Bob The Cyber-Guy’s Cyber Safety Tip #128

The 3-Second Test to Spot Dangerous Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can be helpful—but some exist for reasons that have nothing to do with helping you.

The good news? You can spot most risky extensions in seconds using this simple 3-point test.

If an extension mentions:

Stop and think.

Search equals advertising revenue. Many extensions exist primarily to redirect your searches—not improve your experience.

This permission allows the extension to:

If the permission doesn’t match the purpose, don’t install it.

Before installing, check:

Trust must be earned—not assumed.

Before installing any extension, ask yourself:

Is this extension helping me—or helping itself?

If the answer isn’t crystal clear, skip it.

Your browser is the front door to your digital life.

Don’t hand out the keys without knowing exactly who you’re giving them to.

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

Stay curious. Stay cautious. Stay safe.