Technology

The Verge’s 2024 Father’s Day gift guide

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

Press Room

The Verge’s 2024 Father’s Day gift guide

Custom Lego minifigure

I’m as big a fan of Lego’s new Barad-dûr set as anyone, but $459.99 is a steep price to pay for a brick-ified rendition of Sauron’s iconic fortress of evil. Thankfully, for a mere $11.99, you can build your pops a minifig version of himself, complete with accessories and a T-shirt showing off his favorite catchphrase. Whether you want to give him a full head of hair is entirely up to you.
Price: $11.99

Hoto electric screwdriver

Hoto’s electric screwdriver is the perfect around-the-house tool for a frequent tinkerer or a weekend warrior building some Ikea furniture. Its simple design makes it compact enough to keep nearby for small to medium-size projects, so your dad doesn’t have to bust out the big tools unless he needs some serious torque.
Price: $42.99+

Elgato Stream Deck Neo

It doesn’t matter whether or not your dad fancies himself an influencer, Elgato’s Stream Deck Neo can make managing his workflows that much easier. The programmable, eight-key macro controller cribs many of the best elements from the company’s pro-grade models and adds two capacitive buttons, letting him switch pages for an infinite amount of customizable LCD keys.
Price: $99.99

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

Making sense of Garmin’s crowded Forerunner lineup is as easy as learning the platform — which is to say, it’s not. For the uninitiated, however, the Forerunner 165 Music is a great entry-level training watch. It features support for in-depth training metrics and all your basic fitness activities, along with marathon battery life, a crisp OLED display, and a price that’s actually palatable.
Price: $289+

iPad Air (2024)

If your dad is the creative type with a penchant for big screens, Apple’s latest iPad Air isn’t a bad bet. Not only is the new M2 model the least expensive way to get access to the new Apple Pencil Pro but it’s also the cheapest way to get a 13-inch iPad without stepping up to the pricier iPad Pro. It’s also just a fantastic tablet overall, regardless of which size you choose.
Price: $569+

Wavelength

Think you and your old man are on the same wavelength? CMYK’s outstanding board game is one way to find out. The simple premise has you guessing where your partner thinks a specific word or topic fits between two diametric ends of a spectrum, which, believe it or not, can be incredibly difficult depending on how well you know your teammate.
Price: $29.99+

Blink Mini 2

If you want to outfit your dad with a cheap but good security camera, look no further than the Blink Mini 2. The basic 1080p cam is small in stature but big in value, especially now that it packs an LED spotlight, a wider field of view, and USB-C power. It also features IP65 weatherproofing, which means you can use it outdoors if you pony up an additional $10 for the weather-resistant adapter.
Price: $39.99+

Three-Body Problem Boxed Set

Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem is a brilliant piece of sci-fi, so much so that the folks behind Game of Thrones recently adapted the first book in the series for Netflix. The titular box set brings together all three novels in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, which chronicles the larger than life story of how humanity responds after making contact with a distant alien race.
Price: $28.78+

AirPods Pro with USB-C

At this point, what can be said about the latest AirPods Pro that hasn’t been said already? The second-gen earbuds have become the default pick for many an Apple user thanks to their great sound, intuitive controls, and deep integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. The fact that they can deftly drown out the world outside so your dad can better hear Vampire Weekend’s knotty polyrhythms doesn’t hurt, either.
Price: $249+

PlayStation Portal

Make no mistake, the PlayStation Portal is not a handheld — well, at least not in a traditional sense. It’s essentially an eight-inch, 1080p LCD display wedged between two halves of a standard DualSense controller, providing PS5 users with a way to stream games from their console via Remote Play. It’s not perfect, but at least your dad will be able to get his Final Fantasy VII Rebirth fix even when Bluey comes on the TV.
Price: $199+

Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce

Like Aardvark, Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce has become a regular staple in my household. The savory-sweet condiment is pretty atypical compared to American BBQ sauces, which often rely heavily on brown sugar or molasses for taste. Instead, Bachan’s recipe offers a nice balance of ginger, soy, mirin, green onion, and other Japanese flavors that work great if you’re trying to add a kick of umami to your next meal.
Price: $7.98+

Google Pixel 8A

Like the Pixel 7A before it, Google’s latest budget phone is a sensible choice for sensible shoppers. It offers many of the same features found on the standard Pixel 8, including Qi wireless charging and Google’s speedy Tensor G3 chipset, along with a 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display and a surprisingly good camera system. More importantly, it comes with a staggering seven years of OS updates, which is the kind of ROI that would make even your dad proud.
Price: $499

Moment Santa Fe Shoulder Bag

Every good adventure requires gear. Thankfully, Moment’s rugged Santa Fe Shoulder Bag is built for impromptu road trips and weekend escapades, the kind that require you to pack light and stick to the essentials. The sling’s main compartment is perfect for stowing a 35mm point-and-shoot cam and a few rolls of film, and because it’s made of durable 500d nylon, you needn’t worry if a little rain happens your way.
Price: $60+

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose’s latest flagship headphones offer some of the best comfort and noise cancellation around, with an excellent transparency mode for when it’s time to let the outside world back in. They may have a high price, but the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones make a great gift for a frequent traveler or commuter who really enjoys their music.
Price: $379

Panel Sound Pickleball Paddles

If your local city noise ordinance hasn’t killed pickleball yet, nothing will. Panel Sound’s fiberglass pickleball rackets are nothing fancy, though they are lightweight, inexpensive, and rather comfortable thanks to their rippled 4.8-inch grip. Plus, they’re certified for tournament play by USA Pickleball, just in case your dad ever feels his third-shot drop is better than it actually is.
Price: $19.54+

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hammer Drill

Sometimes an electric screwdriver just won’t cut it. Luckily, Milwaukee’s cordless M12 Fuel Hammer Drill is built for such occasions. The compact drill is one of the shortest models in its class, though it comes with a larger 0.5-inch metal chuck that gives it some serious power when your pair it with larger drill bits. However, we do recommend snagging a 4.0Ah high-capacity battery to go along with it — that is, assuming your dad isn’t already tapped into Milwaukee’s 12V ecosystem.
Price: $149+

Helldivers 2

Spreading democracy may not seem like a light objective — especially with today’s politics — yet Helldivers 2 makes it surprisingly fun. That’s partly because the online co-op title is incredibly silly and partly because it has you battling giant space bugs, Starship Troopers-style, instead of campaigning for NATO status. Just remind your dad to watch out for friendly fire and Bile Titans. They’ll get ya!
Price: $39.88+

Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator

Your dad might have been able to inflate your water wings as a kid, but I doubt he could do the same for the tires on his Model 3. Fortunately, Fanttik’s compact tire inflator comes with enough nozzles and packs enough power to fill pretty much anything. It even has a built-in LCD display that lets you set your desired PSI, so he never has to worry about overinflating.
Price: $40.47+

Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8X32 monocular

There are plenty of entry-level tools for birding, though I’d argue few of them are as fun as the apt-titled Zoom Tube. Even if it can’t rival a legitimate pair of binos, Nocs’ pocketable monocular affords you crystal-clear 8x magnification and a terrific field of view, not to mention plenty of style if vibrant shades of red, teal, and orange are your thing.
Price: $74.95+

Belkin BoostCharge 3 Port USB-C Wall Charger with PPS 67W

Belkin’s 67W three-port charger is perfect for the dad who has exiled any and all Lightning devices from their life. The portable charger supports USB PD 3.0 and PPS, with the maximum output for each USB-C port clearly labeled should you ever wonder how much power you’re getting when multiple ports are active. Needless to say, achieving optimal charging speeds is rarely as easy.
Price: $35.99+

Lego NASA Artemis Space Launch System

My colleague Sean Hollister, our resident toy expert, once dubbed Lego’s NASA Artemis Space Launch System the best rocket launchpad Lego has ever made. I’m inclined to agree based solely on the sheer spectacle of the towering 3,091-piece replica, which includes a multistage rocket with two solid-fuel boosters, an Orion capsule with foldout solar panels, and a detailed launch tower that makes for a fine piece of nerd decor.
Price: $259.99

8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Controller

No dad should have to settle for a subpar gamepad. 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2.4G Controller is a budget-friendly premium option with its own charging dock, customizable controls, and a pair of back paddles. The remappable gamepad also sports drift-free Hall effect joysticks and a 2.4GHz wireless adapter, so you can pair it wirelessly with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
Price: $44.99+

A La Sala
(vinyl)

No band conjures pure vibes quite like Khruangbin, especially on wax. The Houston trio’s fourth studio album is a kaleidoscope of low-key sounds from around the globe, all of which buoy their groovy, instrumental psych-rock. It doesn’t matter if your dad can’t pronounce their name — the Congolese rhythms and sun-kissed guitar are impossible to ignore.
Price: $25.99

MeatStick 4 Set

The MeatStick 4 isn’t your average meat thermometer. The wireless, stainless steel striking probe is equipped with four sensors, three of which let you gauge the internal temperature of your meat and a fourth that clocks the ambient temp of your oven. It also offers up to 70 hours of battery life and a 164-foot Bluetooth range, so your dad doesn’t have to miss the game just to keep an eye on his rib eye.
Price: $74+

Onyx Boox Palma

If you’re curious about what would happen if you combined a low-end Android phone with your favorite ebook reader, look no further than the Boox Palma. It’s essentially a 6.13-inch slate with page-turning buttons and a Kindle-style E Ink display, one that allows you to listen to podcasts, peruse newsfeeds, and download all your favorite reading apps via the Google Play Store.
Price: $279.99

Wera Tool-Check Plus bit ratchet set

Every dad likes high torque transfer, which is why Wera’s Tool-Check Plus makes for a nice gift. The durable 39-piece tool set contains all sorts of color-coded bits and bobs for tackling routine bike maintenance and DIY repairs, including a ratchet, seven sockets, a bitholding screwdriver, and 28 nickel-coated bits. Wera tools don’t come cheap, but a quality piece of kit seldom does.
Price: $74.95+

Samsung Music Frame

Eat your heart out, Ikea. The Music Frame is similar to the latest Symfonisk collab in that it’s an Atmos-ready speaker masquerading as a piece of wall decor, except Samsung’s new Alexa-powered Music Frame lets you insert your own physical photographs or artwork instead of relying on Ikea’s default art design. That makes the 12.9 x 12.9-inch frame a hell of a lot more personal.
Price: $397.99+

The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Superproducer Rick Rubin is responsible for some of the most iconic records ever made, including hits from Adele, Run-DMC, and everyone’s favorite sock-loving alt-rockers. His new book, The Creative Act, isn’t so much a tell-all memoir or a collection of name-drops but, rather, a thought-provoking distillation of what he’s learned about the creative process from his four decades working through it.
Price: $16.99+

JBL Charge 5

Pristine stereo sound is great and all, but there’s something to be said about a portable speaker that can truly go the distance. Take the JBL Charge 5 as an example. The powerful Bluetooth speaker relies on a mono driver, yet it offers up to 20 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. That’s long enough for dad to listen to Wilco’s entire studio discography… twice.
Price: $139.95+

Fellow Clyde Electric Kettle

You don’t need to spend much to get a decent electric kettle. That being said, Fellow’s Clyde Electric Kettle feels tailor-made for the hot beverage connoisseur who also has exquisite taste in gadget design. The classy kettle holds a generous 1.5 liters of water and features a wide mesh spout, which is a welcome reprieve from the gooseneck design on Fellow’s pour-over model.
Price: $125

Technology

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

Published

5 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

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Food delivery platform Grubhub has confirmed a recent data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems.

The disclosure comes as sources tell BleepingComputer the company is now facing extortion demands linked to stolen data.

In a statement to BleepingComputer, Grubhub said it detected and stopped the activity quickly.

“We’re aware of unauthorized individuals who recently downloaded data from certain Grubhub systems,” the company said. “We quickly investigated, stopped the activity, and are taking steps to further increase our security posture.”

Grubhub added that sensitive information, such as financial details or order history, was not affected. However, the company declined to answer follow-up questions about when the breach occurred, whether customer data was involved or if it is actively being extorted.

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RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN

Grubhub confirmed a data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems, prompting an investigation and heightened security measures. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What Grubhub has confirmed so far

While details remain limited, Grubhub confirmed several key points. It has brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified law enforcement. Beyond that, the company has stayed largely silent. That lack of detail has raised concern, especially given Grubhub’s recent security history. Just last month, the company was linked to scam emails sent from its own b.grubhub.com subdomain. Those messages promoted a cryptocurrency scam promising large returns on Bitcoin payments. Grubhub said it contained the incident and blocked further unauthorized emails. It did not clarify whether the two events are related.

Sources link the breach to ShinyHunters extortion

According to multiple sources cited by BleepingComputer, the ShinyHunters hacking group is behind the extortion attempt. The group has not publicly commented on the claims and declined to respond when contacted. Sources say the attackers are demanding a Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of stolen data. That data reportedly includes older Salesforce records from a February 2025 breach and newer Zendesk data taken during the most recent intrusion. Grubhub uses Zendesk to run its online customer support system. That platform handles order issues, account access and billing questions, making it a valuable target for attackers.

How stolen credentials may have enabled the attack

Investigators believe the breach may be tied to credentials stolen during earlier Salesloft Drift attacks. In August 2025, threat actors used stolen OAuth tokens from Salesloft’s Salesforce integration to access sensitive systems over a 10-day period. According to a report from Google Threat Intelligence Group, also known as Mandiant, attackers used that stolen data to launch follow-up attacks across multiple platforms. “GTIG observed UNC6395 targeting sensitive credentials such as AWS access keys, passwords and Snowflake-related access tokens,” Google reported. ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for that campaign, stating it stole roughly 1.5 billion records from Salesforce environments tied to hundreds of companies.

Why this breach still matters

Even if payment data and order history were not affected, support systems often contain personal details. Names, email addresses and account notes can be enough to fuel phishing attacks or identity scams. More importantly, this incident highlights how older breaches can continue to cause damage long after the initial attack. Stolen credentials that are never rotated remain a powerful entry point for threat actors.

Ways to stay safe after the Grubhub data breach

If you use Grubhub or any online delivery service, a few smart steps can reduce your risk after a breach.

1) Update your password and stop re-use

Start by changing your Grubhub password right away. Make sure you do not reuse that password anywhere else. Reused passwords give attackers an easy path into other accounts. A password manager can help here. It creates strong, unique logins and stores them securely so you do not have to remember them all.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS’ RECORDS

The food delivery platform says it quickly stopped the intrusion but has not disclosed when the breach occurred or whether customers were targeted. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

If two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, enable it. This adds a second step when you sign in, such as a code sent to your phone or app. Even if a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication can stop them from getting in.

3) Watch closely for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software

Be alert for emails or texts that mention orders, refunds or support issues. Attackers often use stolen support data to make messages feel urgent and real. Do not click links or open attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate. Strong antivirus software can also help block malicious links and downloads before they cause harm.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Remove your data from people-search sites

Consider using a data removal service to reduce your online footprint. These services help remove your personal details from data broker sites that attackers often use to build profiles. Less exposed data means fewer tools for scammers to exploit.

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 and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5) Ignore crypto messages using trusted brands

Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency offers tied to familiar companies. Grubhub was previously linked to scam emails promoting crypto schemes, which shows how often attackers abuse trusted names. Legitimate companies do not promise fast returns or pressure you to act immediately.

6) Monitor your Grubhub account and email activity

Check your Grubhub account for anything that looks unfamiliar. Watch for unexpected password reset emails, order confirmations or support messages you did not request. Attackers often test stolen data quietly before making bigger moves.

7) Secure the email linked to your Grubhub account

Your email account is the key to password resets. Change that password and enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on. If attackers control your email, they can regain access even after you change other passwords.

8) Stay alert for delayed scams tied to the breach

Breach data is often reused weeks or months later. Phishing attempts may appear long after headlines fade. Treat any future messages claiming to reference Grubhub support, refunds or account issues with extra caution.

These steps will not undo a breach, but they can limit how attackers exploit stolen information and reduce your risk going forward.

FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS

Sources tell BleepingComputer the Grubhub breach is tied to extortion demands involving allegedly stolen customer support data. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Grubhub’s confirmation puts an official stamp on what sources have warned about for weeks. While the company says sensitive data was not affected, unanswered questions remain. As extortion-driven breaches rise, transparency and rapid credential rotation matter more than ever. What stands out most is how past compromises continue to create new risks. When access tokens live too long, attackers do not need to break in again. They simply walk back through an open door.

If companies stay quiet after breaches, how can customers know when it is time to protect themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Published

17 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Starting early Sunday morning, TikTok’s now under new ownership US arm started breaking down just a couple of days after Oracle & Co took the reins. Its For You page algorithm is suddenly unreliable, while features like comments are failing to load or loading slowly, and publishing new videos seems nearly impossible for many people.

Rumors of censorship targeting anti-ICE protesting or attempting to block discussion of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be misguided (even the governor of California is resharing misinformation now), with problems blocking traffic to all kinds of videos and messages on the service through Monday night.

Read on below for the latest updates about the ongoing TikTok problems.

Technology

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

Published

17 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a serious threat hiding inside Google Chrome.

Several browser extensions pretend to be helpful tools. In reality, they quietly take over user accounts. These extensions impersonate popular human resources and business platforms such as Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. Once installed, they can steal login data and block security controls designed to protect users.

Many people who installed them had no warning signs that anything was wrong.

WHY CLICKING THE WRONG COPILOT LINK COULD PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK

Cybersecurity researchers warn that fake Google Chrome extensions are silently hijacking user accounts by stealing login data and bypassing security protections. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The fake Chrome extensions to watch out for

Security researchers from Socket’s Threat Research Team identified five malicious Chrome extensions connected to this campaign. The add-ons were marketed as productivity or security tools, but were designed to hijack accounts.

The extensions include:

DataByCloud Access
Tool Access 11
DataByCloud 1
DataByCloud 2
Software Access

We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the extensions are no longer available on the Chrome Web Store. However, some are still available on third-party software download sites, which continues to pose a risk. If you see any of these names installed in your browser, remove them immediately.

Why malicious Chrome extensions look legitimate

These malicious add-ons are designed to look legitimate. They use professional names, polished dashboards and business-focused descriptions. Some claim to offer faster access to workplace tools. Others say they restrict user actions to protect company accounts. Privacy policies often promise that no personal data is collected. For people juggling daily work tasks or managing business accounts, the pitch sounds helpful rather than suspicious.

What these extensions actually do

After installation, the extensions operate silently in the background. They steal session cookies, which are small pieces of data that tell websites you are already logged in. When attackers get these cookies, they can access accounts without a password. At the same time, some extensions block access to security pages. Users may be unable to change passwords, disable accounts or review login history. One extension even allows criminals to insert stolen login sessions into another browser. That lets them sign in instantly as the victim.

Why malicious Chrome extensions are so dangerous

This attack goes beyond stealing credentials. It removes the ability to respond. Security teams may detect unusual activity, but cannot fix it through normal controls. Password changes fail. Account settings disappear. Two-factor authentication tools become unreachable. As a result, attackers can maintain access for long periods without being stopped.

How to check for these extensions on your computer

If you use Google Chrome, review your extensions now. The process only takes a few minutes.

Open Google Chrome
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner
Select Extensions, then choose Manage Extensions
Review every extension listed

Look for unfamiliar names, especially those claiming to offer access to HR platforms or business tools.

WEB SKIMMING ATTACKS TARGET MAJOR PAYMENT NETWORKS

Malicious Chrome add-ons disguised as productivity tools targeted users of popular business platforms like Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. (Photo by S3studio/Getty Images)

How to remove suspicious Chrome extensions

If you find one of these extensions, remove it immediately.

Open Manage Extensions in Chrome
Find the suspicious extension
Click Remove
Confirm when prompted

Restart your browser after removal to ensure the extension is fully disabled. If Chrome sync is enabled, repeat these steps on all synced devices before turning sync back on.

What to do after removing the extension

Removal is only the first step. Change passwords for any accounts accessed while the extension was installed. Use a different browser or device if possible.

A password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely. This reduces the risk of reused passwords being exploited again.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

Finally, review account activity for unfamiliar logins, locations or devices and be sure to follow the steps below to stay safe moving forward.

Ways to stay safe going forward

Simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.

1) Limit browser extensions

Only install extensions you truly need. The fewer extensions you use, the smaller your attack surface becomes.

2) Be cautious with add-ons

Avoid extensions that promise premium access or special tools for enterprise platforms. Legitimate companies rarely require browser add-ons for account access.

3) Check permissions carefully

Be wary of extensions that request access to cookies, browsing data or account management. These permissions can be abused to hijack sessions.

4) Review extensions regularly

Check your browser every few months and remove tools you no longer use or recognize.

WHATSAPP WEB MALWARE SPREADS BANKING TROJAN AUTOMATICALLY

Several fake browser extensions were removed from the Chrome Web Store after researchers linked them to account takeover attacks. (Photo Illustration by Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

5) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious extensions, block suspicious behavior and alert you to browser-based threats before damage occurs.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Consider a data removal service

If your work or personal information has been exposed, a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint by removing your details from data broker sites. This lowers the risk of follow-up scams or identity misuse.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

7) Avoid third-party download sites

Do not reinstall extensions from third-party websites, even if they claim to offer the same features. These sites often host outdated or malicious versions.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Browser extensions can be useful, but this research shows how easily they can also be abused. These fake Chrome add-ons did not rely on flashy tricks or obvious warnings. They blended in, looked professional and quietly did their damage in the background. The good news is that you do not need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Taking a few minutes to review your extensions, remove anything unfamiliar and lock down your accounts can make a real difference. Small habits, repeated regularly, go a long way in reducing risk. If there is one takeaway here, it is this: convenience should never come at the cost of security. A clean browser and strong account protections give you back control.

How many browser extensions do you have installed right now that you have never looked at twice? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.