Google on Thursday blocked the popular browser extension “The Great Suspenders” with immediate effect. This program has been disabled for users who have installed the extension for the Chrome browser on their computer and can no longer be used. According to Matching Media report Users received the error message that “this extension contains malware”.

According to the Google Web Store, “The Great Suspenders” has been downloaded more than two million times for Chrome worldwide. Browser extensions ensured that Chrome required as little computing power as possible – even if users had multiple tabs open at the same time. To do this, the extension freezes unused tabs.

According to media reports, the browser extension was moved to a new one, Sold to unknown operator. Was again in november Reporting on the programming platform GithubThey may misuse browser extensions for malicious or fraudulent purposes. Accordingly, the program must be followed by an update to version 7.1.8. Code executed from servers is believed to have been associated with tracking and fraud in the past. The update was installed automatically, but – unlike before – the code for it was not published.

Microsoft Then locked the program from its Edge browser. Subsequently, the unknown operator of the extension published an update that should not reload the controversial code.

This is how you protect yourself from malicious browser extensions

Ob Google It is not yet known if “The Great Suspenders” has been suspended permanently or only temporarily.

IT security experts repeatedly warn of the risk that browser extensions, which are really just small, practical tasks, can become a gateway to malware. Users who want to protect themselves from danger should always check which developer is behind the browser extension and whether there are important reports about them or their program.