Masquerading as AI Assistants: The Rise of Malicious Chrome Extensions

A recent discovery has uncovered a set of 30 malicious Chrome extensions that have been deceiving users by posing as AI assistants. These extensions, installed by over 300,000 users, have been designed to steal sensitive information, including credentials, email content, and browsing history.

The extensions in question are part of a larger campaign to exploit the growing interest in AI technology. By masquerading as legitimate AI-powered tools, these malicious extensions are able to gain the trust of users, who unwittingly grant them access to their personal data.

Also Read: Malicious Chrome Extensions Exposed: Protect Your Business from Data Theft

How the Malicious Extensions Work

  • Once installed, the extensions begin to collect user data, including login credentials, email content, and browsing history.
  • This information is then transmitted to the attackers' servers, where it can be used for various malicious purposes, such as phishing, identity theft, and targeted advertising.
  • The extensions also have the capability to inject malicious code into websites, allowing the attackers to steal sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal identifiable information.

The discovery of these malicious extensions highlights the importance of vigilance when installing browser extensions. Users must be cautious when granting permissions to extensions and should only install extensions from trusted sources.

Also Read: BeyondTrust RCE Flaw Under Active Exploitation: Patch Immediately

Protecting Yourself from Malicious Extensions

  • Only install extensions from reputable sources, such as the Chrome Web Store.
  • Read reviews and check the extension's ratings before installing.
  • Be cautious when granting permissions to extensions, and only grant the necessary permissions.
  • Regularly review your installed extensions and remove any that are no longer needed or seem suspicious.

The incident serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of staying informed about the latest security risks. By being aware of the potential dangers and taking steps to protect themselves, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to malicious extensions and other cyber threats.

If you think technology can solve your security problems, then you don’t understand the problems and you don’t understand the technology.

Bruce Schneier