Extensions allow you to integrate missing features into your browser: file conversion, editing office documents in a web browser window, password managers and more. The user installs add-ons to Chrome, Opera and Firefox to make life easier. However, not all extensions are equally useful, and many are quite dangerous. Let’s understand what the user risks by downloading and installing add-ons for the browser.

The main danger of expansion – viruses and other “pagans”. Software store owners try to detect malicious add-ons in a timely manner, but this is not always possible. Thus, during one of the many “virtual raids” by security experts from online software stores, almost three dozen extensions containing malicious code were found. According to download statistics, at least 3 million Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome users have been infected.

Most add-ons with malicious code are extensions for downloading music and videos from streaming services and social networks, as well as news aggregators. This is due to the fact that such tools are regularly connected. with various Internet sources that mask suspicious network activity.

Add-ons not promoted by the developers may also include:

• Monitoring users.
• Theft of data, including passwords, browser history, payment information.
• Redirect user to phishing sites.
• Data collection about operating system, browser version, user device.
• Use smartphone or computer hardware resources to monetize traffic cryptocurrency mining .

Also note that extensions are just small programs built into the browser. And like any software, they can conflict, slowing down the browser and operating system.

To minimize risks:

• Download extensions only from official stores.
• Pay attention to ratings, number of downloads, user reviews.
• Search Google for information about the add-on you’re interested in, as reviews in the store can be fraudulent.
• Update your antivirus software on time.