Researchers uncovered a massive spying effort through Google's Chrome

REUTERS/Brandon Wade/File Photo

• Researchers have discovered that malicious Google Chrome extensions siphoned off data from millions of browsers users.
• Awake Security discovered the Chrome add-ons were downloaded some 32 million times.
• The extensions were available via Google's official Chrome Web Store, and masqueraded as tools that convert files or could warn users about malicious sites, but actually hoovered up browser history and other data.
• Google said it removed more than 70 malicious add-ons after being alerted by researchers in May.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A newly discovered spyware effort attacked users through 32 million downloads of extensions to Google's market-leading Chrome web browser, researchers at Awake Security told Reuters, highlighting the tech industry's failure to protect browsers as they are used more for email, payroll and other sensitive functions.

Alphabet Inc's Google said it removed more than 70 of the malicious add-ons from its official Chrome Web Store after being alerted by the researchers last month.See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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