 million users have been affected by this security vulnerability.

GitLab Threat Intelligence revealed that 16 malicious Chrome extensions impacted over 3.2 million users worldwide. These extensions created security vulnerabilities in users’ browsers, engaging in harmful activities such as ad fraud and search engine optimization (SEO) manipulation. According to cybersecurity researchers, these extensions were initially safe when installed in the Chrome Web Store. However, they later became malicious due to malicious updates. It is believed that hackers took control of developers’ accounts to introduce harmful updates to the extensions and automatically offer them to users. Malicious code that infected computers through browsers was utilized for stealing personal data and ad fraud. It was found that these malicious extensions replaced legitimate ads with their own malicious content and directed users to deceptive websites.

YOU SHOULD DELETE THESE APPLICATIONS The 16 extensions identified as containing malicious software are as follows: Adblocker for Chrome, Adblock for You, NoAds, Nimble Capture, KProxy, Page Refresh, Wistia Video Downloader, WAToolKit, Blipshot, Emojis (Emoji Keyboard), Color Changer for YouTube, Video Effects for YouTube and Audio Enhancer, Themes for Chrome and YouTube, Picture in Picture, Mike Adblock für Chrome, Super Dark Mode, Emoji Keyboard, Emojis for Chrome.

Google has removed the extensions containing the aforementioned malicious software from the web store. However, if you have previously installed any of these extensions, you will need to manually remove them. Experts recommend users who have downloaded any of these extensions to immediately remove them and conduct a virus scan on their devices.