The code that was ugly was concealing in a program called Webpage Screenshot, accessible from the official Chrome save, which has been removed.

As an outcome of the findings, almost 200 malicious extensions have been removed by Google from its Chrome save.

This recently discovered program, nevertheless, is one example of an add on really ransanking their computer of sensitive information, and going one step beyond bombarding Chrome users with unwanted advertising.

Pro from security specialist at antivirus company ESET, Mark James, describes what users possibly impacted by the program can do.

‘The program itself is made to let you take screenshots and keep them in the cloud for you,’ says James. ‘The disadvantage to this kind of technology is the fact that it is easily abused, also it seems that is precisely what is occurring here.’

As James says, the program does say that anonymous usage data will be used by them and there’s a tick box ‘but it’s very difficult to locate and it seems that even when you decide to untick the box that advice is sent anyhow.’
He warns that it additionally uses the sneaky strategy of seeming to get couplings with well known sellers that utilise popup cash back ads and a well known browser search toolbar.

‘Extensions can improve our browsing experience but enjoy lots of free software we have to value it and what it provides vs the dangers of it being ‘free’,’ suggests James. Review them regularly to see in the event you truly want them and if not remove them.’