How to audit your extensions for speed and security
Browser extensions on your computers and cell phones can be incredibly handy. They fill in missing features, introduce useful tools, and can make your online experience smoother and more efficient.
However, they can also pose serious security risks. Extensions can request access to everything you view online, or alter critical browser settings, or quietly communicate with developers, advertisers, or third parties—often without your knowledge. I’m not trying to scare you away from using your favorite extensions. But it’s important to ensure the ones you have installed are safe and do what they claim to.
If you haven’t checked your extensions lately, now’s the time. Here’s why—and how—to clean them up.
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Review installed extensions
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Polymorphic Extensions
A Polymorphic browser extension proves how dangerous these little “helpers” can be. It bypasses App Store restrictions because it’s a simple program doing a simple allowable task. However, once it is installed on your computer, it downloads additional code to change its code structure or behavior dynamically. They may imitate other, well known extensions so you don’t notice them in your list. An example would be downloading a coupon-clipping app, which turns itself into an identity stealing trojan. This article speaks to this dangerous process:
Your password manager is under attack: How to defend yourself against a new threat | ZDNET
Why You Should Care About Extensions
Extensions aren’t just little helpers—they’re mini-programs with access to your browser and data. That means they can:
- Track your browsing habits
- Access sensitive data like passwords or credit card info
- Inject ads or redirect your searches
- Slow down your browser or cause crashes
Even well-known extensions can be sold to shady developers or become outdated and vulnerable. So, a regular audit is essential.
After reading this article, and seeing how much should be involved in your decision to install a program (extension) on your computer and then give it additional permissions, you may decide that the coupon clipper program is not worth the effort and risk.
Permissions? What permissions?
If you do install a browser extension, it will prompt you during the install to allow it certain permissions. This decision should NOT be taken lightly. Does your contact sorting extension need access to your camera? Does your recipe storage app need access to your browser history? Does your mapping program need access to your current location? Ok, yeah, that last one is valid. But you should check the permissions requested and consider them before blindly giving all those requested.
An Important Note: Extensions asking for permissions they don’t need is a MAJOR red flag. If an extension I just installed asks for permissions beyond what it should be using, I would uninstall it immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are some proactive steps users can take:
✅ 1. Don’t download/install Apps unless you really need them.
Your browser does what a browser should do. Adding additional “bells and whistles” can slow it down or expose you to dangers. Do you really need that extra functionality?
✅ 2. Check the reviews
Identifying a problematic extension isn’t always straightforward, but you can (and should) do your homework before installing.
- Check user reviews and independent write-ups if available.
- Look at update history. Extensions that haven’t been updated in a long time may be less secure.
- Watch for ownership changes. A recent change in developer could signal a shift in intent or functionality.
✅ 3. Vet the owner/developer
- Who’s behind the extension?
- Is it a commercial product or a personal project?
- What does the linked website reveal about its credibility?
✅ 4. Audit Your Extensions Monthly
Review installed extensions and remove any you don’t recognize or no longer use. If you’re not sure, delete it. You can always add it back if you find that you do use it.
✅ 5. Install Only from Trusted Sources
Only add from the Apple AppStore or the Google PlayStore. Stick to well-known developers and check reviews and permissions before installing. If you’d like HDF’s opinion of an Extension, please let us know.
✅ 6. Use Security Tools
Make sure your Antivirus program is installed and up to date.
✅ 7. Stay Informed
Keep subscribed to this newsletter. Yes, this is self-serving, but unless you subscribe to another IT support newsletter, you need to get these warning from somewhere.
Does this list seem like a whole lot of trouble to go through? Then perhaps you shouldn’t install the extension.
How to Review, Disable and Remove Extensions (Browser by Browser)
You need to go through each browser you use to remove harmful/unnecessary extensions. Start with your default browser and/or the browser you use most frequently.
- Click the three-dot menu (top-right).
- Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
- Review the list:
- Click Details to check permissions and update settings.
- Click Remove to delete anything you don’t use or trust.
- Slide the Tab to keep the extension installed but disable it. This may be a compromise if you are not sure about the extension. Disable it for a while, and then if you determine that you don’t need it, come back in and delete it.
Chrome for Android does not support extensions.
- Click the three-dot menu (top-right).
- Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
- Review the list:
- Click Details to check permissions and update settings.
- Click Remove to delete anything you don’t use or trust.
- Slide the Tab to keep the extension installed but disable it. This may be a compromise if you are not sure about the extension. Disable it for a while, and then if you determine that you don’t need it, come back in and delete it.
- Click the three-lines menu (top-right).
- Go to Extensions and Themes.
- Review the list. The most important ones are those under the heading “Enabled”. Those under the heading “Disabled” are installed, but not running.
- Slide the Tab to the left to keep the extension installed but disabled. This may be a compromise if you are not sure about the extension. Disable it for a while, and then if you determine that you don’t need it, come back in and delete it.
- Click the three dots menu icon and then select Remove to delete the extension.
- Open the Firefox app.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap Add-ons.
- You’ll see a list of installed extensions. Tap any to view details or to remove it.
- Open Safari > Settings (or Preferences).
- Go to the Extensions tab.
- Review installed extensions.
- Uncheck to disable or click Uninstall to remove.
Most mobile browsers on iOS don’t support traditional desktop-style extensions, but Safari does allow limited extensions starting with iOS 15.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Apps > Safari> Extensions
- This lists all of the Extensions currently installed. It will also indicate if the Extension is “On” (Enabled) or “Off” (Disabled)
- Click the Opera logo (top-left).
- Go to Extensions > Extensions.
- Review and remove extensions as needed.
- Use Details to manage permissions.
Final Thought
Think of your browser like your digital workspace. Would you let random tools clutter your desk and spy on your activity? Probably not. So take five minutes today to clean up your extensions. Your browser—and your privacy—will thank you.
If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,
