Even the Handiest Browser Extensions Can Be Data Thieves — Here's How to Spot Them

Browser extensions (Chrome extensions, Edge extensions, etc.) have become indispensable tools in our daily web browsing, making the overall browsing experience much more efficient.

However, many extensions may access your browsing history, collect browser fingerprints, or even upload sensitive information without your knowledge.

Next, we’ll talk about how to improve browser extension security and share several extension detection techniques to help you easily determine whether an extension is safe.

I. Why Should You Care About Browser Extension Security ?

Browser extensions inherently have high-level permissions. They can read web content, intercept network requests, and even modify your browser settings.

While most extensions are safe, some may have malicious intentions. The main risks include:

• Data leakage: Extensions may record your browsing history and account information and upload it to third-party servers.

• Browser fingerprint tracking: Some extensions generate and upload your browser fingerprint for advertising tracking or identity recognition.

• Malicious behavior: Certain extensions may modify web pages or automatically click ads, harming user interests.

Therefore, to browse safely, it’s not enough to simply choose official extensions—you must also understand how to detect extension risks.

II. How to Determine Whether a Browser Extension Is Safe?

Relying solely on developer descriptions or reviews is not enough. You need practical detection methods:

1. Check Extension Permissions

Every browser extension requests permissions during installation. Carefully review whether the requested permissions are reasonable:

• Screenshot extensions requesting access to all webpages → Reasonable

• Simple translation extensions requesting access to browsing history → Suspicious

If permissions are overly broad—especially read/write access to all data—you should remain cautious.

2. Verify the Extension Source

• Official stores: Download from Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons, or other official marketplaces

• Developer information: Check whether the developer has an official website or contact details

• Update frequency: Extensions that haven’t been updated for a long time may contain security vulnerabilities

3. Use Browser Extension Detection Tools

In addition to manually reviewing permissions, professional tools can help analyze extension behavior, such as:

• ToDetect Fingerprint Checker: Detects whether your browser fingerprint is being collected by extensions or websites and provides detailed reports.

• Security extension monitoring tools: Offered by security vendors to monitor extension behavior and data access.

4. Browser Fingerprint Detection

Many unsafe extensions track your online behavior using browser fingerprints, allowing identification even after cookies are cleared. Browser fingerprints may include:

• Browser version, operating system, screen resolution

• Installed fonts, extensions, language settings

• Hardware information such as Canvas and WebGL

With the ToDetect Fingerprint Checker, you can easily detect fingerprint data leakage and determine whether extensions are secretly collecting information.

III. How to Protect Your Browser Security Daily

In addition to detecting extensions, adopting good daily habits can significantly improve security:

• Reduce the number of extensions: Fewer extensions mean lower risk—install only what you need

• Regularly review extension permissions: Especially after updates, as new permissions may introduce risks

• Use sandbox or incognito mode: Perform sensitive actions in incognito mode to limit extension access

• Follow community security reports: Platforms like Reddit, GitHub, and security blogs often publish extension risk alerts

IV. Browser Extension Detection : Recommended Tools

To help you better assess extension safety, here are some practical tools:

With these tools, you can gain full visibility into extension behavior and eliminate hidden data leaks.

In Summary

Browser extension security should never be overlooked. Through regular permission reviews, routine extension checks, and professional tools like ToDetect Fingerprint Checker, you can clearly understand extension behavior and identify potential risks early.

Remember: extensions bring convenience, but security comes first. Learn to monitor your online environment with the right tools and methods to browse with confidence.