A popular Google Chrome extension called ‘Internet Download Manager’ is attracting the attention of researchers as adware. And it is impressive to see how it has already received installations of over 200,000.
We have witnessed this particular extension sitting on the Chrome web store since 2019, as revealed by user reviews linked to the feature.
BleepingComputer quickly realized that while the extension managed to install genuine download managers, it performed behavior that was certainly not necessary.
This includes opening spam-themed web pages, altering users’ search browsers by default, and even forcing pop-ups on screens so that users can install more patches and related services.
Concerned readers of BleepingComputer saw how the suspicious Chrome extension continually launched malicious websites by copying popular software out there today. And the news outlet noted how their concerns were certainly justified.
The extension is definitely not innocent and is gaining fame for all the wrong reasons. Imagine, 200,000 people and more are falling for it without realizing that adware is designed to cause harm.
We are not saying that there is no authentic version of Internet Download Manager. For example, the one presented by Tonec is working very well and has been given the legitimate authorization.
It can be seen that Tonec provides a number of manager extensions to various other browsers like Firefox and Chrome. But the media outlet claims that the real one for Chrome from this company is called ‘IDM Integration’.
The company revealed in the form of a recent warning how the IDM extensions on the Google Store are mostly fake and users should be careful before installing them.
On the other hand, the fake that many users are installing is through a website called Puupnewsapp. It promises to make your internet speed almost 500% faster. And that is why its super software status is attracting the masses.
Many are led to believe that their downloads of entertainment sources like games, files, movies, and songs will take less time, so what could be better?
Interestingly, the instructions that come along with the downloads are also quite intriguing and complex. It asks users to install a more executable version of the website through a ZIP file and they are doing so.
Another point that really caught the attention of the researchers is how the adware that is installed in test environments also changes the designated default browser. Users will get lots of pop-ups on their screens like links to third party sites.
Better late than never, the dubious extension is finally detected, and despite many claiming no problems after downloading it, experts warn that these are most likely fake reviews. They are designed to encourage users to believe that it is completely safe.
This is not the first time that BleepingComputers users have spoken about the red extensions seen in the Chrome Store. But clearly, this is a revelation.
Read next: Threat actors are using insecure Android fakes to spy on and steal information on WhatsApp, say researchers
