FreeVPN.One extension caught capturing browsing surveillance data
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The extensions of the browser promise convenience, but some take much more than they give. A new Koi Security report indicates that Freevpn.one, a chrome extension with more than 100,000 installations and even a “featured” badge, has secretly taken screenshots of user navigation sessions.
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How AI now helps hackers to deceive your browser safety tools
Google Chrome Extension Freevpn.one would have taken screenshots sensitive user information. (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
How freevpn.one secretly captured your navigation
Once installed, Freevpn.one did not just manage VPN traffic. He silently captured screenshots of each website you have visited, bank connections, private photos, sensitive documents and sent them to servers controlled by the developer.
Worse still, the extension has added permanent authorizations, disguising its activity as a “detection of AI threats”. What looked like useful feature has become a tool for constant background monitoring.
Why this threat of chrome extension is so dangerous
People install VPNs to protect their privacy. Instead, this extension overturned this expectation on its head. Using Chrome’s
Koi safety researchers tested the extension and confirmed that it has captured screenshots even on trust sites like Google Photos and Google Sheets. The developer said that these images were not stored, but offered no evidence.
The malicious browser extensions were taken by spying 2 million users
The screenshots would have been sent to the extension developer. (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
Signs of warning VPN extensions without dangerous safety
There were red flags throughout:
- Awkward grammar and poorly written descriptions.
- A generic WIX page as the only “contact” developer.
- A free and unlimited VPN service promise without a clear commercial model.
Although some free VPNs can operate in a responsible manner, most of them need a way to take advantage. If it is not by invoicing you, it may be by selling your data.
Freevpn.one Developer’s Response and Google’s rests
When Koi Security published his conclusions, the developer behind Freevpn.one offered a partial explanation. He said that the automatic screenshot captures were part of a “background scanning” feature, intended only for suspicious areas. He also said that images were not stored, only briefly analyzed for threats.
But the researchers observed screenshots taken on trust sites like Google Photos and Google Sheets, which do not correspond to this explanation. When asked to provide proof of legitimacy, such as a corporate profile, a Github repository or professional contact, the developer has stopped responding. The only public link linked to the extension has led to a basic WIX starter page.
Freevpn.one has been deleted from the Chrome online store. Attempts to visit your page now refer the message: “This article is not available.”
Although elimination reduces the risk of new downloads, it also highlights a disturbing gap. The extension has spent months with Spyware behavior while transporting a verified label, which raises questions about how Chrome examines the stars updates.
Google corrects another chrome security flaw actively used
Freevpn.one is not available in the Microsoft Edge store (Koi security)
Steps to protect you from spy software from VPN extension
If you have installed Freevpn.one or any suspicious extension of VPN Chrome, take these measures if you are concerned about your cybersecurity:
1) Uninstall immediately
Go to Chromium > Window > Extensions and click withdraw.
2) Use a trust VPN
Get reliable VPN suppliers who have experienced track recordings, audited policies and transparent operations. By choosing a legitimate VPN, you take control of your privacy instead of putting it back to an anonymous developer. A reliable VPN is also essential to protect your confidentiality online and ensure a secure and high -speed connection.
For the best VPN software, see my review experts from the best VPNs to browse the web in private on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices has Cyberguy.com/vpn
3) Scan your device with strong antivirus software
Run a trusted antivirus tool to check hidden malware. The best way to protect yourself from malware that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install solid antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets.
Get my choices for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices Cyberguy.com/lockupyourtech
4) Change your passwords
Suppose that everything that is hit or visualized could have been recorded. Consider using a password manager, which stores and generates complex passwords safely, by reducing the risk of password reuse.
Then see if your passwords have been exposed in past violations. Our password manager n ° 1 (see Cyberguy.com/passwords) Pick includes an integrated violation scanner that checks if your passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover correspondence, immediately modify the reused passwords and secure these accounts with new unique identification information.
Consult the best password managers evaluated by experts in 2025 in Cyberguy.com/passwords
5) Use a personal data deletion service
Extensions like freevpn.one show how easily your private details can be collected and exploited. Even after uninstalling spy software, your personal information can already circulate on data broker sites that sell your identity to marketing specialists, crooks and even cybercriminals. A personal data deletion service can search for your information on hundreds of broker sites and automatically request its withdrawal. This limits the quantity of your data can be armed if it is never exposed by an extension like this.
Consult my best choices for data deletion services and get a free analysis to find out if your personal information is already on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/delete
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already on the web: Cyberguy.com/freescan
6) Check the authorizations
Before adding an extension, review what she asks for. If a VPN wants to access “All websites,“It’s a red flag.
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Kurt’s main dishes
Freevpn.one is a reminder that “free” often has a hidden cost; your data. Do not assume that an extension is sure simply because it seems popular or wears a badge. Be critical, veterinarian carefully and use confidentiality tools supported by real companies.
Do you want to exchange your navigation intimacy for a free tool, or is it time to rethink the cost of “free”? Let us know by writing to Cyberguy.com/contact
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Get my best technological advice, my urgent safety alerts and my exclusive offers delivered directly in your reception box. In addition, you will have instant access to my survival guide at the ultimate – free swindle when you join my Cyberguy.com/newsletter
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