Recently, Google is testing a new feature of the Chrome browser. This feature warns users about malware when an installed extension is removed from the Chrome Web Store.
There is a constant stream of browser extensions released in the Chrome Store, many of which are promoted via pop-ups and redirects.
These extensions are crafted by scam companies and threat actors who use them to inject ads, track user's search history, redirect users to affiliate webpages, or in more serious cases steal users' Gmail emails and Facebook account.
The problem is, these extensions roll out so quickly that developers release new extensions just as Google removes old ones from the Chrome web store.
Unfortunately, if you install these extensions, they will still be installed in your browser even if Google detects them as malware and removes them from the store.
In view of this, Google is providing a safety check function for browser extensions. When an extension is detected as malware or removed from the store, Google will issue a warning to Chrome browser users, reminding them to remove it from the browser. Uninstall these extensions.
The feature will be enabled in Chrome 117, but it can now be tested in Chrome 116 by enabling the browser's experimental "safety check extension" feature.
To enable the feature, simply copy the Chrome browser URL "chrome://flags/#safety-check-extensions " into the address bar and hit enter. You'll be taken to the Chrome flags page with the "Extensions in Security Checkup" feature highlighted.
Now set it to Enabled and restart your browser when prompted to enable the feature.
Google Chrome Extension Security Checkup
Once enabled, a new option will appear under the "Privacy and Security" settings page, prompting you to review any extensions removed from the Chrome Web Store, as shown in the image below.
Security checks for Chrome extensions. Source: Google
Clicking this link will take you to the extensions page, which lists the removed extensions, why they were removed, and prompts you to uninstall them.
Potentially malicious extensions removed from Chrome web store Source: Google
Google said the extensions were removed from the Chrome web store because they were not published by the developer, violated policies, or were directly detected as malware.
Google recommends that users immediately delete those extensions that are detected as malware, which will not only better protect their data, but also prevent their computers from external attacks.
In addition, there are some extensions that were removed for other reasons, and Google also recommends that users remove them. This software, while not technically malicious, may violate other policies.
Google has a dedicated Chrome Web Store policy page detailing what content or actions may result in an extension being removed from the store.