In July 2025, a serious security warning was issued for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users. Cybersecurity experts are calling it a “Red Alert” situation. Users are being urged to remove suspicious extensions and delete their browsing data.Red Alert For Chrome
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Paragraph 1: Details of the Situation
According to recent reports from cybersecurity firms like Kaspersky Lab and Malwarebytes, thousands of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users may be at risk. Hackers have been using browser extensions to secretly collect personal information. These extensions, which look safe at first, are often fake or have hidden malicious code. Once installed, they can track your activity, steal login details, and even access banking information.Red Alert For Chrome
The warning applies mostly to desktop users. If you use Chrome or Edge on your laptop or PC, you are strongly advised to review your browser extensions now. Security teams have discovered over 30 harmful extensions that were downloaded by millions of users worldwide. Most of these extensions do not come from official developers. Instead, they are clones or copies of popular tools like ad blockers, PDF converters, and weather apps.
The red alert warning urges users to:
- Remove all unknown or unused browser extensions.
- Clear all browsing data, cookies, and saved passwords.
- Update the browser to the latest version.
- Use trusted antivirus or anti-malware tools to scan the device.
Paragraph 2: Expert Opinions
Cybersecurity expert Lisa Tran from CyberSafe Labs said,
“Many users don’t realize that browser extensions have deep access to your browsing behavior. Hackers exploit this to collect sensitive data silently.”
Another expert, Dr. James Holder of Digital Trust Alliance, added,
“These attacks are well-planned. Hackers use social engineering to make fake extensions look helpful. But they’re spying tools.”
Tech websites such as TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge have also reported the same issue. Google and Microsoft are both working to remove harmful extensions from their stores. But experts say users need to take action themselves by being careful with what they install.
Paragraph 3: Related Incidents and Background
This is not the first time such an issue has happened. In late 2023, a similar alert was issued when several Chrome extensions were found to be collecting users’ Facebook login data. Back then, over 500,000 users were affected before Google took action.
Again in 2024, a fake “ChatGPT Assistant” extension on the Chrome Web Store was caught stealing cookies and injecting ads into websites. The incident showed that even tech-savvy users can fall victim if they are not cautious.
Over time, browsers have improved their security systems. However, hackers continue to find new ways to bypass these protections, especially through third-party tools and plugins. These kinds of threats are especially dangerous because users unknowingly give permissions that allow full access to their private information.
Paragraph 4: Future Updates and Expectations
Google has confirmed that their security team is actively removing malicious extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Microsoft has also issued a similar statement for Edge users. In the coming weeks, both companies are expected to roll out updates to better detect and block harmful extensions.
Experts suggest that browser companies may soon introduce a new “Extension Safety Rating” system. This would give users a clear idea of how secure an extension is before they install it.
Meanwhile, users are encouraged to:
- Use only well-reviewed and officially verified extensions.
- Read permission requests before installing any browser tool.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
Conclusion
This July 2025 cybersecurity alert is a strong reminder that online safety should never be taken lightly. Chrome and Edge users must take immediate steps to protect their data. Deleting untrusted extensions and clearing browsing history may seem simple—but it could prevent major damage.
Source References
- Kaspersky Security Alert, July 2025
- CyberSafe Labs Expert Panel, July 18, 2025
- Microsoft Security Blog, July 2025
- Google Chrome Team Blog, July 17, 2025
- TechCrunch: “Malicious Extensions Put Millions at Risk”, July 2025
- Wired: “Chrome Users Targeted by Fake Extensions”, July 2025
Disclaimer
This article was written using information collected from trusted cybersecurity sources, expert opinions, and verified news outlets. Readers are advised to follow official updates from Google and Microsoft for the most recent protection guidelines.
