It happens all the time and even though many users don’t like it, the majority of us are subject to this type of data collection because we submit to it when we surf social media or accept cookies on the countless sites we browse every day. Companies pay top dollar for demographic information because that’s how they create targeted advertising which results in bigger profits. Sadly, in a data-driven world where aggregating user information equates to money in the bank, there is a rise in the number of browser add-ons that intend not to harm the system but to scrape as much data a possible with the intention of taking said data and selling it to the highest bidder. Thankfully, apps of this nature are normally identified and removed from the browser storefronts to be heard from no more. In some cases, extensions from the Chrome Web Store and other browser shops can carry with them malicious code that purposes themselves to highjack sensitive data, inject malware and adware or even lock down a user’s device. Browser extensions can be awesome tools to enhance productivity, security and even online shopping but the unfortunate reality is that these “add-ons” can often be wolves in sheep’s clothing.
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