Is Google Chrome really safe?
Google Chrome is, without a doubt, the most popular browser on the internet. However, as you surf the web using Chrome, you’re probably not thinking about the possible hidden dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent websites or downloads. Even though Google does the best it can at keeping Chrome secure, some vulnerabilities like malware still fall through the cracks. Malware, short for malicious software, can silently infiltrate your browser, compromising your privacy, security, and even the performance of your device.
So what can you do to detect and remove malware? The good news is that there are a number of ways to maintain a malware-free Chrome experience. First off, Chrome boasts various built-in features for your protection. Additionally, employing security tools like Guardio can help you in identifying and getting rid of malware, giving you a safer and more enjoyable internet experience.
| More than 3 million people are affected by infected malware-laced Chrome add-ons |
In this article, we'll delve into the most effective methods for detecting and eliminating Chrome malware, making sure you're safe online. Let's dive in!
What is malware?
Malware a word derived from "malicious software” is a program or file that can harm you and your computer. It's a powerful tool used by hackers to wreak havoc on devices and steal sensitive information. Once they get your information, cyber attackers exploit it for various sinister purposes, ranging from financial gain to committing identity theft. Get this, there are 560,000 new pieces of malware detected every day, indicating the extent of this widespread problem.
In the words of Bob Marley “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause, every little thing is gonna be alright!” This applies to malware as well, so don’t worry, it can totally be removed using a variety of methods, depending on its type. But before we get into the solutions, let’s step back for a moment, and try to understand how malware gets on your browser in the first place, and how it works. Then we’ll show you how to spot malware on your Chrome, and most importantly how to get rid of it.
Can Chrome be infected with malware?
Thanks to its seamless integration with Google accounts, and fast working speed the Chrome browser is super convenient. Chrome offers a tool for everyone, whether it's Google Classroom for kids or Google Workspace for professionals. Unfortunately, cybercriminals also love it, but for malicious purposes such as stealing your personal information and making money.
Is Your Chrome Truly Malware-Free?
How did malware get on my Chrome browser?
Well, we’re glad you asked, there are different types of malware out there, like worms, trojan horses, adware, and spyware, to name a few, and they all affect your computer and browser differently. Because malware is sneaky, your Chrome browser could have been infected in a number of ways, without you even knowing it.
Unsecured sites - If you visit unsecured or hacked websites, you might have downloaded harmful files that can damage your system.
Malicious links - Clicking on malicious ads or pop-ups can also redirect you to malware-infected sites.
Sketchy extensions - Installing infected browser extensions or plugins can also be a source of malware.
Malicious files - Downloading files from untrusted sources or unsafe websites may also introduce malware to your device.
Unknown attachments - Opening email attachments from unknown or suspicious senders can be risky, as these attachments might contain malware.
Phishing scams - Fraudulent emails sent by cybercriminals could try and trick you into downloading malicious content.
How to detect malware
When it comes to technology and new tools, it can sometimes be tricky to understand whether a glitch is due to a bug, a malfunction, or a malware infection. Here are some clear signs that your browser has been infected by malware:
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Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away. You might get annoying ads popping up in your Chrome browser from time to time, but if you've been infected with malware, these ads will appear non-stop every few seconds.
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Alerts about a virus or an infected device. Instead of trying to sell you something with ads, these pop-ups try to scare you and get you to click on it. Once you do malware will automatically be installed on your browser.
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Your Chrome homepage or default search engine keeps changing. Whenever you open the Chrome app, instead of going to the Google homepage, you get redirected to Yahoo or another browser that you've never installed on your device.
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Constant permission pop-ups. In most cases, these pop-ups ask for your location, show notifications, or request that you install extensions on your browser.
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Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars. You’ll know something fishy is going on if you notice extensions on your browser that you didn’t install yourself, especially if they keep coming back even after you uninstall them.
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Your browser is hijacked and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads. Have you ever been redirected to another site after opening a new tab on Chrome? Well, that's one of the most prominent indications that your Chrome is infected by a type of malware. You might even be redirected to a seemingly legitimate site, like Yahoo. Don't be fooled - you were redirected because someone is getting paid to send you there.
How to remove malware from your Chrome browser
There are three things you can do to remove malware from your Chrome browser. First off reset your Chrome settings. Second, remove unwanted programs, and lastly, and probably most importantly, install a dedicated scam protection tool. We recommend you do all three to cover all your bases. Follow this guide to remove unwanted malware and reset your Chrome browser.
Install a dedicated scam protection tool
To make sure you never have your browser hijacked again and stay protected from other malicious software you need 24/7 security software. Guardio is a Chrome extension designed to keep you safe against security threats and blocks annoying pop-ups with malicious code. It corrects search engine redirects and eliminates malware in your system. It also scans your device for threats and unwanted programs, plus blocks harmful sites and downloads that may cause your browser to be hijacked.
Protect yourself from malware on Chrome
Guardio offers a free trial which includes a free system scan.
- 24/7 scam protection
- Blocks annoying pop-ups with malicious code
- Cross-platform protection (up to 5 devices)
- Scans your device for malware
- Real-time identity theft protection
- Makes sure there are no browsing interruptions
- Family protection (up to 5 family members)
Google Chrome remains the most widely used browser on the internet, but as with any popular software, it is not immune to vulnerabilities like malware. Malicious software can find its way onto your Chrome browser through various ways, from unsecured websites and sketchy extensions to phishing scams and malicious links. However, there are steps you can take to detect and remove malware, like reseting settings, removing unwanted programs, and using using a dedicated scam protection tool like Guardio to safeguard your browsing experience and protecting your sensitive information. Remember keep an eye out for suspicious activity on your browser. Safe Browsing!
