Fake Instagram, Facebook, and Vimeo extensions on Google Chrome can 'hijack' your URL, steal …

Over 28 fake extensions disguised as aids for Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, and others are infecting Google Chrome and Edge browsers with malware.A report by Avast Intelligence Security estimates that over 3 million people around the world have been affected by these malicious extensions capable of redirecting URLs, collecting personal information, and tracking your location. Google and Microsoft are currently investigating the issue, but the extensions remain available on the Chrome Web Store and the Microsoft Edge Add-ons portal. Immensely popular and innocently disguised Facebook, Vimeo and Instagram extensions on your web browser may actually be malware, according to the internet security provider Avast. Especially if you’re a part of the majority using Google Chrome.BrowserNumber of malicious extensionsGoogle Chrome15Edge13The malware is affecting around three million people around the world as per install numbers and can ‘hijack’ your URL. It means that the extension can track every time you click on a new link and alert the hacker. The hacker then has the option to redirect you to a new URL of his choosing, rather than sending you to your real destination. And, as with most crimes, there’s a monetary motive at play. Redirecting user traffic to ads and phishing sites by…
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