Technology
16 hijacked browser extensions expose 3.2 million users
Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit trusted apps and browser extensions.
Since people tend to trust tools that seem legitimate, attackers use them to spread malware or steal sensitive data. A new report reveals that over 3.2 million users have been affected by a security breach involving malicious browser extensions.
These extensions, which appeared genuine, were secretly embedding harmful scripts, stealing data and manipulating search results.
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A man using a Chrome browser. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How were the extensions compromised?
GitLab Security has uncovered a major security breach affecting over 3.2 million users through a network of compromised browser extensions, including some linked to GitLab. The attack stemmed from a supply chain breach, where threat actors infiltrated legitimate extensions and pushed malicious updates. These updates embedded hidden scripts that allowed unauthorized data collection, altered HTTP requests and injected ads into web pages — all without users noticing.
Originally built for tasks like ad blocking, emoji input and screen recording, these extensions were repurposed through covert updates that exploited the extensive permissions users had granted, enabling real-time manipulation of web activity.
Typically, malicious extensions or apps are created solely to steal data, with their advertised functionality being an afterthought or simply a way to get listed in an official store. That was not the case here. These were legitimate extensions that became harmful only after attackers injected malicious updates into them.
An illustration of a hacker at work. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Which extensions are affected?
Several of the compromised extensions are commonly utilized and may be present in your browser. For instance, ad blockers such as AdBlock are valued for eliminating disruptive advertisements and enhancing browsing privacy. However, in this breach, these tools were manipulated to deliver malicious payloads. The following extensions have been identified as affected:
- AdBlock Plus
- Emoji Keyboard
- Screen Capture Pro
- Dark Mode Toggle
- Grammar Checker
- PDF Converter
- Weather Forecast
- Coupon Finder
- Video Downloader
- Password Manager
- Translate Tool
- Privacy Shield
- Speed Test
- News Reader
- Shopping Assistant
- VPN Extension
If any of these extensions are installed on your browser, it is recommended that you assess their permissions and consider their removal until official security updates are verified.
The malicious extensions bypassed Content Security Policy protections, which are designed to prevent cross-site scripting attacks, allowing attackers to modify web content without detection. They also communicated with command-and-control servers to receive further instructions, showing a high level of coordination. The attackers exploited the trust users place in the Chrome Web Store and its automatic update system. Investigations suggest this activity has been ongoing since at least July 2024.
Google Chrome on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to remove an extension from Google Chrome
If you have installed one of the above-mentioned extensions on your browser, remove it as soon as possible. To remove an extension from Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome and click the icon that looks like a piece of a puzzle. You’ll find it in the top-right corner of the browser.
- You can see all the active extensions now. Click the three dots icon next to the extension you want to remove and select Remove from Chrome.
- Click Remove to confirm.
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Steps to remove an extension from Google Chrome. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
6 ways you can protect your personal data
Here are 6 ways to safeguard your sensitive information and maintain your online privacy:
1. Keep your browser and extensions up-to-date: Outdated software is a goldmine for cybercriminals. Bugs or security gaps in old versions of your browser or extensions can be exploited to inject malicious code, steal data or take control of your system. Updates patch these vulnerabilities, making them a critical line of defense. Turn on automatic updates for your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) so you’re always running the latest version without thinking about it. See my guide on keeping your devices and apps updated for more information.
2. Install extensions only from trusted sources: Official browser stores like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons have rules and scans to catch bad actors, but they’re not perfect. Extensions from random websites or third-party downloads are far more likely to hide malware or spyware. Stick to the official store for your browser — don’t download extensions from sketchy links.
3. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4. Be skeptical of extensions requesting unnecessary access: Some extensions overreach on purpose. A calculator tool asking for your browsing history or a weather app wanting your login data is a huge red flag.
Before installing, ask: “Does this permission match the extension’s job?” If the answer’s no, don’t install it. Watch out for broad permissions like “Read and change all your data on websites you visit” unless it’s clearly justified (e.g., a password manager). If an update suddenly adds new permission requests, dig into why. It might mean the extension has been sold or hacked.
5. Update your passwords: Change passwords for any accounts that may have been affected by the incident, and use unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager. This can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.
6. Remove your personal data from public databases: If your personal data was exposed in this security incident, it’s crucial to act quickly to reduce your risk of identity theft and scams. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap — and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Browser extensions can improve functionality but also pose significant security risks if not carefully managed. If you have any of the above extensions installed in Chrome, you should remove them immediately. Treat your browser as a key part of your digital security. Regularly check your extensions, remove unnecessary permissions and be cautious about automatic updates, even from trusted sources.
Should browsers implement stricter restrictions on what extensions can do by default? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Technology
Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound
We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.
According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.
Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.
The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.
Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.
The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.
The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.
Technology
Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that
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If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.
However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.
As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.
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Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why websites block many VPN connections
Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:
- Blocking access
- Triggering captchas
- Requiring extra verification codes
- Temporarily locking accounts
Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.
What a dedicated IP does differently
With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.
Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.
Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.
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A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t
That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.
Access more websites without blocks
Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.
Reduce captchas and security challenges
Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.
Make banking and email logins smoother
Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.
Support remote work and secure systems
Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.
Improve streaming reliability
Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.
What a dedicated IP does not do
A dedicated IP:
- Does not remove encryption
- Does not expose your identity
- Does not weaken your privacy
Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.
Who benefits most from a dedicated IP
A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:
- Use online banking regularly
- Travel and access sites from different locations
- Work remotely
- Stream often
- Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
- Want a VPN that feels normal to use
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With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP
If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.
What to look for beyond a dedicated IP
A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.
Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.
Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.
Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.
Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.
Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaway
If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.
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Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’
Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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