This vpn chrome extension spy you secretly

The browser extensions promise convenience, but some take much more than they give. A new Koi Security report says that Freevpn.one, a Chrome extension with more than 100,000 facilities and even a “outstanding” badge, has been taking screenshots of user navigation sessions.

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How AI is now helping computer pirates to deceive the safety tools of their browser

How Freevpn. One secretly captured your navigation

Once installed, freevpn.one not only handled VPN traffic. He silently captured the screenshots of each website that he visited, bank session late, private photos, confidential documents and sent them to servers controlled by the developer.

Worse, the extension added step by step permits, disguising its activity as “the detection of threats of AI”. What seemed like a useful feature became a tool for constant background surveillance.

Why this threat of Chrome extension is so dangerous

People install VPN to protect their privacy. Instead, this extension overturned that expectation in his head. When using Chrome and Scripting permits, Freevpn. One obtained access to each page that opened.

Koi’s security researchers tested the extension and confirmed that he captured screenshots even in trusted places such as Google Photos and Google Sheets. The developer said that these images were not stored, but did not offer evidence.

Malicious browser extensions trapped by spying 2 million users

WARNING SIGNS OF EXTENSIONS VPN Free insecure

There were red flags all the time:

• Uncomfortable grammar and poorly written descriptions.
• A Wix generic page as the only “contact” developer.
• A free and unlimited VPN service promise without a clear business model.

While some free VPNs can work in a responsible manner, most need a way of obtaining profits. If it is not loading it, it can be selling your data.

Freevpn. Response from a developer and google elimination

When Koi Security published his findings, the developer behind Freevpn.one offered a partial explanation. He affirmed that automatic screen capture captures were part of a “background scan” feature, aimed only to suspicious domains. He also said that the images were not stored, only threats were briefly analyzed.

But the researchers observed screenshots taken in trust sites such as Google Photos and Google Sheets, which do not fit that explanation. When asked to provide legitimacy test, such as a company profile, github repository or professional contact, the developer stopped responding. The only public link linked to the extension led to a basic homepage Wix page.

Freevpn.one has been eliminated from the Chrome web store. Try to visit your page now return the message: “This article is not available.”

While elimination reduces the risk of new downloads, a worrying gap also stands out. The extension spent months with the Spyware behavior while carrying a verified label, asking questions about how Chrome updates review the updates of outstanding extensions.

Google fixes another Chrome security defect that is actively exploited

Steps to protect from VPN extension spyware

If you have installed Freevpn.one or some suspicious extension of Chrome VPN, take these steps if you are concerned about your cyber security:

1) Uninstall immediately

Gonna Chrome > Window > Extensions and click eliminate.

2) Use a trusted VPN

It is maintained in reliable VPN suppliers that have tested record tracking, audited policies and transparent operations. When choosing a legitimate VPN, it takes control of its privacy instead of delivering it to an anonymous developer. A reliable VPN is also essential to protect your online privacy and guarantee a safe high -speed connection.

To obtain the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPN to navigate the web in private in your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices in Cyberguy.com/vpn

3) scan your device with strong antivirus software

Execute a reliable antivirus tool to verify hidden malware. The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malware, which potentially access their private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all its devices. This protection can also alert it to the PHISHING Electronic Correos and Ransomware scams, maintaining their personal information and their safe digital assets.

Get my elections for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for their Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices in Cyberguy.com/Lockupyoutech

4) Change your passwords

Assume that anything written or seen could have been registered. Consider using a password administrator, which stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Then see if your passwords have been exposed in past violations. Our password administrator #1 (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) Pick includes a built -in non -compliance scanner that verifies if their passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a coincidence, immediately change any reused password and ensure those accounts with new and unique credentials.

See the best password administrators reviewed by 2025 experts in Cyberguy.com/Passwords

5) Use a personal data elimination service

Extensions like freevpn. One shows how easily their private details can be collected and exploited. Even after uninstalling Spyware, your personal information can already circulate in data corridors sites that sell their identity to sellers, scammers and even cybercriminals. A personal data removal service can search for your information in hundreds of runner sites and automatically request your elimination. This limits how much of your data can be armed if you are ever exposed through an extension like this.

6) Check the permits

Before adding any extension, check what you request. If a VPN wants access to “All websites,“That is a red flag.

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Kurt’s Key Takeways

Freevpn.one is a reminder that “free” often has a hidden cost; Your data. Do not assume that an extension is safe just because it seems popular or carries a badge. Be critical, veterinarian and use privacy tools backed by real companies.

Would you change your privacy of navigation for a free tool, or is it time to rethink the “free” cost? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com/contact

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