If You Have This Chrome Extension Installed, You’re Cooked
1 min read
Summary
A recently published report has highlighted serious privacy concerns relating to Chrome browser extension FreeVPN.
One, one of the extension’s current functionalities includes capturing screenshots of users’ browsing activity.
The extension has more than 100,000 installs and boasts a ’ Featured ’ badge on the Chrome Web Store, adding credibility to its offering.
The report suggests that the extension doesn’t initially pose a privacy risk, but that over time, the developer has released updates that have increased the level of permissions, reaching a point where they can now capture screenshots and data relating to users’ browsing activity.
There is no evidence to suggest that the extension’s developer is using the information maliciously, but the undue access does pose a risk to users.
It highlights the ease with which extensions can be granted undue access, and the gradual nature with which such access can be gained.
