10 Harmful Chrome Extensions You Must Uninstall in 2025, Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser, but some extensions can track your data, inject malware, and slow down your device. Many users install extensions to enhance their browsing experience, but some of these tools come with security risks.
In this article, we will discuss the 10 most harmful Chrome extensions you should remove immediately to protect your privacy and security.
Why You Should Be Careful with Chrome Extensions?
Not all Chrome extensions are safe. Some spy on your browsing habits, steal personal data, and display unwanted ads. Even extensions that seem harmless can be programmed to collect your information.
10 Dangerous Chrome Extensions to Uninstall Now:
1. Hola VPN
Category: VPN & Proxy
Why It’s Harmful: Hola VPN allows other users to route their internet traffic through your device, making you vulnerable to cyber threats and illegal activities carried out through your IP address.
2. SuperVPN
Category: VPN
Why It’s Harmful: This extension collects excessive personal data and lacks encryption, making it easy for hackers to steal your sensitive information.
3. FairShare Unlock
Category: Browser Optimization
Why It’s Harmful: It hijacks your browser to inject unwanted ads and pop-ups, which can slow down your browsing speed and expose you to phishing attacks.
4. Flash Video Downloader
Category: Video Downloader
Why It’s Harmful: While it helps users download videos, it also tracks browsing data and injects ads without user permission.
5. EasySearch
Category: Search Tool
Why It’s Harmful: This extension modifies your search settings, redirecting your queries to malicious websites that may contain malware.
6. Search Encrypt
Category: Privacy Protection
Why It’s Harmful: It claims to offer encrypted search but actually logs your search history and sells it to third-party advertisers.
7. Browse-Secure
Category: Security
Why It’s Harmful: This extension secretly injects tracking scripts into websites, exposing your personal data to cybercriminals.
8. AdBlock Plus (Fake Versions)
Category: Ad Blocker
Why It’s Harmful: Fake versions of AdBlock Plus exist on the Chrome Web Store. Instead of blocking ads, they inject malware and display their own ads.
9. Shopify Inspector
Category: E-commerce Tool
Why It’s Harmful: This tool collects business data from Shopify store owners and sells it to competitors, leading to privacy risks.
10. Auto Refresh Plus
Category: Browser Automation
Why It’s Harmful: While it refreshes web pages automatically, it tracks user behavior and sends data to third-party servers.
How to Protect Yourself from Malicious Extensions?
To keep your data safe and your browser running smoothly, follow these steps:
Install extensions only from trusted developers.
Check reviews and ratings before downloading.
Avoid extensions that ask for unnecessary permissions.
Regularly review installed extensions and remove the ones you don’t use.
Use a trusted antivirus program to detect malicious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I check if a Chrome extension is safe?
A: Before installing, verify the developer, read reviews, and check permissions. Avoid extensions that request sensitive access without a clear reason.
Q2: Can Chrome extensions steal personal data?
A: Yes, some extensions track your browsing history, collect passwords, and sell data to advertisers. Always research an extension before installing it.
Q3: How do I remove a harmful Chrome extension?
A: Open Google Chrome, go to chrome://extensions/, find the extension, and click Remove.
