Bob the Cyber-Guy’s Cyber Safety Tip #124

“Browser Extensions Can See More Than You Think”

Those little add-ons in your browser—coupon finders, PDF tools, weather widgets, grammar helpers—feel harmless.

Some aren’t.

🚨 What’s the hidden risk?

Many browser extensions request broad permissions, including:

• Reading everything you type

• Seeing every website you visit

• Accessing saved passwords or form data

• Injecting ads or tracking scripts

And here’s the kicker:
They can change after you install them.
An update can quietly expand permissions overnight.

⚠️ Common assumptions that get people burned

• “It came from the official store, so it must be safe”

• “I installed it years ago—it’s probably fine”

• “It’s just a coupon helper”

Even legitimate extensions can be sold, hijacked, or updated with risky behavior.

✅ Simple protection steps (no tech headache)

• Remove extensions you don’t actively use

• Review permissions every few months

• Be suspicious of extensions that want “access to all sites”

• Avoid extensions that promise too much for free

• When in doubt, uninstall first—ask questions later

 🧠 Cyber-Bob’s rule of thumb

If an extension watches everything you do online, it deserves your full attention—or removal.

Your browser is the front door to your digital life.

Don’t let strangers stand inside holding a clipboard. 

(I created the prompt, ChatGPT created the information.)