Chrome extensions: beware of password theft

If you are a Google Chrome user and are using different extensions to enrich your browsing experience, you may want to be careful. According to recent reports, some Chrome extensions may put the security of your passwords at risk. Recently, a team of researchers discovered that some Chrome extensions can steal plaintext passwords from websites.

How password theft works

Malicious extensions exploit a vulnerability in the way Chrome handles saved passwords. When you log in to a website, your browser usually stores your password in an encrypted form, which is later used for authentication. However, according to experts, some malicious extensions directly access data stored by the browser and can recover original passwords in plain text format, bypassing any form of encryption.

Extensions to avoid

It's important to note that not all Chrome extensions pose a security risk. However, some users may not be aware of the risks of using certain extensions. Therefore, it is advisable to make a careful selection of the extensions you install in your browser and check user reviews and ratings before doing so. Some of the extensions that have been reported for password theft include some third-party password management utilities and some ad blocker extensions. To avoid the risk of password theft, it is advisable to uninstall any suspicious or unnecessary extensions immediately.

How to protect your passwords

To protect your passwords while browsing Chrome, there are some precautions you can take. The first thing to do is to avoid automatically saving passwords in your browser and instead use a reliable password manager, which encrypts your credentials and protects them with a master password. Also, remember to always keep your browser updated with the latest security updates and pay attention to the extensions you install. If you notice any suspicious behavior or security issues, immediately uninstall the affected extension and change your password to ensure maximum protection.