Attention Chrome users: hackers use a manipulated browser extension to get your personal information with malware.
Hackers spy on your emails with malware.
A browser extension called Sharpext is targeting your emails. The add-on is riddled with malware that scans your emails. The contained information is forwarded to the cyber criminals behind the attack. Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are particularly affected.
As The Hacker News reports, only the mailers Gmail and AOL are currently affected. Volexity security researchers discovered the malicious extension and traced it back to a North Korean hacking group. However, the experts assume that your system must already be infected because the extension is not distributed via the Chrome Web Store.
The malware searches your e-mails in the background while you are logged into the respective e-mail service. Your collected data will then be sold on to third parties. It can also happen that the hackers log into your account and spread malware on your behalf. To protect yourself from such attacks, you should beware of phishing emails, which are often used to distribute malicious programs. Antivirus software and two-factor authentication are also essential.
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