🚨 AI-Powered Browser Extensions: The New Digital Trojan Horse Exploiting 300K+ Users

In a shocking revelation that underscores the growing sophistication of cybercrime, security researchers at LayerX have uncovered a massive campaign of malicious browser extensions masquerading as popular AI assistants. Dubbed AiFrame, this operation has already ensnared over 300,000 Chrome users worldwide, turning their browsers into unwitting surveillance tools.

The Perfect Disguise: Fake AI Assistants

Imagine installing what you think is ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to boost your productivity—only to realize you’ve handed over the keys to your digital life. That’s exactly what’s happening here. These extensions, which include names like “AI Gmail,” “ChatGPT Translate,” and “Gemini AI Sidebar,” look indistinguishable from legitimate tools. They promise features like chat assistance, email summarization, and writing help—but deliver something far more sinister.

Once installed, these extensions grant attackers unprecedented control over your browser. From voice recognition to pixel tracking, email content readability, and even keystroke logging, the capabilities are staggering. And because they render a full-screen iframe that loads remote content, attackers can silently push updates or changes without ever touching the Chrome Web Store.

The Anatomy of a Digital Scam

What makes AiFrame particularly alarming is its scale and sophistication. Researchers identified 30 Chrome extensions with the same internal structure, logic, permissions, and backend infrastructure—despite using different branding. This isn’t a one-off attack; it’s a well-oiled machine designed to exploit trust in AI tools.

Some of these extensions even carried the coveted “Featured” badge in the Chrome Web Store, lending them an air of legitimacy. And while some have been removed, others remain active, with threat actors quickly republishing under new names using the same infrastructure.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve installed an AI assistant extension in Chrome, act now. Here’s how to check:

1. Go to chrome://extensions.
2. Toggle on Developer mode in the top-right corner.
3. Search for the extension ID below the extension name.
4. Remove any malicious add-ons immediately.
5. Reset your passwords—especially for email and financial accounts.

LayerX has published a complete list of the names and extension IDs to help you identify the culprits. But remember, these threat actors are masters of deception. Don’t just rely on a familiar name like “ChatGPT”—vet every extension carefully.

The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for the AI Era

This isn’t just about browser extensions—it’s a warning shot for the AI-powered future we’re hurtling toward. As AI tools become ubiquitous, so too do the risks of exploitation. Even extensions from trusted sources can be highly invasive, harvesting data and monitoring user behavior in ways most people never realize.

The AiFrame campaign is a stark reminder that cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential. In a world where AI is becoming an extension of ourselves, we must remain vigilant, skeptical, and proactive.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

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⚠️ Digital Trojan Horse Alert
💻 Chrome Web Store Scam
🧠 AI Tools Turned Against You
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📈 The Rise of AI Cybercrime
🕵️‍♂️ LayerX Uncovers Massive Fraud
🎯 Don’t Trust Every AI Extension
🚨 Your Data Is at Stake
📱 Browser Extensions: Friend or Foe?
⚡ Act Fast: Remove Malicious Add-Ons
🔥 The Future of AI Is Under Attack
📊 300,000+ Chrome Users Hacked
🤖 AI Assistants: A Double-Edged Sword
🛑 Stop the AiFrame Campaign
💡 Stay Safe in the AI Era
🚨 This Is Not a Drill

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