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

GitLab Threat Intelligence revealed that 16 malicious Chrome extensions affected 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 secure software when first uploaded to the Chrome Web Store. However, they later turned malicious due to nefarious updates. It is believed that computer hackers hijacked developers’ accounts to introduce harmful updates to extensions and automatically offer them to users.

Malicious code that infiltrated computers through the browser was used for stealing personal data and ad fraud. It was found that harmful extensions replaced legitimate advertisements with their own malicious content and directed users to deceptive websites.

YOU SHOULD DELETE THESE APPLICATIONS
The 16 extensions with 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 mentioned malicious extensions from the web store. However, if you have previously installed any of these extensions, you must manually remove them. Experts recommend users who have downloaded any of these extensions to immediately uninstall them and conduct a virus scan on their devices.