Millions Downloaded Malware Infected Chrome And Edge Extensions

Avast are the makers of popular antivirus software. Their researchers, recently found a total of twenty-eight different Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge extensions that were laced with malware.

Worse, they found the extensions have been downloaded by more than 3 million users around the world. All of the extensions were designed to help facilitate the download of pictures and video from platforms like Spotify, Vimeo, Instagram and Facebook.

According to the researchers, the malware is JavaScript-based and is designed to display ads or direct users to phishing sites where their personal information may be collected for later use.

Avast's research team had this to say about their findings:

"Users have also reported that these extensions are manipulating their Internet experience and redirecting them to other websites. Any time a user clicks on a link, the extensions send information about the click to the attacker's control server, which can optionally send a command to redirect the victim from the real link target to a new hijacked URL before later redirecting them to the actual website they wanted to visit. User's privacy is compromised by this procedure since a log of all clicks is being sent to these third-party intermediary websites."

As malware goes, that's certainly not the worst thing we've seen, but it is a genuine threat that puts your privacy, and potentially your personal information at risk.

If you rely on a number of browser extensions, especially those that facilitate easier and more convenient downloading of images and videos, and you use either Edge or Explorer, it pays to purge your existing collection of extensions and reinstall clean copies. This is especially true if you've been noticing aberrant behavior in your browser.

Unfortunately, many users tend to download and forget about extensions, so it may not be obvious at first glance that the two (your extensions and the malware) are connected. In light of that, it pays to conduct a thorough review of your system.

Keeping up with the latest internet and software updates can be daunting. Stay protected from hackers by utilizing the IT Services of SpartanTec Inc.  We have a plan to fit any size business.

SpartanTec Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
910) 745-777
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Computer Safety Tips You Need To Know

Making sure that your computer is secure seems like a cumbersome task. The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do like keeping your anti virus software up to date to make sure that you have good computer security.

Update Your Anti-Virus Software

Make sure that you have anti virus software installed on your computer. Don’t forget to check for updates every day. Most software can be set up to get this done automatically. In case you do not know where to begin, you can consult an IT consultant to help you out.

Install Security Patches

New threats to different types of software are being discovered all the time and they do not discriminate by platform or vendor. It is not just a matter of updating the operating system, at least once a month, check for as well as apply updates for all the software you are using. You can check the Microsoft Update Catalog or the Secunia Software inspector for updates.

Use A Firewall

Any internet connection is at risk if there is no firewall. A non-firewalled computer will only have a few minutes before it gets infected. Fortunately, Windows operating systems come with a built-in firewall that is turned on by default.

Never Give Out Personal, Sensitive Information

Unless the website is prefaced with https, never provide personal and sensitive information like your credit card number or social security number. In case you really have to provide any of these personal details, you must do so carefully. When paying for goods or services online, consider using PayPal. You should also be careful about sharing too much information on social media. Identity thieves commonly turn to social media to get access to your personal and even financial information.

Control Your Email

Don’t open any email attachment that you may have received from an unexpected or unknown source. Keep in mind that worms and Trojan filled spam will do their best to spoof the name of the sender. You also need to make sure that your email client doesn't leave you susceptible to infection and any online threat.

Always Treat IM Suspiciously

Trojans and Worms frequently target instant messaging. There are countless scammers who are always working to find ways to gain access to your personal accounts or to get your personal information. Treat IMs just as you treat your email, if not even more cautiously.

Use Strong Passwords

Use a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters for your passwords. The longer and the more complicated it is, the better. Every account you have should have different passwords. You should also use two-factor authentication if it is available. Of course, remembering all of your passwords can be quite difficult so consider using a password manager, which is commonly a browser plugin that will monitor your password entry and save your credentials for all of your accounts. You just have to remember one password and that’s for your password manager app.

Keep An Eye On Internet Scams

Criminals will always find ways to take your hard earned cash away from you. Do not get fooled by emails that tell sad stories, or offering unsolicited jobs. Additionally, you should also be careful of emails that masquerade as security concerns from an eCommerce site or your bank.

Avoid Virus Hoaxes

There are emails that spread uncertainty, fear, and doubt about threats that do not exist will only spread needless alarm and might even cause you to delete legitimate files. Keep in mind that there are a lot of good things than bad things on the internet. Don’t be paranoid. Instead, be aware, cautious, and suspicious as well. By following the tips provided above and being proactive in securing your computer and your information, you will not just protect yourself but also contribute to the betterment and protection of the internet in general.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need professional help in keeping your personal or office computer secure from all kinds of online threat. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
517 Owen Dr
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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