Do you use Google Chrome to browse the web?
If so, you may want to rethink the extensions you use.
Chrome extensions are add-ons you can download from the Chrome web store. 
The small software programs are supposed to only do one thing, customize your browsing experience.
Cybersecurity firm Awake Security told Reuters it discovered over 100 malicious extensions. The extensions either converted files from 1 format to another or warned users about questionable websites.
Many extensions contained spyware designed to spy on an infected computer. Some spyware stole browser history data or credentials for online business tools.
Google told Reuters they removed more than 70 suspected extensions but declined comment on how this spyware “bust” compared to past incidents. Google said it will increase human review of extensions.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Delete suspect extensions. When an extension is removed from the Chrome web store it loses the ability to connect with its domain. Without that, it won’t operate properly. To clear trouble-making extensions open Chrome. Click the 3-dot vertical menu in the upper-righthand corner. Mouse over “More tools” on the menu, and then click “Extensions” on the menu that opens. Tap the “Remove” button under any extensions you don’t use, don’t recognize or aren’t from mainstream developers.
Some spying extensions are: Browse Safer, Browsing Protector, Browsing Safety Checker, ByteFence Secure Browsing, ConvertFileNow, Doc to PDF, EasyConvert, My Doc Stop PDF, PDF Ninja Converter, PDF Opener, PDF2DOC, QuickMail, Search by ConvertPdfPro, Search Manager, Secure Web, Searching, Securify, The Easy Way Pro, TheSecuredWeb and ViewPDF.
Next week: Beware this new, dangerous keylogger.