LayerX is proud to announce the launch of ExtensionPedia, the Browser Extension Risk Database and Knowledge Center, for immediate general availability!
Browser extensions significantly enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and personalize user experiences. Yet, beneath their convenience lies a hidden threat—malicious extensions posing serious risks to identity security, data privacy, and organizational integrity.
The Hidden Risks of Browser Extensions
A recent LayerX Security report revealed startling statistics about browser extensions in enterprise environments:
- 99% of enterprise users have at least one browser extension installed, and 53% have over ten extensions.
- 53% of enterprise users have installed extensions with ‘high’ or ‘critical’ permission scopes, potentially exposing sensitive data like cookies, passwords, and browsing history.
- 54% of extension publishers use anonymous free email accounts, making it easy for malicious actors to upload harmful extensions undetected.
- 58% of GenAI browser extensions possess ‘high’ or ‘critical’ permissions, presenting an outsized security risk due to their popularity and extensive access rights.
Given these alarming statistics, it’s clear that browser extensions represent a substantial yet underestimated risk to organizations and individuals alike.
Introducing ExtensionPedia by LayerX
Today, LayerX proudly announces the launch of ExtensionPedia, the Browser Extension Risk Database and Knowledge Center, dedicated to analyzing the risks associated with browser extensions across Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Why Browser Extensions Pose a Hidden Danger
Malicious browser extensions routinely grant attackers extensive access to users’ sensitive data, enabling identity theft, data exposure, and organizational breaches. Recent incidents emphasize this threat:
- Cyberhaven Incident: Over 35 extensions were compromised, resulting in the theft of Facebook credentials from over 3 million users worldwide.
- Malicious Browser Extensions Impacting Over 3.2 Million Users: 16 malicious browser extensions used to executive advertising fraud and SEO manipulation.
- Campaign of 40+ Malicious Browser Extensions: Masquerading as legitimate brands such as Fortinet, YouTube, Calendly and others, to push malware and steal user identity data.
Addressing the Critical Gap in Browser Security
Historically, comprehensive tools for assessing and mitigating browser extension risks have been unavailable to both users and enterprises. ExtensionPedia addresses this gap decisively.
How ExtensionPedia Works
ExtensionPedia by LayerX offers unparalleled visibility and control over browser extension risks:
- Educational Resources: Expert guides and best practices for robust browser extension security.
- Comprehensive Database: Risk data on over 200,000 extensions across major browsers.
- Unified Risk Scores: Holistic scores based on permission scope, publisher reputation, and critical risk parameters.
- Granular Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of permissions and reputational threats per extension.
Seamless Integration for Enterprises
ExtensionPedia integrates directly with the LayerX Enterprise Browser Extension, embedding LayerX’s risk scores and analysis directly into its management dashboard. LayerX enterprise customers can use it to analyze extensions deployed inside their network, analyze new extension requests by users, and apply active security measures such as blocking suspicious extensions or applying adaptive, risk-based security policies.
Take Control with ExtensionPedia Today
Don’t let browser extensions be a blind spot in your security strategy. Visit ExtensionPedia now and proactively safeguard your digital assets.
